Retevis RB22 vs Yaesu VX-5 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Retevis RB22 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 RB22 | Yaesu VX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Retevis RB22 | Yaesu VX-5 |
| Bands | 70cm | 6m, 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 0/3.5 | 2.3/2 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | - |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1500 mAh | 1800 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 252 mm | 265 mm |
| Width | 58 mm | 61 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 49 mm | 38 mm |
| Weight | 260 g | 250 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $75 | $125 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | No |
| Rating by Price | C | C |
| 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. | 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. |