TopTenPick

As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.

The FT-857D’s 8-pin mini-DIN tuner port makes automatic tuner integration straightforward, so most owners choose between Yaesu’s own matched tuner or a third-party auto-tuner with broader antenna memory. All the options below cover the FT-857D’s 1.8–54 MHz range.

Pick 01 of 03

Yaesu FC-40 Automatic Antenna Tuner

Yaesu’s own tuner, directly controlled by the FT-857D transceiver for the simplest possible integration.

• Direct transceiver control
• 1.8–54 MHz frequency range
• 100W max power
• 50 Ohm impedance

Pros

• Simplest setup since it’s designed specifically for Yaesu radios
• No separate control cable configuration needed
• Reliable OEM compatibility

Cons

• Less flexible antenna memory than some third-party options
• Locked into the Yaesu ecosystem if you switch radios later

Price: $150–$200

Check price on AmazonCheck price on eBay

Pick 02 of 03

MFJ-939Y Compact IntelliTuner

A plug-and-play 200W autotuner built specifically for Yaesu radios including the FT-857D, with an extensive antenna memory system.

• 1.8–30 MHz, 2–200W SSB/CW
• Matches 6–1600 Ohms (SWR up to 32:1)
• 20,000-memory learning system
• 8 antenna memory banks of 2,500 memories each

Pros

• Higher power handling than the Yaesu FC-40 (200W vs 100W)
• Extensive memory system speeds up retuning on known bands
• Plug-and-play cable specifically made for Yaesu radios

Cons

• Bulkier than the FC-40
• Made in USA pricing reflects the build quality premium

Price: $180–$230

Check price on Amazon

Pick 03 of 03

LDG PRO II Automatic Antenna Tuner

A carrier-detecting auto-tuner that starts tuning as soon as it senses RF, a straightforward alternative to the Yaesu and MFJ options.

• Carrier-detect auto-tuning
• Wide frequency coverage
• Compatible with FT-857D via appropriate interface cable

Pros

• Simple carrier-detect operation — no manual tune button needed on most modes
• Well-regarded alternative brand in the auto-tuner space
• Competitive pricing versus MFJ

Cons

• Requires selecting AM/FM or keying up on SSB to trigger tuning
• May need a separate interface cable depending on exact model

Price: $150–$200

Check price on AmazonCheck price on eBay

Buying tips

• Confirm your tuner’s power rating covers your actual output — the FC-40 caps at 100W while the MFJ-939Y handles up to 200W, which matters if you ever run higher power.
• Some FT-857D operators report that a properly tuned (not just auto-tuner-matched) antenna, like a screwdriver antenna, outperforms any tuner paired with a short whip, especially on 80 and 40 meters — a tuner compensates for mismatch, it doesn’t replace a good antenna.
• Check which interface cable ships with your specific tuner model — Yaesu’s 8-pin mini-DIN tuner port needs the correct cable for full automatic control.

As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.