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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Quansheng TK11 vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Quansheng TK11$96.99

The Quansheng TK11 is the clear winner here. Both radios share essentially identical feature sets: no digital modes, no GPS, no Bluetooth, and unknown transmit power specifications. They're also nearly identical in weight at 284g and 286g respectively. The single most important differentiator is CHIRP support. The TK11 offers CHIRP programming capability while the A3 does not, making frequency management and customization significantly easier on the TK11.

The owner ratings tell the story: the TK11 receives 4.2 out of 5 stars from 15 reviewers, while the A3 scores 3.6 out of 5 from 31 reviewers. This suggests TK11 owners are more satisfied with their purchase. Combined with the $13 price advantage and practical CHIRP support, the TK11 is the better value proposition.

Buy the Quansheng TK11 if you want easier programming, better owner satisfaction, and lower cost. Buy the Retevis A3 only if you have a specific reason to prefer it over the TK11, as it doesn't offer compensating advantages in the available data.

Get the TK11.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee wanting a simple starter radio

    It is easier for beginners and covers the VHF and UHF bands new licensees use most.

    TK11
  • Budget-conscious buyer on a tight radio budget

    It costs less than the alternative while offering the same 999 channels and VHF and UHF coverage.

    TK11
  • NOAA weather and repeater listener

    It is listed for NOAA monitoring and adds 6m band coverage the other radio lacks.

    A3
  • Experimenter wanting an extra band

    Its 6m band gives experimenters an extra band to explore beyond the VHF and UHF coverage.

    A3
  • Portable operator prioritizing lighter weight

    It weighs 284 grams, slightly lighter than the alternative at 286 grams, for longer carry days.

    TK11

Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11

  • 12% cheaper ($96.99 vs $109.99)
  • 20% more battery (3000 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
  • 2g lighter (284g vs 286g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • No clear advantages in this comparison

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng TK11SpecRetevis A3
$96.99
Price
$109.99
39
Overall Score
27
+45% for winner
999
Memory Channels
999
284g
Weight
286g
+1% difference
3000 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+20% for winner
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Quansheng TK11PICK

$96.99 on Amazon

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