Now it’s time to look at radios! And there are a ton of things to consider. There are lists of features and use cases.I will break this down into 2 sections: VHF/UHF radios and HF radios. I will also try to give a few recommendations like this:
New Radio $$$
New Radio $$
New Radio $

This is not an exhaustive list of all radios, just some that may fit your needs/wants.

First, define what features are important to you. I will give a few tips, but there are many other features that I may not include.

For VHF/UHF radios, here is a list of important features
Large memory bank (200 repeaters or memories) – This is especially important for hams in urban areas with many repeaters (Such as PDX)
Programmable via USB/Computer or easy to program via the buttons
Dual band is preferred, but not required.

VHF/UHF Handheld Radio (No Digital) – Local comms, up to 30 miles with repeaters. Range limited by antenna and power.

ICOM 50A $500 ($$$)
This is a very nice analog + D-STAR radio. Waterproof, can charge with USB-C. Can receive airband, FM broadcast, and weather radio.

Anytone AT-D168-UV $120-$150 ($$)
This DMR radio is built like a tank, and it can be used on regular analog repeaters and U/V split memories (for working satellites). It is the little brother to the very popular 868UVII. The only differences are the absence of Bluetooth and GPS.
It is not the easiest radio to set up, but it offers many features not available in other handheld radios.

Yeasu FT-60R $150 ($$)
This is not a new design radio, but it is a tried and tested model. Built very well. You may also want to consider the FT-4XR, FT-65R or FT-70DR. All 3 of these are between $100 to $200.

Baofeng, or other Chinese Radio $20-$50 ($)
These can vary in price from $25 to $75. The Baofeng UV5R is extremely popular because of its low price point. The radios are tough, and even if you break them, they are cheap to replace. Easy to find on Amazon with 2-day shipping. There are some spectral purity concerns, and they may fail before an ICOM, Yaesu, or Kenwood, but most new hams start with this as their first radio. And for $25, it works well enough.

If you plan on looking at used handheld radios, just remember that the batteries may need to be replaced and that programming cables and chargers may not be included.

VHF/UHF Digital Radio (DMR, D-STAR, WiresX/C4FM) Local Comms + regional + Worldwide talkgroups

Anytone 878

BTech DMR-6X2

VHF/UHF Mobile/Base Station Radio Local comms, up to 30 miles with repeaters. More range than handheld.

ICOM IC-2730 (A or B) $350
I personally own one of these radios. Very nice 50W radio with a loudspeaker. Has dual watch/receive and fast scan. I am able to hit the W7OTV repeater while at Stubb Stewart State Park (60 miles). The screen is very easy to see, and it is easy to navigate and use. My only complaint: It doesn’t come with mounting hardware. WHY U DIS, ICOM?

Yaesu FTM-150R $330
This is the equivalent of the ICOM IC-2730, just made by Yaesu. It does come with mounting hardware and accessories.

Anytone AT-578UVIII Pro $400
Full duplex triband radio with DMR, APRS; that’s a lot of features! If this radio is anything like their handhelds, setting up may be a pain and may have a steep learning curve.
CONS: gets hot while transmitting, no detachable faceplate

ICOM IC-9700 $2,200
This is not a mobile radio, but I needed to add a premium radio to this section. The 9700 is the VHF/UHF version of the ICOM IC-7300. It can do FM, SSB, AM, D-Star, RTTY/digital, and CW – most of the radios above only do FM. While it can use repeaters like those above, this has many more features.

New HF Base Station Radio
For HF radios, it is important to pick a modern solid state radio. Computer interfacing is nice for logging, but is nesecary for working digital modes.

ICOM IC-7300 (Not the MK2) $1000
This is one of the best-selling radios of all time – over 100,000 radios sold. It has so many advanced features and is very easy to use. 160M-6M, including 60M. I personally owned one of these, and for most daily operations, it performed flawlessly. I only sold it to get the MK2, but I think most operators would be happy with the 7300. RF direct sampling, waterfall, easy-to-use interface, and color touchscreen. The Yeasu FT-10DX is considered to have a better receiver, but it costs a few hundred dollars more. Unfortunately, the 7300 may not be offered much longer because of the release of the 7300 MK2.

Yaesu FT-710

ICOM IC-7610 $3,800
This is a serious contesting and DX radio. This is the direct upgrade to the 7300. It has a larger screen, better reciever, external port for screen, dual USB ports, 2 antenna connectors and remote operating capability.

Elecraft K4

Portable HF Radio

QRP HF radios are not recommended for beginners. Often, new users will try QRP and be disappointed by the performance. QRP operators take pride in the challenge. Just remember that more power = more power consumption on your battery.

Yaesu FT-891 $700
A very popular 100-watt radio that is small enough to be portable. Popular with POTA operators.

Elecraft KX2 $1,200 Base Model / KX3 1,700 Base Model
These are both popular 10-watt models for portable operation, especially with CW operators. There are many extra modules and upgrades. They are a premium brand, and their quality is sought after by

Xiegu G90
Very popular 20-watt budget radio. A bit

ICOM IC-705 $1,400
ICOM had so much success with the 7300 that they made it QRP and added a bunch of features. It is all band (160-10+6+2+70) all-mode radio.

New All-in-One Radio (Shack in a Box)
These radios usually cost more than the other radios, but it allows you the option of any mode on any band. They are like a swiss army knife – very handy and capable, but not the best at any 1 catagory.
Icom IC-7100 $1,100
An older mobile ICOM model that has been discontinued, and ICOM has not released a new model.

Yaesu FT-991
Very popular

Some places you can buy these radios:
Ham Radio Outlet
GigaParts
DXengineering