Icom IC-2730A vs Retevis RT95

The Retevis RT95 is the clear winner here. Despite costing less than half the price of the Icom IC-2730A, it scores significantly higher overall and offers better value for amateur radio users.

The most important differentiator is the substantial price gap combined with the RT95's superior overall score. The Icom costs $370 but only achieves a 43/100 rating, while the Retevis delivers a 59/100 score for just $130. This represents significantly better performance per dollar spent.

The IC-2730A makes sense only for users specifically seeking its 50W transmission power or those with unique legacy system requirements that justify the premium. The Retevis RT95 should be the choice for budget-conscious operators, beginners, and anyone building a radio collection without specialized power demands.

For most amateur radio operators, the Retevis RT95 is the smarter purchase. It provides the essential features both radios share—CHIRP compatibility and dual-band capability—at a price point that won't strain your wallet. Unless you have a specific need for the Icom's higher output power, spending an extra $240 for a lower-scoring radio doesn't make sense.