Retevis RB22 vs Baofeng BF-F9V2 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Retevis RB22 and Baofeng BF-F9V2? 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 RB22 | Baofeng BF-F9V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Retevis RB22 | Baofeng BF-F9V2 |
| Bands | 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 0/3.5 | 4.7/4.9 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | - |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1500 mAh | 2100 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 252 mm | 243 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 49 mm | 44 mm |
| Weight | 260 g | 221 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $75 | $25 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | Yes |
| Rating by Price | C | B |
| Rating Overall | C | C |
| Conclusions | 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. | Overall, I really like this Baofeng BF-F9V2+ as a UV-5R replacement. It improves on the original in signal strength and a little in clarity, gives you a bigger battery, and removes the useless BAND button. The only problem they introduced in the process really was the addition of a gloss screen, which may or may not bother you. For me, I might instead of the Baofeng BF-F9V2+ pick up a BF-F8+ for the better screen or stick with my overall favorite cheap Chinese radio, the Baofeng UV-9R+ because I like the waterproof radio along with the better belt clip and little shield for the knob, but that is just me. The Baofeng BF-F9V2+ is clearly a good replacement or upgrade for the UV-5R, and certainly one to keep your eye on. |