RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radioddity GD-88 vs Retevis HA2
Our pick
Radioddity GD-88$154.99
The Radioddity GD-88 is the clear winner for most buyers.
The most important differentiator is the feature set. The GD-88 offers DMR digital mode, GPS, and APRS, while the HA2 provides only APRS and Bluetooth. For digital radio operators, especially those wanting GPS capability, this gap matters significantly. The GD-88 also delivers substantially more transmit power at 7W versus an unknown figure for the HA2. The HA2's advantage in weather sealing (IP67 versus IP54) and CHIRP software support are meaningful but narrower benefits. Price favors the HA2 at $110 to the GD-88's $177.
Owner reports matter here: the HA2 shows 5.0 out of 5 stars, but only from 2 reviews, making this unreliable as guidance. The GD-88 has 3.9 out of 5 from 92 reviews, a far larger sample that actually reflects real-world experience.
The GD-88 suits anyone wanting a capable digital handheld with GPS for emergency or hobby use. The HA2 works for budget-conscious operators who value simplicity and don't need digital modes.
Buy the GD-88 unless budget is your absolute constraint.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
It costs noticeably less and its beginner-friendly controls make it easier to learn on from day one.
HA2Portable APRS activations and emergency nets
Its built-in APRS support and IP67 rating suit field nets and rough outdoor use.
HA2Rugged outdoor user needing water resistance
The IP67 rating is better sealed against water and dust than the IP54 rating on the alternative.
HA2DMR adopter wanting digital and analog monitoring
It supports DMR alongside APRS and GPS, giving operators a higher feature set for digital work.
GD-88SOTA or POTA portable activator with 7W output
Its 7W transmit power and GPS support suit summit and park activations needing more reach.
GD-88Operator wanting maximum memory capacity
It stores 4000 channels, far more than the alternative's 1024, for busy multi-repeater setups.
GD-88
Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-88
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,024)
- 7% more battery (3000 mAh vs 2800 mAh)
- 85g lighter (318g vs 403g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has built-in GPS
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis HA2
- 42% cheaper ($89.99 vs $154.99)
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radioddity GD-88PICK
$154.99 on AmazonRetevis HA2
$89.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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