RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng UV-21R vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

Baofeng UV-21R$26.99

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.

Winner

Baofeng UV-21R

$26.99

Good

$26.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

TIDRADIO TD-H3

$31.99

Good

$31.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

New licensed operator needing basic VHF/UHF
Its higher power, more channels, and better features make it a solid starting point.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Budget buyer for simple GMRS monitoring
The simpler, analog nature and lower price are ideal for basic monitoring tasks.
TD-H3
Portable operations (POTA/SOTA) enthusiast
The higher transmit power and more features support varied field deployments.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band
Operator needing reliable secondary backup radio
Its straightforward design and lower complexity make it a reliable secondary unit.
TD-H3
Advanced user needing maximum features and channels
The UV-21R offers superior channel memory and feature set for growth.
UV-21R 6W Tri-Band

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-21R

16% cheaper ($26.99 vs $31.99)
5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)
Has color TFT display
IP54 water resistance

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

$26.99

Price

$31.99

Overall Score

+9% 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

—

IP54

IP Rating

—

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

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-21RPICK

$26.99 on Amazon

TIDRADIO TD-H3