RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus vs Retevis A3
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus$249.99
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is the clear winner for anyone serious about digital radio.
The most important differentiator is feature set. The AT-D878UVII Plus supports DMR, APRS, and GPS, making it a versatile digital platform that future-proofs your investment. The Retevis A3 is a bare-bones analog radio with no digital capabilities whatsoever. This isn't a minor difference—it's the gap between a modern radio and yesterday's technology.
The AT-D878UVII Plus costs $250 versus $108 for the A3, but you're getting substantially more radio. Both weigh around 280g, so portability is comparable. The AT-D878UVII Plus's 7W transmit power and overall score of 83 reflect a capable, well-engineered device. The A3's 27/100 score tells you everything about its limitations.
The Retevis A3 makes sense only if you need the absolute cheapest entry into analog FM and budget is your only concern. The AT-D878UVII Plus should be your choice if you want a radio that works today and remains relevant as digital modes expand in the amateur community.
Buy the AnyTone. The extra investment pays dividends immediately through capability and longevity.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensed technician
It costs less and covers VHF, UHF, and 6m with the simple analog operation a new licensee needs.
A3NOAA weather monitoring and local repeater use
Its basic VHF and UHF coverage handles NOAA weather channels and analog repeater access without extra complexity.
A3Budget experimenter testing multi-band operation
It offers 6m coverage at a lower cost, suiting hobbyists who want to explore bands without a large outlay.
A3Intermediate DMR operator on talk groups
It supports DMR with 4000 channels and a higher feature score for talk group work.
AT-D878UVII PlusField survey operator needing GPS and APRS
Built-in GPS and APRS support make it the better choice for location-based field work.
AT-D878UVII PlusPortable operator wanting weight and ruggedness
It runs 7W with an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which suits outdoor portable use.
AT-D878UVII Plus
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- 24% more battery (3100 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
- 6g lighter (280g vs 286g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 56% cheaper ($109.99 vs $249.99)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D878UVII PlusPICK
$249.99 on AmazonRetevis A3
$109.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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