Best Handheld Ham radios in CANADA 2025 || Top 5 choices

Best Handheld Ham Radios in CANADA : Introduction

Looking for the best handheld ham radio to start your amateur radio journey in Canada? A good HT (handheld transceiver) is perfect for beginners—it’s portable, affordable, and great for local communications. Whether you want to chat on 2m/70cm repeaters, use it for emergencies, or take it camping, the right radio makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll review the top 5 handheld ham radios for Canadian users in 2025, comparing price, features, and performance. We’ve picked models that work well with ISED frequency allocations, have good battery life, and are easy to use for new operators.

By the end, you’ll know which radio fits your needs—whether you’re on a budget or ready for advanced features. Plus, we’ll share tips on where to buy in Canada and how to get the most out of your first handheld ham radio.

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Top 5 choices for Handheld Ham radios: Ready reference table

Name	Rating (Out of 5)	Price Range (CAD)	USP (Unique Selling Point)
Baofeng UV-5R Upgraded	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6)	$65–$70	Top-rated, reliable starter radio
Retevis RA-79	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2)	~$60	Budget-friendly, supports CHIRP programming
Radtel RT-900	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.8)	~$59	Wireless frequency copying feature
Hokinradio BL-5	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.9)	~$50	Includes earpiece, great value
Baofeng UV-17M	⭐⭐⭐ (3.7)	~$50	Most affordable Baofeng model

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1. Baofeng UV-5R Upgraded

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Budget-friendly (~$50–$70 CAD)	❌ Not waterproof
✅ Easy to program (CHIRP software)	❌ No USB-C charging
✅ Great for beginners (YouTube tutorials available)	❌ No preprogrammed channels
✅ Long battery life (3800mAh)	❌ Legally restricted to ham frequencies
✅ Can be unlocked (for GMRS/FRS* use)	❌ Range limited without repeaters

Who Should Opt For It?

• Beginners wanting a low-cost entry into ham radio.
• Outdoor enthusiasts (hikers, campers) needing emergency comms.
• Preppers looking for a versatile, programmable radio.
• Not ideal for: Those needing waterproofing or USB-C charging.

Tip: Use CHIRP software to program repeaters for better range.

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2. Retevis RA-79

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
✅ USB-C charging (rare at this price)	❌ Complex menu system (steep learning curve)
✅ NOAA weather alerts (great for outdoors)	❌ Weak stock battery (1400mAh drains fast)
✅ Unlockable for wider frequencies	❌ No preprogrammed channels (must manual input)
✅ Lightweight & portable (25.8cm height)	❌ Mixed build quality reports (check seller warranty)
✅ CHIRP-compatible (easy PC programming)	❌ PTT disabled on some frequencies (requires hack)

Who Should Opt For It?

• Outdoor adventurers (hikers, campers) needing NOAA weather alerts.
• Tech-savvy users comfortable with manual programming and firmware tweaks.
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting USB-C charging under $60 CAD.
• Not ideal for: Beginners wanting plug-and-play simplicity.

Pro Tip:

“To enable PTT on restricted frequencies, power on while holding PTT + SK1 buttons → Set F-LOCK to OFF in hidden menu (Item 53).”

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3. Radtel RT-900

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Wireless frequency copy (unique for quick setup)	❌ Bluetooth requires sideloading (not app-store approved)
✅ USB-C charging (2200mAh battery)	❌ Preprogrammed channels mostly unusable (must manual program)
✅ Airband/NOAA reception (great for aviation fans)	❌ Weak stock antenna (upgrade recommended)
✅ IC-certified (legal for Canadian ham use)	❌ Complex setup (not beginner-friendly)
✅ Large LCD screen (1.77″, sunlight-readable)	❌ Mixed signal reports (interference issues)

Who Should Opt For It?

• Tech-savvy hams who want wireless frequency copying for group trips.
• Aviation enthusiasts needing airband reception.
• Preppers valuing NOAA alerts and long battery life.
• Not ideal for: Beginners or those wanting plug-and-play simplicity.

Pro Tip:

“Upgrade the antenna for better range. For Bluetooth, sideload the app (not in stores) and enable in hidden settings.”

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4. Hokinradio BL-5

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Budget-friendly (~$50 CAD)	❌ Only 2 default channels (must program others)
✅ Long battery life (24 hours)	❌ No USB charging (desktop charger only)
✅ Flashlight built-in (useful for emergencies)	❌ Basic FM-only tuning (no AM/NOAA)
✅ Includes programming cable (CHIRP compatible)	❌ Bulky design (18.5cm tall)
✅ Clear audio (user-reported)	❌ Not waterproof

Who Should Opt For It?

• First-time hams needing a simple, affordable starter radio.
• Outdoor groups (hikers, campers) using pre-programmed channels.
• Emergency preppers valuing the flashlight/SOS features.
• Not ideal for: Tech-heavy users wanting airband or digital modes.

Pro Tip:

“Use CHIRP software to load local repeaters—only 2 channels come pre-set!”

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5. Baofeng UV-17M

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Dual charging options (USB-C + base)	❌ Complex programming (manual required)
✅ NOAA weather radio (emergency alerts)	❌ Poor button labels (non-intuitive UI)
✅ Massive channel storage (999 slots)	❌ Weak stock antenna (upgrade recommended)
✅ Sturdy build (rugged design)	❌ Mixed seller reports (check packaging quality)
✅ One-key frequency copy (quick pairing)	❌ Limited transmit range without repeaters

Who Should Opt For It?

• Intermediate users comfortable with manual programming.
• Preppers valuing NOAA alerts and dual charging.
• Outdoor groups needing quick frequency matching.
• Not ideal for: Absolute beginners wanting plug-and-play simplicity.

Pro Tip:

“Upgrade the antenna for better range. Save frequently used channels to avoid menu diving.”

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Top 5 Handheld Ham radios in CANADA: Conclusion

Choosing the best handheld ham radio in Canada depends on your needs and experience level. If you’re a complete beginner, the Baofeng UV-5R is the easiest to use, while the HokinRadio BL-5 offers the best budget option with its built-in flashlight.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Retevis RA79 stands out with USB-C charging and NOAA weather alerts, and the Baofeng UV-17M is ideal if you need NOAA + massive channel storage. Meanwhile, the Radtel RT-470X is perfect for aviation fans thanks to its wireless frequency copying.

All these radios work on ISED-approved frequencies, but remember: range depends on terrain, and upgrading the antenna helps. If you’re still unsure, start with a cheaper model (like the BL-5 or UV-17M) to learn the basics before investing in advanced features.

We hope this information and comparison was useful to you. Do comment and suggest for improvement please. Thank you and happy radioing!!!