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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Radtel RT-860 vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The TD-H3 is the better choice for most buyers. Both radios offer nearly identical core specifications, with unknown transmit power figures and identical feature sets regarding DMR, APRS, and GPS. The TD-H3 edges ahead with CHIRP support for easier programming, weighs slightly less at 245g versus 255g, and costs seven dollars less at $32.

The most important differentiator is owner feedback. The TD-H3 has generated 534 Amazon reviews averaging 4.4 stars, while the RT-860 has 139 reviews averaging 3.9 stars. This broader owner base and higher satisfaction rating provides meaningful real-world evidence that the TD-H3 resonates better with buyers.

The RT-860 makes sense only if you specifically need its unknown features or prefer smaller review samples, but this is hard to justify given the price and feature disadvantage.

The TD-H3 should be your default pick: it's cheaper, more programmable via CHIRP, lighter, and owners report better satisfaction across a large sample. Buy the RT-860 only if you have a particular reason to avoid the TD-H3.

The TD-H3 is the clear recommendation.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning on a tight budget

    Costs less and includes CHIRP and Bluetooth support, which helps newcomers program and experiment easily.

    TD-H3
  • Operator needing a large channel memory

    Offers 1024 channels, well above the 199 on the TIDRADIO, for busy local repeater lists.

    RT-860
  • Lightweight daily carry for portable outings

    Weighs 245g versus 255g, a slightly lighter pick for pocket or pack carry.

    TD-H3
  • Repeater and simplex user wanting analog basics

    Analog VHF and UHF coverage suits repeater and simplex work with a larger channel list.

    RT-860
  • Scanner listener interested in GMRS monitoring

    Listed for GMRS and scanner monitoring use, so it fits receive-focused monitoring well.

    TD-H3

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-860

  • 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 199)

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 18% cheaper ($31.99 vs $39.00)
  • 25% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
  • 10g lighter (245g vs 255g)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-860SpecTIDRADIO TD-H3
$39.00
Price
$31.99
45
Overall Score
68
+52% for winner
1024
Memory Channels
199
5.3× difference
255g
Weight
245g
+4% difference
2000 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+25% for winner
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
With SW/MW Antennas
color
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
1
unitCount
1
With SW/MW Antennas
Color
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF VHF AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception,
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
RT-860
Model Number
TD-H3
1x RT-860 Main unit, 1x 2000mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1X Desktop charger, 1x lanyard, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port,1x English User Manual
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
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Frequency Range
VHF/UHF
External antennas (50 ohm)
Compatible Devices
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
1024 Channels,Type-C and Desktop Charger, AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception
Additional Features
AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication
1 Year
Warranty Description
30days
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-860

$39.00 on Amazon

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

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