RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS vs Retevis RT95
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS$494.99
The AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS is the clear winner for serious amateur radio operators, though it depends on your budget and operational needs.
The most important differentiator is feature depth. The AnyTone delivers DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities in a single 50-watt mobile unit, making it a comprehensive platform for modern digital modes. The Retevis RT95 is essentially an analog-only radio with CHIRP support, positioning it as a basic FM transceiver without advanced functionality.
The AnyTone suits operators who want flexibility across multiple modes, need GPS integration for mobile operations, or are invested in DMR networks. Its higher overall score reflects this capability advantage. The Retevis RT95 makes sense for budget-conscious newcomers, backup radio needs, or operators who strictly work analog FM and value simplicity over features.
At nearly 4x the price, the AnyTone demands justification, but the feature gap is substantial. If you plan to explore digital modes or need APRS capability, the AT-D578UVIII PLUS delivers significantly more value despite the higher entry cost. The RT95 works fine as an entry point, but you'll likely outgrow it quickly as your hobby develops.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time mobile buyer
Costs far less and offers a simpler setup for newcomers installing their first mobile.
Retevis RT95Experienced DMR operator on Brandmeister
Built-in DMR support and talkgroup access make it the stronger choice for digital mobile operating.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSAPRS enthusiast wanting position reporting
GPS and APRS in one unit suit an enthusiast who wants position reporting from the vehicle.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSTri-band operator needing 1.25 meters
Only this radio covers 1.25 meters alongside VHF and UHF, while the other is dual-band only.
AT-D578UVIII PLUSHome base station experimenter on a budget
Dual-band coverage at a lower cost suits home base experimentation and casual tinkering.
Retevis RT95Operator prioritizing high transmit power
Its published 50-watt output is the clear choice when power and range matter most.
AT-D578UVIII PLUS
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUS
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
Reasons to choose Retevis RT95
- 75% cheaper ($125.99 vs $494.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- Has color TFT display
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D578UVIII PLUSPICK
$494.99 on AmazonRetevis RT95
$125.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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