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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

KSUN HF123D vs Retevis A3

Our pick

KSUN HF123D$55.80

The Retevis A3 is the better choice here, though neither radio offers exceptional specifications for the money.

Both radios lack published transmit power figures and share identical feature sets: no DMR, APRS, or GPS capability, and neither supports CHIRP programming. The critical differentiator is owner feedback. The A3 draws from 31 Amazon reviews reporting 3.6 out of 5 stars, while the HF123D relies on just 13 reviews at 3.4 stars. That larger sample size on the A3 gives you better confidence in what owners actually experience with the radio. The HF123D's higher overall score of 31 versus 27 reflects its lower price point rather than superior specs, since both radios list almost identical capabilities.

The HF123D makes sense only if budget is absolutely critical and you need the lowest entry price possible. The Retevis A3 deserves your money if you want more owner feedback and a slightly better-rated experience, even at double the cost.

Neither radio stands out as a strong recommendation in this category. Before committing to either, verify transmit power specifications directly with manufacturers, as this missing data significantly limits informed comparison.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner testing ham radio interest

    Its low price and simple features make it ideal for initial learning.

    HF123D
  • Budget-conscious NOAA monitoring and repeater use

    The higher channel count and better value make it superior for monitoring.

    A3
  • New technician needing basic multi-band coverage

    The increased channel count provides more flexibility for initial operations.

    A3
  • Operator prioritizing extreme portability and simplicity

    Its lightweight design and minimal features keep the focus on basic operation.

    HF123D
  • Advanced user needing more features than basic analog

    The greater channel capacity offers more utility than the simpler model.

    A3

Reasons to choose KSUN HF123D

  • 48% cheaper ($55.80 vs $107.99)
  • 60% more battery (4000 mAh vs 2500 mAh)

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 4% more memory channels (999 vs 960)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

KSUN HF123DSpecRetevis A3
$55.80
Price
$107.99
31
Overall Score
27
+15% for winner
960
Memory Channels
999
+4% for winner
—
Weight
286g
4000 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+59% for winner
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

KSUN HF123DPICK

$55.80 on Amazon

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