The Xiegu X6100 or the Icom IC-705? Making a purchase decision! 

...the $600 price of the X6100 is what a small SDR QRP radio should be priced at max. The price of the KX2 and the 705 is just insane...

I don't own a '705 but I did get a chance to check one out. It's a very refined rig built to Icom's high standards. I do have the X6100 and am enjoying it a lot so far. The built in tuner will match almost anything although I prefer to use resonant antennas when I can. It's easy to set up for digital modes and overall performance is very good. It is a bit quirky until you get used to it. I probably won't get a '705 due to its price. In the meantime, the '6100 is providing me with lots of enjoyment.

I own both the IC-705 and the Xiegu X6100. I like the X6100 because it takes up much less room and easy to throw around. The internal tuner means that I can throw up a couple of wires and have some fun in the park really easily. The IC-705 needs a little more coordination with cables and tuners etc (although you can avoid this with resonant antenna). I don't worry so much about the X6100 as I do with the IC-705. The IC-705 has many more bands, digital, better audio but they both have a place in my rucksack depending on what I'm doing.

Thanks for comparing these two radios. I have the 705 and KX2. I agree the built-in tuner on the KX2 is nice to have but there are a lot of EF antennas that do not require a tuner. I have been running tests using RBN and WSPR and find very little difference with SWR of 1.1 vs 2.0 for example. These tests are all done using 1 watt or less BTW. My personal choice are the PAR End Fed antennas but there are several others that do a great job that you have reviewed in the past. Thanks for all the great RU-vid videos of your POTA,etc activations. Dennis - WR4i/qrp

Greta review Thomas. The huge price difference is big factor for me. Plus I would rather have separate radio for 2m use. Taking the 6100 and an HT to the field would be a good combo.

Great job on the video Thomas. I have a 705, particularly because it does everything. I use an Elecraft T1 with it. Overall, my favorite rig for portable ops is my KX2. I don't know if I will spring for a 6100. Nevertheless, thanks for the nice review and comparison. Be well, be safe. 73, George K2WO

Received my x6100 this week and no regrets, so far. One thing that has impressed me was the ease of getting it running on digital modes AND with a Macbook, at that. Just one cable between the computer and radio. Both WSJT-X and flrig worked wonderfully (1/17/22 firmware release). My past experiences have been with Yaesu 818, 857, 897, and a bunch of homebrew digital rigs and this has been, by far, the easiest for digital modes.

The x6100 was my re-entry rig when returning to the active mode after a years-long hiatus. It is fantastic ! I soon got the 705 and it, too, is just amazing. Both are highly recommended.

Tom, It was really nice of you to return from the Post Office, with the radio, just to answer a question. I think the overload problem would be a big issue for me. I've decide to revisit the IC 705 and when I found out that they make a 3050 mah battery for it, I was sold. So, for now I am waiting for the dealer of my choice to get a 705 in stock. All of your videos pertaining to the X6100 and the IC705 were extremely valuable to me for revisiting and making my decision. Thanks Tom, Barry, KU3X

I agree about the tuner especially at double the cost and double the size of the 705.

I have the G90. Good little radio. I hope the 6100 will turn out as well.

Absolutely perfect match for indoor use is the X6100 & Alex loop.

Just stumbled on to a video, of you, not outside? Did your account get hacked? Joking, of course, very glad you made this video, I'm buying a rig in January, as a second retirement gift to myself, and these are two I was thinking about! Great review!!! Thanks for posting!!!

I have the FT-891 which I team up with the SDRPlay to locate incoming RX signals. Since I spend have of my time playing with antennas in the backyard, I was looking for an HF+VHF/UHF rig that I could carry with me. For me the IC-705 is the perfect radio for my purpose. But the price tag is a hard pill to swallow. In the end and after a few months of research, I just got the FT-818ND.

