Top 10 Best Cross Band Repeater Radios in 2023 Buying Guide

When you invest in the best cross band repeater radio, it becomes easier to receive and retransmit radio signals simultaneously at a higher range.

This allows you to cover more distances when communicating with other radio users, especially in areas or regions where signals are obstructed due to distance.

Repeater radio systems are mostly used by people who own and operate commercial industries or businesses across a large area, emergency service providers, and amateur radio enthusiasts.

This is common when operators are far away from each other and need to pass across important information or details.

When installing your repeater radio, depending on use, structure, and area, conduct a site survey to know the radio coverage.

In the end, you will know exactly where the antenna needs to be placed, which guarantees maximum radio coverage and range.

In this guide, we will discuss 10 designs of repeater radio that you can buy.

These designs are chosen based on performance quality- improved penetration, range, and coverage. Overall, they are the top choices amongst two-way radio users because of their price, design, and quality.

The top cross band repeater radios on the market are BAOFENG, YAESU, ANYTONE, TYT, KENWOOD, SOCOTRAN, and QYT.

A Table of 10 Best Cross Band Repeater Radio Comparison 2023

What is the best cross band repeater radio?

The best cross band repeater radio is BaoFeng.

Why BaoFeng is the best brand for cross band repeater radio?

BaoFeng allows users to communicate over several channels, and most BaoFeng models come with the VHF and UHF features.

These scanning receivers enable the radio to add extra channels.

Some BaoFeng models have the NOAA weather bands that allow emergency announcements, and they also monitor the weather channels.

Generally, BaoFeng radios are known for top-quality, and they are very reliable irrespective of their prices.

The 10 Best Cross Band Repeater Radios of 2023 Reviews

01. BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio

Highlighted Features

• 128 programmable channels
• Dual-band radio (UHF/VHF)
• Battery-powered (1800mAh)
• LED flashlight
• It can be programmed from a computer
• Comes with user’s manual
• 8 watts output power

The Baofeng UV-5R is top-quality radio. This dual-band UHF/VHF amateur radio is pocket-friendly, and it is very solid.

The channel capacity is quite impressive. It allows up to one hundred and twenty-eight (128) programmable channels, and these channels are scanned based on priority.

This repeater radio is a great choice for any ham radio lover who wants a design that offers mobility at an affordable price.

Baofeng UV-5R is battery powered, and the battery is long-lasting, offering about 12 hours of continuous use.

The battery is rechargeable, and power is conserved until the radio is in operation, thanks to the battery save feature that comes with it.

The packaging box comes with all the necessary components you need to achieve top performance.

Also, there is a user guide that every owner of Baofeng UV-5R can go through to ensure they carefully study and understand how this device works.

With a speaker output of about 700mw, which is pretty much impressive, you will be able to hear clearly even under extreme conditions.

The keypad lock also curtails accidental interruptions.

With the use of a programming cable, you can conveniently program your Baofeng UV-5R from your computer.

Also, it is important to note that this device is only permitted for amateur use.

Pros

• Very easy to operate
• Pocket-friendly price
• Light-weighted (1 pound in weight)

Cons

• No user’s manual

02. Yaesu Original FTM-400DR/XDR 144/430MHz

Highlighted Features

• Comprehensive user’s manual
• Long microphone cable
• Top-quality display screen
• Powered by vehicle’s battery
• The brightness level can be adjusted
• 64 pounds in weight

FTM-400DR/XDR is a top choice for Best Cross Band Repeater Radio among users, thanks to its smooth and stress-free operation and setup.

If you mount the head on your vehicle’s dashboard, ensure this part is well-secured using the double-sided tape that comes with this product.

The packaging box comes with the required mounting brackets you need for this task. The configuration is not difficult.

Yaesu Original FTM-400DR/XDR doesn’t require the use of an extension speaker.

Ensure the speaker is placed very close to your ear, probably on top of the radio.

The microphone cable comes in an adequate length. So, you won’t have to stretch it.

On the microphone are several numerical keys, and they all serve several amazing functions.

The display is impressive, and you can choose from several available colors of your choice.

The brightness level can be adjusted to fit a certain time of the day.

When adjusted to full brightness, you will be able to see every detail on the display screen even when you are outside of your vehicle.

