RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Retevis HA1UV vs Retevis RA89
Our pick
Retevis HA1UV$69.99
The RA89 edges ahead as the better value, though the margin is slim.
Both radios share identical core capabilities: they lack DMR, APRS, and GPS, both support CHIRP programming, and neither radio's transmit power is published. The meaningful differences come down to weight, waterproofing, and what owners report. The RA89 is 42 grams lighter and carries an IP68 rating versus the HA1UV's IP67, meaning better dust and water protection. Price-wise, the RA89 costs three dollars less. On the owner side, the HA1UV shows a slightly higher rating at 4.6 out of 5, but from just 47 reviews; the RA89's 4.5 rating draws from 278 reviews, making it a more statistically robust picture of buyer experience.
The single most important differentiator is the RA89's superior IP68 waterproofing and lighter weight for field use.
Choose the HA1UV if you value the concentrated feedback of its smaller reviewer pool and accept a heavier, less weather-sealed unit. Choose the RA89 if you want a lighter radio with better waterproofing and broader owner consensus, all at a lower price.
Buy the Retevis RA89. It delivers better protection and portability for less money, backed by substantially more owner experience.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer starting with a first handheld
It costs less than the alternative while covering the same VHF and UHF bands with 256 channels.
HA1UVRugged outdoor user needing dust and water protection
Its IP68 rating gives it a higher water and dust protection level than the alternative.
Retevis RA89ARES or RACES emergency field deployment
Lighter weight and an IP68 rating suit carrying it through long field deployments.
Retevis RA89Operator managing large repeater channel lists
It stores 256 channels, more than the alternative's 200, for busy repeater lists.
HA1UVHiker prioritizing the lightest carry weight
At 295 grams it weighs less than the alternative, which matters on long hikes.
Retevis RA89
Reasons to choose Retevis HA1UV
- 28% more memory channels (256 vs 200)
- 12% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
- Has color TFT display
Reasons to choose Retevis RA89
- 42g lighter (295g vs 337g)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Retevis HA1UVPICK
$69.99 on AmazonRetevis RA89
Search on AmazonMore head-to-heads

