Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs TIDRADIO TD-H3
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng BF-5RH PRO is the clear winner for most users despite its higher price. The single most important differentiator is feature set: the BF-5RH PRO includes GPS and APRS capabilities, making it substantially more versatile for activities like emergency communications, outdoor expeditions, and amateur radio events. The TD-H3, while cheaper, offers only basic VHF/UHF functionality without these modern conveniences.
The price difference of $37 is meaningful, but not decisive given the capability gap. Both radios support CHIRP programming, which is essential for amateur operators. The BF-5RH PRO's 10-watt transmission power is also a practical advantage for reaching distant repeaters and fellow operators.
Buy the TD-H3 if you're a budget-conscious beginner who simply needs a functional radio for local simplex communication and don't anticipate needing GPS or APRS soon. Choose the BF-5RH PRO if you're serious about amateur radio, plan to travel, or want room to grow into more advanced operating modes.
The BF-5RH PRO's significantly higher overall score of 86 versus 72 reflects these advantages. Spend the extra money for the better radio unless your budget is genuinely constrained.
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- 3x more memory channels (640 vs 199)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3
- 53% cheaper ($32.66 vs $69.99)
$69.99 on Amazon
★ 4.6 (286 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng BF-5RH PRO | TIDRADIO TD-H3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $32.66 |
| Overall Score | 86 | 72 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 640 | 199 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color | Color LCD |
| IP Rating | IP54 | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Special Feature | Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert | Portable |
| Included Components | 1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual | 1 x TD-H3 radio with antenna, 2 x 2500mAh Li-ion battery, 1 x TD-771 antenna, 1 x Air band antenna, 1 x Desktop charger, 1 x Charger, 1 x Type-C data cable, 1 x Belt clip, 1 x Hand strap, 1 x English manual. |
| Model Number | 5RH Pro | TD-H3 Ham Radio |
| Built-In Media | 1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual | 1 x TD-H3 radio with antenna, 2 x 2500mAh Li-ion battery, 1 x TD-771 antenna, 1 x Air band antenna, 1 x Desktop charger, 1 x Charger, 1 x Type-C data cable, 1 x Belt clip, 1 x Hand strap, 1 x English manual. |
| Mfr Part Number | 5RH Pro | TD-H3 |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Compatible Devices | UV5RH Radio | Other two-way radios and aviation accessories on the supported frequency bands |
| Additional Features | Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert | Portable |
| Battery Average Life | 72 Hours | 48 Hours |
| Connectivity Protocol | GPS | Bluetooth |