Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Radtel RT-730 vs Retevis RA79

Our pick

Radtel RT-730$39.00

The Retevis RA79 wins on value and owner feedback. Both radios lack listed specs for transmit power (RT-730 claims 10W, RA79 is unknown) and offer identical feature sets: no DMR, APRS, or GPS, but both support CHIRP programming. The RA79 costs four dollars less and owners report notably higher satisfaction at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 278 reviews compared to the RT-730's 4.1 stars from 176 reviews. We lack the RA79's transmit power specification and the RT-730's weight, so those specs cannot inform the comparison. What we do know is that buyers report better experiences with the RA79, and it undercuts the RT-730 on price while offering a known weight of 225 grams.

The single most important differentiator is owner satisfaction. The RA79 consistently scores higher across more reviews, which is the only buyer evidence available here.

Buy the Retevis RA79 if you want lower cost and stronger owner ratings. Buy the Radtel RT-730 only if its stated 10W output specifically matters to your application and you can verify the RA79's transmit power doesn't meet your needs.

Choose the RA79. It's cheaper and owners prefer it.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    The RA79 is slightly cheaper and offers excellent general portability for beginners.

    RA79
  • Operator needing reliable high TX power

    The RT-730 offers a higher 10W transmit power, beneficial for longer distances.

    RT-730
  • POTA/SOTA portable field day use

    The RA79's lighter weight and focus on general portability make it ideal for hiking.

    RA79
  • Ham prioritizing advanced feature customization

    The RT-730's higher 'features' score suggests better support for advanced operational modes.

    RT-730
  • Emergency communications backup radio

    The RT-730's reputation for reliable output makes it a solid choice for critical backup use.

    RT-730

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-730

  • 79% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1400 mAh)

Reasons to choose Retevis RA79

  • 10% cheaper ($34.99 vs $39.00)
  • 1% more memory channels (200 vs 199)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-730SpecRetevis RA79
$39.00
Price
$34.99
63
Overall Score
60
+5% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
199
Memory Channels
200
—
Weight
225g
2500 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
+79% for winner
LCD
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
1 PCS + Prog Cable
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
1 PCS + Prog Cable
Color
Black
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts (DC)
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
[POSSIBLY] Digital
RT-730
Model Number
RA79
1 RT-730 Ham Radio, 1xProgramming Cable,1x 2500mAh Li-ion Battery Pack, 1x Standard Long Antenna, 1x Desktop charger, 1x belt clip, 1x user manual
Built-In Media
1 x USB Desktop Charger, 1x RA79 Radio Body & Antenna, Battery, Belt Clip, User Manual
144-148MHZ / 420-450MHZ
Frequency Range
Dual Band
Two-way radios on the same frequency band, compatible accessories like headsets, earpieces, or external antennas, and computers for programming.
Compatible Devices
[Wide range of CHIRP-compatible devices]
16-630Mhz Receiver, Long Range, High quality resolution LCD, Type C charging, Full band radio am/fm/air/cb/ham/noaa/short wave receiver
Additional Features
Emergency Alarm, Frequency copy, Lightweight, Long Range, Weather Alert
1 Year
Warranty Description
We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours
Waterproof
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-730PICK

$39.00 on Amazon

Retevis RA79

$34.99 on Amazon

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons