Choosing between ham radio transceivers means balancing a more feature-oriented control setup against a lower listed price and a straightforward HF focus. The Icom IC-7100 and Yaesu FT-890 take different approaches, so the best choice depends on whether the interface and digital functions matter more than the initial outlay.
Quick verdict
At a $310 listed-price spread, the Icom is the more feature-oriented route, while the Yaesu is the lower-price route. Pick the Icom when its control and digital functions are central to your setup. Pick the Yaesu when its lower price and clear HF-oriented description better match how you plan to use the radio.
Comparison at a glance
| Comparison point | Icom IC-7100 | Yaesu FT-890 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 760.00 | USD 450.00 |
| Model | IC-7100 | FT-890 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Color | Black | Black |
The shared used condition and black color do not separate these two choices. The meaningful differences are the control design, digital-voice emphasis, HF wording, and the price gap.
Where each product wins
Icom IC-7100 wins for interface-led operation
The Icom wins when a more hands-on control setup is the priority. Its description specifically identifies a sloped, detachable touch-screen controller, and the attributes name an LCD screen. Those are concrete reasons to favor it when operating controls are more important than keeping the purchase price down.
Yaesu FT-890 wins for a lower-priced HF path
The Yaesu wins for shoppers whose first filter is a lower listed price paired with an HF amateur-radio identity. Its model name is clearly stated as FT-890, making the choice easy to frame around that specific radio rather than a broader feature package.
Product notes
Icom IC-7100
The Icom IC-7100 earns consideration for its D-Star digital voice capability, which gives the radio a specific digital operating angle beyond its control hardware. Its description presents the detachable controller and digital voice as central parts of the radio's appeal. The practical limitation is cost: the listed price is USD 760, and the condition is used. That makes the Icom a focused choice for a shopper who expects to use its interface and D-Star function rather than simply choosing by model name. If those details are not central, the Yaesu's lower listed price offers a more direct alternative for an HF-focused setup.
Yaesu FT-890
The Yaesu FT-890 has a clear reason to choose it: its title includes a microphone and DC cable, and it says Tested Working. The description reinforces that it works and is tested, giving those details a concrete place in the buying decision. Its limitation is fit for shoppers specifically seeking the Icom's D-Star digital voice; the Yaesu's appeal is centered on its HF identity, included accessories, and working-status wording instead. The condition is used, so the strongest case for the FT-890 is the combination of its named accessories and tested-working description. That makes it a sensible match when those details matter more than a touch-screen interface.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Icom IC-7100 for a control-focused setup where the detachable touch-screen controller or D-Star digital voice is the deciding detail. Choose the Yaesu FT-890 for an HF-focused use case where the mic, DC cable, and Tested Working wording are more useful than the Icom's interface features. With a $310 spread between the two, the choice is clear: pay more for the Icom's control-and-digital emphasis, or choose the Yaesu's lower listed price and accessory-focused description.
