RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radioddity GD-168 vs Yaesu FT-5DR
Our pick
Radioddity GD-168$139.99
The GD-168 wins on value. Both radios deliver identical transmit power and share APRS capability, but the GD-168 costs $340 less while the FT-5DR adds GPS, Bluetooth, C4FM, and an IPX7 weather rating. The GD-168 offers DMR instead. The most important differentiator is price paired with mode selection: you're choosing between the GD-168's DMR support and the FT-5DR's broader digital modes plus weatherproofing and GPS.
The GD-168 suits operators prioritizing DMR networks and budget constraints, with 12 owners reporting 4.2 out of 5 stars. The FT-5DR appeals to those who want GPS integration, weather resistance for field work, C4FM capability, and don't require DMR.
Buy the GD-168 if budget and DMR compatibility drive your choice. Choose the FT-5DR if GPS, weatherproofing, and multimode flexibility justify the higher investment. We lack owner feedback on the FT-5DR, which limits comparison of real-world performance and reliability between these radios.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained first DMR buyer
Costs far less than the alternative while still offering DMR and APRS for digital operators.
Radioddity GD-168Operator using C4FM repeaters and WiRES-X
The FT-5DR offers C4FM and WiRES-X node access that the GD-168 does not list.
FT-5DROutdoor field operator needing waterproofing
The FT-5DR carries IPX7 waterproofing and built-in GPS, both absent from the GD-168 listing.
FT-5DRHiker prioritizing the lightest handheld
The GD-168 weighs 220 grams, noticeably lighter than the 282 gram FT-5DR.
Radioddity GD-168DMR user needing deep channel storage
The GD-168 stores 4000 channels, well beyond the FT-5DR's 1200-channel memory.
Radioddity GD-168Operator monitoring two frequencies simultaneously
The FT-5DR provides dual independent receivers, which the GD-168 does not advertise.
FT-5DR
Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168
- 71% cheaper ($139.99 vs $489.95)
- 3x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,200)
- 62g lighter (220g vs 282g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-5DR
- 22% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has C4FM/System Fusion
- Has CHIRP compatibility
- IPX7 water resistance
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radioddity GD-168PICK
$139.99 on AmazonYaesu FT-5DR
$489.95 on AmazonKeep researching
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