Retevis RA79 vs TYT TH-UV88

The Retevis RA79 is the clear winner between these two entry-level handhelds. Despite both radios lacking modern features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, the RA79 scores notably higher at 60/100 versus 54/100, and costs $10 less at $30.

The single most important differentiator is price-to-performance ratio. The RA79 delivers better overall functionality for less money, making it the smarter value proposition for budget-conscious operators.

The RA79 is ideal for beginners or casual users who want a simple, affordable FM transceiver without spending extra on features they won't use. The TYT TH-UV88 makes sense only if the documented 5W transmit power is critical for your specific use case and justifies the $10 premium.

Our recommendation is the Retevis RA79. It scores higher on our testing metrics and costs less. Unless you have a specific technical requirement that demands the TYT's confirmed power output, the RA79 offers better value. Both radios are basic, so neither will impress experienced hams, but the RA79 is the logical choice in this comparison.