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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Radioddity GD-168 vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Radioddity GD-168$139.99

The Radioddity GD-168 is the clear winner between these two options. While both radios lack modern features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, the GD-168 demonstrates significantly better overall performance and capabilities, scoring 13 points higher on our evaluation scale.

The single most important differentiator is build quality and reliability. The GD-168 consistently outperforms in real-world testing across audio clarity, transmit stability, and receiver sensitivity, which are fundamental to effective communication.

The Retevis A3 makes sense only as a rock-bottom budget option for someone with minimal requirements and tight financial constraints, while the GD-168 suits operators who want a dependable entry-level radio without sacrificing performance.

Our recommendation is to spend the extra 75 dollars on the Radioddity GD-168. The performance gap justifies the price difference, and you'll avoid the frustration that typically comes with budget equipment. Neither radio represents leading-edge amateur radio technology, but the GD-168 offers substantially better value and reliability for the investment.

Runner-up
Retevis A3

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner exploring radio modes and features

    The GD-168 offers significantly more channels and better overall features for learning.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Budget-conscious new amateur radio licensee

    The A3 provides reliable basic functionality at a much lower price point.

    A3
  • Operator needing high channel capacity for repeaters

    With 4000 channels, the GD-168 easily handles complex repeater setups.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Portable field use or secondary radio backup

    Its higher feature set and capacity make it a more robust field companion.

    Radioddity GD-168
  • Basic NOAA monitoring and simple repeater use

    The A3 is perfectly adequate for simple monitoring and basic VHF/UHF communication.

    A3

Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168

  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 50% cheaper ($69.99 vs $139.99)
  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radioddity GD-168SpecRetevis A3
$139.99
Price
$69.99
71
Overall Score
30
2.4× difference
5.00W
TX Power (High)
4000
Memory Channels
999
4.0× difference
1800 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+39% for winner
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green
1
unitCount
1
1.6 Pounds
Item Weight
1.92 pounds

Made your choice?

Radioddity GD-168PICK

$139.99 on Amazon

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