It’s time that all manufacturers offer complete “all band, all mode” radios in this form factor and output range. The technology is there. Part of the fun and necessity of HF is needing/wanting different antennas, and the 705 for $1.3k NOT having an ATU is just ridiculous. Likewise, everyone HF radio should have a sound card for digital work- as these both do. If a radio doesn’t include 2m and 70cm, it’s just not a “shack in the box”, and neither have functionality of the 991A, for less than a 705, but the 991A lost the ability for onboard battery the its predecessor- the 897D had. Message to manufacturers- stop compromising.

Good video Thomas❗️ I cant wait until you do a comparison between the X5105 and the Xiegu 6100

Great review. My choice leans towards a radio that I can rely now and not wait for future improvements. I'm a DStar guy, so the DStar side was the attraction to the 705. Having the built in GPS adds the portability factor when I travel. It not only allows you to find DStar repeaters, but it also has FM repeaters both UHF and VHF. It's your choice near ALL, DV, or FM. You upload the area you are traveling to and you're good to go. Plus, you can do HF DStar (simplex) and reach across the country. Thanks for another excellent review.

Excelent review

Great video. I went for both, well nearly. I have the IC-705 and I bought the Xiegu X5105 rather than the X6100 because I wanted something a bit more rugged that didn't have knobs sticking out that I could chuck in a bag without risking damage. The IC-705 is the better all round radio but it's just too delicate to risk on a field trip unless well protected and that means extra weight. I have a carry case for it and the other stuff, antenna tuner, antenna etc. and it's fine if you stay close to the car. With the X5105 all I take is the radio and 20 meters of end fed wire antenna. Both will fit in the pocket of my combats so, at a push, I don't even need the bag. Very portable and an excellent radio. I just wish they had gone for recessed low profile controls on the X6100 like the X5105

Another terrific review thanks Thomas 73 from kb2uew

I received the X6100 in mid Jan, used for right at 2 months, about 130 CW QSOs. It works, but I wish I had not purchased it. Had serious heat issues, after 2 hours rcv only with charger on rig was too hot to hold, also lost it's operating firmware, but since it has backed up in memory restored quickly. Happen twice. Now only with rig on turn off the charger. Other issues with X6100, quickly distorts on strong rcv, ended up blowing the speaker, now using headphones. I also have IC705 for over a year, a much better radio. Does cost twice as much, but if from what I know now, I would still go for the IC705.

I own the IC-705 and I agree it is a great radio. The Kx2 however, still remains my goto radio. it's form factor and performance can't be beat. It is the ideal field radio for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Wello Tom, someone is bound to ask this question so I'd thought throw the spanner in the works 😁 out of the four radios where would you place your TX500? Great video look forward to the next one.

Hi all, I have had KX3,KX2 and 5105. I think I will will be tempted by the 6100 when improvement will be made. With my kx3 just made few qso's cause it's too expensive to take it out with rain and dust. It looks fragile. With my kx2, I have made a lot of qso's but just after the warranty has gone(2 Years and 2 months) I have burned the finals. This TRX is very fragile and after the replacement that I have entirely paid, immediately have sold it. Now use my 5105, not perfect but strong enough for SOTA/Field...and price is top notch ! Best 73s de ON4LDU Al

When I saw the mockups of the 6100, I had the same thought as everyone else comparing it to the 705, but then it occurred to me that this is similar to what I assumed a KX4 would look like.

I have the 705 and I'm not a HAM just a Utility listener and MW DX'er and I must say I have alot of radios and have had alot of radios in about 40 years of listening and its better than any SW portable by a good bit and is on par with my SDR's and a whole lot easier to take out in the field not having to have a computer that dies after two hours of use.Once you get a waterfall display on a SDR for chasing signals you cant go back.This gives me the best of both worlds.Still a radio with knobs but with waterfall.and the DXing on Medium wave is as good as it gets maybe even better than my SDR's no computer hash noise.LW same its just as sensitive all over the band. I'm more than happy to spend the 1300.00 on a quality listening device. SSB utility stations come in with amazing clarity .My Airspy HF+ discovery is close but just not as clean sounding.The noise floor on the 705 is way down there and Twin Pass Band filters cleans up even more .Noise reduction is awesome also and the NB can get rid of a weird pulsing sound at 15MHZ I've never been able to mitigate on the SDR's here at home.all in all its a world class receiver for me.A benchmark unit. Ive waited for a stand alone SDR radio for awhile and all I could find was some disposable type radios offering it.little handheld malachites. No Thanks.this is a real Radio.

