Retevis RA79 Upgrade UV5R Ham Radio - Long Range Handheld

In this review the Retevis RA79 (Upgrade UV5R 3rd) is evaluated as a practical, budget-friendly handheld radio for everyday and outdoor use. The bottom line: this two-pack delivers strong transmit power, multi-band receiving and a reassuring 1400mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, making it ideal for hikers, volunteer groups and casual radio hobbyists who want reliable range and NOAA weather alerts without a heavy learning curve.

Key Features

• Long range walkie talkie: High transmit power and clear audio give dependable communications across city and rural environments for daily and outdoor use.
• Multi-band receiving: The radio handles V/U bands plus AM and FM and can receive air band signals for broader listening options.
• Rechargeable battery: Each unit ships with a 1400mAh Li-ion battery and USB-C charging for longer standby and convenient recharging in the field.
• NOAA weather alert: Built-in NOAA chirp channels provide instant weather updates and alerts for safer outdoor activities.
• CHIRP and keypad programming: Compatible with CHIRP on Windows XP through Windows 11 for easier frequency management and backups.
• Clear call quality: Squelch and audio tuning reduce background noise and improve voice clarity in noisy situations.

Who It's For

The RA79 is best for outdoor enthusiasts, community volunteers and weekend radio hobbyists who value a straightforward handheld with good range, multi-band receive capability and modern charging. The included NOAA channels and rechargeable batteries make it handy for day hikes, campground coordination and basic emergency readiness.

Those who need advanced commercial features, full ham licensing-level power or waterproofing beyond typical consumer ratings should look at higher-end models. Users requiring deeply configurable digital modes or integrated mapping should also consider more feature-rich radios.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong value for money with two radios included and good performance on repeaters and open terrain.
• Versatile receiving across V/U, AM and FM plus air band makes it useful for listening as well as talking.
• Convenient USB-C charging and a 1400mAh battery extend practical operating time between charges.
• CHIRP compatibility simplifies programming and frequency management on a PC.

Cons

• Not targeted at professional users who require the highest-end durability or specialized digital modes.
• Some advanced features require CHIRP programming; novices may need time to learn PC setup.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Retevis RA79 Upgrade UV5R is a sensible buy for people who want reliable two-way handhelds with good range, versatile receiving and modern USB-C charging at an affordable price. It pairs solid daily performance with NOAA alerts and CHIRP support, making it a strong value for casual operators and outdoor users who do not need professional-grade features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this radio receive air band?
Yes, the RA79 supports air band receiving in addition to V/U, AM and FM for added listening versatility.

Can I program frequencies from a PC?
Yes, it supports CHIRP and keypad programming and is compatible with CHIRP on Windows XP through Windows 11 for easy frequency management.

How is battery life and charging handled?
Each unit includes a 1400mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery and a USB-C charging interface for convenient recharging and longer standby time.