AnyTone AT-D168UV vs Retevis HA2

The AnyTone AT-D168UV is the clear winner here. While the Retevis HA2 costs forty dollars less, you're sacrificing meaningful capability for minimal savings at this price point.

The single most important differentiator is DMR support. The AnyTone offers full DMR digital mode capability alongside APRS, while the Retevis is limited to APRS and analog FM. For amateur radio in 2024, DMR network access represents a significant practical advantage that justifies the price premium, especially if you plan to use digital modes at all.

The AnyTone's 5-watt transmission power is also specified and measurable, whereas the Retevis leaves this critical spec unknown, which raises questions about QA and transparency. Both lack GPS and CHIRP programming support, putting them on equal footing there.

Buy the AnyTone AT-D168UV if you want digital mode flexibility and stronger network access for casual HT use. Buy the Retevis HA2 only if you're strictly an analog FM operator on a tight budget and value simplicity over capability.

We recommend the AnyTone. The forty-dollar difference is negligible relative to the feature gap, and DMR's growing presence in amateur radio makes it increasingly relevant for handheld radio selection.