The audio quality is impressive. While transmitting and receiving over a long distance, for instance, 30 miles, the audio remains loud, clear, and very easy to comprehend.

Yaesu Original FTM-400DR/XDR is an impressive design, and every radio enthusiast will love it.

The owner’s manual is comprehensive, and it contains the needed information on how to operate and program this radio.

Pros

• You do not need an extension speaker
• Installation is not difficult
• Comes with necessary mounting hardware

Cons

• Takes a lot of time to study the user’s manual
• Can be affected by water

03. AnyTone AT-778UV Dual Band Transceiver Mobile Radio: Designed for several types of calls

Highlighted Features

• 25watt radio
• Comes with a user’s manual
• The power cable is included
• Bright and easy to read screen
• The layout can be personalized
• 7 pounds in weight

AnyTone AT-778UV Dual Band is an amateur radio designed for every vehicle owner on the lookout for a dual-band radio that is not big in size.

The design is great, and the body is strong enough to withstand extreme conditions.

The screen is of great quality. It displays all the necessary information clearly, ensuring you do not miss out on any details.

The sound quality is great and clear, thanks to its loud and clear speaker.

AnyTone AT-778UV is suitable for all kinds of calls- it allows single, group, selective, and emergency calls.

This dual-band allows you to scan and have access to about 250 channels, and you can switch between each channel with ease.

The mounting is not difficult. The packaging box comes with mounting brackets and screws for successful installation on your vehicle.

In case you encounter any form of difficulties while mounting or operating this radio, go through the user’s manual to look at how best to solve these problems.

The package doesn’t come with the programming software. You can fix this issue by downloading the AnyTone AT-778UV programming software version online.

It doesn’t have the DTMF Feature capability, which is an ideal feature for amateur radio.

Pros

• Very easy to operate
• Loud and clear audio
• Very sturdy and compact

Cons

• The programming process is complex
• The DTMF capability is missing

04. TYT TH-9800 Quad Band 50W Cross-Band Radio

Highlighted Features

• Has several buttons
• Aircraft and 800Mhz scanning functions
• 800 channels
• Keypad lock function
• Extension cable and face kit bracket are removable
• 7 pounds in weight

TYT TH-9800 is one of the most popular repeater radio in the market. This design comes with many amazing features, and the overall quality and performance are remarkable.

The sound is great, and the audio is very loud and clear. This radio gives you access to about 800 different channels, and the quad-band antenna is of great quality.

Considering the performance and quality of TYT TH-9800, it is fair to say that the offering price is amazing.

TH-9800 is long-lasting and durable. Many users who have been using it for more than two years confirm that the audio quality, power output & retention are still intact.

Since the radio comes with many buttons, this makes operation and use easier and more convenient for owners.

According to reviews from a few owners of TH-9800, the sound quality is better when it is a bit away from you compared to when you listen to it with a mic.

Also, it doesn’t come with a Bluetooth adapter.

Pros

• Loud and clear audio quality
• Comes with several amazing features
• Durable and long-lasting
• Easy and dun to operate

Cons

• Absence of a Bluetooth adapter

05. Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF/UHF

Highlighted Features

• 1000 channels
• It can be used as a weather radio
• DTMF capacity
• LCD display screen
• 82 pounds in weight
• Several amazing features (Basic and advanced)

Yaesu is known for its top-quality design. Yaesu FT-60R further affirms the manufacturer’s credibility by ensuring it meets expectations in terms of performance for choosing the Best Cross Band Repeater Radio.

FT-60R repeater radio is made from top-quality materials, which guarantees durability.  It is not affected by water, and it can as well resist wear and tear.

Also, this design is not difficult to use. It comes with all the necessary features that both beginner and experienced repeater radio owners can use and understand.

Yaesu FT-60R model allows one-touch connectivity to NOAA weather, enabling it to scan and receive extreme weather updates from the NOAA server.

You can also use it as a weather radio. With this, you will have first-hand information about heavy rainfall and storms.

The wide LCD screen ensures you can easily read up the necessary information.

You can also know when your radio is out of your communication range, thanks to the Auto Range Transponder System.

Overall, this is one of the best affordable repeater radio you will find on the market.

We couldn’t find any serious downsides about this product. Reviews online show that a few buyers of FT-60R complained about one or two defects upon receiving the package.

Well, none of these reported issues are extreme.

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Long-lasting and durable
• Pocket-friendly
• Great value for money

Cons

• Possible defects with hardware

06. Kenwood Original TM-V71A 144/440 MHz

Highlighted Features

• 1000 channels
• 3 pounds in weight
• 440Mhz frequency
• 50W RF Power Output
• Comes with GPS
• Weather updates

What we love about this repeater radio is an exceptional design.

Kenwood Original TM-V71A comes with several amazing features and functions to make the operation smooth and easier.

Kenwood has built a name for itself globally, and TM-V71A adds to the brand equity and credibility.

Kenwood Original TM-V71A offers 440 MHz frequency, which guarantees its use over a long-range (about 2 meters).

By investing in this model, reliable performance is guaranteed no matter what the situations or circumstances are.

Thanks to several power ranges that come with it.

In addition to the above-listed features, TM-V71A can be used for several purposes, ensuring it satisfies various users according to their needs.

The GPS feature allows accurate and up-to-date information and messages for enhanced output.

With about 1000 channels and exceptional frequency, you will also get weather updates about your region, in addition to the radio stations.

Although this design is incredible, there are some things we believe the manufacturer can improve on.

For instance, the microphone is a bit bulky, making it difficult to move it around with you.

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Versatile design
• Reliable performance

Cons

• The microphone is bulky

07. BaoFeng UV-5R Plus Qualette

Highlighted Features

• Battery-powered
• Allows external microphone
• Long battery life
• Antenna is detachable
• Comes with LED flashlight
• 1 pound in weight

Several features make the UV-5R Plus repeater radio a top choice amongst other products on the market.

Asides from its enhanced antenna, which ensures signals are clear and unrestricted, this design is also very easy to use and understand.

BaoFeng UV-5R Plus is ideal for not advanced radio users, thanks to its user-friendly control setup.

This radio is strong and durable, and it comes in a small size. This allows ease of movement and storage.

You can easily move around with it in your pocket without any form of difficulties.

You can conveniently listen to FM radio, and the broadcast is automatically paused once the incoming transmission is discovered.

The audio quality is also a remarkable feature of UV-5R Plus. With about 1000mW audio output power, the sound can easily fill a room.

There is a LED flashlight on the top of the radio. This light is strong enough to cover a large area of land, especially if you love to go on an adventure at night.

BaoFeng UV-5R Plus is battery powered (1800mAh), and the battery is long-lasting.

When fully charged, which takes about 4 hours. You can continuously use the radio for up to two days.

The UV-5R allows programming and connection with the computer, and the software is available at zero cost.

The package doesn’t come with a USB cable for computer programming; you will need to invest in one.

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Quality construction
• Not heavy
• Pocket-friendly

Cons

• No computer programing cable

08. SOCOTRAN ST-7900D radio

Highlighted Features

• 200 Channels
• Built-in cooling fan
• Installation guide and hardware
• 04 pounds in weight
• Channels auto-scan feature
• Designed for both adventure and professional use

If you are looking for a repeater radio that allows long and uninterrupted conversations or information exchange, ST-7900D is the answer.

Although it gets warm after long hours of use or when exposed to extreme heat.

When any of these happen, the built-in fan turns on, eliminating the heat and regulating the temperature back to normal.

The audio quality is clear and loud, and an external microphone or speaker ensures enhanced transmission.

You can scan and listen to all the channels on this radio without necessarily touching it, thanks to the auto-scanning feature.

The reception and transmissions are really impressive, and it works on various frequencies (GMRS, Ham, and commercial).

This makes it an ideal design for both adventure and professional use.

By installing the ST-7900D on your truck, you can easily communicate, exchange information, and catch up with your friends and other adventurers while on trips.

No matter your needs for purchasing this product, reliable performance is assured. ST-7900D doesn’t require much space, and it can be installed anywhere on your vehicle.

If you want to get the best out of the SOCOTRAN ST-7900D radio, make sure you get an ideal antenna.

Reviews from users show that the manual is a bit complicated. It takes a lot of time and commitment to understanding the instructions.

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Easy to operate
• Small in size
• Durable and compact design

Cons

• The instruction manual is a bit complex
• No programming cable

09. TYT TH-9800

Highlighted Features

• UHF and VHF transmission
• 800 channels
• Allows manual and computer programming
• Hardware and user’s manual
• 69 pounds in weight

Regarded as one of the top-quality designs you will find on the market, TYT TH-9800 offers several amazing features.

It can transmit and receive signals at numerous frequencies.

With the range of features and frequencies it offers, users of this radio can use it according to their needs or requirements.

Since it is a quad-band model, signals can be sent and received on UHF and VHF bands.

When transmitting in VHF, the power output is between 50 and 5 watts. The maximum power output while transmitting in UHF is 35 watts.

Programming can be carried out manually, and you can as well make use of your computer.

If you decide to program the radio manually, make use of the user’s manual.

It is clearly written and easy to understand. For individuals who may desire to program the radio using a computer, you can use a programming cable and download CHIRP compatible software.

Impressively, TYT TH-9800 can be installed in any vehicle model and used in regions with adequate voltage or current.

For best performance, use it with the HH 9900 antenna.

If you are looking for a radio that offers AM transmission or single sideband transmission, this is not for you.

Pros

• Small in size
• Compatible for all vehicle designs
• Affordable and easy to install
• Easy to understand manual

Cons

• Doesn’t support AM or single sideband transmission

10. QYT KT-8900D Dual Band

Highlighted Features

• LCD display screen
• Dual band quad radio (VHF & UHF)
• Compact and portable design
• Comes with programming cable
• In-built Cooling fan
• 2 pounds in weight

If you need a small-sized repeater radio that offers top-class performance, choose QYT KT-8900D Dual Band.

It offers several amazing features, and the appearance is appealing to the eyes. Thanks to its bright blue LCD screen.

There are several reasons why QYT KT-8900D Dual Band is rated above several other designs on the market.

For instance, its compact and portable design allows easy and comfortable movement from one point to another.

Other reasons are the pocket-friendly price and its dual-band transmission (VHF and UHF).

With the UHF output power of 20 watts and the VHF output power of 25 watts, users won’t require a lot of energy before operating the QYT KT-8900D Dual Band. This tells you how efficient it is.

With the use of a programming cable, you can easily program this radio using CHIRP, which is a computer app.

The audio quality is excellent, and it allows easy transmission and recipient of signals over a long distance.

Overall, QYT KT-8900D Dual Band offers enhanced performance.

The package box doesn’t come with an antenna. So, you will have to spend a few bucks on this component.

Also, we believe the quality of the knobs can be improved to ensure performance isn’t affected over a long period.

Pros

• Quality audio
• Smooth and clear long-distance communication
• Affordable design
• Installation is easy

Cons

• No antenna
• Knobs quality is questionable

Buying Considerations of Choosing The Best Cross Band Repeater Radio

Now that you have gone through the 10 brands on our list, the next task is to know how to pick the right design that meets your needs or requirements.

This section will discuss the important things you need to consider while choosing an excellent cross band repeater radio.

How durable is the design:

A top-class product must produce excellent performance, and it must also be long-lasting.

Remember, you are not just buying a radio because of its superb output and performance. You must also ensure such a design will last for a long time.

Make sure you go for a repeater radio that is made from top materials.

This guarantees sturdiness and durability, ensuring such a radio won’t be easily affected by extreme conditions.

Check how versatile the design is:

You should go for a brand that allows for numerous operations and usages. Several models and designs in the market can be used in multiple ways.

They can connect with other electrical devices such as your computer. Make sure you go for a brand that allows you to use your radio in line with your requirements and needs.

Avoid a design that is focused on just one particular operation.

Easy to operate and user friendly:

Your choice of radio design shouldn’t be complex or difficult to learn and use. Make sure you go for a brand that you can easily understand the features and the functions.

If your design choice comes with a lot of buttons or features, they must be simple and very effective.

You must understand what each button and feature does and how you can get the best out of your device.

Battery life:

If you are going for a battery-powered repeater radio, go for a design that has a long-lasting battery life and charges very fast.

Power supply:

Every repeater radio is designed to draw power at a specific rate. Make sure your power supply can conveniently cater to the power requirement of your desired model or brand.

Conclusion

We believe this guide for choosing the Best Cross Band Repeater Radio has given you the necessary knowledge and insights you need to choose the best design for you.

While choosing a repeater radio to invest in, make sure you select the best design that meets all of your requirements.

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