I have the 705 & the 7300. I have a 4 w in 80 w out 2M all mode amp. The favorite feature to me is that both radios share the EXACT same user interface. I bought my KX3 when it first came out. I had already had my KX1 built for me by a friend, who later did the 4-band mode update. It was a blast but the KX3 blew me away! So, when the KX2 came out, I jumped at the chance to own one. At Field Day that year, I brought all 3 rigs into the field. What I found exasperating was the total lack of consistency in the menus operation! I had to stop & read the Nifty cards every time I’d go from the KX3 to the KX2 and back. I ultimately sold the KX2. I still have and enjoy the KX3 when I’m not using the ICOMs. BTW, I’ve bought AND sold both the Elecraft pan adapter and the KPA100 amp, neither of which got much use. The tangle of interconnecting wires was a mess IMHO. I wish I can regain my health again soon so I can enjoy my SOTA/POTA activities here in NM with my friends. I think I’d like to play with whatever the current version of the ’6100 is now. There is an interesting unit out of Russia now, too that a friend has. It is super rugged, quite small, but weighs a half a ton! Did they make the case out of depleted uranium?! LOLOL THATS ALL FOLKS!!! 73 DE N2GJ

I have a 705, AND IT HAS ONE huge FLAW - if you place a whip antenna on the 705, or use a portable antenna in close proximity to the radio itself the LCD Screen causes significant interference. To the point where it is totally unusable on many bands. BEWARE if you are a portable antenna (or whip) user!) It's a huge disappointment that is NOT discussed enough!

thanks Thomas 73

I bought a Xiegu x6100 a month ago. Though it is a really neat "shack-in-a-box", I have buyers remorse and will be selling it. Cons: 1) Wifi will not set up after watching RU-vid instructions and trying numerous times. The bad thing about that is that it cannot sync and set UTC time to use for FT8 - which is what I use a lot. 2) At times the receiver is dead when it is first turned on. I did fac resets - no go. Turned off and on - no go. Next day it worked fine. 3) Once the swr plotter did not work. Now it does. 4) The display/waterfall is not factory set to work properly out of the box. It took forever to get it to display normally. 5) Good luck trying to update the firmware. Mine never worked. I always got the same firmware number after performing the update. I really wanted the x6100 to work great right out of the box. It didn't happen for me. Maybe I got the lemon.

I have the FT-891, not as compact of course but 100W and a really great receiver and above all, amazing audio with headphones, I can have 5 watts, 10 Watts, 50 Watts 100 Watts or anything in-between. Mic EQ and 2 settings on the mic, I can have a small battery and 5-10 watts or what I normally do is bring a 8.4 Ah LiFePo4 battery and can run 100 watts for a couple of hrs enough for a bit of afternoon fun or just some PSK31 or Olivia for a few hrs in my sitting room while connected to the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 with CAP HAT, who needs screens ? lol. With the MPAS 2.0 and 100W I can get into North, Central, South America on 20m when it's open, 15m 12m works very well with it too or just bring EFHW 49:1 and a spiderbeam and if working near the car I just use a 12v 40Ah car battery and I can work all afternoon. One thing for sure is that it's nice to have 5-100 watts when needed.

Nice review, Would you buy the KX2 over the 705 if VHF and UHF was not needed?

Hi Thomas, I enjoy all your videos, especially the comparison videos. I'm learning CW and would love some comparison videos between sub $1000 radios. Specifically the Pentekk TR45-L. My goal is to become a CW-only QRP operator. Thanks, Kent (K5KNT).

