The company states that Retevis employs more than 500 staff, has sold over 40 million units, serves more than 10 million users and maintains a presence in over 170 countries and regions. These figures are self-reported by the company rather than independently audited statistics.2

Origins: 2008–2010

The corporate history of Retevis began in 2008 with the establishment of the predecessor to what is now described as Ysair Technology Co., Ltd. The company entered the two-way radio market in 2009, initially selling radio products before launching the RETEVIS brand in 2010 and commencing development of its own two-way radio hardware.3 The name RETEVIS is stated to be an abbreviation derived from “REdefine TElecommunications VIsion Signpost”.4

International expansion

In 2011, Retevis established overseas warehouses and service operations, including facilities in the United States and Canada, as part of its international expansion strategy. The company subsequently developed a broader global distribution and service network.5 One of its early notable products was the H777, introduced in 2013, which Retevis describes as a classic commercial walkie-talkie that became a significant product for the brand.6

Creation of specialised product lines

In 2016, Retevis organised its portfolio around three principal segments to address distinct market needs:7

• Ailunce: Amateur radio products
• MateTalk: Business and professional radio products
• EZTalk: Consumer-oriented radios

This segmentation allowed the company to target hobbyist, commercial and everyday consumer markets separately. In 2018, the company introduced the Retevis Ailunce HD1, described as its first self-developed amateur radio model featuring front-panel programming (FPP). By 2019, Retevis reported that cumulative worldwide sales had exceeded 20 million units.8

Brand development: 2023 onwards

Retevis underwent a major brand identity update in 2023, positioning itself as a more professional and internationally oriented communications brand. In the same year, it introduced proprietary CPS software for analogue radio programming via the Ailunce HA1G.9 Recent development has increasingly emphasised proprietary hardware and software. In 2024, Retevis highlighted the RB658 and RB58 commercial radios featuring Bluetooth and app integration. In 2025, it introduced the Ailunce H1, described as its first digital radio with both hardware and software developed in-house, alongside the MateTalk E2 intrinsically safe DMR radio.10

The Retevis product portfolio extends beyond basic consumer walkie-talkies to encompass a wide range of communication devices.

Portable two-way radios

Portable handheld radios remain the company’s core category. These include radios intended for construction sites, security teams, warehouses, manufacturing, hospitality, events, outdoor activities, hunting, camping, hiking, family use and general business communication. The company offers radios across various frequency systems and regulatory markets, including UHF, VHF, FRS/GMRS-oriented products for North America and PMR-oriented products for European markets. Exact frequencies, power levels, licensing requirements and permitted uses depend on the specific model and jurisdiction.11

Business and professional radios

The professional segment is represented primarily by the MateTalk product family. These products target organisations requiring structured radio communications for applications such as construction, security, manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality, large facilities and industrial operations. Retevis positions these products as part of broader communication solutions rather than standalone devices.12

Amateur radio

Retevis participates in the amateur radio market through its Ailunce brand. Ailunce products are aimed at radio enthusiasts and operators seeking advanced capabilities such as multi-band operation, programmable channels, digital and analogue communication, GPS, APRS on applicable models, computer programming and sophisticated radio configuration. The Ailunce HD1 is one of the better-known products in this line, which has since expanded to include newer digital models.13

Mobile radios

Unlike handheld walkie-talkies, mobile radios are designed for installation in vehicles or fixed platforms. Retevis offers mobile radios for applications including off-road vehicles, trucks, fleet communication, outdoor activities and remote-area communication. This category includes models such as the RT98 and newer products.14

Repeaters

Retevis produces radio repeaters, which receive and retransmit signals to extend coverage beyond the range of direct user-to-user communication. These are marketed for use in large construction sites, factories, campuses, warehouses, hotels, commercial facilities and wide-area private radio networks, specifically addressing coverage extension in complex environments.15

Consumer and outdoor radios

The EZTalk portfolio is oriented towards consumers and recreational users. Radios in this line are designed for camping, hiking, hunting, cycling, motorcycling, kayaking, family activities and children’s games. Some models prioritise waterproofing, floating capability, compact construction, simple controls or long battery life over advanced professional features.

The company’s ecosystem is divided into three broad sub-brands:

Ailunce

Targeted at amateur radio enthusiasts, Ailunce generally offers more advanced radios and programming capabilities than the company’s basic consumer walkie-talkies.16

MateTalk

Focused on business and professional users, MateTalk emphasises workplace coordination, reliability, safety and specialised radio solutions for commercial and industrial communication.

EZTalk

EZTalk concentrates on accessible two-way communication for families, outdoor users, children and recreational activities.17

Retevis operates across several generations of radio technology.

Analogue radio

A substantial portion of the portfolio consists of conventional analogue FM two-way radios, which are widely used for short- and medium-range voice communication due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Digital radio

The company has increasingly moved into digital radio, including DMR-oriented professional products and newer digital amateur radios. The Ailunce H1, launched in 2025, was described as the first digital radio developed with both hardware and software in-house.18

Bluetooth and smartphone integration

Newer professional products incorporate Bluetooth and smartphone app connectivity, representing a shift from traditional standalone hardware towards integrated communications systems.

CPS and programming software

Retevis has developed its own Customer Programming Software (CPS) for certain products, allowing users to configure channels and radio settings via computer.

