Retevis RT85 vs Yaesu FT-5DR

The RT85 is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is price. Both radios transmit at identical power and offer comparable overall scores within the margin of measurement error. The RT85 costs $40 while the FT-5DR costs $480, a 12-fold difference. The RT85 owners report 4.5 out of 5 stars across 270 Amazon reviews, giving you real-world feedback from hundreds of users. The FT-5DR has no owner ratings yet, so we have no buyer experience data.

The FT-5DR adds APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, and C4FM capabilities plus IPX7 weather sealing, which matter for specific use cases. However, these features justify the price premium only if you actively need them. The RT85 supports CHIRP programming while the FT-5DR does not, which some operators prefer for convenience.

Buy the RT85 if you want a proven, affordable handheld for basic VHF/UHF work. Buy the FT-5DR if you specifically need APRS, GPS tracking, or C4FM digital mode capability and budget allows.

The RT85 is the safer choice for most amateur radio operators given its proven owner satisfaction and dramatic price advantage. The FT-5DR targets users with specialized requirements.