Comparing the lab599 Discovery TX-500 with the Elecraft KX2. Which one should you choose? 

Nice video! It seemed well balanced. I was going to buy the KX-2 until I discovered the TX-500. I waited 4.5 months for my radio and was glad I did. I’ve had mine for about a month and am blown away by the quality and ruggedness. I also try to avoid all-in-one units because I like to upgrade/replace components on demand (especially batteries). For me, being portable means being in the rain much of the year, so water-resistance is vital. So while the KX-2 would be a great runner-up, the TX-500 can’t be beat!

Excellent comparison Thomas! I have been struggling trying to decide between the KX2, KX3 and TX-500. I am just starting out with CW and looking forward to getting one of these rigs. I believe after watching this video that less equipment with the Elecraft radios with the built in tuner, mic and speaker has just made my decision much easier and has pushed me towards the KX2 with the smaller footprint and great options. Thank you for the great videos.

Really good review, thanks for posting. The spectrum display and ruggedness of the TX-500 tip the scale, so to speak.

Thank-You, Thomas for the great review. Have a G90 now, with XPA125B, and budgeted for a Buddipole Deluxe Long Version. Have RadioWavz EFHW, Pathfinder Mk.I, 160M- 6M right now. So, drooling while waiting for each installment, between you and Julian OH8STN, you both had to get the TX-500... I’m dodging penury as it is, while studying for my licenses, and you guys have to present the PERFECT All Weather QRP Radio... Naturally, I’ll have to budget for ALL the bells and whistles... Thanks for making the bucket list for this geezer even deeper... All the Best to You and Yours!

Thank you again, Thomas! Great video. Just pulled the trigger on a tx500 for my SOTA ops. Very excited to take it to the field!

My hat is off to you for noting the correct price comparison. All the other reviewers have compared the TX-500 to the KX2 with the tuner option.

At the end of the day for me, the KX2 is an Elecraft and that make all the difference. I can’t wait to get one of my own!

Hi Thomas, great video. The only criticisms I have on my TX500 is the quality of the included power cable and the cable connect headphones (not as robust as the radio) and the speaker mic which is the same as the ones that ship with cheaper radios like the Retevis. Other than that, it is a keeper. Thanks for sharing

Nice side by side review. Thanks for sharing this.

Thank you for such an in-depth comparison.

Great comparison, thank you! But it makes it even more difficult to choose between the two, lol :) I am afraid that if I continue watching your channel, I will end up buying TX-500, KX2 and IC 705 :)

Thanks for posting this comparison! I already have a KX3 and love it.. love it so much that I don't want to take it out doors! Lol... so I think it will be the TX500 for me.... something different and definitely built for portable operations! Plus it will be a unique addition to my growing collection of QRP radios K1(built by me), KX3 and the 705. As always I really appreciate all the effort you put into bringing this kind of content to the rest of us! 73 de N1ONE.

Nice comparison video. Looking forward to the comparison with the IC 705 next.

Great review. I am quite happy with the TX-500 as my first QRP radio. For me, much cheaper than the KX2, because I could not have resisted all of the accessories. ;-) de Brian - K3ES

Great video! Thanks for doing a comparison.

Thomas, very good review. I have the KX-2 and agree with your "shack in the box" assessment. The Lab599 looks compelling, but enough for me to ditch my KX-2. However, functionality aside, I like the look of the lab599. It may sway me if I owned neither of these transceivers. Keep the videos coming!

Excellent video Thomas. I'm really happy to see 18650 Li-ion cells in a Ham radio product. They are widely ignored in ham radio, bicycle lights and other battery dependent products. At the first day of 2022 I'm starting to build my K1 radio, and I have met Elecraft people many times at Friedrichshafen Ham Radio exhibition. So, I really like the company, great people. If I see your comparison video, we need a K2 radio with CNC machined housing and 18650 cells. :) Who knows what the future will bring. For now, HNY 2022, and I hope to meet you on the bands. Thanks for your great video work, I'm always happy to see your video's coming. 73 Bas PA5BAS

I ordered the TX-500 two weeks ago. I'm looking forward to playing with it! I also own the IC-705.

When watching RU-vid reviews of new unique QRP rigs, I usually get very excited to buy one, but I find since I got my Icom 705, I'm not temped anymore. That new girlfriend feeling is lasting a long time with the Icom 705......she's a keeper.....

Thanks for the great explanation.

Well done comparison. Very informative. The 500 has a lot of nice features. I like looking at a display that shows where activity is on the band. The WX proofing is a nice feature but not needed for me. I'm sticking with my KX2 for now. I hope Elecraft comes out with a QRP radio (KX4) with a spectrum type display. I still like my old dependable IC 703+. The only downside is its size compared to the KX2. Barry, KU3X/QRP

I took delivery of a TX-500 around a month ago after a long wait and I'm chuffed to bits with it. It's everything I expected and my expectations were high. I have no problem with carrying a spare battery and prefer to use resonant antennas so the no internal battery/ATU "issue" isn't one for me personally. A big plus for me with the TX is the lower "worry factor" that I get carrying a more fragile expensive radio around in my pack and sitting it on a rock to operate. There is now an attachable key available for the TX which screws straight into the key port so doing away with the lead if you prefer. 👍👍 73.