Nice review just tough to pay over $1600 to get a 705 with a tuner... Sigh...

A small broadcast filter has solved any overloading issues I’ve had with the 6100

Thanks for video, but there is really no comparaison expect the fact that they are almost the same sizes!

Hey Thomas, I am considering the 5105 or maybe the 6100 for a spring purchase. I do have a question about the KX2 battery also. Can the battery be charged while inside the KX2 or does it need to be removed? I think I remember one of your recent videos where this was discussed briefly but want to double check. The KX2 is more $ for sure but I think maybe better on the recieve side I just don't like the idea of opening it up and removing the battery to charge. I have a 7300 and would really like to get a 705 but just to much $ for me at this time :( THANKS for ALL the videos!

My initial impressions (before it was released) was that the X6100 was going to give the Elecraft KX2 a run for the money. However, now after seeing the myriad of issues that people were having with the X6100. I don't think Elecraft has anything to be concerned about. I don't own the X6100, not sure if I ever will.

Hello Thomas - thanks for your review. I decided to go ahead and buy the X6100 back around the end of December. I ended up purchasing it from HRO based on price alone, and I received it last Thursday - about 2 weeks from the order date… faster than I was expecting. I must say that it’s a long way from complete, but still a capable radio in many respects. I live in a rural area so have not experienced problems from overload other than popping from adjacent high level cw signals. RF gain is pretty effective for this, but it shouldn’t happen obviously. I have not been able to figure out the memory keyer with the December 30 firmware, although the voice memory appears to work fine. The memory keying is something I really want as I’m primarily a cw op. Also, I’m disappointed in the battery life. I was hoping for at least a couple hours based on your assessment of the X5105. I imagine they have similar batteries, so maybe it’s another software issue. At this price point, I think it’s a worthwhile portable rig even as it stands now. Hopefully it will become much more. Thanks for all your videos.

Many thanks for pointing out receiver overloading! I'm close to broadcast station and you saved me big disappointment. I'm looking for my first HF radio. I have 1040 feet tall 120kW FM radio and 600kW TV broadcast station in sight (1.6mil)! With that in might what kind of TRX will stands in those conditions? Will 705 handle it? Or just forget about HF at home and focus on field activation only? What's your advice?

Thanks again Thomas. I would love to hear you compare the 705 to the KX3, I think that would be more apples to apples in terms of receiver performance. I know you put the audio of the 705 at the top and the receiver of the KX3 at the top so perhaps the two category winners should "duke" it out!

Do you think the receiver on the x6100 can be improved much via s/w updates? Really appreciate your thorough reviews!

My base station is a TS-590SG. It's just a little too big for field ops. HaHa I've wanted to purchase an IC-705 for a year+ but the cash has never been available. The X-6100 has been waiting in the wings to be my next radio purchase but I will now wait for their just announced follow-on radio. It ooks quite nice with the announced Extended Frequency Option which is expected to add at least 2Mtr and maybe 70Cm. Waiting, waiting, waiting............

I am happy with my kx2. But I’d like to have 6 meters and 160 meters like my old ft817 RIP. I hear there are a lot of birdies on 6 meters with the 6100. Oh yeah, I live 1 mile from a broadcast station. But right now as of early 2023, Xiegu is selling a no cost package with an external speaker and low pass filter. That should help the front end. I use a small emtech tuner that works well for this. I’ve also used an MFJ travel tuner. The ‘t-1 tuner won’t filter it out. De n5vwn

I own both and they they have their pros and cons. If you are price sensitive, the X6100 wins hands down, has lots of cool features, especially the internal antenna tuner. The IC 705 is in a class all its own and has the best operator interface and ease of use. In addition, the IC 705's features all work out of the box and things like the WIFI work flawlessly.

That callout about urban environs was a big big insight

Love my Icom 705... Thank you Thomas WC1N

One year since this comparison, so curious if some of the recent firmware updates have improved opinion of the 6100? Going to purchase something this winter. Enjoy your videos very much!

