Yaesu FT-991a VS Icom IC7300 Comparison 

Passed my tech exam on sunday. !

The 991A has one thing that sets it apart from others: backlit keys! Very nice to have and not available on most other transceivers.

having watched a number of videos i found yours helped me the most of my choice of radio - i went with the IC7300 !

Thanks Erik for the great video and review. I did finely make up my mind, got the FT 991A. Reason, size, have very limited space for shack equipment, WIRES-X which is a great addition, plus all mode-all band capability. Don't need 5 radios to do what this one can do. SANTA was very good to me this year, HI HI !! Keep up the great work with your videos and i will keep watching. 7 3

Great tutorial. I jumped in at the entry level on the IC 7300. Thank you! Keep the videos rolling pls.

Great video comparison. I like the versatility of the FT-991A, but in 2022 its out of stock everywhere. :(

Eric, thank you for the great videos. These are great for the new ham like me, KN4UHA, 73 hoop

I purchased the FT-991A as my first HF all mode radio after watching your videos about a year ago, I mostly use it for VHF/UHF (FM & SSB) and C4FM. Then just recently you started showing the capabilities of the IC-7300, now I needed one of these, WOW! Just recently I bumped into another ham who noticed my vehicle with antennas and license plate.. We started to talk and informed me he was moving to FL and selling off his gear, come to find out he had a 7300 that was 8-9 months old which I purchased for a descent price. Now I have both, thanks Eric !! I need to stop watching your videos. Thanks for the great videos really like watching them.. 73’s

Great video, Eric. I'm in the market for a new rig and your video is giving me a lot of needed information. Thanks

This was a very good video! I like that you tried your best to keep the personal opinion out of it! This was a very helpful video! Currently I am leaning very much to the ICOM 7300 as my first base ! I love the simplistic and the larger screen as the best reason for me to go that route. Once again Great video and Thanks for keeping it real!!

After watching your video, I bought both.

As a new ham and looking someday to buy a transceiver like one of these, this was very helpful and informative. Hope you continue these type of videos.

Man, this is one of the best comparison reviews I ve ever seen. 73 from R4HIR!

As I'm about to buy my first Amateur radio, and I have whittled it down to one of these two and one other radio over many weeks of research, it's nice to see a genuine comparison, with no bias to one or the other, just simple facts about each unit. Well done, this is the BEST review of these two radio's I have found so far on RU-vid. Essentially, the main difference I can see is the Icom is HF only, the Yaesu is 3 radio's in one. The waterfall really is the only apparent difference when they are turned on. They both do the same thing in the HF and 6m bands, both have 100w output, both are nice to look at. The extra bands available in one over the other depends entirely on who is using it, how they use it and what they prefer. I like having seperate radio's for HF, 2m and 70cm. I can be talking on 21Mhz and still listen to local 2m stuff or UHF on my other radio's. Personal preference's rule this showdown...you still need multiple antenna's for either. I wish I could afford both, this would save the angst.........

Buy one of each! I like the ‘991A for the mobile and ‘7300 for the shack...

I love my FT-991 but the IC-7300 with it's SDR is so appealing. For my needs the FT-991 is awesome.

Thank you when you were showing how to do certain little tasks it actually helped me figure out how to do those tasks on my 991 a I just hooked up my radio last night absolutely love it love your videos they are very informative 73s for now N0SPW

991A Forever! my ICOM IC-7300 it has been in my shack 1 month...

Love my 7300. SDR and features were the right choice for me. I already have a 2 meter radio with fusion and dmr HT. The receive is awesome on HF with the NR and filters you can program per band on the fly. Under a grand with rebates!!! What is not to like!!!

Gud day sir, it was so interesting that both radio, i was so happy to hear all the detail each one of the, wish i could have one of those i just use portable and mobile antenna. Thanks for the video

Thnx for a great vid Eric! As for me: the perfect shack would be a 7300 combined with a 9700, but you have to pay up! That's why I've chosen the 991A, since it has VHF/UHF next to HF. This radio rocks! I hear/see many people complaining about the difficult menu, but it's really not that hard to use.

Thanks for the comparison, there are features on both radios that I really like but choosing is still a challenge

Great presentation and useful, professional opinions. I chose the IC-7300. Thank you and 73 from Poland.

Thanks for your help. I will go with the Yaesu for sure.