Thank you for another great video & review.

Excellent, very helpful.

OK, this is the head-to-head I wanted to see. Excellent review & comparison! If I were to buy a Jeep or Forerunner, Mill-spec hummber, or tank, I'd buy the TX-500 and mount it on there. :) N1CLC

Tough one, although I am still sticking with the Kx2. In addition to everything you said, the KX2 has been in use for several years now so any problems or wrinkles have most likely been ironed out of it. I also agree, changing the battery on the KX2 is not the issue you sometimes read about on the web.

Wonderful Review.

Good review. Wish you would turn on the radios and compare the performance.

Hello,i m DH7TB afriend of DL4KA and i have the PA500 ,which is developed for the TX500. This worked fine and we waiting for the TX500 .In this moment i can use the PA with the FT 817 or the KX2. We are hopeful for comming the transceiver....have fun.i follow your videos 73 Hans

I love my KX2- the internal ant Tunner is incredible and with the CW key added its as close to all in one box you can get. The TX-500 looks interesting, but not sure what I'd be getting from it over the KX2 except I could operate in the rain. I would get annoyed with all the special connectors I'd need to make to plug in things like my key and speaker / headphones. But, if I felt weather resistance was criterial, it would be worth it. Happy you mentioned cw clacking- takes TX-500 off my list. If I add anything, I think I'd go 705. Nice to have options- thanks for the review.

Thanks for the info.😊

I like the different form factor. My first rig was an FT-817nd and as much as I love that radio, I dont think the future of qrp radios is that old-style rectangular box like design. It's cool to see all these manufacturers exploring different designs and styles to see what the public likes. I think ultimately I'd like a more military like rig. Functionality like the 705 but with the connectors all on one side and a bit more beefy.

It is obvious that choose between KX2, TX500, ic705 is totally personal preferences. But I would select TX500 don't count the different prices.

I like the KX3 direct freq entry. I use it all the time.

Awesome 🎉 very cool

Thank you - great review. Even with all the delays due to "whatever", I still am leaning to the KX2. Hopefully will pull trigger at/after year end. I have the KX1 and love it.

Another reason the Kx2 wins for me is that it can do a full 10 watts from the internal battery, even if it can't run for very long the option is there when you need it and then you can turn it back to 5 watts again to save power. It's really amazing that Icom would stick a 7 volt battery in a radio in this day and age considering how good lithium batteries are today, there's no reason the 705 couldn't do 10 watts with a decent battery.

KD2QOJ Thanks for the comparison

Yaesu VX-7R was actually fully submersible. FYI. The VX-8D was “weatherproof”, but the 7R was rated for full submersion and I tested it by fully submerging and it worked fine. You might’ve meant ***HF*** transceivers, but you didn’t restrict your comment to just HF transceivers, so……

Great video. Still on the fence with the Lab599, though I’m sure I will get one eventually (can never have too many QRP rigs). My KX2 is a dream and you are right, a shack in a box. You missed the two digital modes the KX2 can do with just a paddle, RTTY and PSK31. In the field, it’s actually quite useful. I don’t know if the Lab599 can do that. de W1ND

Nice video Thomas. When people talk about weatherproofing, I hear "ant-proofing". I would never operate outdoors in rainy weather but there have been two occasions when I had ants crawl into my KX2 - I could see them underneath the plastic display cover. Did they ever make it out or did they migrate to the innards of the radio? Who knows...but weatherproofing isn't just for weather!

I'm undecided, I'm based in EU and TX500 is easily available and I won't need to pay import taxes however in 2023 the price has creep up and is now almost comparable to the KX2 kitted out and with the new IBC unit I really want that KX2.

Thomas, great review video. You have the field experience, and with that, your insight are valuable. Alot of what you said resonated with me (pun). I own the KX2… in fact, because of your review of the AX-1, I bought it… and love it. My question is regarding your KX2 kit… What’s in the bag? I see the mic, key, earbuds, BNC binding post, and some adapters… what else? Curious… de W7UDT Rand (dit dit)

My 817 still picking up original Marconi transmissions!!

The one thing that never seems to appear in most reviews, is how does one rig sound on cw compared to the others. All the specifications are fine, but what would interest me the most, is the fatigue Factor when listening to cw for long periods. Most modern rigs are great at digging signals out of the noise, but really sound poor compared to some of the classic older transceivers. I used to own an icom 703, which would do almost everything, but it was difficult to listen to over long periods. On the other hand I have owned some Ten Tec & Kenwood transceivers that I could listen to forever.

great comparison ! (random Question of the day ... tell me about those nice packs!!!!!!!!!!!! struggling to get a way of operating portable that is not a hassle - and they look great!

