Abbree AR-518 vs HamGeek APX-8000 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Abbree AR-518 and HamGeek APX-8000? 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.

FeatureAbbree AR-518HamGeek APX-8000
Image
Radio NameAbbree AR-518HamGeek APX-8000
Bands2m, 1.25m, 70cm2m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.4/2.53.6/1.8
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh8800 mAh8800 mAh
Tested mAh970 mAh2760 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant309 mm350 mm
Width59 mm75 mm
Thickness w/clip46 mm65 mm
Weight209 g390 g
Color ScreenNoYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingNoYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$53$130
Purchase Link-LINK
CHIRP ProgramYesNo
Rating by PriceFD
Rating OverallFC
Conclusions

Would I recommend the Abbree AR-512? ROFLMAO! I can think of no situation where I would suggest doing anything with this radio except throwing it away, or perhaps setting it on fire to see what happens. Stay away.

This is truly a unique radio and is actually pretty fun to use. I wish the performance lived up to the ascetics and added perks like the second screen, better speaker, better microphone, dual PTT, etc. I also wish it was programmable with CHIRP, alas it is not.

So would I recommend it? That depends. If you are looking for something different that fits in your hand really well and has some really cool extra features, and of course can drop $130 on it, then yes. For most people who want a radio that works really well and won’t break the bank? No.

Remember for the same money you could get something like the Yaesu FT-65 which, while not as cool and flashy, is a far better radio that will last a lot longer.