RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)
Our pick
Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)$9.99
The Retevis RHD-771 is the clear winner for most users.
The single most important differentiator is electrical length on UHF. At 435 MHz, the RHD-771 reaches 5/8 wavelength and delivers realistic performance around 2.9 dBi, while the ABBREE AR-805S remains severely electrically short at 0.07 wavelengths with performance around negative 4.9 dBi. That's roughly a 7.8 dB disadvantage that directly translates to weaker transmitted and received signals on UHF.
The ABBREE's claim of 3 dBi gain is overstated by about 7.9 dB relative to what its physical length can support. The Retevis, by contrast, makes a conservative claim of 2.15 dBi that aligns with its actual design. Both antennas are electrically short on VHF, so neither excels there, but the Retevis is less compromised.
The ABBREE AR-805S makes sense only for users who need maximum portability and accept severe performance tradeoffs, or those operating primarily on VHF where both antennas underperform anyway. The Retevis RHD-771 suits anyone wanting genuine UHF capability on a handheld without sacrificing practicality.
Buy the Retevis RHD-771 unless pocket space is your absolute priority over performance.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Everyday carry and weight sensitive users
Its extremely compact size makes it ideal for daily, minimal gear setups.
AR-805SImproving range on a budget with VHF/UHF
It offers significantly better electrical performance and reach than the stubby option.
RHD-771Operator needing maximum portability for hiking
The minimal physical footprint ensures it adds almost no bulk to a pack.
AR-805SClub or emergency kit requiring good value
It provides superior performance for the price, making it great for multiple radios.
RHD-771First upgrade from stock rubber ducky antenna
The length and electrical properties provide a noticeable step up in signal strength.
RHD-771
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
- 30% cheaper ($6.97 vs $9.99)
- 13.4 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 391 mm)
Reasons to choose Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)
- Stronger on VHF (-1.0 dBi vs -9.0 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Stronger on UHF (2.9 dBi vs -4.9 dBi at 435 MHz)
- Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 7.9 dB)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.97 on AmazonRetevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)PICK
$9.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

