Radtel RT-880 vs Retevis RA79

The Retevis RA79 is the clear winner here. Both radios lack advanced features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, and neither manufacturer has published their transmit power specs, which is a red flag. However, the RA79 scores higher overall and costs less than half the price of the RT-880, making the choice straightforward.

The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The RA79 supports CHIRP programming software, which means you can easily manage frequencies and settings without proprietary tools. The RT-880's lack of CHIRP support is a significant limitation that compounds its higher cost.

The Retevis RA79 suits budget-conscious operators who value programming flexibility and don't require specialty modes. The Radtel RT-880 makes sense only if you have specific features or performance characteristics we cannot identify from these specs.

Get the Retevis RA79. At thirty dollars with better features and higher ratings, it's difficult to justify the RT-880. Before purchasing either radio, verify the TX power specifications with manufacturers, as this omission suggests incomplete product documentation from both companies.