Thanks for this video, I’m researching a new hf rig, I like that the Yaesu has vhf/uhf, I’ve never been fond of their modular plug for the mic, (I have a 857D and a FT-8800) neither has ever given me problems with the connectors. The Icom 7300 seems to be my choice currently, the screen seems nicer and the menu seems easier. I like and own both company’s gear as well as Kenwood. I still continue to research, it’ll be a bit before I take the plunge.

Outstanding video! I couldn't decide which one to get so I got both. Now I am learning about the IC-9700 with its power capabilities. Probably my next purchase. Keep up the great work!

Thanks,,,,, haha, instead of helping me pick one, now I want them both.... Arrrrgh, off to go work more overtime for radio money.

A really good presentation and you helped me decide.

Very helpful! Even though I am somewhat vision-impaired and tend toward the IC 7300 I really would prefer the all in one box in my shack.

Thanks for the efforts and explanatory video. I have both rigs for separate purposes. Mostly to do with mobile requirements. My bottom line is the Icom feels and looks like a Cadillac to drive while the Yaesu gets the job done and has VHF and UHF. Your mileage may vary. Thanks to both corporations for bringing to the ham community these leading edge radio's.

Ended up with the Icom 7300, one of my favorite features (not mentioned?) is the SD Card memory which makes changing and saving settings a breeze. Thank you for the side-by-side comparison!

Great review and video. I have both radios, and much prefer the 7300. The Yaesu’s menus are not intuitive and I dont like having to go hunting for what I want. The 7300, its super easy to quickly find and adjust everything.

Just ordered one from DX Engineering! Was supposed to not be in stock until about July 29th, but was refreshing tabs and 5 popped into stock. Still out everywhere else. As of 7;00 PM Pacific 6/08/2022 there are two left. Hope I like it. Very little chance I wont.

showing the menus made a big difference to me, thanks from a non pro

That made it even harder for me LOL.. Love them both but the ease of use on Icom I like more BUT more bands on 991 means less radios to buy for shack.. Tough one..

Great review. Base station System Fusion, D-Star or DMR can be worked via an USB dongle and your home internet. Your local V and UHV repeaters can be worked by a cheap FM radio. If you are looking for serious satelite comunication, better add an IC-9700. Hilton PY2BBQ.

Seems to me that a lot of people downgrade the Yaesu FT-991A for it's menu system. (In the 'Ford vs Chevy' battle). I find it very intuitive. Most of the settings are 'Set it and Forget it'. I find that the Yaesu and the IC-7300 radios are both excellent and have a valid use for every user. However, the Yaesu is a 'Shack-in-the-box' with it's digital and 2m/70cm bands. This alone made me choose the Yaesu. I also use the Yaesu aviation FTA-750L transceiver and chose it as well for it's additional features for it's price point. You also can't go wrong with the added 3yr warranty. A Square Trade 3yr warranty...$240. Add that to the cost of an IC-7300. Best Regards and 73's.

Hi Eric: nice comparison of the two rigs. You may have omitted the GREATEST feature of the iCOM 7300 and that is the wonderful transmit audio design that their engineers built into the rig. The 7300 does a fantastic job of "packing" the audio into the selected bandwidth and adjusting the tones, both high level Eq and low level Eq, and doing it all by just using the stock handheld mic. This allows the average Ham to selectively enhance his/her own transmitted voice to compensate for any deficiency, or to enhance his/her voice to sound more like a broadcast quality station. To equal this feature, one would have to spend about $250 for a mic capable of equaling this capability already built into the 7300. You will never hear a bad sounding 7300, they are distinctive.

I have a small space available for my ham equipment. The shack in the box 991a is a good fit for my needs.

I already went down the Yaesu Fusion Wires X rabbit hole. Its a thing. Great review! 👍👍😎🇺🇸

Both great radio, I personally own the IC-7300 and find it meets my needs. I hear a lot of FT-991a units on the air as well . If I had some extra money burning a hole in my pocket I would consider buying a 991a as well.

Thanks for the video. Looking for a HF base radio. I'm liking the IC7300. Display looks better, and common setting's appear to be easier to access on the icon. However having UHF/VHF in the base would be helpful. For the $200 price difference will get you close to a good UHF/VHF radio.

Excellent comparison.

The Yaesu includes VHF and UHF all mode (inc digital). That's no small difference. If you need/want these then it's a no brainer.

Muchas felicidades, me gustó el vídeo y esas voces de locutor están sensacionales muchas bendiciones máster

I had a Yaesu FT-991A previously. My main complaint was the touch screen was not very sensitive. I had no problems with the scope, loved it. My other complaint was some of the ways you move thru frequencies and sometimes it didn't do what you pushed.

Good side-by-side w/o the geek-speak! I have a 991 (non-A) and the scope has ALWAYS been less than the 7300. It has improved over time with firmware releases, but still not on par with the 7300. One thing I did notice regarding the scope though... in your video the 991 was set at +/- 50k and the 7300 at +/- 25k. This may have made the 991 a bit choppier, but again... still not a 7300 scope. That said, I don't use the scope much on any of my rigs. The most important place for me would be on HF digital modes and I use the software scope on the laptop. The shack-in-the-box has a big appeal to me, your mileage may vary. 73

Guess Im staying up late tonight. Just the video I've been waiting for. Just passed tech and general last weekend. Great videos. Much appreciated.

Recently updated my shack. I bought a Yaesu DX10 last month and I bought a 991A last week. I did have the 991A widebanded for 11 metres and it also receives and transmits on the air band. And no, I don't transmit on that band. I did own a 7300 about 7 years ago. All very nice radios.

For me, I think I would go with the 7300 in the shack but I’m considering changing the Icom 706 in the go box for the 991. I like a single radio in the go box and the screen on the 991 would be a big improvement over my 706. Great video. It’s tough to do a comparison when you’re really not comparing apples to apples but you did and I think you answered everyone’s questions who didn’t really know the differences.

Icom for me but I did have an 857D for my mobile a few years back. That screen was really small and as I got older was hard to read going down the road. Nice work as always YZI. 73

Excellent video of two comparable radios . I'm glad I'm not looking at buying another radio. It would have been a difficult decision. It would have been if I wanted 2m & 70cms then the FT 991 would need to be the radio to buy. Otherwise Yikes!!! I have only ever purchased an Icom 2m FM transceiver. My other Radios being Yaesu. VK2LEE Lee

Good video Eric. I went with the IC-7300, I like the interface of the ICOM. I have a lot of ICOM radios. Some Yaesu radios too. I liked the larger screen on the IC-7300. I love my new IC-7300, that I bought in December of 2019. I am sure that both the FT-991A and the IC-7300 are very good radios. It just gets down to personal preference and what you want to do with them. If you want a Ham Shack in a box, then the Yaesu might be a better choice for that purpose. 73, WA6TWJ Dave Mauldin

Thanks for sharing this information and video. It’s been helpful I’ve been considering getting an ICOM 7300. Your video convinced me the ICOM 7300 will be my choice. I also own a Yeasu FT 857D which I will keep for mobile. The 7300 will be both QTH and POTA/SOTA Portable . Appreciate your providing enough information on each radio for me to be able to determine which will be best for me. 73 Steve AA4SH

Great video as always Eric.I have the Icom 7300 and love it! I also have separate rigs for 2/70 cms all mode so I'm very happy with my station. 73.G7HFS/PA3IKH

I would like to add a Patreon but if I dont want to discuss the more easier use of the 7300 (despite I bought a 991a ) I would have been pleased to hear the 2 transceivers trying to hear a weak and difficult signal and see how they manage to understand it (given that the owners know how to do their best however the settings are easy to use)

oooohhhhh.....i'm sooo ....not confused....but holy crap!!!! which one!!!! i'm still floating towards the icom. great vid....Thanks!!!!

I have bad vision and was looking at the 991a, but that 7300 with bigger display. I might have to get that Icom.

Thanks good video well explained,I have the icom 7300 for round two weeks now, lot's of features to get your head around,I still feels good to switch it on and admire the great display,in Holland 1150 euro and 11 meter conversion ,my Kenwood ts 450 sat, seems so so old. thanks 😀

Great video. Hack in shack 991A is great choice, but menu system is painful. Scope is not that great, but waterfall works. Personally would get 7300 and handheld or 9700. If you only want one radio that does it all get the 991A and deal with the scope and menus. Spent hrs researching these rigs and find the 7300 more pleasing to my eyes. Either radio is a great choice so can't go wrong either way. 73

On the 991A, can the waterfall be output to a laptop in the field?? Is the receive audio as good as the ICOM 7300??

Great review, thank you. I have 7300, but I am looking for something with VHF/UHF to use in the shack and possibly mobile. It looks like the 991a will be in the shack with the 7300 soon! Thanks again, 73...

I played with both, and ended up getting the 991A. 7300 is definitely better visually, and I have read it's better for HF. But all band/all mode was desirable. Smaller form factor was important. And to me, the 991A felt a good bit "tougher" for travel and field use. I also wanted the 2m & 70cm. (local comms are pretty important to me). I've had no issues with it yet. I have a few items I'd like improved in future models, naturally ... but ultimately my signal gets through, and I hear the distant end well. I constantly get great reports on it from thousands of miles away. THE BANDS ARE NOT DEAD! I'm a new ham - especially to hf - and I make contacts easily! I will probably get a 7300 for home use eventually and use the 991A for everything else. I think they're both great, and I really don't think you can go wrong with either one. If you want 2m & 70cm in the rig, it's a simple choice. If you don't care ... you have some more consideration to do.

Excellent video. Thanks. I would have liked to have seen how the “Record” function was used and the SD card on the Icom. Both great radios

I'm a over the road truck driver had a FT891 and screwdriver antenna with a ALS 500 amp I sold the FT891 now looking for another HF rig in the rig LOL. I think I am going with the FT 991A because it has so many bands in one box I always wanted to check out some of the 2 meter repeaters around the country now I will be able to do that and more. It's like a mini base station in a mini home on wheels. I stumbled across another trucker who installed one in his truck he said it performs great in the truck seems to handle vibration and big climate changes with ease now all I got to do is figure out what 2 meter antenna to get.

My first bench radio was the Yaesu FT-847. I totally regret selling it because it was so awesome for its time. Worked a guy on UHF from Texas to Arizona via amateur ham sat, with handheld high gain antenna. Yaesu comes close to replicating the 847 with the 991, but missing all the usability of the older model. Yaesu never replicated all the functionality and usability of the 847. Miss it so much.

One thing, of course I know you aren't familiar with the yaesu 991A, but you can assign anything especially most used items to the four touch screen buttons bottom of screen for the items You claim are easier to get to on the 7300, plus the yaesu is mode specific meaning you can place different items used most for each mode in those buttons and as you change modes they change to what you assigned them. Plus you can long press those buttons for most things on the 991 to goto adjustment sertings, except the one you tried the attenuator only has one setting thats why it did t let you make a further adjustment as you attempted. Reading the manual before you compare would be advisable otherwise it really isn't a fair comparison. But all in all you did a great job except those few errors.

A VERY good review of these two fine radios Eric. I had been previously using a Yaesu FT-897D that I dearly loved, but felt it was time to update/upgrade. I was torn between the FT-991A and the IC-7300 and racked my brains for a couple of weeks trying to decide which one to get. After watching your review a while back of the IC-7300, and since at the time the FT-991A was $200 more, I thought I'd give the IC-7300 a try and bought one. What an awesome radio! But on the other hand I really miss the smaller sized "Shack-in-a-Box" convenience of my former FT-897D making me wonder if I should have gone with the FT-991A. The FT-991A is now only $1069.95 at GigaParts and I am seriously considering a switch to it. I personally like the smaller size and not needing a separate radio for VHF/UHF that I seldom talk on, but like to monitor, as I have limited desk space. The IC-7300 seems to have a nicer scope and is a bit easier to navigate, but my world doesn't revolve around a technicolor screen. I really do not need both the IC-7300 and the FT-991A so, now I am right back where I started....which radio to have??? Lol!

Nice comparison! I don't have the FT-991 but I do have its older incarnation FT-897D which I like mainly for the excellent performance on VHF/UHF CW and SSB, and I have the "simplified version " ( minus colour display and VHF/UHF) of the '991 - the FT-891 which I bought for my portable work in the parks since it's the smallest 100W HF radio on the market and it demonstrates surprisingly good reception, mainly due to the wise combination of both analogue and digital signal processing. I believe the same reliable designe is applied for the FT-991 too. I do own an IC-7300 for more than a year. The main reason I bought it was... pure curiosity! Because it was a first pure , fully SDR rig made by a major manufacturer. I think it is important to stress: the '7300 is of TOTALLY different design, totally new Software Defined Radio technology. The only analogue part in it is probably the laoudspeaker and the tuning knob :). Is it important if you only want to make a QSO? Probably not, any radio will do if you don't care about the technology and progress :). It's like with cars: it is very hard to compare the gasoline engine and the fully electrical car. Yes, both may bring you from point A to B, but there is no way of comparing which engine is better. They're just different. Knowing these differencies may be an argument while making a purchasing decision. The same with radios IMHO. I have tried the IC-7300 in the field portable work by the way. The impressions are generally good, but it's not my favourite portable rig. There is a short video on my channel explaining why. But I love using this radio for my digital modes due to its simple one-cable connectivity to the PC. 73! Linas LY2H

