Baofeng DR-1801 vs Retevis RB22 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DR-1801 and Retevis RB22? 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 | Baofeng DR-1801 | Retevis RB22 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DR-1801 | Retevis RB22 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.9/3 | 0/3.5 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 267 mm | 252 mm |
| Width | 61 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 45 mm | 49 mm |
| Weight | 265 g | 260 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $57 | $75 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | No |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 123/123 | - |
| Value Score | C | C |
| Performance Score | C | C |
| Ergonomics Score | B | - |
| Conclusions | So now it’s time to ask if I would recommend the bow thing dr – 1801? Like with most radios, that depends. I think this radio is an excellent introduction to DMR for its price. Intermediate to advanced users will want to look somewhere else. As a successor to the DM – 1801 it is an improvement, but clearly just an iteration on a theme. To make a long story short, if you are new to DMR, and on a budget, or are not sure how into DMR you want to get, then this is an excellent choice. | The Retevis RB22 has a lot of competition in the $100ish DMR radio field including the Baofeng DMR-V1, Baofeng DR-1801UV, TYT MD-UV380, Ailunce HD1, and even Retevis’ own RT3s. So the question is, is the Retevis RB22 the best one in the pack? In my opinion, for amateur radio, the Retevis RB22 is not that great of a choice. For business radio, maybe the Retevis RB22 is something to consider. I will absolutely say that the Retevis RB22 is a good radio that performs pretty much just as well as any other DMR radio in its price range. For amateur radio operators, radios like the Baofeng DM-1801 and TYT MD-UV380 have batteries, chargers, belt clips, and even cases available for them while also having a full keypad making some programming possible in the field. Not only that, but both the Baofeng and TYT are cheaper in most cases than the Retevis RB22. If you have a Retevis RB22, keep using it! It is a fine radio. If you are an amateur radio operator and haven’t bought one, yet you might look into some alternatives before pulling the trigger on the RB22. If you are a business that needs DMR radios, then the only real complaint I have is the lack of replacement batteries and chargers, which Retevis may fix. They may already have them for another radio that fits the Retevis RB22. |