Yes, Retevis radios are good value, but "Retevis" covers three different kinds of radio, and only the label tells you which one you're holding. The RT22, RT68 and H-777 are license-free FRS radios. The RB17P, RB26, RB48 Plus and Ailunce HA1G are GMRS radios with Part 95E grants, legal once you have the $35 license. The RT95 mobile is a ham radio that you can't use on GMRS at all.
So the useful question isn't whether the brand is good. It's whether the model in your cart is certified for the service you'll use it on.
Quick picks
| Best cheap license-free set | Retevis RT22 (4-pack) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Toughest license-free Retevis | Retevis RB48 (FRS) | Amazon |
| Best rugged GMRS Retevis | Retevis RB48 Plus (GMRS) | Amazon |
| Most power per dollar | Retevis RB17P | Amazon |
| Best budget GMRS handheld | Retevis Ailunce HA1G | Amazon |
| Best for staff on a campus | Retevis RB26 (business kit) | Amazon |
| Cheapest decent pair | Retevis RT68 (2-pack) | Amazon |
How we picked
We pulled Amazon's results for "retevis walkie talkie" and "retevis gmrs radio" on October 13, 2026. Sales lean hard toward the cheap FRS models: the RT22 four-pack showed 3,000+ bought in the past month and the RB48 2,000+. The GMRS models sell in the hundreds or less.
Then we looked up each model's FCC grant on fccid.io, a mirror of the FCC equipment database. Retevis files under grantee code 2ASNS (Shenzhen Retevis Technology), and some of its radios carry other codes: the RT22 is under 2AAR8 and the RB48 Plus under 2A3OO. Where a listing prints the FCC ID, we used that. Where it doesn't, we say so.
"How we pick" means listings and FCC grants compared against the rules in 47 CFR Part 95. We didn't carry these radios, and range figures are the maker's claims. How we research.
The three kinds of Retevis radio
The FCC sorts two-way radios by rule part, and the rule part on the grant decides who may use the radio and how.
| Kind | Rule part on the grant | License | Retevis examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRS | 95B | None (licensed by rule, 95.305) | RT22, RT68, H-777 |
| GMRS | 95E | GMRS license, $35, covers family (95.1705) | RB17P, RB26, RB48 Plus, Ailunce HA1G |
| Ham (amateur) | No transmit grant needed; often Part 15B or a change-in-ID filing | Amateur license (exam) | RT95 mobile |
The ham category is where people get burned. Under 47 CFR 95.1761(c), no transmitter can be certified for GMRS if it's able to operate in services that don't require certification, "such as the Amateur Radio Service." And 95.335 says using a transmitter that isn't certified for the service "voids the user's authority to operate." A GMRS license doesn't fix an uncertified radio. Our Baofeng on GMRS explainer walks through the same rule with Baofeng models.
The FCC IDs we checked
| Radio | FCC ID | What the grant shows | Use it on |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT22 | 2AAR8RETEVISRT22 | 95B, 462.550-462.725 MHz, 1.08 W ERP (2018) | FRS, no license |
| RT68 | 2ASNSRT68 | 95B, 462.550-462.725 MHz, 1.77 W ERP (2020) | FRS, no license |
| H-777 | 2ASNSH777 | 95B, 462.550-462.725 MHz, 1.51 W ERP (2020) | FRS, no license |
| RB17P | 2ASNSRB17P | 95E, about 4.8-4.9 W ERP on 462 MHz and the 467 MHz repeater inputs (2021) | GMRS, license |
| RB26 | 2ASNSRB26 | 95E, about 1.7-1.8 W ERP, includes 467 MHz repeater inputs (2020) | GMRS, license |
| RB48 Plus | 2A3OORB48P (printed in the listing) | 95E, about 3.8-3.9 W ERP, includes repeater inputs (2024) | GMRS, license |
| Ailunce HA1G | 2ASNSHA1G | 95E, 4 W ERP, includes repeater inputs (2023) | GMRS, license |
| RT95 mobile | 2ASNSRT95 (printed in the listing) | Change-in-ID of AnyTone's T4K-778UV grant (2021) | Ham only, never GMRS |
| RA86 mobile | Not printed in the listing | We couldn't find a 2ASNSRA86 grant | Check the label first |
Grants read on fccid.io, October 13, 2026. A company can sell different hardware under one model name, so the label on your radio (usually under the battery) is the final word.
Notice the RT22's grant covers only 462.550 to 462.725 MHz. FRS has 22 channels across 462 and 467 MHz (95.563), and the RT22 has 16 channel positions, so its channel 1 isn't necessarily anyone else's channel 1. Retevis's own RB26 listing says it talks to the H-777, RT22 and RT68 "on channels 1-5." When you mix brands, match the frequency from each manual's channel chart, then the privacy code.
