RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Retevis HA2 vs Retevis RT85
Our pick
Retevis HA2$89.99
The RT85 is the clear winner for most buyers.
The single most important differentiator is price and review volume. The RT85 costs $40 versus $110 for the HA2, while owners have rated the RT85 4.5/5 across 270 reviews compared to the HA2's 5.0/5 from only 2 reviews. The larger review sample gives you genuine buyer feedback rather than a small data point.
The HA2 offers APRS and Bluetooth connectivity that the RT85 lacks, and it carries an IP67 weather rating that the RT85 doesn't list. However, we don't have the HA2's transmit power specification, which is a notable gap. The HA2 is also significantly heavier at 403 grams. Both radios support CHIRP programming.
Buy the RT85 if you need a capable, affordable handheld with solid owner feedback and don't require APRS or Bluetooth. Buy the HA2 only if APRS functionality is essential to your operation and you're willing to pay a premium for features the RT85 doesn't offer, understanding that owner feedback is limited.
The RT85 represents better value with substantially more owner data supporting its performance.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained first-time licensee
It costs less and covers local VHF and UHF repeaters, which is enough for a beginner starting out.
Retevis RT85Portable APRS activator on field trips
Built-in APRS and a rugged IP67 housing make it the better choice for outdoor position reporting and activations.
HA2Operator wanting the lightest handheld
At 227g it is considerably lighter than the 403g HA2, which matters on long hikes or all-day carry.
Retevis RT85Serious hobbyist wanting a larger channel list
Its 1024-channel memory and Bluetooth support suit operators managing many frequencies and features.
HA2Local repeater user needing higher transmit power
The RT85 lists 5W of transmit power, a specification that is clearly stated for repeater-focused use.
Retevis RT85Rugged emergency preparedness kit builder
The IP67 rating and APRS capability give it a stronger case for harsh conditions and emergency communication.
HA2
Reasons to choose Retevis HA2
- 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 200)
- Has APRS support
- Has Bluetooth
- IP67 water resistance
Reasons to choose Retevis RT85
- 44% cheaper ($49.99 vs $89.99)
- 176g lighter (227g vs 403g)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Retevis HA2PICK
$89.99 on AmazonRetevis RT85
$49.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads