Yaesu FTX-1 vs Icom IC-705 A Real-World Top Trumps Showdown
Every week in the showroom, customers ask the same question: “Should I buy the Yaesu FTX-1 or the Icom IC-705?” Both are brilliant portable SDR radios. Both have huge followings. Both are incredibly capable. And both are very different in their approach. You can spend hours comparing spec sheets, lab data and technical reviews… but as most of you know, real-world use often tells a very different story.
So this week, Tony and I decided to answer the question in the fairest, simplest and most fun way possible — Top Trumps!
No lab conditions. No perfect noise floor. No sunshine on a mountaintop (it was raining, after all). Just two radios, six categories, and two operators who know them inside out.
Here’s the full breakdown of each round, along with the thoughts behind the scores, the nuances the cards don’t tell you, and some added real-world insight from both of us.
ROUND 1 – Power & Performance
FTX-1: 10
IC-705: 9
This category had to look beyond simply “how many watts does it do?”, because both rigs offer 10 W when fed with 13.8 V and run lower when using internal batteries.
Why the FTX-1 scored higher
- On battery, the FTX-1 delivers 6 W, while the IC-705 gives 5 W.
- That one watt sounds insignificant, but battery users understand the cumulative value over long activations or tricky band conditions.
- The real power boost comes from the Optima / SPA-1 module. Clip it on, and the FTX-1 becomes a 100 W HF/6 m rig with a built-in tuner, all integrated — no balancing act with cables, bricks, or Velcro straps.
What the 705 brings to the table
- Excellent clean transmit audio.
- Stable output even when the battery runs low.
- Superb filtering and low-noise front end.
The 705 performs extremely well, but the expandability to 100 W is what nudged the FTX-1 ahead here.
✅ Winner of Round 1: FTX-1
ROUND 2 – Portability
IC-705: 10
FTX-1: 9
If you’re a SOTA operator, park-bench activator, or someone who likes to throw a radio into a backpack “just in case”, weight matters… a lot.
The big difference here is simple:
- IC-705: 1.1 kg with battery
- FTX-1: 1.6 kg with battery
Half a kilo doesn’t sound much on paper, but on a long walk it becomes noticeable — the equivalent of carrying a flask of tea. The 705 also has a slightly slimmer profile which genuinely helps when packing efficiently.
Where the FTX-1 fights back
It wins on battery life, easily lasting several hours longer than the 705. For long sessions away from power, that matters. But in pure “grab-and-go” terms, the 705 still holds the crown.
✅ Winner of Round 2: IC-705
ROUND 3 – Connectivity & Digital
IC-705: 10
FTX-1: 8
This is the category that often clinches decisions for people.
The IC-705 includes all of the following out of the box:
- Built-in GPS
- Wi-Fi (including hotspot mode and full remote control support)
- Bluetooth
- Full D-STAR support (including DR mode, terminal mode, picture sending, repeater lookup)
- USB connectivity for CAT, CI-V and digital modes
This makes the 705 incredibly future-proof. You can operate it remotely, as a portable APRS/D-STAR/RF explorer, or as a fully networked SDR right out of the box.
The FTX-1 approach is different
It supports:
- Fusion (C4FM)
- APRS
- Digital modes via USB
But GPS and Bluetooth require optional plug-in modules, there is no Wi-Fi, and no direct remote operation capability without external hardware. Fusion fans get everything they want — but the Icom simply offers more built-in.
✅ Winner of Round 3: IC-705
ROUND 4 – Ease of Use
IC-705: 10
FTX-1: 9
When it comes to user interface, the 705 shines because Icom’s modern radios all share the same design language. If you’ve used a 7300, 9700, 7610 etc… you’ll feel instantly at home.
Why the 705 wins here
- Clean, intuitive touchscreen menus
- Minimal button clutter
- Most functions are one or two taps away
- Works brilliantly straight out of the box
FTX-1 ease of use
Once familiar, the FTX-1 is absolutely fine. But there are more menu layers and deeper sub-functions to access. For seasoned Yaesu users that’s no problem — but for newcomers, the learning curve is steeper.
✅ Winner of Round 4: IC-705
ROUND 5 – Audio & Speakers
FTX-1: 10
IC-705: 8
FTX-1 strengths
- Front-facing speakers (brilliant when operating outdoors)
- Extremely effective DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)
- Excellent notch filters
- Surprisingly loud and clear output even in noisy environments
During contest conditions, the FTX-1 genuinely impressed me. The DNR is that good. It can turn borderline signals into comfortable QSOs.
705 strengths
- Very clean audio
- Consistent tone
- Good noise reduction, but not as strong as the FTX-1
But Yaesu simply nailed the speaker design on this one.
✅ Winner of Round 5: FTX-1
ROUND 6 – Expandability
FTX-1: 10
IC-705: 9
FTX-1 ecosystem
- The Optima/SPA-1 100 W linear with built-in tuner
- Plug-in modules for GPS and Bluetooth
- Seamless integration with the radio’s form factor
- Strong accessory support from Yaesu
IC-705 ecosystem
- Massive third-party accessory market
- Cases, handles, cages, filters, stands
- Icom ATU options
- Logging, remoting and digital mode expansion through SD cards and software
The FTX-1’s out-of-the-box modularity just pushed it slightly ahead.
✅ Winner of Round 6: FTX-1
The Final Score
FTX-1: 3
IC-705: 3
A perfectly balanced draw. And honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. These radios are not “better” or “worse”… they are simply designed for different types of operators.
Trump Cards
FTX-1 Trump Card
Works with the SPA-1 amplifier for 100 W plus built-in tuner and dual-receive capability.
IC-705 Trump Card
GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and full D-STAR — all built in straight out of the box.
Which Should You Buy?
✅ Choose the FTX-1 if you want:
- Fusion and APRS
- Exceptional audio and DNR
- Expandability to 100 W
- Dual receiver capability
- Long battery life
✅ Choose the IC-705 if you want:
- Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and D-STAR built in
- Remote operation
- A familiar, intuitive touchscreen
- A lighter, smaller form factor
- Seamless digital connectivity
Both radios are outstanding. Both will serve you brilliantly.
Come Try Them at ML&S
The best way to decide is to put your hands on them — literally. Weight, screen visibility, menu layout, DNR performance… no amount of spec-sheet reading can replace actually using the radios.
And the good news is: ✅ We have both the FTX-1 and IC-705 in stock right now.
Drop in anytime and we’ll happily set them up side-by-side.
See Them at the ML&S Open Day
Our Open Day on Saturday 29th November is the perfect chance to try both radios, chat to the team, grab some fantastic deals, and enjoy bacon rolls and burgers.
The Guv’nor will be here with the magic pencil — enough said.
Final Thoughts
This Top Trumps video wasn’t meant to crown a champion — it was meant to show that both radios are winners depending on the operator. Tony and I loved doing it, and we hope you enjoyed the format. If you’ve got suggestions for the next head-to-head, let us know — we’re already thinking about a few contenders…
73,
David
Purchasing Manager, ML&S