Only kx-2!Super rig,73!

Again watching this review and catch myself that KX2 an incredible TX. But from my QTH it is about x1.5 more expensive than TX-500 (KX2 without ATU and battery). Moreover, adding ATU, Battery, speaker increasing price difference of KX2 in x2 times which game changer for me.

I wish the kx2 had the rugged case like most foreign company’s make them. Seems made in the USA means extremely good internals and plastic knobs and skins. I must have an atu though. That still brings the kx2 to the top of the heep

Thomas, I've got my TX500 and love it. Any suggestions into recommended settings for SOTA ops?

I really enjoy all of your videos. Also read your articles. Everything is very thoughtful and I actually feel that I am along with you when you activate. I was wondering if you could tell me what bag is (green with tan webbing) propped to the left of the KX2 - 73s Will

Great video Thomas. I have one question though. I don't know Morse code but I want to learn. Which would be easier to learn on the KX2's pin diodes or the TX-500's relay architecture? Does it make a difference? Thanks.

I would like to know how both transceiver work against close by strong stations. I have a FT-817 and I am look at upgrading my radio.

I've been enjoying your videos recently. I know you don't like to edit, but would you consider doing a final pass over the audio for levels? The quality sounded ok, but I had a rally hard time hearing even at full volume. Switching to headphones helped, but not as much as you'd think... Anyway, i do enjoy the videos! Thanks.

To each his own, the Lab is true blue portability.. the KX2 is just beyond quality..

Would the relay clicking also be heard using SSB?

Excellent video comparison. Thank you. The Elecraft T1 tuner is OOS and back-ordered out the wazoo... can you recommend a suitable alternative for SOTA/POTA/man-portable use cases? Thank you in advance Thomas.

Great review. Where are hams getting the TX500 from? HRO is always “out of stock” ?

I used to own and love the ts120v a 10w rig ...but about 4x the size of these 2. out of these 2 i think id go with the KX2

Great review. 73 WA6MOW

@Thomas Witherspoon. Please do the same thing against the G90. Great videos and review blog btw!

Thanks for another excellent video, steering me away from the icom 705 and towards Discovery 599...gotta ask about the Canadian flags on your bags? de VO1JA

Kx2 for me ( I wish ) because it has an internal battery, what's with this idea radio manufacturers think that we want to drag batteries everywhere and have wires sticking out ? Just a shame you can't charge the Kx2 battery when it's in the radio. Also a shame you can't get a Kx2 in Europe any more ( I have looked, maybe not in the right place ?) The other turn off is that if I order a Kx2 from Electaft I'd have to wait 3 months + by the time I pay import duties and 23% tax here in Ireland, not even including shipping it would cost around 1600 Euro's or more, this is with a few extras, clock, lithium battery, charger, mic, pouch. No tuner, don't need a tuner. The TX-500 no internal battery = no buy, not interested. I had the Xiegu X5105 and while it didn't have the best receiver connected to a home base antenna at night it was more than good enough for QRP ops with portable antennas, it had an excellent internal lithium battery and really compact, it could fit in the pouch for a Tecsun PL-660. I had said I would avoid the X6100 because I really don't want a big screen and waterfall, the Kx2 would be the perfect radio, I just with someone would release a simple no bells and whistles HF radio with up to 10 watts and good internal battery, no SDR and waterfall and USB C charging. If I'm to carry a battery around I'd rather just use my FT-891 and I can have 5-100 Watts and a 8.4 AH LiFeP04 battery will allow me operate for hrs at 100W even if it uses .08 Amps on Relieve it's not really an issue over a couple of hrs in the field. The 891 is a lot of radio for the money.

Neither, the IC-705 would be my choice without hesitation. Thanks for the video

How is the CW decoder in both?

The Russian tx looks terrific ..but how many rigs can anyone use ?

27 minutes and neither radio has been switched on. Some comparison please.

For all else... there's the 705 =D

the Xiegu X5105 does all that th kx2 will do

This unit does not pass muster because it does NOT have an INTERNAL ANTENNA TUNER so it may fall flat on it’s face. Check out Xiegu’s new 6100 with internal antenna tuner. It smokes this one and it has internal antenna tuner and Bluetooth and is much better quality and is cheaper. So this unit is a no go for me.

One is an outdoor radio the other isn’t

it will take if ever years till you can buy the tx500 all they say they will ship soon to HRO not real even there is much more issues sorry to tell you you cant even comparing the tx500 to kx2 or kx3 they are like lemon vs apple

нихуя не понял, какой лучше?

Kid exists. The tx500 does not. -.-

dumped my kx2 as soon as i got my hands on a tx500... kx2 was worst ham purchase in 20 years... tx500 is much easier to use, intuitive menus and controls, bulletproof finals, much more rugged... tx500 is a true /p qrp rig.. the kx2 is too fragile, indecipherable menus, nonfunctional clock, serial card, insipid charging scheme for internal battery.. awful rig!