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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Radtel RT-880 vs TYT MD-UV390

Our pick

TYT MD-UV390$120.99

The MD-UV390 is the clear winner here. We lack critical specifications for the RT-880, including price, transmit power, and weight, which prevents a complete comparison. What we do know favors the MD-UV390: it costs $121, delivers 5W of transmit power, supports DMR digital mode, and carries an IP67 weather rating. Owners report 4.0 out of 5 stars across 142 reviews for the MD-UV390, versus 4.3 stars for the RT-880 across 207 reviews. The RT-880's slightly higher owner rating does not offset the MD-UV390's documented specifications and clear feature set.

The single most important differentiator is DMR support on the MD-UV390 paired with its IP67 rating, neither of which we can verify on the RT-880 due to missing data.

The MD-UV390 suits users who need digital capability and weather resistance at a known, affordable price. The RT-880 might interest buyers, but the incomplete specification sheet makes it impossible to recommend confidently against a competitor with full transparency.

Buy the MD-UV390.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Digital mode newcomer on a budget

    Adds DMR access in a single handheld, which the Radtel cannot offer for digital operation.

    MD-UV390
  • Wet or dusty field outings

    The IP67 rating lets this radio survive rain, dust, and accidental immersion where the Radtel offers no rating.

    MD-UV390
  • Large codeplug programmer on Windows

    Holds 3000 channels and supports large codeplug programming, which the Radtel's 1024 channels cannot match.

    MD-UV390
  • Experienced analog multi-region operator

    Its analog-only design with 1024 channels suits experienced Technicians who never need digital modes.

    RT-880

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-880

  • 56% cheaper ($53.38 vs $120.99)
  • 9% more battery (2400 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose TYT MD-UV390

  • 3x more memory channels (3,000 vs 1,024)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • IP67 water resistance
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Radtel RT-880SpecTYT MD-UV390
$53.38
Price
$120.99
54
Overall Score
61
+12% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
1024
Memory Channels
3000
2.9× difference
2400 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+9% for winner
TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
—
IP Rating
IP67
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
With Short Wave Antenna Set
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Radtel RT-880

$53.38 on Amazon

TYT MD-UV390PICK

$120.99 on Amazon

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