RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-21R vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The UV-21R offers better specified performance for the money. Both radios share identical feature sets—no DMR, APRS, or GPS on either model, and both support CHIRP programming. The UV-21R delivers 6W transmit power while the TD-H3's power output remains unknown; this is the key differentiator. The UV-21R also scores higher on RadioRanked's composite metric at 74 versus 68, reflecting superior listed specifications relative to its lower price of $27 against $32. The TD-H3 is lighter at 245g compared to 300g, which matters if weight is your priority.

Owner feedback runs similarly close: 4.5 stars across 775 Amazon reviews for the UV-21R versus 4.4 stars from 534 reviews for the TD-H3. Both show solid owner satisfaction with comparable sample sizes.

The UV-21R is the straightforward choice if you want confirmed transmit power and better specs-per-dollar. Buy the TD-H3 only if its lighter weight is essential and you can accept the unknown TX power specification.

Recommendation: Go with the UV-21R for the better value and known specifications.

Runner-up

Baofeng UV-21R

Average

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

TIDRADIO TD-H3

$31.99

Good

$31.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee learning basic VHF and UHF
Its lower price and simple controls suit someone just starting out with local repeaters.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest upfront cost
It costs less than the alternative while covering both VHF and UHF bands.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Operator relying on repeaters and emergency net traffic
Its 6 watt transmit output and 999 memory channels suit busy repeater and net operation.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Hiker carrying a radio as a light field backup
At 245 grams it is noticeably lighter than the alternative, easing long carries in the field.
TD-H3
Buyer wanting Bluetooth for phone-based programming or accessories
Built-in Bluetooth gives it an edge for users who want wireless setup and phone-based control.
TD-H3

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-21R

5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)
Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
55g lighter (245g vs 300g)
Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-21RSpecTIDRADIO TD-H3

—

Price

$31.99

Overall Score

+18% for winner

6.00W

TX Power (High)

—

999

Memory Channels

199

5.0× difference

300g

Weight

245g

+22% difference

1800 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

+39% for winner

1.77in TFT Color

Display

—

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

gray

color

1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)

unitCount

gray

Color

1Pack Full Kits (Black)

3.7 Volts

Voltage

7.4 Volts

UHF VHF

Tuner Type

UHF/VHF

UV-21R

Model Number

TD-H3

1XRadio Body, 1x21CM Antenna&1x39CM Antenna, 1xBelt Clip&1XType-C Charging Cable&1XUS Plug, 1xLanyard&1XManual&1xScrewdriver, Battery

Built-In Media

1 x Airband Antenna, 1 x 771 Antenna, 1 x Standard Antenna, 1 x Desktop Charger, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Radio, 1 x USB-C Cable (Programming and Charging), Battery, Earpiece

Smartphone

Compatible Devices

Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.

Emergency Alarm, Long Range

Additional Features

AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication

Warranty Description

30days

Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Water Resistant

Made your choice?