Handheld Aviation Radios & Portable GPS

This collection brings together the portable gear that keeps you talking, oriented, and ahead of the weather when your panel cannot do it alone. A handheld aviation radio is the backup every flight bag should carry, ready the moment a panel COM falls silent, when a clearance has to be copied with the engine off, or when a student is rehearsing radio calls on the ramp. Around it you can build navigation and weather with a portable aviation GPS, an ADS-B receiver, or a satellite communicator that all run independently of the aircraft. Start with the mission that matters most:

Prefer to shop by maker? Compare the full Icom and Yaesu airband lineups side by side, and when you want the model-by-model breakdown, read our guide to the best aviation handheld radios. Click any product for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license to use a handheld aviation radio?

In the United States, the FCC no longer requires an individual station license to use a VHF airband handheld domestically. An FCC Aircraft Radio Station License and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit are only required when you fly internationally, so most US pilots can operate a backup handheld at home without extra paperwork.

What is the difference between a COM-only and a nav/com handheld radio?

A COM-only handheld does two-way airband voice, which is all most pilots need from a backup radio. A nav/com handheld adds a navigation receiver that picks up VOR radials, and on some models ILS or localizer guidance, giving you basic navigation as well as communication in a single unit.

What battery type is best for a backup handheld, lithium-ion or AA?

It depends on how the radio is used. A lithium-ion rechargeable pack is convenient for a radio you fly with regularly. An AA alkaline tray is the better emergency-readiness choice for a radio that lives in the flight bag, because fresh alkaline cells hold a charge for years and can be swapped in instantly.

What is the difference between a portable GPS, an ADS-B receiver, and a satellite communicator?

A portable GPS feeds position to your tablet EFB. An ADS-B receiver adds free FIS-B weather and traffic in US airspace on top of position. A satellite communicator, such as the Garmin inReach, adds two-way text messaging and SOS coverage off the grid, well beyond the range of VHF radio.

Do portable ADS-B receivers give you free weather?

Yes, in short. A portable ADS-B receiver brings subscription-free FIS-B weather and traffic to your EFB, with SiriusXM available as a paid any-altitude add-on on capable units. The full dual-band, FIS-B, and SiriusXM comparison lives on our ADS-B subscription-free weather receivers page.

Do I need a handheld aviation radio if my aircraft already has a panel-mounted COM?

Yes, and many experienced pilots consider it mandatory. A portable aviation radio is your backup if the panel COM fails, your battery goes flat, or you need to communicate on the ramp with the engine off. It also lets student pilots practice radio work at any time. Learn more: Why Every Pilot Needs a Portable Aviation Radio →

What is a portable ADS-B receiver and do I need one?

A portable ADS-B In receiver like the Garmin GDL 50 picks up free FAA weather and traffic broadcasts and streams them via Bluetooth to a tablet running ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot. Unlike panel-mount avionics, they require no installation. If you fly with an EFB app and want subscription-free in-flight weather, they're an outstanding value. Read the full GPS & ADS-B Portable Buyers Guide →

Can I finance a handheld radio or portable GPS?

Yes. You can split the cost of gear like a Garmin GDL 52, Yaesu FTA-850L, or Icom IC-A25N into smaller payments at checkout with Shop Pay Installments or Affirm, subject to eligibility. It is an easy way to equip your flight bag now and pay over time.

What is the best value handheld aviation radio?

For a simple, rugged voice backup at the lowest cost, a com-only handheld like the Yaesu FTA-250L or the Bluetooth Icom IC-A16B covers what most pilots need. Step up to a nav/com model like the Icom IC-A25N or the Yaesu FTA-850L if you want VOR navigation and a moving map in the same unit. Check current pricing on each product page.

Need Help Deciding?

Use our expert buyer's guides to find the perfect handheld radio with confidence.