RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng UV-32 vs TYT MD-UV390
Our pick
TYT MD-UV390$120.99
The UV-32 is the clear winner for most buyers.
The most important differentiator is price and featured capability. The UV-32 costs $45 versus $121 for the MD-UV390, yet includes GPS and CHIRP programmability that the TYT lacks. The MD-UV390's sole advantage is DMR digital mode support and an IP67 weather rating, neither of which matters to analog-only users. On owner feedback, the UV-32 shows stronger reported satisfaction at 4.4/5 across 254 reviews versus the MD-UV390's 4.0/5 from 142 reviews. The UV-32 also transmits at 10W versus the TYT's 5W, giving better range.
Buy the UV-32 if you want value, analog FM coverage, GPS capability, and straightforward CHIRP-based programming. Buy the MD-UV390 only if you specifically need DMR digital mode operation and weather sealing, and accept paying 2.7 times more for fewer owner-reported reviews.
The UV-32 delivers more features, stronger owner satisfaction, and significantly lower cost. Unless DMR is a requirement, it's the practical choice.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained first-time licensee wanting analog VHF and UHF
It costs less and offers a long memory list plus a beginner-friendly score, making it a practical starting point for analog use.
UV-32Hams wanting to try DMR without spending heavily
It supports both FM and DMR digital modes, so it fits operators who want to experiment with digital voice.
MD-UV390Outdoor user working in rain, mud, or dusty conditions
Its IP67 rating protects against water immersion and dust, which matters on wet or dirty outings.
MD-UV390Field operator tracking locations or testing portable gear
Built-in GPS and a 10 W transmit power suit location tracking and field testing better than a 5 W radio.
UV-32Emergency preparedness buyer on a tight budget
Its lower price, higher transmit power, and GPS make it a sensible backup for emergency communication kits.
UV-32Operator who programs large codeplugs and channel lists
Its 3000-channel memory and programming focus give more room for detailed codeplugs than the alternative.
MD-UV390
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-32
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Reasons to choose TYT MD-UV390
- 3x more memory channels (3,000 vs 1,000)
- Has DMR digital mode
- IP67 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng UV-32
Search on AmazonTYT MD-UV390PICK
$120.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads