Retevis RA89 vs Retevis RT85

The RT85 is the better choice for most buyers. The single most important difference is price: the RT85 costs $17 less while delivering a known 5W transmit power, where the RA89's power is unspecified. Both radios earn identical owner ratings of 4.5/5 from comparable review counts, so buyers report the same satisfaction level with each. The RA89 lists an IP68 rating, which we have for that model. The RT85 weighs 68 grams less, a meaningful difference if you carry the radio all day. Neither radio offers DMR, APRS, or GPS, and both support CHIRP programming. Since the published specifications are effectively matched otherwise, the RT85's lower price and confirmed power output make it the sounder purchase unless you specifically need the RA89's IP68 specification. Buy the RT85 if you want the better value and confirmed power rating. Buy the RA89 if the IP68 weather rating is essential for your use case.