Radioddity VB70-B Review: Is This Bluetooth-Enabled 2-Meter Ham Radio Worth Your Money?

Are you tired of fumbling with cords and microphones while operating your mobile ham radio? The Radioddity VB70-B 2-meter mobile radio offers a solution with its Bluetooth connectivity and wireless PTT button. But at $200, is it worth the investment compared to other popular options like the Yaesu FT-2980R?

If you're considering a feature-rich mobile ham radio that prioritizes hands-free operation and clear audio transmission, you might be intrigued by what the VB70-B has to offer. In this comprehensive review, we'll examine whether its standout features—Bluetooth connectivity, built-in noise reduction, and multi-band reception—truly deliver value or are merely marketing gimmicks.

What Makes the Radioddity VB70-B Stand Out in the Mobile Ham Radio Market

The mobile ham radio market is crowded with options, so what makes the Radioddity VB70-B worthy of consideration? Unlike many competitors, this radio combines traditional functionality with modern convenience features that address common pain points for mobile operators.

These features address specific needs of mobile operators who want convenience without sacrificing performance. But do they justify the $200 price tag? That's what we'll explore throughout this review.

Unboxing and First Impressions: Build Quality That Inspires Confidence

What's Included in the Box

• Radioddity VB70-B mobile radio unit
• Handheld microphone with RJ45 connector
• Vehicle mounting bracket with hardware
• Bluetooth PTT button with Velcro strap for steering wheel mounting
• DC power cable for 12V connection
• User manual and quick start guide

First impressions matter, and the VB70-B makes a strong one. Upon unboxing, the radio's solid construction is immediately apparent. The aluminum chassis gives it substantial heft without being unwieldy, suggesting durability that should withstand the rigors of mobile operation.

Design and Durability

The rugged construction of the VB70-B isn't just for show—it serves multiple purposes. The aluminum chassis acts as both protection for internal components and as part of the cooling system. The back panel features an impressive heat sink with deep fins that efficiently dissipate heat during operation.

What's particularly thoughtful about the design is the inclusion of an active cooling fan that kicks in automatically when the radio gets warm. This dual cooling approach suggests Radioddity has prioritized longevity and reliability during extended transmission periods—a crucial consideration for emergency communications or contest operations.

Display and Controls: Function Meets Usability

The front panel layout strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. The LCD display is notably bright and legible even in direct sunlight, with adjustable backlighting for nighttime operation. Character size is large enough to read at a glance—an important safety feature for mobile operation.

The control buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for operation without taking your eyes off the road. The volume and tuning knobs have just the right amount of resistance to prevent accidental adjustments while driving on bumpy roads. The microphone feels substantial in hand, with well-spaced, clearly labeled buttons that can be operated even while wearing gloves.

How to Set Up and Use the Bluetooth Features That Make This Radio Unique

The Bluetooth functionality is arguably the VB70-B's most distinctive feature, setting it apart from similarly priced competitors. Here's how to get it up and running:

Step-by-Step Guide to Pairing the Bluetooth PTT Button

1. Access the menu system by pressing and holding the Function key for two seconds until you hear a confirmation beep.
2. Navigate to Menu Item 36 (Bluetooth settings) by rotating the selector knob or using the up/down buttons on the microphone.
3. Enable Bluetooth by turning the selector knob to toggle from OFF to ON, then press the MHz button to enter the submenu.
4. Select PTT pairing mode using the VM or TS/DCS buttons to highlight "BT PTT" and press MHz again to confirm.
5. Wait for the "PTT Pair" message on the LCD screen. The included Bluetooth PTT button should be flashing to indicate it's in pairing mode.
6. Confirm successful pairing when the display shows "LINK" and the button's flashing pattern changes to a steady light.

Real-World Benefits of Bluetooth Integration

Once paired, the wireless PTT button can be attached to your steering wheel using the included Velcro strap, allowing you to transmit without removing your hands from the wheel. This significantly enhances safety during mobile operation—a genuine advantage over radios that require you to fumble with a handheld microphone.

Beyond the PTT button, the VB70-B also supports pairing with Bluetooth headsets. This creates a fully wireless operating experience that's particularly valuable for RV operators or those who want to step away from their vehicle while maintaining radio contact.

Performance Testing: Reception, Transmission, and Audio Quality

Features and specifications only tell part of the story—real-world performance is what matters to ham radio operators. We put the VB70-B through rigorous testing to evaluate its core functionality.

Reception Capabilities Across Multiple Bands

The VB70-B's receiver performs admirably on the 2-meter band, with sensitivity comparable to higher-priced mobiles. Weak signals were detected clearly, and strong local repeaters came in without distortion. The squelch function works smoothly, with 9 adjustable levels to suit different operating environments.

The airband reception (118-136 MHz) is a welcome bonus feature that performed better than expected. Aviation communications from a nearby airport were received clearly, making this a genuine value-add for those interested in monitoring air traffic. The FM broadcast reception (87.5-108 MHz) provided good audio quality for entertainment between ham radio conversations.

Transmission Power and Clarity

With 50 watts of maximum output power, the VB70-B delivers sufficient punch for reliable mobile communications. Power can be adjusted in four steps (5W, 10W, 25W, 50W), allowing for appropriate power selection based on distance and battery conservation needs.

The built-in noise reduction technology—one of the radio's key selling points—genuinely improves transmission quality in noisy environments. During testing in a vehicle with road noise, the DSP effectively filtered out background noise without making voice transmissions sound overly processed or robotic—a common issue with some noise reduction systems.

Thermal Performance During Extended Use

The dual cooling system (passive heat sink plus active fan) proved its worth during stress testing. After 15 minutes of continuous transmission at 50 watts, the radio remained at a manageable temperature. The cooling fan activated as expected but operated quietly enough not to interfere with reception or be a distraction while driving.

Value Comparison: How the VB70-B Stacks Up Against Competitors

At $200, the Radioddity VB70-B positions itself in the mid-tier mobile radio market. Let's see how it compares to its closest competitors:

The VB70-B offers a different value proposition than its competitors. While the Yaesu FT-2980R provides higher power output and the TYT TH-9800 offers more bands, neither includes Bluetooth functionality or the specialized noise reduction that makes the VB70-B stand out for mobile operators.

The true value of any ham radio isn't just in its specifications but in how well it serves your specific operating needs and environment.

Is the Radioddity VB70-B Worth Your Money? Final Verdict and Recommendations

After thorough testing and comparison, we can confidently assess whether the Radioddity VB70-B deserves its $200 price tag and your consideration.

Who Should Buy the Radioddity VB70-B?

The VB70-B is an excellent choice for:

• Mobile operators who prioritize hands-free operation for safety
• Hams in noisy environments who need effective noise reduction
• Aviation enthusiasts who appreciate the bonus airband reception
• Operators in hot climates who need reliable cooling during summer operations

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

The VB70-B might not be ideal for:

• Power users who need more than 70 watts of output
• Multi-band operators who require UHF/70cm capability
• Budget-conscious hams who don't need Bluetooth or noise reduction features

Ready to experience the convenience of Bluetooth operation and noise-free transmissions? The Radioddity VB70-B is available at a special discount for our readers: