RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female) vs Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)
Our pick
Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)$9.99
The Retevis RHD-771 is the clear winner here. Despite costing half the price, it delivers better performance where it matters most: UHF, where it reaches near 5/8 wave electrical length versus the NA-701's quarter wave. This translates to roughly 2 dB of real-world gain advantage on 435 MHz, a meaningful difference for handheld work.
The single most important differentiator is electrical length on UHF. The RHD-771's 391 mm design edges closer to optimal 5/8 wave performance, while the shorter NA-701 falls short at quarter wave. On VHF both antennas are electrically short and compromised, but this band is secondary for most handheld operators.
The NA-701 makes sense only if you need a genuinely compact antenna where 203 mm is the deciding factor. Buy the RHD-771 if you want the best balance of cost, size, and practical UHF performance from a single antenna.
The Retevis RHD-771 is the antenna to buy. It costs less, performs better on UHF, and scores higher. Unless portability demands the smallest possible package, there's no reason to choose the NA-701.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious operator upgrading from stock
It offers superior performance and range for a significantly lower price point.
RHD-771Operator prioritizing compact size and portability
Its shorter length makes it ideal for everyday carry or pocket radios.
NA-701Ham radio enthusiast needing maximum range/performance
The longer whip provides a better effective electrical length and greater signal reach.
RHD-771Operator running multiple radios on a strict budget
Its low cost makes it the best value for equipping several devices.
RHD-771User needing a good balance of size and capability
It balances decent performance with manageable physical dimensions for general use.
NA-701
Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female)
- 7.4 in shorter to carry (203 mm vs 391 mm)
Reasons to choose Retevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)
- 47% cheaper ($9.99 vs $18.98)
- Stronger on VHF (-1.0 dBi vs -3.6 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Stronger on UHF (2.9 dBi vs 0.8 dBi at 435 MHz)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female)
$18.98 on AmazonRetevis RHD-771 (SMA-Female)PICK
$9.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

