RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Radioddity GD-168 vs Retevis A3
Our pick
Radioddity GD-168$129.99
The Radioddity GD-168 is the clear winner for most users. It offers significantly better listed specifications for the money, scoring 72 versus 27 overall. The most important differentiator is feature set: the GD-168 includes DMR digital mode and APRS capability, making it vastly more versatile for modern amateur radio, while the A3 is limited to analog FM only. The GD-168 is also lighter at 220g versus 286g.
Price slightly favors the Retevis A3 at $108 versus $130, but the GD-168's $22 premium buys you dual-mode capability and better specifications. Owner feedback shows GD-168 buyers report 4.2 out of 5 stars across 12 reviews, while A3 owners report 3.6 out of 5 across 31 reviews. We lack the A3's transmit power specification, so we cannot fully compare performance there.
Buy the GD-168 if you want modern digital modes and lighter weight in a budget handheld. Buy the A3 only if you need the absolute lowest price and are satisfied with analog-only FM operation.
The GD-168 is the stronger choice for value and capability.
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-168Budget-conscious new amateur radio licensee
The A3 provides reliable basic functionality at a much lower price point.
A3Operator needing high channel capacity for repeaters
With 4000 channels, the GD-168 easily handles complex repeater setups.
Radioddity GD-168Portable field use or secondary radio backup
Its higher feature set and capacity make it a more robust field companion.
Radioddity GD-168Basic 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)
- 66g lighter (220g vs 286g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 17% cheaper ($107.99 vs $129.99)
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radioddity GD-168PICK
$129.99 on AmazonRetevis A3
$107.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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