Retekess TR111 vs TR112 vs TR110 vs TR113: Which Full-Band Radio & Scanner is Right for Your Hobby?
Welcome to Fleetwood Digital's definitive guide to the highly popular Retekess multi-band receiver series. Whether you’re an experienced DXer (long-distance listener) or a newcomer searching for the ultimate survival radio, choosing between the TR111, TR112, TR110, and TR113 can be confusing.
We break down the critical differences based solely on frequency, mode, and hardware specifications to help you decide which powerful digital radio deserves a spot in your kit.
🔀 The Essential Comparison: Modes and Frequency Range
For serious radio enthusiasts, the difference between these models comes down to two crucial factors: Single Side Band (SSB) mode and the VHF/UHF and Shortwave (SW) spectrum coverage. The jump from the TR112 to the TR110 and TR113 is significant, as these advanced models introduce modes and bands essential for listening to amateur (ham) radio operators, utility stations, and broader scanner applications.
| Feature | Retekess TR111 (Entry-Level) | Retekess TR112 (AIR Band) | Retekess TR110 (Pocket SSB) | Retekess TR113 (Ultimate Full Band) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial Mode | AM/FM (NFM/WFM) | AM/FM (NFM/WFM) | SSB (LSB/USB) | SSB (LSB/USB) |
| Long Wave (LW) | No | No | No | Yes (153-522 KHz) |
| Shortwave (SW) Range | 4.75-21.85 MHz | 3.20-21.95 MHz | 3.20-30.00 MHz | 2.3-30 MHz |
| CB Band | No | No | Yes (25.00-28.00 MHz) | Yes (25-28 MHz) |
| Aviation (AIR) | No | Yes (118-138 MHz) | Yes (118-138 MHz) | Yes (118-138 MHz) |
| VHF/UHF Coverage | VHF only (30-199.975 MHz) | VHF only (30-199.975 MHz) | VHF/UHF (20-520 MHz) | VHF/UHF (20-999 MHz) |
| Max Station Memory | 396 stations | 995 channels | 1000 stations | 1600 channels |
👉 Deep Dive: The Game-Changing Features
💻 Single Side Band (SSB)
The most important distinction for hobbyists is the inclusion of SSB (Lower Side Band / Upper Side Band) reception on the TR110 and TR113.
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⭐ What is it? SSB is an advanced reception mode that allows you to tune in clearly to non-broadcast radio traffic.
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⭐ Why You Need It: It is essential for listening to Amateur (Ham) Radio conversations, long-range maritime and aviation utility traffic, and receiving clearer, static-free versions of long-distance shortwave broadcasts.
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⭐ Verdict: If you plan to listen to anything beyond international music or public broadcasts, the TR110 or TR113 is a necessary upgrade.
✈ Scanner and VHF/UHF Capabilities
For utility and emergency listeners, the higher-frequency bands are crucial for local communications.
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✈ The TR112, TR110, and TR113 all include the AIR Band (118-138 MHz) for monitoring airport traffic and aircraft communications.
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🚨 The TR110 expands coverage up to 520 MHz (VHF/UHF), turning it into a capable scanner for local emergency, commercial, and amateur radio signals.
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🚀 The TR113 delivers the widest scanning coverage, reaching up to 999 MHz. This makes it the most capable radio for monitoring various local public safety, business, and amateur UHF transmissions.
🔊 Power, Portability, and Build
The overall user experience, speaker quality, and battery life vary significantly across the series, reflecting their intended use.
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🔊 Audio Power: The TR113 is a clear winner, boasting a massive 20W max output and a large speaker for room-filling sound, far exceeding the small (1W-5W) output of the other three pocket-sized units.
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🔋 Battery Life: The TR113 has a professional-grade 3600mAh battery, making it ideal for long-duration listening, while the other models hover around the 1000-1600mAh range, suitable for portability.
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📏 Portability: The TR111 and TR110 are the most pocket-friendly, small enough for hiking or a glove compartment. The TR113 is significantly larger, built more like a traditional desktop or full-sized portable unit.
🎯 The Fleetwood Digital Final Verdict
Based on your need for frequency coverage and advanced modes, here is our recommendation:
For the Casual Listener (FM/AM/Basic SW):
Retekess TR111: Basic, highly portable, and budget-friendly. A good starter radio.
For the Traveler/Pilot Listener:
Retekess TR112: The best budget option if you specifically need the AIR Band but don't require SSB or deep scanning.
The Best Value for the Enthusiast:
Retekess TR110: This is the ultimate pocket-sized receiver. It features the essential SSB mode and covers the broad SW/CB/VHF/UHF ranges while remaining highly portable.
The Ultimate Full-Spectrum Receiver and Scanner:
Retekess TR113: If you want it all—LW, the widest scanning range (up to 999 MHz), SSB, massive battery life, and powerful audio—the TR113 is the flagship choice for the serious DXer and prepper.
Ready to explore the world of radio? Find these models and other high-performance gear in our catalog:
