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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

AnyTone AT-5888UV vs AnyTone AT-778UV

Our pick

AnyTone AT-778UV$124.00

The AT-778UV is the clear winner here. Despite costing half the price of the AT-5888UV, it delivers a superior overall score of 68 versus 55, indicating better real-world performance and reliability across the board.

The most important differentiator is value proposition. The AT-778UV's 25-watt output is sufficient for most mobile operations, while the AT-5888UV's 50-watt advantage doesn't justify the near-doubling of cost or its lower performance rating. Both radios share identical feature sets—no DMR, APRS, or GPS on either model, and both support CHIRP programming—so you're not sacrificing functionality by choosing the cheaper option.

The AT-5888UV makes sense only for operators who specifically need maximum RF power and have deep pockets despite its inferior score suggesting potential quality concerns. The AT-778UV should be the default choice for most users seeking a reliable, affordable dual-band mobile radio.

For most amateur radio operators, the AT-778UV represents genuinely better engineering value. It's the radio to buy unless 50 watts of power is a non-negotiable requirement for your specific use case.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Cross-band repeater or relay setups

    Its 50W power and large memory are essential for reliable long-distance links.

    AT-5888UV
  • First-time mobile rig buyers on a budget

    The significantly lower price point makes it an excellent entry-level choice.

    AT-778UV
  • ARES/Emergency operations requiring high power

    Maximum output power ensures reliable communication during critical emergency deployments.

    AT-5888UV
  • Simple second vehicle or fleet installation

    Its simplicity and lower cost are ideal when features are secondary to reliability.

    AT-778UV

Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-5888UV

  • 100% more TX power (50W vs 25W)
  • 4x more memory channels (758 vs 200)

Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-778UV

  • 48% cheaper ($124.00 vs $240.00)
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

AnyTone AT-5888UVSpecAnyTone AT-778UV
$240.00
Price
$124.00
55
Overall Score
68
+23% for winner
50.00W
TX Power (High)
25.00W
2.0× difference
758
Memory Channels
200
3.8× difference
LCD
Display
TFT Color
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
Black
color
Color LCD
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

AnyTone AT-5888UV

$240.00 on Amazon

AnyTone AT-778UVPICK

$124.00 on Amazon

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