Part of our Handheld Radios (HTs) guide.
The IC-705 was one of the first radios to bring genuine SDR performance into a battery-powered, backpack-friendly package, and it remains one of the most capable portable radios on the market years after launch.
What Makes It Different
Unlike the Xiegu G90 or Yaesu FT-891, the IC-705 covers HF, VHF, and UHF in a single compact radio, with a real color touchscreen spectrum scope that rivals Icom’s larger base station radios. Output power tops out at 10 watts on the internal battery or 10 watts on external power, which puts it firmly in QRP territory, but the receiver quality and feature set punch well above that power level.
Battery and Portability
The included battery pack gives you genuine grab-and-go operation without any external power setup, which is a real advantage for POTA activators who want to be on the air within minutes of arriving at a site. Runtime on the internal battery is modest for extended SSB operation, so most serious field users pair it with an external LiFePO4 pack for a full day of activating.
Where It Excels
- Single radio covering HF through UHF, useful for a POTA activator who also wants VHF/UHF capability without carrying two radios.
- Excellent receiver performance for the size and power class.
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity make pairing with a phone or tablet for digital modes genuinely convenient in the field.
Where It Falls Short
10 watts is real QRP, and pileups or marginal band conditions will test your patience more than they would on a 100 watt radio like the FT-891. It also carries a meaningfully higher price tag than the G90, so you are paying a real premium for the SDR receiver, touchscreen, and VHF/UHF coverage.
Who Should Buy This
If you want one radio that genuinely does HF, VHF, and UHF field work with a receiver good enough to actually enjoy using, and QRP power levels do not bother you, the IC-705 is one of the best all-around portable radios available. If you specifically want more transmit power for pileups or marginal conditions, look at the FT-891 or a used IC-7300 instead.