Retevis
Retevis A3
31Poor
Tri-band coverage and a 999-channel memory at $79.99 sounds promising until you look closer at what's missing.
Value
32
Features
10
Beginner
52
Portability
56
VHFUHF6m
2500mAh
Battery
999
Channels
★★★⯪☆3.7(28 reviews)
5 star
47%
4 star
15%
3 star
12%
2 star
13%
1 star
13%
Overview
The Retevis A3 targets newly licensed Technicians or budget-conscious operators who want VHF, UHF, and 6m coverage in a single handheld without committing serious money. It fits the "first radio beyond the entry-level" slot, particularly for those experimenting with 6m or running NOAA weather monitoring alongside a primary repeater channel.
The 2500mAh battery and 999 memory channels are genuinely useful at this price point, and dual-watch with independent volume control has real utility for emergency volunteers juggling two active nets. Where the A3 struggles is in feature depth: there is no DMR, no APRS, no digital modes of any kind. TX power figures are unspecified by Retevis, which is a red flag for anyone trying to assess link budgets seriously. The radio is not water resistant, so field use in anything but dry conditions requires extra care.
At $79.99, the A3 scores middling on value and below average on features relative to the broader HT market. Operators who need FM analog monitoring across three bands on a tight budget may find it acceptable; those expecting digital capability or verified RF output specs should look elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $79.99 |
| Memory Channels | 999 |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Color | Green |
| Battery Life | 15.9 Hours |
| Frequency Range | 28- 29.7Mhz、50 - 52Mhz、144 - 148Mhz、420-450Mhz |
| Special Feature | 999 Channels, Dual Receiving, Long Range |
| Compatible Devices | Retevis radios, compatible accessories |
| Included Components | 2500 mAh Battery & Desk Charger X1, 28 MHz Antenna X1, A3 Ham Radio X1, Date cable X1, High Gain Antenna & T-shape Antenna X1 |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | A3 |
| Model Number | A3 |
| Built-In Media | 2500 mAh Battery & Desk Charger X1, 28 MHz Antenna X1, A3 Ham Radio X1, Date cable X1, High Gain Antenna & T-shape Antenna X1 |
| Mfr Part Number | FA9324A-C9034C-C9018A-C9276A |
| Additional Features | 999 Channels, Dual Receiving, Long Range |
| Battery Average Life | 15.9 Hours |
| Warranty Description | We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours. |
Key Features
- Covers 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm TX; wide RX includes SSB, AM, FM, and CW reception
- Dual watch with independent PTT and separate volume control per channel
- NOAA weather alert reception with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) filtering
- 999 memory channels; adequate for region-wide repeater databases
- Analog FM only; no DMR, no APRS, no digital voice or data modes
- TX power output unspecified by manufacturer; verify with a wattmeter before field use
- Not water resistant; avoid exposure to rain or high-humidity environments
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Great radio after a couple simple modifications to enable 6 meters TX and programming.
My original opinion of this radio was "not ready for prime time". It would not transmit on the upper end of the 6 meter band and the programming software would not connect to the radio. But, after a little searching on the internet I found that to open the transmit on 6 meters you must turn the radi...
Jeff D.·Dec 23, 2025·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Great little radio for the price, and it does do EVERYTHING (almost)
I have only just started to figure this radio out... It truly does EVERYTHING! Charges from base or USB-C which is a HUGE plus! I will receive AM, WFM and NFM, USB and LSB, but will only transmit AM or FM (dependent on band). I opted to buy a third party programming software package. There are some ...
Andrew Duplay·Feb 5, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Like the variety of included antennas.
Fun radio for the price...love the broad tuning range. Two cons though. Do not know if it is across the board a problem but the detent for the on/off portion of the volume control is almost non-existant; keep fearing that the radio will get turned on in my bag and drain the batteries. Second, as man...
Gregory Pioppi·Feb 11, 2026·Verified Purchase