Retevis RT29 vs RT81

There are many types of walkie-talkies in the market, but a reliable and affordable one is typically hard to come by. Before choosing a good two-way radio, you must consider the various factors affecting its quality. For instance, signal strength can be very poor and unstable, which can sometimes stress us out while hiking.

Since the Retevis brand is known for providing high-quality radios for various industries, there is a perfect one for you. Whether you need a walkie-talkie for your office or other purposes, you can rest assured that the Retevis RT81 and RT29 will meet your needs and provide you with the best possible service. In addition to being able to meet our standards, they also come with a variety of other features.

Retevis RT29

Retevis RT81

Brand

Range

not stated

not stated

Power Output

not stated

10 watts

Frequency Ranges

400-480MHz / 430-440MHz (UHF), 144-148 MHz / 136-174 MHz (VHF)

400-470MHz

License needed

yes (FCC License)

yes (FCC License)

Waterproof

 
IP67
 
IP67

Emergency Alert

Auto Squelch

LED Flashlight

Keypad Lock

Call Tones

Power Source

rechargeable Li-ion battery

rechargeable Li-ion battery

Size

5.9 x 2.3 x 1.5 inches

4.72 x 2.28 x 1.5 inches

Weight

0.74 lb

0.58 lb

Scope of Delivery

  • 2 radios

  • 2 belt clips

  • 2 hand straps

  • 2 charger

  • 2 adapter

  • 2 antennas

  • 2 Li-ion Battery packs

  • 2 earbuds with microphone

  • user manual

  • 2 radios

  • 2 belt clips

  • 2 hand straps

  • 2 charger

  • 2 adapter

  • 2 antennas

  • 2 Li-ion Battery packs

  • user manual

My Rating

 

Comparison – Retevis RT29 vs RT81

Set up

The Retevis RT29 and RT81 are similar, as they both have user-friendly designs. This means that it is straightforward to set up and does not require much knowledge about how to use it. However, RT81 is a popular choice among Retevis users because it is durable and economical for digital radios.

Before you start using both Retevis RT29 and RT81 devices, make sure that the batteries are charged. You can do this step by placing them into two way-radios. After you have connected the batteries to the charger, a red LED will appear on the screen, which indicates that the device is charging.

After fully charging the battery, you can turn on your walkie-talkies. They will automatically pair and connect to the various channels they will use.

Waterproof

The Retevis RT29 is one of the few products with an IP67 waterproof rating. This means that its water resistance is of high quality. However, the Retevis RT81 is also equipped with an IP67 rating and can endure up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to half an hour. Also, it can stay submerged for up to an hour under salt water.

Although both radios can endure water submersion up to a meter away for around 30 minutes, the water-resistant rating and dust-proof features of RT29 make it ideal for various activities.

However, I cannot say that the Retevis RT81 has any difference, as it was also very useful because I usually go to humid areas when hiking. It also has a dust-proof feature that makes it look great even after going through dusty and sandy terrains.

One of the few walkie-talkies that can withstand water resistance, Retevis RT81 and RT29 are flexible radios that can be used for various purposes. Its additional protection makes it ideal for various activities such as camping, farming, and foresting. This product will also work well for outreach programs and long road trips.

 

Power Source

The Retevis RT29 comes with 3,200 mAH Li-ON batteries, which can power the device for up to 30 hours. They can also provide you with up to 250 hours of standby. This means you will have enough power to use your walkie-talkie for a whole day.

On the other hand, RetevisRT81 has a rechargeable 2,200 mah lithium-ion battery that can be used for various electronic devices. It takes only about two hours to recharge fully, but it can last for 24 hours. This is a great thing about this product, as it will allow us to do all our usual activities without any interruptions.

Having the Retevis RT29 eliminates the need for you to waste time and effort charging the device. This can be very beneficial for making and maintaining consistent communication. However, it does not support disposable batteries.

 

Range

The Retevis RT29 is a long-range talkie that is ideal for those looking for a more affordable alternative to a walkie-talkie. Although the manufacturer didn’t provide a specific figure, it has a better range than most budget models.

Even with various obstructions in between, the Retevis RT29 can still reach a distance of around 10 miles. This is impressive, considering that most walkie-talkies in the market can only reach this distance with a hard time, even with the manufacturer’s claims.

After looking into the different types of walkie-talkies, I learned that some of them only work in a certain area, such as Retevis RT81, which ranges only around 500 meters in a city. But it is still a good alternative, as it allows users to talk even further away, up to 2-3 miles.

Frequencies

The Retevis RT29 can support VHF and UHF frequencies, depending on your use. The UHF can operate at a range of 400 to 480 MHz, while the VHF can operate at a frequency range of 136 to 174 MHz.

Meanwhile, The Retevis RT81 walkie-talkie can also use a 400-470mHz frequency range, which is an Ultra High Frequency or a UHF. This allows it to transmit messages wider than VHF or Very High Frequency, which uses a 136-174mHz frequency range.

Although RT81 can operate in GMRS bands, it would still need an FCC license. On the other hand, you’ll need to acquire a license to operate RT29 because it is different from GMRS, MURS, or FRS radios. Since these are two-way radios, you will need either a commercial or tech class license to operate them.

 

Features

  • Keypad tones
    • RT29 and RT81 don’t produce pitch-like sounds whenever the keys are pressed, as each of the device’s keypads has its unique sound.
  • VOX function
    • RT29 VOX’s hands-free operation feature is a useful addition to this product. It can be paired with your existing earphones and automatically sends a message to all the other radios connected to the same channel. But, with Retevis RT81 VOX function also makes it very convenient to use, allowing me to operate it while simultaneously managing other tasks.
  • Auto Squelch
    • The RT29 has a built-in squelch feature that prevents unwanted noises from being transmitted while using the radio. One of the most helpful features of the Retevis RT81 is its auto squelch, which prevents certain types of two-way radios from making noises while transmitting.
  • Multiple Channels
    • The Retevis RT29 has 16 channels and can be set up in three different output modes. Furthermore, the Retevis RT81 walkie-talkie can function in 32 channels and features two zones and 16 channels each.

 

Price

The Retevis RT29 is a digital camera that can be purchased at a price of $44.99 from its website. It comes with various options and packages. The Retevis RT81 is a two-way walkie-talkie that is very good value for $89.99.

Although it is a bit expensive for a two-way walkie-talkie, it is still very justifiable. Its 4.7 out of five ratings indicates that its customers are satisfied with its performance.

 

Conclusion – Retevis RT29 vs RT81

The Retevis RT29 is a great all-around talkie that comes with a lot of features. Its impressive battery life and range are some of the reasons why it’s considered to be one of the best walkie-talkies around.

However, remember that the Retevis RT81 walkie-talkie features a built-in Lithium-ion battery that can last up to 25 hours and be charged in just two hours. Its wide frequency range allows it to transmit at various distances.

Although it is priced higher than RT29 due to its FCC license requirement, this product is still a good buy. Its highly-rated features and exceptional performance make it one of the best walkie-talkies.

View the Retevis RT29 on Amazon* View the Retevis RT81 on Amazon*

 

Marcel

Founder of walkie-talkie-guide.com & TechVert.com. Tech enthusiast. Interested in gaming, computers, and walkie-talkies.

Leave a Comment