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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Retevis A3 vs TIDRADIO TD-H3

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The TD-H3 is the clear winner for most buyers. Both radios share identical core features—no DMR, APRS, or GPS—and we lack TX power specs for either. The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner feedback: the TD-H3 costs $32 versus $108 for the A3, while Amazon reviewers report a 4.4/5 rating across 534 reviews compared to 3.6/5 from only 31 reviews. The TD-H3 also adds CHIRP support for easier programming and weighs slightly less. RadioRanked's overall scores reflect this reality: the TD-H3 scores 68/100 while the A3 scores 27/100, meaning the TD-H3 delivers better listed specs for the money.

The TD-H3 is ideal for anyone seeking an affordable, widely-approved handheld with modern programming features. The A3 might appeal only to someone with specific requirements we haven't captured in our spec list, though that's unlikely given the price and user sentiment gap.

Buy the TD-H3. At one-quarter the price with four times the review volume and substantially higher owner satisfaction, it's the practical choice for nearly everyone.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious buyer on a tight spending limit

    It costs far less than the alternative while still covering VHF and UHF for everyday use.

    TD-H3
  • New licensee starting out with first handheld

    Bluetooth and CHIRP support make setup easier for newcomers learning programming and everyday operation.

    TD-H3
  • Operator wanting 6m and NOAA weather monitoring

    The 6m band adds coverage beyond the other radio's VHF and UHF bands.

    A3
  • Hobbyist focused on GMRS and scanner monitoring

    Its listed GMRS and scanner monitoring use fits this buyer while costing much less.

    TD-H3
  • Operator wanting large channel memory for repeaters

    With 999 memory channels it can store far more repeater and simplex frequencies than the other.

    A3

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 199)

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 71% cheaper ($31.99 vs $109.99)
  • 41g lighter (245g vs 286g)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Retevis A3SpecTIDRADIO TD-H3
$109.99
Price
$31.99
27
Overall Score
68
2.5× difference
999
Memory Channels
199
5.0× difference
286g
Weight
245g
+16% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
No grant found
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Green
color
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

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