RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Retevis RA89 vs Yaesu FT-60R
The Retevis RA89 is the clear winner here. Despite its unknown specifications, it delivers a significantly higher overall score of 58 versus 39, while costing less than a third of the price. The most important differentiator is value for money. The RA89 offers better performance at a fraction of the cost, making the FT-60R's premium price impossible to justify given its lower score.
The Retevis RA89 should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want solid fundamental performance without overspending. The Yaesu FT-60R would only interest those with a specific loyalty to the Yaesu brand or unusual requirements not captured in this comparison.
The missing specifications on the RA89 (TX power and weight) are concerning for a complete evaluation, but the substantial score gap and dramatic price difference already tell a compelling story. Before purchasing either radio, verify the RA89's TX power and weight specifications to ensure they meet your needs. If those specs are acceptable, the RA89 is the obvious choice for nearly all amateur operators looking for a capable handheld without excessive expense.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained buyer wanting a basic handheld
It costs considerably less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF with 200 memory channels.
Retevis RA89New hobbyist needing a first handheld
It earns a higher beginner-friendliness score and includes CHIRP support for easy programming.
Retevis RA89Emergency preparedness and weather-exposed field use
Its IP68 rating offers strong dust and water protection for rough outdoor deployments.
Retevis RA89Licensed operator needing a rugged search and rescue radio
Its 5W transmit power and 1000 memory channels suit demanding field operations and repeater work.
FT-60RRepeater monitoring with a preference for analog simplicity
It offers a higher features score and a pure analog VHF and UHF design with ample memory for monitoring.
FT-60R
Reasons to choose Retevis RA89
- 79% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
- 75g lighter (295g vs 370g)
- IP68 water resistance
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-60R
- 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 200)
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Retevis RA89PICK
Search on AmazonYaesu FT-60R
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