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RadioRanked

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

ABBREE AR-30W vs Retevis RT85

Our pick

Retevis RT85$49.99

$49.99 on Amazon

The Retevis RT85 is the clear winner for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner feedback: the RT85 costs $40 versus $100 for the AR-30W, while owners report a higher rating (4.5 out of 5 from 270 reviews versus 4.0 out of 5 from 7 reviews). The RT85 also offers CHIRP programming support and a specified 5W transmit power, whereas the AR-30W's transmit power is unknown. The AR-30W includes GPS, which the RT85 lacks, but this single feature does not justify the $60 premium given the price difference and stronger owner feedback on the RT85.

The RT85 is the better choice for budget-conscious operators who want a straightforward handheld with solid reported user satisfaction and known specifications. The AR-30W makes sense only if GPS capability is essential to your use case and you are willing to pay significantly more for an unproven product with limited owner data.

Buy the Retevis RT85 unless GPS is a must-have feature for your radio work.

Runner-up
ABBREE AR-30W
ABBREE AR-30W

$86.96

$86.96 on Amazon
See full review and specs
Winner
Retevis RT85
Retevis RT85

$49.99

$49.99 on Amazon
See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    Costs less and its beginner-friendly setup suits someone just starting out on a limited budget.

    Retevis RT85

  • Vehicle installation for RV or truck

    Its GPS feature and larger 500-channel memory suit mobile setups with many stored frequencies.

    ABBREE AR-30W

  • Coordinated net operations and emergency communications

    The 500-channel memory suits managing larger channel lists during coordinated net operations.

    ABBREE AR-30W

  • Local repeater users needing more transmit power

    Its 5W transmit power is specified for reaching local repeaters in the field.

    Retevis RT85

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 RT85

  • 43% cheaper ($49.99 vs $86.96)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

ABBREE AR-30WSpecRetevis RT85
$86.96
Price
$49.99
52
Overall Score
64
+23% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
500
Memory Channels
200
2.5× difference
—
Weight
227g
Color LCD
Display
LCD
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
AR-7600
Model Number
FA9195AX2
1XRadio
Built-In Media
2 x Retevis RT85 two-way radio, 2 x battery, 2 x antenna, 2 x charger, 2 x user manual, 2 x sling
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
Radio
Dual PTT, Long Range, NOAA, VOX
Additional Features
LCD display, dual band and dual display
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
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

ABBREE AR-30W

$86.96 on Amazon

Retevis RT85PICK

$49.99 on Amazon

More head-to-heads

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