RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-779UV vs AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS$494.99
The AT-D578UVIII PLUS is the clear winner for serious operators, though the AT-779UV serves a specific budget-conscious niche.
The most important differentiator is feature set. The D578UVIII PLUS offers DMR digital mode, APRS tracking, and GPS capability—essential tools for modern amateur radio—while the AT-779UV is purely analog FM. This gap justifies much of the price premium, though at nearly five times the cost, the D578UVIII PLUS demands commitment.
The AT-779UV suits newcomers, casual operators, or anyone building a budget fleet where analog FM coverage suffices and CHIRP programmability reduces complexity. The AT-D578UVIII PLUS targets active digital mode users, emergency responders, and operators who need positioning data and advanced networking capability.
For most hobbyists upgrading from entry-level gear, the AT-D578UVIII PLUS delivers better long-term value despite higher upfront cost. Its higher score reflects this advantage. However, if your repeaters are purely analog and portability with simplicity matter most, the AT-779UV remains competent. Buy the D578UVIII PLUS unless you're certain analog-only operation meets your needs.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first mobile install
It costs far less and still delivers VHF and UHF operation with 500 memory channels for a first vehicle setup.
AT-779UVOperator scanning many repeater systems
Its 500-channel memory gives room to store a large list of local repeaters for scanning.
AT-779UVExperienced DMR operator building a full in-vehicle station
It adds DMR, Brandmeister and MARC talkgroup access that the other radio lacks entirely.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSAPRS user wanting GPS and digipeating in one unit
Built-in GPS and APRS support let it operate as a tracker and digipeater without extra hardware.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSTri-band operator needing 1.25-meter coverage
It covers the 1.25-meter band alongside VHF and UHF, while the other radio is limited to two bands.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSOperator needing high power for mobile range
Its 50W transmit power provides substantially more output than the 20W offered by the other radio.
AT-D578UVIII PLUS
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-779UV
- 80% cheaper ($99.00 vs $494.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS
- 150% more TX power (50W vs 20W)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-779UV
$99.00 on AmazonAnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUSPICK
$494.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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