If you’re looking for a versatile, multi-mode field radio, consider a general coverage transceiver. Modern general coverage transceivers can double as both a ham radio rig and as a shortwave broadcast listening receiver.

A few advantages of a QRP general transceiver:

They tend to be lighter weight than a full power transceiver
They tend to also be more compact since many are designed for field use
In receive mode, they are more frugal with battery use
They’re often (not always) more affordable than an equivalent full-power transceiver

We have beta tested and reviewed a number of QRP general coverage transceivers on the SWLing Post and QRPer.com. The following is a comprehensive list of all general coverage QRP transceivers on both the new and used market. If you see that we’re missing a model, please contact us and we’ll add it.

Click on the model name to view our product review and/or articles which feature the radios. For models we have not reviewed, we link to Universal Radio’s product catalog, or the manufacturer’s product page. Each listing contains links to eBay, QTH.com and QRZ.com classifieds.

If you’re looking for a little help in choosing a radio, consider reading my guide to choosing a field transceiver.

Please note: All eBay links are partnership links. When you purchase through our links, eBay shares a commission with the SWLing Post at no cost to you.

CommRadio

CTX-10 (review) 80-10M transceiver: eBay, QTH.com, QRZ.com

ELAD

FDM-DUO 160M-6M transceiver: eBay, QTH.com, QRZ.com

Elecraft

KX1 2/4 Band transceiver (note: RX 5.0-9.5 and 12.0-16.5 MHz SSB): eBay, QTH.com, QRZ.com
KX2 (review) 80M-10M transceiver: eBay, QTH.com, QRZ.com
KX3 (review) 160M-6M transceiver: eBay, QTH.com, QRZ.com