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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

TIDRADIO TD-H3 vs TYT MD-UV390

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The TD-H3 is the clear winner for budget-conscious operators who prioritize value. The single most important differentiator is price: at $32 versus $121, the TD-H3 costs roughly one-third as much while delivering a higher composite score of 68 to the MD-UV390's 61. Owners report 4.4 out of 5 stars across 534 Amazon reviews for the TD-H3, compared to 4.0 stars from 142 reviews for the MD-UV390.

The MD-UV390 offers DMR capability and an IP67 weather rating, features the TD-H3 lacks. However, we do not have the MD-UV390's weight or TX power specification for the TD-H3, so a complete feature comparison is limited by missing data. The TD-H3 supports CHIRP programming and Bluetooth, while the MD-UV390 does not list CHIRP support.

The TD-H3 suits new operators or those seeking an affordable entry point with strong owner satisfaction. The MD-UV390 appeals to operators specifically requiring DMR digital mode support or weatherproof construction for field use. For most users, the TD-H3's combination of low cost and higher owner rating makes it the more practical choice.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    It costs far less and handles the VHF and UHF bands beginners use most, making it a low-risk starting point.

    TD-H3
  • Buyer wanting to try DMR digital voice

    It supports DMR, which the TIDRADIO lacks, so it is the only option here for digital voice experimentation.

    MD-UV390
  • Hiker doing wet or dusty field outings

    Its IP67 rating protects against water and dust, which matters on rough outdoor trips.

    MD-UV390
  • Hobbyist who programs large codeplugs

    With 3000 channels and a higher feature score, it suits operators managing extensive channel lists.

    MD-UV390
  • Scanner and GMRS monitoring user

    Its lower price and wide band coverage make it a practical choice for monitoring without a large outlay.

    TD-H3
  • Buyer prioritizing lightweight portability

    At 245 grams it is noticeably lighter to carry on long portable operations than the alternative.

    TD-H3

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 74% cheaper ($31.99 vs $120.99)
  • 14% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose TYT MD-UV390

  • 15x more memory channels (3,000 vs 199)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • IP67 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

TIDRADIO TD-H3SpecTYT MD-UV390
$31.99
Price
$120.99
68
Overall Score
61
+11% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
199
Memory Channels
3000
14.3× difference
245g
Weight
—
2500 mAh
Battery
2200 mAh
+14% for winner
—
Display
Color LCD
—
IP Rating
IP67
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

TYT MD-UV390

$120.99 on Amazon

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