RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Retevis HA1UV vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
Our pick
Retevis HA1UV$69.99
The Retevis HA1UV is the clear winner for value-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level radio.
The most important differentiator is price combined with what owners report. The HA1UV costs $56 versus $180 for the Wouxun, and owners of the Retevis report notably higher satisfaction at 4.6/5 stars from 47 reviews compared to 4.2/5 from 42 reviews. We don't have the Retevis's TX power figure, so we cannot directly compare output, but both radios share identical feature sets: no DMR, APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, D-STAR, or C4FM support. The Wouxun is lighter at 250g and we don't have its IP rating listed, while the Retevis offers IP67 weather sealing at a heavier 337g.
The HA1UV should appeal to budget buyers, newcomers, and anyone wanting solid weather protection in an affordable package. The Wouxun suits buyers specifically prioritizing lighter weight and those willing to pay considerably more for marginal improvements that owners haven't clearly validated.
Buy the Retevis HA1UV unless your use case absolutely demands the Wouxun's weight advantage and you accept paying three times the price for it.
By use case
Which should you buy?
First-time licensee starting on local repeaters
Its higher beginner score and simpler setup make it the easier first radio to learn on.
HA1UVBudget-constrained buyer wanting basic VHF and UHF
It costs less than the alternative while covering the same two bands for everyday local use.
HA1UVOutdoor user needing a rugged handheld
Its IP67 rating gives it dust and water protection that the other radio does not list.
HA1UVAirband and broadcast listener wanting many channels
Its 999-channel memory and wide receive coverage suit monitoring more frequencies than the other radio offers.
KG-UV9D PlusOperator needing higher transmit power
It offers 5W transmit power, giving more output for reaching distant analog repeaters.
KG-UV9D PlusBuyer who prioritizes a lighter carry weight
At 250g it is noticeably lighter than the 337g alternative for all-day carrying.
KG-UV9D Plus
Reasons to choose Retevis HA1UV
- 61% cheaper ($69.99 vs $179.99)
- Has color TFT display
- IP67 water resistance
Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus
- 4x more memory channels (999 vs 256)
- 87g lighter (250g vs 337g)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Retevis HA1UVPICK
$69.99 on AmazonWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$179.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads