Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

ABBREE AR-30W vs Retevis RA89

Our pick

ABBREE AR-30W$86.96

The Retevis RA89 is the better choice for most buyers.

The single most important differentiator is price and owner feedback. The RA89 costs $33 less and owners report higher satisfaction: 4.5 out of 5 stars across 278 reviews versus the AR-30W's 4.0 out of 5 from only 7 reviews. The RA89 also offers CHIRP programming support and IP68 weather sealing, both practical advantages the AR-30W lacks. The AR-30W's GPS capability is its only notable feature advantage, but we lack TX power specs for both radios and weight data for the AR-30W, so a full comparison is incomplete.

Buy the Retevis RA89 if you want proven user satisfaction, better weather resistance, and programming flexibility at a lower price. Buy the ABBREE AR-30W only if GPS integration is essential to your use case and you accept buying based on minimal owner feedback.

For most operators, the RA89's stronger reported owner experience, lower cost, and practical features make it the sounder investment. The AR-30W's larger review count would help clarify whether its GPS justifies the higher price and lower rating.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee wanting an easy setup

    Its simpler layout and CHIRP programming support make it the easier first handheld to learn on.

    Retevis RA89
  • Budget-constrained buyer building a first kit

    It costs less while still covering VHF and UHF, so it fits a tight budget.

    Retevis RA89
  • Mobile user running coordinated net operations

    Its 500-channel memory and GPS suit coordinated net operations and mobile use.

    ABBREE AR-30W
  • Emergency prepper needing weather resistance

    The IP68 rating resists water and dust, making it the better pick for harsh conditions.

    Retevis RA89
  • Active operator wanting more features

    GPS and a larger 500-channel memory give it the stronger feature set for active operators.

    ABBREE AR-30W
  • Portable operator prioritizing a light carry

    At 295 grams it is a light option for field trips and backpacking activations.

    Retevis RA89

Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-30W

  • 3x more memory channels (500 vs 200)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Retevis RA89

  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • IP68 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

ABBREE AR-30WSpecRetevis RA89
$86.96
Price
—
52
Overall Score
49
+6% for winner
500
Memory Channels
200
2.5× difference
—
Weight
295g
—
Battery
2500 mAh
Color LCD
Display
LCD
—
IP Rating
IP68
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
AR-7600
Model Number
RA89
1XRadio
Built-In Media
1 x 2500mAh Li-ion Batteries, 1 x RA89 Two Way Radio, 1 x USB-C Charging Cable, Belt Clip, User Manual
Other two-way radios, headsets, and earpieces with Push-To-Talk and/or VOX functionality operating within the 136-174MHz and 400-480MHz frequency bands
Compatible Devices
Dual Band (VHF, UHF) Two-Way Radios, 2Pin K Plug Accessories
Dual PTT, Long Range, NOAA, VOX
Additional Features
Long Range, Rechargable, Noise Reduction, IP68 Waterproof, FM Radio, Type-C Charging, dual band ham radio; handheld radio; ham radio handheld; amateur radio; waterproof two way radio; walkie talkies long range
NO
Warranty Description
We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours

Made your choice?

ABBREE AR-30WPICK

$86.96 on Amazon

Retevis RA89

Search on Amazon

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons