Choosing a ham radio transceiver starts with a practical use-case decision: do you need the clearest fit for an HF-oriented setup, or do you care more about a New, boxed presentation with clearly named modes? The useful comparison is a quick check of each radio's stated focus, condition, and package wording, followed by a choice based on the requirement you cannot compromise.
Quick verdict
Pick the Yaesu FT-890 when HF is the deciding requirement. Its title identifies it as an HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver and includes a mic and DC cable. Pick the Black Yaesu VX 7R when New condition and a boxed presentation are higher priorities. Its title describes a Brand New In Box All Original radio, while the product information names AM and FM support. The two radios are closely matched on the basics, so the deciding difference is the stated use and condition.
Compact comparison
| Comparison point | Yaesu FT-890 | Black Yaesu VX 7R |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 450.00 | USD 450.00 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Color | Black | Black |
Where each radio wins
Yaesu FT-890: wins on defined accessories
The FT-890 wins when the included mic and DC cable are useful to the planned setup. Those items are named directly in the title, alongside the "Tested Working" wording, so the package has a more specific shape than a model name alone. This is a concrete reason to favor the FT-890, while keeping the comparison focused on the contents and wording attached to the radio rather than making broader performance claims.
Black Yaesu VX 7R: wins on original presentation
The VX 7R wins for a shopper who places importance on the title's "All Original" presentation. The description also refers to original contents and packaging, making that package emphasis consistent. That gives the VX 7R a clear tie-breaker for buyers who care about an in-box presentation. Its AM/FM support supplies a separate mode-based reason to choose it, but the package condition is the more distinctive point in this comparison.
Product notes
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver
The Yaesu FT-890 has a clear reason to choose it: the title uses the phrase "Tested Working," and the description says the radio works and was tested. Its model is identified as FT-890, tying the purchase to a specific radio rather than a generic category phrase. The limitation is the listed Used condition, which makes it less suitable for someone who insists on a New unit. That condition distinction matters even though the working language is explicit. Choose the FT-890 when a stated working condition and the named model are enough to meet the brief; look to the VX 7R when condition is the first filter.
Black Yaesu VX 7R Radio Transceiver
The Black Yaesu VX 7R earns consideration from its explicitly named AM and FM support. That gives a buyer who wants those modes a concrete selection reason instead of relying on a broad transceiver label. The trade-off is price parity: the VX 7R is listed at USD 450.00, the same as the Yaesu FT-890. Since there is no price spread between them, the VX 7R needs to win on the buyer's chosen attribute rather than on cost. Choose it when AM/FM mode support is the priority; its price does not separate it from the FT-890.
Final choice by use case
- HF-focused radio: choose the Yaesu FT-890, because its title explicitly names the HF transceiver role.
- AM/FM-focused radio: choose the Black Yaesu VX 7R, because AM and FM support are explicitly named.
- Accessory or package tie-breaker: choose the FT-890 when the mic and DC cable wording matters; choose the VX 7R when an in-box, all-original presentation matters more.
The listed prices are identical, so the choice should follow the requirement that matters most: HF focus, named AM/FM modes, accessories, or package presentation.
