Retevis A1 vs Yaesu VX-5 - Comparison in 2025

Trying to choose between Retevis A1 and Yaesu VX-5? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.

Feature	Retevis A1	Yaesu VX-5
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Radio Name	Retevis A1	Yaesu VX-5
Bands	2m, 70cm	6m, 2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm	2/3.7	2.3/2
Battery Type	Li-Ion	Li-Ion
Battery Volts	7.4 v	7.4 v
Rated mAh	2200 mAh	1800 mAh
Tested mAh	2270 mAh	mAh
Antenna Connector	M-SMA	F-SMA
Height w/ant	304 mm	265 mm
Width	60 mm	61 mm
Thickness w/clip	53 mm	38 mm
Weight	283 g	250 g
Color Screen	No	No
GPS	Yes	No
USB-C Charging	Yes	No
Review Link	LINK	LINK
Price	$50	$125
Purchase Link	LINK	LINK
CHIRP Program	No	No
Rating by Price	C	C
Rating Overall	C	C
Conclusions	The Retevis A1 is an excellent balance of features for the price. With a few tweaks, I could see this easily being a leader in its price range. My biggest complaint is the screw holding the cover on the side, and honestly, I can take a rotary tool to that (after removing it from the radio of course) and make the edges much more rounded to save my thumb. I guess the bottom line is, would I recommend this radio? If you are looking for a good quality, durable, dual-band radio with some nice features, then yes, I believe I would. I have always liked the Baofeng UV-9R Plus as a budget dual-band waterproof radio, and I think this Retevis A1 takes that and substantially improves on it. If you really need to save that $10 difference, stick with the Baofeng UV-9R Plus, but if you can swing it, you will really enjoy the Retevis A1.	So what do I think about the Yaesu VX-5? It is a fine radio but just too small for me. If you have smaller hands and excellent eyesight, you may like it. It absolutely is a good performer, has excellent wideband coverage, has features that cheap and midrange radios today would envy, and is built like a tank.