RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radtel RT-880G vs Retevis A3
Our pick
Radtel RT-880G$97.50
The Radtel RT-880G is the clear winner for most users. It offers substantially better listed specifications for the money, with 10W transmission power, integrated APRS and GPS capabilities, and a lower price point at $98 versus the A3's $108. The single most important differentiator is feature set: the RT-880G provides navigation and position reporting tools that the A3 lacks entirely.
Owner feedback shows a meaningful gap, with the RT-880G earning 4.4 out of 5 stars from 152 Amazon reviews compared to the A3's 3.6 stars from just 31 reviews. While we lack the A3's transmit power specification, we cannot claim this as a weakness—it's simply missing data. However, combined with the A3's feature limitations and lower owner satisfaction, there's little reason to choose it.
The RT-880G suits users who value practical features like GPS positioning and APRS functionality at a competitive price. The A3 might interest only those with specific unstated requirements that align with its unknown capabilities, though this is difficult to justify given the alternatives.
Buy the Radtel RT-880G unless the A3 addresses a particular need not captured in these specifications.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious SOTA and POTA activators
It costs less and adds 10W transmit power plus APRS for position reporting during summit activations.
RT-880GARES members needing position reporting
Built-in APRS and GPS let operators share location data that the Retevis A3 cannot provide.
RT-880GHikers and outdoor field groups
Its GPS and APRS features suit group navigation and tracking, even though it weighs more than the alternative.
RT-880GLightweight carry for minimal kit
At 286g it is noticeably lighter, which matters for long days on foot with a small pack.
A3NOAA weather monitoring and repeater use
Its 6m band and simple analog VHF/UHF operation cover local repeaters and NOAA alerts without extra complexity.
A3New technicians on a tight start-up budget
Its straightforward analog controls suit a first radio for a newly licensed technician learning repeater etiquette.
A3
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880G
- 11% cheaper ($97.50 vs $109.99)
- 3% more memory channels (1,024 vs 999)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
- 55g lighter (286g vs 341g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radtel RT-880GPICK
$97.50 on AmazonRetevis A3
$109.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads