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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

KSUN HF123D vs Retevis RA79

Our pick

Retevis RA79$34.99

The Retevis RA79 is the clear winner here. Both radios share identical feature sets on paper—neither offers DMR, APRS, or GPS—but the RA79 edges ahead with CHIRP compatibility for easier programming. More importantly, the price difference is substantial. At $35 versus $56, the RA79 costs $21 less while delivering better specified value for money, reflected in RadioRanked's score of 60 versus 31.

The single most important differentiator is owner feedback. The RA79 has 278 Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars, while the HF123D has only 13 reviews at 3.4 stars. That's a significant gap in buyer satisfaction and sample size. We lack TX power figures for both radios, and the HF123D's weight is unlisted, so we cannot claim either radio is superior in those areas.

Buy the Retevis RA79 if you want the better documented value and broader owner consensus. Consider the KSUN HF123D only if its unknown specs happen to suit your specific needs in ways the RA79 cannot.

Go with the Retevis RA79. The combination of lower price, CHIRP support, and substantially stronger owner ratings makes it the logical choice for most buyers.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner testing ham radio interest

    Its focus on basic analog VHF/UHF makes it ideal for learning local repeater operation.

    HF123D
  • Budget-conscious hams exploring multiple bands

    The lower price point and multi-band capability offer excellent value for general use.

    RA79
  • Portable field use and general communication

    Higher value and multi-band receive capabilities make it better for diverse outdoor operations.

    RA79
  • Learning basic local repeater operation

    The radio is specifically designed and optimized for new technicians learning basic analog systems.

    HF123D
  • New amateur radio operators needing multi-band receive

    The RA79 offers more channels and multi-band receive features crucial for exploration.

    RA79

Reasons to choose KSUN HF123D

  • 5x more memory channels (960 vs 200)
  • 186% more battery (4000 mAh vs 1400 mAh)

Reasons to choose Retevis RA79

  • 37% cheaper ($34.99 vs $55.80)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

KSUN HF123DSpecRetevis RA79
$55.80
Price
$34.99
31
Overall Score
60
+92% for winner
960
Memory Channels
200
4.8× difference
—
Weight
225g
4000 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
2.9× difference
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
3.7 Volts (DC)
Voltage
7.4 Volts (DC)
UHF
Tuner Type
[POSSIBLY] Digital
KSUN-HF123D
Model Number
RA79
Antenna
Built-In Media
1 x USB Desktop Charger, 1x RA79 Radio Body & Antenna, Battery, Belt Clip, User Manual
CB, HF, SSB, AM
Frequency Range
Dual Band
Two-way radios (CB, HF, SSB, AM frequencies), Headsets, Earpieces
Compatible Devices
[Wide range of CHIRP-compatible devices]
Noise Reduction
Additional Features
Emergency Alarm, Frequency copy, Lightweight, Long Range, Weather Alert
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

KSUN HF123D

$55.80 on Amazon

Retevis RA79PICK

$34.99 on Amazon

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