Choosing among ham radio transceivers is less about finding one universal winner than matching the radio's stated role to your setup. The Yaesu FT-890 points toward HF use, while the FT-3000M is described around 2 Meter FM and wideband reception. The real tension is whether that focus, the included accessories, or a lower listed price should decide.
Quick verdict
Choose the Yaesu FT-890 when an HF-oriented radio and the included microphone and DC cable align with your plans. Choose the YAESU FT-3000M when its 2 Meter FM and UHF/VHF description better fits your setup. The pair has a $151 price spread, with both units described as used, so role matters more than a simple price ranking.
At a glance
| Radio | Listed price | Useful separator |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-890 | USD 450.00 | HF designation; microphone and DC cable |
| YAESU FT-3000M | USD 299.00 | 2 Meter FM; UHF/VHF; wideband receive |
Where each radio wins
Yaesu FT-890
The FT-890 wins when the HF designation is the deciding requirement. Its title also specifically calls out a microphone and DC cable, giving it a clear accessory advantage for shoppers who want those items included in the described setup. The description says it is tested and working, which is another concrete reason to favor it.
YAESU FT-3000M
The FT-3000M wins for a shopper focused on the stated 2 Meter FM role, UHF/VHF coverage, and a lower entry price. Its description adds useful operating specifics, including four power levels, 81 memories, twin cooling fans, and split and full-duplex cross-band operation. Those details make the intended use easier to assess without assuming that either radio is universally superior.
Product notes
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver
The FT-890 earns the nod for an HF-first setup because its name directly identifies it as an HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver. The title also calls out a microphone and DC cable, and the accompanying description says it was tested and works. Those are concrete reasons to favor it when the stated HF role and included accessories line up with your plan. The limiting factor is its used condition, so this is a pre-owned choice rather than a new-radio purchase. Its black color and Japanese origin are specified, but neither changes the core decision: choose this model for the HF identity and included cable and microphone rather than for general-purpose assumptions.
YAESU FT-3000M 70 WATT TRANSCEIVER HAM RADIO
The FT-3000M is the more focused fit for a 2 Meter FM setup. Its description gives a 70-watt rating, four power levels of 70, 50, 25, and 10 watts, 81 memories, twin cooling fans, and receive ranges of 110-180, 300-520, and 800-900 MHz, with less cellular. It also describes split and full-duplex cross-band operation. That set of concrete controls and functions is the reason to choose it when those details matter. The limitation is its specific 2 Meter FM identity and used, as-is condition: select it for that stated role rather than treating it as interchangeable with an HF transceiver.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Yaesu FT-890 for HF: Its product title makes that role explicit, and the included microphone and DC cable support the same setup-oriented choice.
- Choose the YAESU FT-3000M for 2 Meter FM or mobile use: Its description identifies that role and adds UHF/VHF and wideband-receive details.
- Choose by listed price: The FT-3000M is USD 299.00 versus USD 450.00 for the FT-890, a $151 spread.
In short, the FT-890 is the more direct HF pick, while the FT-3000M is the better match for the specified 2 Meter FM and mobile-radio path.