Yaesu has its place in HAM radio, but in this case it’s the IC-7300 all the way. It has been said that the 7300 was designed to do one thing very well, rather than the 991 which does many things average. I have the 7300 for HF and I will be picking up the 9700 for UHF/VHF. Definitely the more expensive route to go, but also worth it in my opinion.

great video. I'm hoping for a 7300 in my future only thing stopping me is money lol. As for the bands being dead with my Yaesu ft-857 d and a g5rv junior I make regular contacts to Europe and South America from South Carolina. I am in search of a better antenna so any suggestions would be appreciated space is limited to a small backyard.

good job Erick nice video you the best 73

Thank you for this practical comparison. The 991a seems better for my needs but the Icom is easier and faster, however, I'm not in a hurry, it's supposed to be a relaxing hobby for me. There is no perfect radio but for a base station, I'm looking at the 991a. Cheers. ;)

I just purchased the 7300 this past weekend and after watching this video I am glad that I did.

Great comparison.

Considering the FT991A as a more RV friendly rig rather than my current IC7300/9700 combo which is in my opinion a nicer outfit, but way too big to travel with.... Nice to have 2m/70cm built in rather than a 2nd rig.

So i had to buy both after watching this :) Cheers 73's

Just ordered the 7300

Thank You

I`ve had both and i have to say the Icom 7300 is a dream to use. Its just so pleasant. I found the ft991A menus a bit clunky in comparison and the band scope slow and UN-informing.

I have had both brands and I have liked both. I am a little more interested in the 991A as I plan to be mobile for the majority of the time and the 7300 is less able for that method. The 2 and 440 make the biggest difference in that respect as ti is easier to have everything in one unit in a mobile system. I am still using a 706 II G in the motorhome as it is a great workhorse and I would keep that up if it had the digital ability that is needed for some of the 10meter, 2 meter and 440 repeaters.

I'm more confused now :-) I was partial to the Yaesu FT991A because of the VHF/UHF capability for about a hundred more. However I like the display quality and the overall simpler user interface of the Icom 7300. Turning through over 100 menu choices with a knob just doesn't set with me well. I thought I had my mind "made up" but now I'm swaying toward the Icom and just getting a separate VHF/UHF rig to go with it.

Good video, before you send back the 991 will you do a comparison with your 7100, please. I’m in the market for a new rig but want to get into VHF/UHF SSB and HF and having been comparing these 2 radios a lot. Keep up the good work, KC5SOZ and KI5EMR.

HI folks. not to correct you Eric but the reason why the rigs wont tune is because there is not tuner attached to them that built in tuner is designed to work with a external unit so if there is a mismatch it wont blow your rig while using a different tuner! PS i hope you still do the nets on 078A I'll catch you on there sometime. 73's to all and to all a good day. DE Eric in VT.

I like the 991A for its 2M SSB/CW. The HF side is pretty good itself too but if you love week signal work : )

I am lucky I own both. I sold my Kenwood 2000 for the 981a money. I Sold my tentec for the 7300 money. Both are awesome I use both. Best shack I have had in My +50 years on the air. Shack looks great with both side by side. I'm very lucky. :-)

Thanks, great video. Which would be the best for CAT control? Especially interested in CommCat.

I just reviewed this video again after many times and just realized there is no mention of the ICOM's 4 pin power adapter to let's say an LDG Autotuner VS the FT 991A's lack thereof. So I assume a separate DC power supply cable to an external tuner with an accessory cable or stereo jack between tuner and radio would do it?

For the benefit of those not in the US: 3:30 - 23.5 cm, 22.9 cm, 25.4 cm, 23.5 cm. 4:12 - 10.9 cm, 8.9 cm.

I went w the 7300. Easier menu and bigger touch screen. Better scope. I use a more "mobile" radio for V/U. Both are nice. I got a 7300 and a separate V/U radio for the price of the 991A. Also a better built-in tuner on ICOMs.

Regarding the 7300 -- Can you utilize the SSB voice audio monitor (while wearing headphones) all the time? There won't be any overheating issues, etc.....correct?

I already own a Yaesu FTM-100D 2 meter/70 cm with C4FM digital I don't see much point in buying another radio that has that feature and you showed how much bigger and easier to understand the 7300's screen and menus are. I just want a better radio than my old Kenwood TS-450 that has a dead internal tuner and is noisy, but hey, it gets out. I'm not legally vision impaired but I am a bit near sighted such that I need a set of computer glasses and I take them off to see close up and a different set for driving. So the bigger, easier to use screen clinches it for me. ICOM, here I come.

Finally I get 2 of them. FT991 should never been compare with IC7300. IC7300 is totally different level and much more advanced than FT991a. 991 has a lot of issue like ATU increase instead of decrease SWR, end transistor will die soon ol later as drain current is wrongly set up, VERY COMPLICATED MENU!!!, Touch screen is used ONLY on the bottom part - just for button, DSP is doing good job but sounds like at submarine. When I bought IC7300 (I heve never Icom except IC R20) I startet to use it imedietly withour reading manual. Menu is like at Android - very easy to operate, very intuitive. You do not need to run thru 120 menu poitns (991). It could be strange but I like more FT857 to go thru menu and set up than 991. DSP is great at IC and knobs are availabe at the control panel - not at Yeasu menu. In terms of waterfal, screen set up - it waste time to describe how IC7300 is great and 991 is dramatic. If you need 2m/70cm buy another radio for those bands but for HF - ONLY IC7300. On top with FW update you are getting new functionality of the IC7300 which is not possible for traditional TRX.

I have used both of these radios. The Yaesu is about the most UNfriendly radio I have ever come across and the manual isn't much help either*. The Icom is easy to drive, there is a basic manual for getting going and a great advanced manual if you want something unusual. The Icom display has most everything you need to know at a glance but the Yaesu just has the minimum. However the Yaesu does 2m and 70cm, also C4FM - the Icom doesn't. * Try finding what the 'DT GAIN' setting does - the manual tells you where it is but not what it's for!

If the ICOM had 2 meter/70 cm it would be the perfect radio..... I still have to go with it, just because of the interface. It feels more intuitive for a newer HAM and more "current". The Yaesu display feels like a 1990's style menu structure, less like a modern Smart Phone.

HEY ERIC, THIS IS N3NDX..THOSE ARE TWO GREAT UNITS.. I LIKE THEM BOTH.. I HAVE THEM BOTH.....GREAT RIGS.....02-25-2020.....

I have seen them by people at home and in the field. Overal the icom is the better radio!!!!,......BUT! If you want to use one of these radio's at fielddays and JOTA, i would absolutely go for the Yaesu. The Strong signal handling of the Icom is Not all that great. I love both radio's equal. If i need a HF radio for at home or in an RV not realy close to other hams i would defnetly go for the Icom. If i need a radio for gatherings, meetings, fielddays, ARES, JOTA and so on, i would defnedly go for the Yausu. Good luck with your choice.

Sold an FT-897D to fund the IC-7300, which was a great step up. But really regret selling the 897. Found a good deal on a FT991A and have both radios. The IC-7300 absolutely blows the 991A away with it's spectrum scope, but the 991A is great for portable and doing VHF/UHF SSB work and is a great replacement for the 897D. When you have them both, it is a really nice combination!

I like both Radios. In fact, I have one of each. I use the IC7300 for my Base Station at home with a separate VHF/UHF for local repeater activity (TYT TH-7800). Overall, I prefer the ease use of the IC7300 and like the scope better. On the other hand, I bought the FT-991A specifically for the Shack in the Box. It serves as my portable that goes with me in the RV when I camp or travel and a backup for the base if ever needed (it resides in the Pelican box to grab and go as needed). I love it for that and I have all sorts of capabilities with it and the spectrum scope is plenty adequate. They are both awesome radios and I make contacts all over the world on both. You cannot go wrong with either. If I were more into the VHF/UHF modes and I could only have one radio, I'd probably lean more towards the FT-991A as the base, but I like having the separate VHF/UHF for crossbanding with my HT and for monitoring local activity while I am working HF on the IC-7300. At the end of the day, the IC7300 is overall easier to use in my opinion, but that is not a deal breaker by any means. It is all about what you want an need out of the radio. They are indeed different radios each with their own merits. 73's KE4EVL

I've not bought or used either yet, but as I've passed General last week, getting into HF would be nice with either of these. Eric always has great videos explaining the differences. And for myself, while I like the pluses that were pointed out on the ICOM 7300, I am willing to choose the FT-991A over the 7300 as the one I'm saving for and looking to see what shows on used. Why? For the shack in the box aspect, all mode from HF up to VHF 2 Meter and UHF 70cm in one box.