When I first saw the X6100 I was excited. That excitement has waned a little and I think you are right; prudent advice to wait for the summer so that a lot of the wrinkles will be ironed out. Also, I am still waiting on Yaesu to throw their hat into the ring! Hopefully they will not disappoint...

What a great review. It has reinforced my decision to purchase the IC705. The X6100 did spark my interest I must admit. I have just come back to Amateur Radio after a 25 year absence and feel this is the ideal radio for me at this time. (G4ZRS)

So nice.

Thanks for the comparison. Why wouldn’t you need a mic for SSB?

Wish, the 705 had backlit buttons too!

Ps. The mchf clone rs 918 does 10khz wide essb ,and its amazing on receive and its only 450$ its sdr and you have so much control...

The 705 has excellent memories for short CW messages and also good voice recordings for SSB. Both are easily retrieved and transmitted. Not sure where the 6100 stands on this capability at present. The memories are features I really like and use frequently.

Thanks....great review. I like the features of the 6100, worry about receiver overload, ATU yes! NO Need for VHF/UHF. Dislike touch screen. WiFi would be nice.😁😁😁

I agree. Your channel, your money & time. You decide what to compare. If someone doesn't like the comparison, I suggest they do something else and/or do their own channel.. Thanx, Tom

You can buy this radio for qrp hf and a id 52 for dstar and vhf uhf for the same price of a 705 it depends on what you want to spend

great review, rumour has it the x6100 is "hackable" to add a higher band span ie 700khz-1ghz, i have seen links in the forums with developer software, but personally i'll wait and see

Thomas what is your current day opinion of the X6100 ? Here in the UK, getting an Elecraft radio is like trying to buy reindeer poo stating component shortages. I am considering a 6100 and would value your "todays" opinion of the 6100. I am not a CW op so SSB would be my main use. Maybe you no longer have it and if so then I probably have my answer. Thanks and 73. Sid

Hi excellent I have both I totally agree the 6100 is like a fun Radio ,atu swr graph , works great but 705 is top grade on everything .ps U need a peovi carry cage :).

Thanks for all you do and yes you talk me into buying the IC-705 and getting these Mississippi parks on the Air! Hunter to Activator hopefully! ja ja ja ja De WV1Q Semper Fi and Can Do

Hi Thomas. What do you think about Xiegu G90? Is it any good, makes sense to buy it? Thanks

Why does it show a signal on 10.111 Mhz with no antenna connected? It looks pretty nice I appreciate your review.

FYI at current pricing the 705 is only about 50% more than the x6100.

What happens if you remove warranty sticker? Those 'warranty void if removed' stickers are illegal, says the FTC. “Unless warrantors provide the parts or services for free or receive a waiver from the FTC, such statements generally are prohibited by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a law that governs consumer product warranties,” the Commission noted.

#Advice required. I want to get into QRP SOTA portable voice HF. My dream station would the flagship IC705 due to the vhf, uhf and HF plus the waterfall. I am on a shoe sting budget so have to choose wisely for my radio as this will probably be a one time hit for a long time. The radios in the list are IC705, FT-818nd, xiegu G90 and the xiegu X6100 . The antenna would probably be a linked dipole. Which radio would you choose? Question open to anyone Great video but still stuck with the radio Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73

What is worrying, is the 6100 through the entire video is showing all sorts of random trash/ birdies on the radio with no antenna connected - very, very bad. With no antenna connected, means it is generated internally in the radio. If you are trying to work a weak signal on that frequency, it will be drowned out by the random trash. I will stick with my IC-705 and KX3. As always, thanks for the superb video and your honesty

What is the X6100 spectrum scope/waterfall showing on 30M with no antenna connected?

I'd say having a built in battery is a negative for the Xiegu as you can take more than one with you with the 705. I'm in the UK and hoping to get a 705 next year as my first radio. I've been waiting for quite a few years to get on the air.

