Choosing among ham radio transceivers is a trade-off between a larger feature set and a focused operating brief, with a wide price gap between these two radios. The Icom IC-7100 and Kenwood TH-46AT are not interchangeable choices, so the useful question is which radio's specific functions, format, and condition match your setup.
Quick verdict
At USD 760.00, the Icom IC-7100 costs $610 more than the Kenwood TH-46AT at USD 150.00. Choose the Icom when its additional control and digital functions are central to your plans. Choose the Kenwood when a focused handheld format is enough and keeping the initial cost lower matters more. The price difference is substantial, but so is the difference in each radio's stated role.
Compact comparison
| Comparison point | Icom IC-7100 | Kenwood TH-46AT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 760.00 | USD 150.00 |
| Condition | Used | Open box |
| Color | Black | Black |
Where each product wins
Icom IC-7100 wins for control and digital features
The Icom is the better match when D-Star digital voice is important. Its detachable, sloped touch-screen controller is another clear reason to choose it, especially for a setup where on-radio control and a dedicated display matter. An LCD screen is also identified for the unit.
Kenwood TH-46AT wins for a focused handheld brief
The Kenwood fits shoppers specifically seeking 440MHz FM mono-band operation in a portable or handheld radio. Its stated operating focus is easy to understand, making it a direct match for an FM-oriented use case rather than a search for additional control features.
Product notes
Icom IC-7100 Ham Radio Transceiver
The Icom IC-7100 earns its place when a shopper has a concrete reason to want digital voice and a more involved control setup. D-Star digital voice capabilities are named for the radio, as is a detachable, sloped touch-screen controller; an LCD screen is also identified. Those features make it the logical pick for an operator who wants those functions rather than a basic radio brief. The limitation is equally concrete: it is listed as used, and its price commitment is the larger one in this matchup. Choose it because of the D-Star and controller combination, not simply because it costs more. If neither feature is relevant, the Kenwood's focused format may be easier to justify.
Kenwood TH-46AT 440MHz FM Handheld Ham Radio Transceiver
The Kenwood TH-46AT has a specific appeal for collectors and hobbyists who want the included-box wording alongside a focused radio. Its limitation is equally specific: the unit is identified as mono-band FM at 440MHz, so the decision centers on that stated mode and band. The condition is open box, a qualification to include in the purchase decision. The reason to choose it is the clear handheld format: the product information identifies portable or handheld use. Select it when that combination matches how you plan to use a ham radio transceiver; if your priorities fall outside that scope, the Icom offers a different feature set.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Icom IC-7100 when the $610 spread and used condition fit your purchase criteria.
- Choose the Kenwood TH-46AT when the lower price and open-box condition fit your brief.
The bottom line is straightforward: the Icom is the targeted choice for shoppers who will use its named digital and controller features, while the Kenwood makes more sense for a focused handheld purchase built around its stated FM format.
