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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Radtel RT-880 vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The TD-H3 is the clear winner for most buyers. Both radios lack DMR, APRS, and GPS, and we don't have TX power or weight data for the RT-880, so the listed specs are effectively tied. The single most important differentiator is price: the TD-H3 costs $32 versus $74, while also offering CHIRP compatibility for easier programming. Owner feedback slightly favors the TD-H3, with a 4.4/5 rating from 534 reviews compared to the RT-880's 4.3/5 from 207 reviews.

The RT-880 should only interest buyers who specifically need its unknown features or have read detailed reviews addressing those unknowns. The TD-H3 should appeal to budget-conscious operators and anyone who values programmability through CHIRP.

Get the TD-H3. You'll save $42 and gain programming flexibility while meeting the same baseline feature set.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee starting out on a budget

    Its simpler setup and lower cost make it the easier first purchase for newcomers.

    TD-H3
  • Experienced Technician needing many channels

    The 1024-channel memory suits operators juggling many frequencies across multiple regions.

    RT-880
  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting Bluetooth and CHIRP

    It costs less while offering Bluetooth and CHIRP support that the other radio does not list.

    TD-H3
  • Casual scanner and GMRS monitoring hobbyist

    Its lower price and Bluetooth support suit casual monitoring without a large commitment.

    TD-H3
  • Operator wanting a secondary field backup radio

    At 245 grams it is a light, inexpensive backup for field outings.

    TD-H3

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 199)
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 40% cheaper ($31.99 vs $53.38)
  • 4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-880SpecTIDRADIO TD-H3
$53.38
Price
$31.99
54
Overall Score
68
+27% for winner
1024
Memory Channels
199
5.3× difference
—
Weight
245g
2400 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+4% for winner
TFT Color
Display
—
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
With Short Wave Antenna Set
color
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
1
unitCount
1
Standard
Color
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
7.38 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
AM/FM/SSB
Tuner Type
UHF/VHF
RT-880
Model Number
TD-H3
1x RT-880 Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,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
Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, operating on UHF, VHF, AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW, CB, LW, MW, SW, and SSB frequencies and modes
Compatible Devices
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels,Cross Band Repeater Function
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-880

$53.38 on Amazon

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

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