I have the 705 and kx3 the kx3 does essb other than that 705 is much better.the x6100 seems good but the pbf. Only is 2700 kHz hope next update its more like 3khz or 3.5khz then will see.

i think the only time it wouldnt make sense to compare radios is if they have nothing in common.

X6100 has one nasty feature: even in off it draws some 50 mA. As a result it may easily overdischarge its Li-Ion battery flat. What drastically increases a chance of this battery to burst in flames on next charge (thermal runaway).

Kx2 is THE best field radio when you consider RF performance. 705 with no built in tuner is the biggest mistake they made.

Love your motive for the channel Thomas! Keep up the great work Sir! 73 - KF6IF

When are you going to compare the 6105 and the 6100?

Simple decision really.. you can buy 2 of the X6100 for one of the IC-705. With the latest X6100 firmware most of the niggles have been fixed. Personally I'm waiting for the X6200....

Seems to me that if you don't have the need for D-star and don't have overload situations the 6100 is the way to go?

"YOU CAN'T COMPARE THOSE TWO RADIOS" (LOL! )😆😅🤣😂😀

It is Linux Temporarily Offline on his channel has been going Postal on disassembling what the OS get's up to. Interesting, but beyond my pay grade.

Greetings from K-2207 Watson Mill Bridge SP, GA (Been here since Friday so had an interesting weekend.). I have the G90 and had the GSOC for four weeks before returning it. The latter device left a lasting negative impression of Xiegu whose misrepresentation of the GSOC’s functionality was shady and unethical by my standards. The “wack a mole” firmware updates for the G90, fixing one trouble while creating another, suggest that their industrial culture has yet to embrace Japan’s Kaizen quality process. So when comparing the x6100 to the IC-705, it’s like comparing a 70’s Datsun B210 to any contemporary Lexus.

it is very strange no antenna connection and look like you have signal ???

How much price is it broo

Le choix se pose entre le TX500 le I705 et le 6100..... lequel choisir?

I know it's been over a month now, but given all the updates and issues that the 6100 has had, and STILL HAS with it's software, I wouldn't touch one right now with a 2M pole. Yes the 705 is expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you are hyper sensitive to cost, I'd go with either the 5105 or the G90 (I have both the G90 and 705).

Man I love the sdr on radio 705 doesn't have it.

I have a test for ya.....take all 4 rigs into the woods and when a hungry bear approaches, which radio are you willing to sacrifice? 73/K6SDW

I think yaesu should come up with a competitor to the ICOM IC 705

I'm always in aw how much $$$ you get to spend on radios.....when I was still married the XYL (also a ham) had a fit when I purchased the KX3, an expensive rig....HI HI Now that I'm divorced I can buy anything I want

Japan is a keeper.

that x6100 has bad birdies going on while you are talking about it.

4'10"... you're welcome

My opinion is just my opinion. My KX3 beats them all.

The 705 is a vastly better radio in so many ways. Besides, I would rather support the good folks at Icom in Japan, who have been supporting our hobby for the past 60 years. Xiegu have not given any support to the hobby - they are merely in the business to sell their products and to make money

The Japanese Brands Radios are Much Better then the Cheaply Copied Chinese Brands Radios, also I only by Japanese Brands because of the High Quality!

Well if hf alone is the area of interest 6100 is best, 705 looks pale.

But...............do you really need all those bells and whistles in the field, no. For the money and functionality the X6100 is a better choice for field and activations, and home and shack.

The biggest factor for me is the VHF and UHF capability the 705 gives you. The Xiegu is HF +6m only which means I would still need to cart along (and pay for) another radio. The price is about right though for a Japanese quality radio that only has HF so this Chinesium brand is over priced.

I think this is an inappropriate comparison. It's like comparing Ford and Porsche. The Chinese are mainly interested in money and not in a global brand. Although.. in other industries they are trying to make a name for themselves.

You can buy 2 x 6100 for 1 x Icom...