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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Retevis HA1UV vs WLN KD-C1

Our pick

WLN KD-C1$15.99

The KD-C1 is the clear winner for most users. The single most important differentiator is price: the KD-C1 costs 71% less than the HA1UV while delivering identical digital mode support and CHIRP compatibility. The HA1UV does not publish its TX power, making direct comparison impossible on that spec. The KD-C1 is lighter and costs significantly less, but the HA1UV offers an IP67 rating that the KD-C1 lacks. Owners report favorably on both, with the HA1UV at 4.6/5 from 47 reviews and the KD-C1 at 4.4/5 from 141 reviews; the KD-C1's larger review count suggests broader real-world use data. The HA1UV's weather sealing justifies its higher price only if environmental protection matters for your application. Buy the KD-C1 if budget and weight are your primary concerns. Buy the HA1UV if you need IP67 weather sealing and can justify the extra cost. The HA1UV's unknown power specification is a data gap that should be clarified before purchase.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest upfront cost

    Costs noticeably less and covers the basics for simplex or light backup use.

    WLN KD-C1
  • First-time licensee wanting a ready-to-use radio

    Two bands, 256 channels, and a higher feature score suit a new Technician.

    HA1UV
  • Local repeater user needing VHF and UHF access

    Covers both VHF and UHF bands, which local repeater work often requires.

    HA1UV
  • Outdoor user needing a rugged handheld

    IP67 rating suits outdoor use in dust, rain, and brief immersion.

    HA1UV
  • Weight-sensitive hiker wanting a light backup radio

    Weighs noticeably less and works well as a simple backup for camping.

    WLN KD-C1

Reasons to choose Retevis HA1UV

  • 16x more memory channels (256 vs 16)
  • 87% more battery (2800 mAh vs 1500 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP67 water resistance

Reasons to choose WLN KD-C1

  • 77% cheaper ($15.99 vs $69.99)
  • 139g lighter (198g vs 337g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Retevis HA1UVSpecWLN KD-C1
$69.99
Price
$15.99
59
Overall Score
63
+6% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
256
Memory Channels
16
16.7× difference
337g
Weight
198g
+69% difference
2800 mAh
Battery
1500 mAh
+85% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
IP67
IP Rating
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Black
Black
Color
Black
7.4 Volts (DC)
Voltage
3.7 Volts
U/V band
Tuner Type
UHF
HA1UV
Model Number
4350441575
40 Decibels
Audible Noise
45 Decibels
1 x 2800mAh lithium_ion battery, 1 x Belt clip & Hand strap, 1 x Data cable, 1 x HA1UV two way radio, 1 x Type-C charging cable & Charging base
Built-In Media
Two Way Radio, Battery, Belt Clip, Instructions
U/V band
Frequency Range
400 470 mhz
FA9244B-J9131P-C9034A
Mfr Part Number
4350441575
Repeater, Speaker, two way radio with the same frequency and the same CTCSS/DCS
Compatible Devices
FRS Two-Way Radios, FRS Compatible Headsets, FRS Compatible Earpieces
Handheld Ham Radio with Cable;IP67 waterproof;NOAA Weather Receiver;Type-C Rechargeable;VFO
Additional Features
Uhf
20 Hours
Battery Average Life
8 Hours
2.36"D x 8.07"W x 10.03"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.97"D x 1.26"H

Made your choice?

Retevis HA1UV

$69.99 on Amazon

WLN KD-C1PICK

$15.99 on Amazon

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