Icom IC-A25C vs. IC-A25N: COM-Only or NAV/COM Handheld
Same radio, two differences: navigation and Bluetooth. The IC-A25C is COM only, the IC-A25N adds VOR, GPS with flight plans and Bluetooth. Here is what both share and which one suits you.
In this guide
The Icom IC-A25C and IC-A25N are the same handheld airband radio. The differences are navigation and Bluetooth. The IC-A25C is the COM-only version: it transmits and receives on the 118.000–136.992 MHz COM band. The IC-A25N adds NAV receive from 108.000 MHz, VOR navigation, built-in GPS with Direct-To and flight plans, and Bluetooth for headsets. If you want the handheld as a backup for navigation as well as for talking to ATC, get the IC-A25N. If you only need a backup COM radio, the IC-A25C does that job.
IC-A25C and IC-A25N side by side
| Spec | IC-A25C | IC-A25N |
|---|---|---|
| Receive | 118.000–136.992 MHz (COM) | 108.000–136.992 MHz (NAV and COM) |
| Transmit | 118.000–136.992 MHz | 118.000–136.992 MHz |
| VOR navigation | No | Yes: CDI, OBS, TO-FROM indicator |
| GPS | No | Yes: Direct-To, 10 flight plans, 300 waypoints |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes: headsets and flight plan import |
| Duplex (call FSS while on a VOR frequency) | No | Yes |
| Output power | 6.0 W PEP, 1.8 W carrier | 6.0 W PEP, 1.8 W carrier |
| Channel spacing | 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz | 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz |
| Memory channels | 300 | 300 |
| Weather receive (USA version) | 161.650–163.275 MHz | 161.650–163.275 MHz |
| Battery | BP-288 Li-ion, 2,350 mAh | BP-288 Li-ion, 2,350 mAh |
| Ingress rating | IP57 | IP57 |
| Weight with antenna and battery | 13.6 oz (384 g) | 13.6 oz (384 g) |
What the IC-A25N adds
- VOR. Tune a NAV frequency and the IC-A25N shows a course deviation indicator. Icom lists an Omni Bearing Selector, a TO-FROM indicator and ABSS, which sets the bearing to the station automatically.
- GPS. The built-in receiver also uses GLONASS and SBAS. It runs Direct-To and Flight Plan navigation, stores 10 flight plans and 300 waypoints, and can search for nearby ground stations saved in its memories.
- Bluetooth. You can pair a Bluetooth headset or Icom's optional VS-3. Icom has checked push-to-talk with some 3M Peltor headsets but doesn't guarantee compatibility. Flight plans made in Icom's RS-AERO1A (Android) or RS-AERO1I (iOS) app import over Bluetooth.
- Duplex. You can call a flight service station while receiving a VOR frequency.
Warning Some listings for the IC-A25C mention Bluetooth. Icom's manual marks Bluetooth, VOR and waypoint navigation as features of the IC-A25N only. If you need a wireless headset, buy the IC-A25N.
What both versions share
Apart from navigation, Bluetooth and the duplex function, the two are the same. Both transmit with 6.0 W PEP (1.8 W carrier), work with 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing and store 300 memory channels. Both have a 121.5 MHz emergency key, flip-flop recall of the last 10 channels, priority watch and weather channel receive on the USA version. The 2.3 in. LCD has a night mode.
Both are rated IP57: dust-protected and waterproof to 1 m for 30 minutes. They run on the same BP-288 Li-ion battery, rated up to 10.5 hours at a 5:5:90 transmit, receive and standby cycle with Bluetooth off (the manual says about 10 hours). The operating temperature range is −10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F).
Tip A wired aviation headset connects through the headset adapter. If you need a separate PTT switch, you supply it, with a 3.5 mm (1/8 in.) plug. Icom notes that some headsets need an extra adapter, so check yours before the flight.
Battery, charger and accessories
Icom's product page lists these supplied accessories: the FA-B02AR antenna, the MB-133 belt clip, a hand strap, the BP-288 battery pack, the OPC-2379 headset adapter, the BP-289 case for 6 AA alkaline cells and the BC-224 rapid charger with its AC adapter. The BC-224 charges the BP-288 in about 3 hours. Icom marks the BP-289 case, the AC adapter and the headset adapter as not supplied or different depending on the version, so check the product page for what's in our box.
Optional extras in Icom's basic manual include the CP-20 cigarette lighter cable for external power, the BC-167S adapter for charging through the radio's DC jack, the HM-231 hand microphone and the VS-3 Bluetooth headset, which works on the IC-A25N only.
Picking one
- A backup COM radio for talking to ATC and listening to weather: the Icom IC-A25C.
- A backup that also navigates by VOR and GPS, or works with a Bluetooth headset: the Icom IC-A25N.
More radios and headsets are in Radios & Hearing Protection.
FAQ
What battery does the Icom A25N use?
The IC-A25N and IC-A25C use the BP-288 Li-ion pack, rated 7.2 V and 2,350 mAh. Icom rates it up to 10.5 hours at a 5:5:90 transmit, receive and standby cycle with Bluetooth off (the manual says about 10 hours). The BP-289 case takes 6 AA alkaline cells instead.
How do you charge the Icom A25N?
Turn the radio off and put it, with its BP-288 battery, or the battery on its own, in the supplied BC-224 rapid charger. A full charge takes about 3 hours; take it out once it's charged. Icom says to charge the battery fully before first use. The optional BC-167S adapter charges the battery through the radio's DC power jack instead.
What accessories come with the Icom A25C?
Icom lists the FA-B02AR antenna, BP-288 battery, BC-224 charger with AC adapter, OPC-2379 headset adapter, BP-289 AA case, the MB-133 belt clip and a hand strap. The BP-289 case, the AC adapter and the headset adapter depend on the version.
Specifications come from Icom's documents: the IC-A25N/IC-A25C product page and the IC-A25N/IC-A25C basic and full instruction manuals.