How much does ham radio cost?
$133 buys all 3 essentials.
3 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$133
3 items, nothing rented
Against 247 hobbies
Above median
Dearer than 70% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
What you need
$133Everything you need to start ham radio. None of it is a big commitment.
Later, if you stay
Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.
SWR Meter / Antenna Analyzer
$57SWR meter tells you if your antenna is matched. Antenna analyzers do that plus diagnose feedline problems.
Ham Radio costs more to start than 70% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does Ham Radio cost to start?
About $133 for the 3 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each.
What does each thing cost for Ham Radio?
Power Supply: from $65. Antenna and Coax: from $35. Ham Radio: from $33.
Is Ham Radio an expensive hobby?
Ham Radio costs about $165 to start, dearer than 70% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this sits around the middle.
What should I buy first for Ham Radio?
ham radio, antenna and coax, power supply — $133 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to ham radio by startup cost, out of 247.