RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Retevis RA89 vs Yaesu FT-70DR
Our pick
Yaesu FT-70DR$249.88
The Retevis RA89 is the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers, while the Yaesu FT-70DR makes sense only for users who need its specific features.
The single most important differentiator is price: the RA89 costs $67 versus $300 for the Yaesu. Both radios share the same feature set on paper, lacking DMR, APRS, and GPS. The Yaesu offers known 5W transmit power and slightly better weight at 250g, but we lack the RA89's TX specification. Both support CHIRP programming and have IP ratings, though the RA89's IP68 is superior to the Yaesu's IP54 rating.
Owners report highly positive experiences with the Yaesu at 4.8 out of 5 stars, though this reflects only 6 reviews. The RA89 has a slightly lower 4.5 rating from a much larger sample of 278 reviews, giving more confidence in what buyers actually experience.
The RA89 is the better choice for basic VHF/UHF operation on a tight budget, especially since its superior waterproofing suits field use. Buy the Yaesu FT-70DR only if you require its specific band coverage or performance characteristics beyond our listed specifications. For most operators, the RA89 delivers strong reported satisfaction at a fraction of the cost.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious first-time licensee
It costs far less than the alternative, making it the sensible entry point for someone testing whether the hobby suits them.
Retevis RA89ARES or RACES emergency volunteer
Its IP68 rating and lower cost make it a practical field radio that can be exposed to rain or dropped without concern.
Retevis RA89Backup radio for severe weather
The IP68 rating offers far stronger water and dust protection than the IP54 rating on the alternative.
Retevis RA89Licensed operator joining a C4FM club
It supports C4FM Fusion digital repeaters and offers a higher feature score for club-focused operation.
FT-70DRPortable operator needing higher transmit power
Its 5W transmit output gives it more reach than the alternative when working distant repeaters or simplex contacts.
FT-70DRBuyer wanting a large channel memory
It stores 1108 channels, providing far more room for repeaters, simplex frequencies, and scanning lists.
FT-70DR
Reasons to choose Retevis RA89
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-70DR
- 6x more memory channels (1,108 vs 200)
- 45g lighter (250g vs 295g)
- Has C4FM/System Fusion
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Retevis RA89
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