RadioRanked verdict
Updated Jul 2026AnyTone AT-D878UV vs Y23UV-98PLUS
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D878UV$249.99
The AnyTone AT-D878UV is the clear winner for serious amateur radio users, despite its higher price point. The single most important differentiator is DMR capability, which the AT-D878UV provides while the Y23UV-98PLUS lacks entirely. DMR has become increasingly prevalent in amateur radio networks, making this feature crucial for future-proofing your investment.
The AT-D878UV suits operators who want comprehensive digital mode support and don't mind paying for quality construction and reliability. The Y23UV-98PLUS appeals to budget-conscious beginners or those exclusively using analog FM and APRS, since its higher transmit power offers some compensation for missing DMR.
However, the Y23UV-98PLUS's unknown weight raises reliability concerns, and the 11-point overall score gap reflects real differences in build quality and feature maturity. The AT-D878UV's superior score, documented weight, and inclusion of DMR make it the safer long-term choice for most operators. If your budget is genuinely restricted to under 100 dollars, the Y23UV-98PLUS works, but saving an extra 165 dollars for the AnyTone delivers substantially better value.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Advanced enthusiast needing DMR and APRS
The AT-D878UV offers superior feature count and DMR support for advanced operations.
AT-D878UVFirst-time licensee on a tight budget
The Y23UV-98PLUS provides essential APRS and GPS features at a significantly lower cost.
Y23UV-98PLUSPortable field use and camping operations
Its lower price point and focus on basic portability make it ideal for field use.
Y23UV-98PLUSOperator requiring maximum digital features
The AT-D878UV supports multiple digital modes, including DMR, for diverse communication needs.
AT-D878UVBudget-conscious user needing basic tracking
It delivers necessary APRS and GPS tracking functionality without the high price tag.
Y23UV-98PLUSExperienced operator upgrading from basic radio
The advanced feature set and high channel count provide a substantial upgrade experience.
AT-D878UV
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D878UV
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,024)
- 29% more battery (3100 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has Bluetooth
- IP54 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS
- 61% cheaper ($96.85 vs $249.99)
- 43% more TX power (10W vs 7W)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D878UVPICK
$249.99 on AmazonY23UV-98PLUS
$96.85 on AmazonKeep researching
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