RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-880 vs Retevis HA2
Our pick
Retevis HA2$89.99
The Retevis HA2 is the clear winner for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is feature set: the HA2 includes APRS and Bluetooth connectivity plus CHIRP programmability, while the RT-880 lacks all three. The HA2 also carries an IP67 rating for weather resistance, which the RT-880 does not list.
On pricing, the HA2 costs $40 more at $110 versus $70. We lack transmit power and weight data for the RT-880, so direct hardware comparison is incomplete. Owners of the HA2 report a perfect 5.0/5 rating, though based on only two reviews. The RT-880 shows 4.3/5 from 207 reviews, reflecting what a much larger owner sample reports about their experience.
The RT-880 is worth considering only if your budget is tight and you need basic analog FM without the extras. Buy the HA2 if you want modern features like APRS tracking, Bluetooth pairing, and programmability through CHIRP. The HA2 offers more capability and weather protection for a reasonable $40 premium, making it the stronger choice for most handheld needs.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious multi-band operator
Costs less while still covering VHF and UHF with a 1024-channel memory.
RT-880Portable APRS activations and nets
Built-in APRS, Bluetooth, and an IP67 rating suit field activations and nets.
HA2Rugged outdoor field user
IP67 sealing handles dust and water, while the Radtel offers no ingress rating at all.
HA2Analog repeater user, Technician class
Analog VHF and UHF coverage with a large channel count suits straightforward repeater use.
RT-880First-time licensee wanting easier operation
A higher beginner rating makes the Retevis the friendlier choice for a first radio.
HA2
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880
- 41% cheaper ($53.38 vs $89.99)
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Retevis HA2
- 17% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- Has APRS support
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- IP67 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-880
$53.38 on AmazonRetevis HA2PICK
$89.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

