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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-28 vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

This comparison comes down to value proposition. Both radios tie at 54/100 overall, but the TD-H3 wins on pure economics at $30 versus $47. That 37% price difference matters significantly in the budget handheld segment where performance gaps between these categories are already minimal.

The single most important differentiator is the Baofeng's GPS capability. If you need location tracking for emergency situations or outdoor activities, the UV-28 justifies its higher cost. Without GPS, the TD-H3 is purely a communication device with no situational awareness features.

Buy the TD-H3 if you're a casual user prioritizing simplicity and low entry cost for basic local repeater access. Buy the UV-28 if you regularly venture into remote areas where GPS coordinates matter for safety or if you anticipate needing location data in the future.

Neither radio excels, but the TD-H3 represents better value for cost-conscious operators without GPS needs. If you can stretch to the UV-28's price, the GPS feature adds genuine utility that's difficult to replicate with external devices. For most beginners, the TD-H3's affordability wins unless GPS specifically addresses your use case.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused buyer on a tight spend

    Costs less than the alternative while covering VHF and UHF with Bluetooth and CHIRP programming.

    TD-H3
  • Summits on the air field operator

    Its 10W transmit power, GPS, and 1000 channels suit SOTA activators and field coordination.

    UV-28
  • Weight-conscious hiker or backpacker

    At 245g it is noticeably lighter than the 360g alternative for long days on foot.

    TD-H3
  • ARES or RACES emergency volunteer

    Higher transmit power and a 1000-channel memory better serve coordinated emergency deployments.

    UV-28
  • Secondary backup radio for field use

    A lower-cost spare fits well as a backup radio kept in the go-bag.

    TD-H3
  • Operator wanting feature-rich upgrade path

    A higher feature score and GPS support give room to grow beyond basic use.

    UV-28

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28

  • 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 199)
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • 115g lighter (245g vs 360g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-28SpecTIDRADIO TD-H3
—
Price
$31.99
64
Overall Score
68
+6% for winner
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
1000
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
360g
Weight
245g
+47% difference
2200 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+14% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
On file, scope unconfirmed
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
16 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
UV-28 Plus
Model Number
TD-H3
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
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
UHF VHF
Frequency Range
VHF/UHF
Repeater, Smartphone
Compatible Devices
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
Additional Features
AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Warranty Description
30days
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-28

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TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

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