RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radioddity GD-88 vs Retevis HD2
Our pick
Retevis HD2$179.99
The Retevis HD2 is the better value overall. Both radios offer essentially identical feature sets with DMR, APRS, and GPS, and both lack TX power specs and CHIRP support. The deciding factors are price and owner feedback. The HD2 costs $25 more but scores notably higher on RadioRanked's composite measure (75 vs 68), meaning you're getting better specifications for the money when accounting for current pricing. Owner ratings are effectively tied, with the HD2 at 4.0/5 from 87 reviews and the GD-88 at 3.9/5 from 92 reviews, so both have solid buyer confidence.
The single most important differentiator is RadioRanked's overall score, which reflects the HD2's better specification-to-price ratio. The GD-88 does weigh slightly less at 318g versus 365g, which matters only if portability is critical for your use case.
The Radioddity GD-88 suits budget-conscious operators who prioritize lighter weight and can live with fewer advertised specs for the lower price. The Retevis HD2 is the better choice for most operators seeking the best value in this feature class.
Get the Retevis HD2 unless weight is your primary concern or you need to minimize spending.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer adding DMR to their kit
Costs less while still offering DMR, APRS, and GPS plus 7W transmit power.
GD-88Emergency communications volunteer working in rain
IP67 rating and Bluetooth suit EMCOMM crews who expect rough handling and wet conditions.
HD2Summit on the air activator carrying a radio all day
At 318 grams with 7W output, it is lighter to carry on long hikes than the HD2.
GD-88Operator bridging DMR and analog nets
Its mixed-mode DMR and analog focus and higher feature density suit operators working both worlds.
HD2Operator programming very large channel lists
Offers 4000 memory channels compared with 3000, handling bigger channel lists comfortably.
GD-88
Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-88
- 14% cheaper ($154.99 vs $179.99)
- 33% more memory channels (4,000 vs 3,000)
- 47g lighter (318g vs 365g)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis HD2
- 7% more battery (3200 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- Has Bluetooth
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radioddity GD-88
$154.99 on AmazonRetevis HD2PICK
$179.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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