The Retevis radios worth buying
Retevis RT22 (4-pack)
The RT22 is the radio most people mean when they search Retevis, and it earns its sales for one job: short-range family use. It's pocket-sized with a stubby, blunt antenna that Retevis designed with kids in mind, it charges by USB-C, and the clip comes off the radio so you can talk without unclipping your belt.
Keep expectations short. The grant shows about 1 watt ERP, and OutdoorGearLab's test measured roughly half a mile with minor obstructions. For a resort or a campground loop, that's plenty.
- ServiceFRS (2AAR8RETEVISRT22, 95B)
- Grant ERP1.08 W
- Channels16
- ChargingUSB-C
- Batteryabout 10 hr (listing)
- Antennashort, fixed
Why it stands out
- Low price for a four-pack, 4,600+ ratings
- USB-C charging
- No license
Think twice if
- You need range on a trail (about 1 W ERP)
- You'll mix it with 22-channel radios without checking frequencies
Retevis RB48 (FRS)
The rugged FRS pick. Retevis lists MIL-STD-810H testing and IP67 sealing with 2-meter drop resistance, plus a 2,000 mAh battery rated for up to 20 hours and USB-C charging. It has all 22 FRS channels, so it lines up with Midland and Motorola channel numbers. It's bright yellow and hard to lose, which suits jobsites and kids who throw things. Amazon showed 2,000+ bought last month.
The listing doesn't print an FCC ID, so check the label for a 95B grant when it arrives.
- ServiceFRS (per listing)
- Channels22
- WaterIP67 (listing)
- Drop2 m (listing)
- Battery2,000 mAh, up to 20 hr (listing)
- ChargingUSB-C and charging station
Why it stands out
- IP67 and drop-rated, per listing
- All 22 standard FRS channels
- No license
Think twice if
- You want GMRS power or repeaters (see the RB48 Plus)
Retevis RB48 Plus (GMRS)
The GMRS version of the RB48 is the Retevis we'd hand an off-road group with licenses. The listing prints its FCC ID, and the grant shows about 3.9 watts ERP with the 467 MHz repeater input channels included, so it can use a local repeater. Retevis adds a remote emergency alarm that alerts other radios on the channel, vibration alerts, 11 NOAA weather channels and dual large PTT buttons.
- ServiceGMRS (2A3OORB48P, 95E)
- Grant ERPabout 3.9 W
- Repeater inputson grant
- WaterIP67 (listing)
- Battery2,000 mAh, 18 hr (listing)
- Weather11 NOAA channels
Why it stands out
- FCC ID printed in the listing; 95E grant confirmed
- Repeater-capable on the grant
- IP67 and drop-rated, per listing
Think twice if
- No one in your group will get a GMRS license
- You want to program it from a computer (the listing doesn't mention CHIRP)
Retevis RB17P
The RB17P's grant shows nearly the full 5 watts handhelds may radiate on GMRS, on both the 462 MHz channels and the repeater inputs. It programs from CHIRP or the keypad, takes common Kenwood 2-pin earpieces and speaker mics, and the listing rates the 2,200 mAh battery for up to 24 hours of talk. That's the most radio on paper among the Retevis GMRS handhelds we checked.
It isn't sealed (the listing says not water resistant) and it sells far fewer units than the FRS models, so there's less owner feedback to lean on. Our CHIRP GMRS guide covers loading repeater pairs.
- ServiceGMRS (2ASNSRB17P, 95E)
- Grant ERPabout 4.9 W
- Channels30 incl. 8 repeater
- Battery2,200 mAh, up to 24 hr (listing)
- ProgrammingCHIRP and keypad
- PlugKenwood 2-pin
Why it stands out
- Near-maximum handheld ERP on the grant
- CHIRP programmable, repeater ready
- Kenwood 2-pin accessories fit
Think twice if
- It will get wet
- You want a radio with thousands of owner reviews
Retevis Ailunce HA1G
Ailunce is Retevis's other label, and the HA1G is a sealed GMRS handheld at a single-radio price that undercuts most of the field. The grant shows 4 watts ERP across the 462 MHz channels and the repeater inputs. The listing adds IP67, a 2,800 mAh battery with USB-C and CHIRP support, and a side key you can set as a second PTT.
- ServiceGMRS (2ASNSHA1G, 95E)
- Grant ERP4 W
- Repeater channels8
- WaterIP67 (listing)
- Battery2,800 mAh, USB-C
- Weather12 NOAA channels
- ProgrammingCHIRP, VFO
Why it stands out
- 95E grant at 4 W ERP, with repeater inputs
- IP67 and USB-C, per listing
- CHIRP and VFO for tinkerers
Think twice if
- You want the simplest possible radio for a child (VFO and menus add complexity)
Retevis RB26 (business kit)
Sold as a work kit with earpieces and a six-way charger, the RB26 is built for school campuses and stores. It's a GMRS radio, which surprises buyers. Every user needs to be covered by a GMRS license, and GMRS licenses go only to individuals now (95.1705), covering their immediate family, not their employees. For staff radios, a business might be better served by license-free FRS radios or Part 90 business radios. We list it so you know what you're buying.
- ServiceGMRS (2ASNSRB26, 95E)
- Grant ERPabout 1.8 W
- Channels30
- Battery2,000 mAh, 21 hr (listing)
- In boxearpieces, six-way charger
- Extrasflashlight, VOX
Why it stands out
- Kit with earpieces and gang charger
- Talks to Retevis FRS radios on shared channels, per listing
Think twice if
- Your users are employees rather than family (GMRS licensing doesn't cover them)
Retevis RT68 (2-pack)
A step up from the RT22 in power for the same kind of use: the grant shows 1.77 W ERP against the RT22's 1.08. It's another 16-channel FRS radio with a charging base, and a sensible pick for a small shop or two kids on bikes in the neighborhood.
- ServiceFRS (2ASNSRT68, 95B)
- Grant ERP1.77 W
- Channels16
- Battery1,200 mAh, up to 24 hr (listing)
- Drop1 m (listing)
Why it stands out
- More ERP than the RT22 on its grant
- No license
Think twice if
- You need to mix it with 22-channel radios by channel number
Two more Retevis radios show up in searches. The Retevis RA86 GMRS mobile has 22 GMRS channels plus 8 repeater channels, controls in the microphone and a magnetic antenna, but its listing doesn't print an FCC ID and we couldn't find a grant under 2ASNSRA86, so read the label before you key up. The Retevis RT95 is a 2 m/70 cm ham mobile (its FCC ID, 2ASNSRT95, is a change-in-identification of AnyTone's T4K-778UV grant), which makes it a good ham radio and an illegal GMRS radio.
Side-by-side comparison
| Radio | Service | ERP on grant | Repeaters | Water | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB17P | GMRS | About 4.9 W | Yes | Not water resistant | Yes |
| Ailunce HA1G | GMRS | 4 W | Yes | IP67 | Yes |
| RB48 Plus | GMRS | About 3.9 W | Yes | IP67 | Yes |
| RB26 | GMRS | About 1.8 W | Inputs on grant | Water resistant | Yes |
| RB48 | FRS | Check label | No | IP67 | No |
| RT68 | FRS | 1.77 W | No | Water resistant | No |
| RT22 | FRS | 1.08 W | No | Water resistant | No |
Retevis vs Baofeng
The two brands mirror each other. Both sell FRS bubble packs, Part 95E GMRS handhelds and dual-band ham radios, and both use model names that are easy to confuse. The rule is the same for both: a ham handheld like a Baofeng UV-5R or a Retevis ham model can't be used on GMRS, and a 95E radio from either brand can. If you're choosing a programmable GMRS handheld, the RB17P and the Baofeng UV-5G Plus are the closest match. Our Baofeng GMRS guide has the Baofeng FCC IDs.
Against the bigger names, Retevis trades brand polish for price. Midland is simpler and sold everywhere; BTECH has the best CHIRP support. The Midland vs BTECH vs Wouxun page compares those three, and the best GMRS radio for beginners list includes non-Retevis options.
Check any Retevis in two minutes
- Find the FCC ID on the label under the battery, or in the listing (the RB48 Plus and RT95 listings print theirs).
- Enter it at the FCC ID search: the grantee code is the first part (2ASNS, 2AAR8 or 2A3OO for the radios above) and the product code is the rest.
- Read the rule parts. 95B means FRS and no license. 95E means GMRS and a license. Only 15B, 90, or a filing that points back to a ham radio means it isn't for FRS or GMRS.
For anything that will see real distance, buy a 95E model and file for the license; our GMRS license guide walks through it. For short-range family use, an RT22 or RB48 does the job without paperwork. And if range is the whole point, read what actually makes a walkie talkie long range before spending more.
Sources: Amazon listings (checked October 13, 2026); FCC grants 2AAR8RETEVISRT22, 2ASNSRT68, 2ASNSH777, 2ASNSRB17P, 2ASNSRB26, 2A3OORB48P, 2ASNSHA1G and 2ASNSRT95 via fccid.io; OutdoorGearLab, Retevis RT22 review; 47 CFR 95.335, 95.305, 95.563, 95.1705, 95.1761 (eCFR up to date as of October 9, 2026). How we research · Affiliate disclosure