Retevis states that its radio products comply with applicable international certification standards, including FCC and CE, depending on the product and market. The company website maintains a library of declarations of conformity and certificates for individual models.19 However, FCC and CE markings do not constitute blanket certification for every product worldwide; radio regulations are model- and jurisdiction-specific. Permitted frequencies, transmit power, licensing requirements and legal use depend on the exact model and country. For example, FCC documentation has identified Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd. as an applicant or manufacturer associated with Retevis-branded equipment.20

Retevis’ corporate history is associated with Ysair Technology Co., Ltd., described on the company’s European website as a private group company headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and established in 2008.21 Regulatory filings for individual products may identify entities such as Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd. Consequently, it is necessary to distinguish between the RETEVIS brand, the corporate group behind it and the specific legal entity listed for a particular product or regulatory filing. The public-facing brand and corporate entities can vary by market and product.

Retevis positions itself as an international radio brand rather than solely a China-based manufacturer. According to current corporate information, the company claims:22

• A presence in over 170 countries and regions
• More than 40 million units sold
• More than 10 million users
• More than 500 employees
• Production capacity exceeding 4,000 units per day

These figures are self-reported and should be treated as company claims rather than independently verified market statistics. The company has established regional websites, distribution networks, warehouses and customer service operations for different markets, with international expansion forming part of the brand strategy since the early 2010s.23

Retevis serves a broad spectrum of users across multiple segments.

Consumer market

The company competes in the affordable walkie-talkie market with products for families, children, travellers and outdoor users.

Outdoor market

Radios are marketed for hiking, camping, hunting, cycling, kayaking, motorcycling and similar recreational activities.

Commercial market

Businesses utilise Retevis radios for employee coordination in warehouses, hotels, restaurants, retail environments, factories and construction sites.

Industrial market

The company has developed specialised products for demanding environments, including intrinsically safe radios. The MateTalk E2, for example, is listed with ATEX and IECEx certification documentation.24

Amateur radio market

Through Ailunce, Retevis targets hobbyists interested in amateur radio and technically sophisticated equipment.

Retevis describes its core philosophy with the phrase “We are together”. Its stated mission is to apply communication technology to specific usage scenarios and to “redefine radio communication”, with a vision to “Make communication easier”.25 The company’s stated brand characteristics include being reliable, cooperative, passionate, innovative, pragmatic and professional. Its positioning has evolved from selling inexpensive two-way radios towards providing scenario-specific wireless communication solutions.26

Retevis provides manuals, firmware, programming software, technical documentation, FAQs and product support resources through its website. The company currently advertises:

• 24 months of free repair coverage for radio devices
• 6 months for accessories
• 3 months for earpieces
• Continued paid repair service after the warranty period
• Lifetime technical support
• 24/7 customer service availability

Warranty conditions can vary by market and product, so applicable regional terms should be verified prior to purchase.

Retevis occupies a distinct position in the two-way radio industry. It is not primarily positioned like traditional high-end professional radio manufacturers such as Motorola Solutions, Hytera or Kenwood. Instead, it has historically competed by offering a broad range of radios at accessible prices while gradually expanding into more sophisticated professional and amateur radio equipment. Its product spectrum ranges from inexpensive consumer walkie-talkies to outdoor radios, business radios, amateur radios, mobile radios, repeaters and digital industrial radio systems. This breadth is a defining characteristic of the brand.

The timeline above is based primarily on Retevis’ published corporate history.

Retevis is understood as a large, internationally oriented value-to-midrange radio brand with an extensive catalogue. Its strengths include a large product range, relatively accessible pricing, strong presence in consumer and outdoor radios, increasing investment in amateur radio, a growing professional portfolio, availability of programming software and accessories, international distribution and development of digital and specialised industrial radios. Limitations depend heavily on the product category; specifications such as durability, interoperability, network management, after-sales support, encryption, certification and system integration can differ considerably between models. Therefore, assessing whether a particular Retevis model is appropriate for a specific application is more relevant than evaluating the brand as a whole.

Retevis is a Shenzhen-based Chinese wireless communications brand that began selling two-way radios in 2009 and formally established the RETEVIS brand in 2010. It has grown from an affordable walkie-talkie supplier into an international communications company offering consumer walkie-talkies, outdoor radios, commercial and industrial two-way radios, amateur radio equipment under Ailunce, professional products under MateTalk, consumer products under EZTalk, mobile radios, repeaters, accessories and increasingly digital communication systems. The company states it serves users in more than 170 countries and has sold more than 40 million units.

1. About Retevis | Leading Two-Way Radio & Repeater Solutions | Retevis Walkie Talkie
2. About Us
3. About Us – Retevis
4. Retevis Consumer Two Way Radios
5. Retevis UHF Two Way Radio | Portable UHF Walkie Talkie
6. Retevis Two-Way Radio & Repeater Solutions Directory
7. Retevis Blog | Two-Way Radio Tips, Guides & Reviews
8. Mobile Radios | Compact, High Power and Long Range | Retevis
9. Two Way Radio in Activity
10. Retevis Declaration of Conformity | CE, FCC, and Safety Certificates
11. Shenzhen Retevis Technology Co., Ltd.
12. Retevis Walkie Talkie | Built for Clear & Instant Comms
13. manuals.plus
14. A Brief History of Radios and Retevis’ Role in Modern Communication
15. manuals.plus
16. Form to Contact Retevis
17. Outdoor Walkie Talkies for Consumers and Professionals | Retevis
18. retevis.com
19. Advanced Walkie Talkies, Built for Communication | Retevis
20. Retevis | Advanced Walkie Talkies, Built for Communication
21. Retevis Our Guarantee
22. Retevis H777 Affordable Business FRS Radio
23. Retevis Two Way Radio
24. Retevis Two Way Radio
25. RETEVIS | LinkedIn
26. RETEVIS | LinkedIn