RadioRanked verdict
Updated Sep 2026AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus vs Retevis RA89
Our pick
AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus$249.99
# AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus vs. Retevis RA89
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is the clear winner for anyone serious about amateur radio, though the choice depends on your budget and needs.
The single most important differentiator is feature set. The AnyTone offers DMR digital mode, APRS positioning, GPS capability, and CHIRP compatibility, making it a modern multimode radio. The Retevis RA89 is a basic FM-only radio that supports CHIRP but lacks all digital features. The AnyTone's 7W output also gives it better range and performance than the RA89's unspecified power level.
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus suits operators who need digital mode capability, want to experiment with APRS, or plan to use advanced features that justify the investment. The Retevis RA89 makes sense only for budget-conscious beginners who want basic FM simplex communication without digital aspirations.
Despite the significant price gap, the AnyTone's 83 overall score versus the RA89's 53 reflects genuine capability differences. For most operators, spending the extra money on the AnyTone pays dividends in versatility and future-proofing. Only choose the RA89 if your budget is extremely tight and you're certain you'll never need digital modes.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Advanced operator needing DMR and GPS features
Its advanced feature set, including DMR and GPS, makes it ideal for complex operations.
AT-D878UVII PlusBeginner learning basic radio operation on a budget
The lower price point and simple features make it an excellent entry-level choice.
Retevis RA89Emergency services or ARES/RACES field deployments
Its IP68 rating and robust build are perfect for harsh, adverse weather conditions.
Retevis RA89Intermediate operator upgrading from basic analog radios
The ability to use DMR mode and higher power output provides significant operational upgrades.
AT-D878UVII PlusPortable operator needing high capacity and multiple modes
With 4000 channels and DMR support, it handles diverse mission requirements easily.
AT-D878UVII PlusStrictly budget-constrained first-time radio licensee
It offers essential VHF/UHF functionality at a significantly lower cost than competitors.
Retevis RA89
Reasons to choose AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus
- 20x more memory channels (4,000 vs 200)
- 24% more battery (3100 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
- 15g lighter (280g vs 295g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis RA89
- 70% cheaper ($74.99 vs $249.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
AnyTone AT-D878UVII PlusPICK
$249.99 on AmazonRetevis RA89
$74.99 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads