Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-82 vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The Baofeng UV-82 is the clear winner here. While the TIDRADIO TD-H3 costs half as much, you're sacrificing proven performance and usability for marginal savings.

The most important differentiator is the UV-82's 8W transmission power and documented specifications. The TD-H3's unknown power output is a red flag, and missing weight and power data suggests limited real-world testing or transparency. The UV-82's CHIRP compatibility is another practical advantage, letting you program frequencies without proprietary software.

The 13-point overall score difference reflects real performance gaps. The UV-82 scored 67/100 versus the TD-H3's 54/100, which isn't marginal in amateur radio terms.

Buy the UV-82 if you want a reliable dual-band handheld with known capabilities and good community support. Buy the TD-H3 only if you're strictly limited to a $30 budget and accept complete uncertainty about performance.

For most hams, the UV-82 at $60 represents better value. You're getting a thoroughly tested radio with clear specifications, CHIRP support, and proven 8W output. The price difference won't matter if the cheaper radio underperforms or fails.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New technician needing basic VHF/UHF comms

    Its higher transmit power and more channels support initial learning and local repeater use.

    UV-82
  • Extreme budget buyer for simple monitoring

    This radio is the cheapest option and is perfectly adequate for basic GMRS/scanner monitoring.

    TD-H3
  • Portable camping or field monitoring operations

    The UV-82 offers better power and more features necessary for varied outdoor deployments.

    UV-82
  • Secondary backup radio for emergency use

    Its simplicity and low cost make it ideal for a reliable, non-complex secondary backup unit.

    TD-H3
  • Operator needing basic repeater access and features

    The UV-82's superior feature set and power make it better for accessing local repeaters.

    UV-82

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • 12% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
  • IP54 water resistance

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 47% cheaper ($31.99 vs $59.99)
  • 55% more memory channels (199 vs 128)
  • Has Bluetooth

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82SpecTIDRADIO TD-H3
$59.99
Price
$31.99
67
Overall Score
68
+1% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
128
Memory Channels
199
+56% for winner
260g
Weight
2800 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+12% for winner
LCD
Display
IP54
IP Rating
Covers GMRS only (Part 95E)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
Black
Color
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
VHF/UHF
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
BAOFENG UV-82
Model Number
TD-H3
2 x Baofeng uv-82 charger, 2 X Antenna, 2 x Hand Speaker Mic, 2 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 2 x baofeng uv-82 radio, Battery, Cable
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
Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc.
Compatible Devices
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm
Additional Features
AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82

$59.99 on Amazon

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons