RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D168UV vs Retevis RT85
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D168UV$139.99
The Retevis RT85 is the clear winner for most buyers.
Both radios share identical transmit power at 5 watts and nearly identical weight, making them functionally equivalent on paper. The decisive factor is price: the RT85 costs $40 versus the AT-D168UV's $140, a $100 difference for the same core performance. The AT-D168UV does offer DMR and APRS capabilities that the RT85 lacks, but these digital modes appeal only to operators with specific network access and use cases. For general handheld radio work, the RT85 delivers comparable specs at a quarter of the price.
Owner feedback provides additional context. The RT85 has collected 270 Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars, while the AT-D168UV shows 3.7 out of 5 from just 16 reviews. Owners report higher satisfaction with the RT85, and the larger review pool gives more confidence in that rating.
The RT85 also supports CHIRP programming, which the AT-D168UV lacks, making frequency management easier for many operators.
Buy the Retevis RT85 if you want reliable handheld performance without paying for features you won't use. Buy the AnyTone AT-D168UV only if you specifically need DMR or APRS capabilities and can justify the premium cost.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained buyer wanting a first handheld
It costs far less and still covers VHF and UHF with 5W, making it a sensible low-risk starting point.
Retevis RT85Brand-new licensee learning local repeaters
Its simpler menu and higher beginner score make it easier to learn repeater access without frustration.
Retevis RT85Operator wanting DMR and APRS capability
It supports DMR and APRS, which the Retevis RT85 does not offer, and it has a much higher features score.
AnyTone AT-D168UVHams needing large channel memory for multiple networks
Its 4000-channel memory comfortably handles multi-network programming that the 200-channel RT85 cannot hold.
AnyTone AT-D168UVBackup radio for digital net participation
Its DMR support and stronger feature set make it the better choice for digital net operation as a backup.
AnyTone AT-D168UVField user prioritizing a lightweight, simple radio
Both radios weigh nearly the same, but the RT85 offers a simpler setup and lower cost for casual field use.
Retevis RT85
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D168UV
- 20x more memory channels (4,000 vs 200)
- 7g lighter (220g vs 227g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Retevis RT85
- 64% cheaper ($49.99 vs $139.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D168UVPICK
$139.99 on AmazonRetevis RT85
$49.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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