RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Quansheng TK11 vs Retevis RT85
Our pick
Retevis RT85$49.99
The Retevis RT85 is the clear winner for most buyers. Both radios lack digital modes and advanced features, making the spec sheets effectively tied on capability. The RT85 costs $50 versus $97 for the TK11, weighs less at 227g, and offers a specified 5W transmit power while the TK11's output remains unknown. More importantly, the RT85 has significantly stronger owner feedback: 270 Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars versus 15 reviews at 4.2 stars for the TK11. That larger sample size gives you much better visibility into real-world performance.
The single most important differentiator is price combined with owner confidence. You get the cheaper radio with more buyer evidence supporting it.
Buy the RT85 if you want a budget handheld that owners report working well. Buy the TK11 only if you have a specific reason to believe it suits your needs better than the owner reviews suggest.
Get the Retevis RT85. It costs half as much, lighter, and owners across a much larger sample report satisfaction with it. Unless the TK11 addresses a particular requirement the specs don't show, there's no reason to pay nearly double.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
It costs less than the alternative while still offering VHF and UHF coverage and CHIRP programming support for beginners.
Retevis RT85Operator needing CHIRP programming support
The RT85 supports CHIRP, which makes channel programming and customization easier than on the TK11.
Retevis RT85Local repeater user with 5W transmit power
The RT85 offers 5 watts of transmit power and a higher value score for repeater access on a budget.
Retevis RT85Family member needing a loaner radio
The TK11 has a higher beginner-friendliness score and suits simple local simplex conversations without extra setup.
TK11Operator needing 999 memory channels
The TK11 provides 999 memory channels, far more than the RT85's 200, for users managing many frequencies.
TK11Casual simplex user wanting a higher feature score
The TK11 earns a considerably higher feature score, making it the better pick for simplex-focused operators wanting more capability.
TK11
Reasons to choose Quansheng TK11
- 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
Reasons to choose Retevis RT85
- 48% cheaper ($49.99 vs $96.99)
- 57g lighter (227g vs 284g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Quansheng TK11
$96.99 on AmazonRetevis RT85PICK
$49.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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