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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

TIDRADIO TD-H3 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Y23UV-98PLUS$78.28

The TD-H3 is the clear winner for budget-conscious operators who prioritize value and proven owner satisfaction. Its $32 price tag is less than half the Y23UV-98PLUS's cost, while delivering better listed specs for the money, reflected in its stronger owner rating of 4.4/5 from 534 reviews versus 4.0/5 from just 16 reviews. That large review count gives us genuine buyer confidence in the TD-H3's real-world performance.

The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner feedback. The Y23UV-98PLUS adds GPS and APRS capabilities that matter for specific use cases, but we don't have TX power data for the TD-H3, so we cannot definitively compare their transmission specs. We also lack weight information for the Y23UV-98PLUS. These gaps mean neither radio has a clear technical advantage on core performance metrics.

The TD-H3 suits any operator wanting reliable entry-level performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who can use CHIRP support. The Y23UV-98PLUS makes sense only if you specifically need GPS and APRS features that justify the $46 premium.

Get the TD-H3 unless advanced features like GPS tracking or APRS messaging are essential to your operations.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • New HAM operator on a strict budget

    The TD-H3 offers essential analog functions at a significantly lower price point.

    TD-H3
  • Beginner needing basic APRS tracking and GPS

    The N-98PLUS provides integrated APRS and GPS features crucial for modern field use.

    Y23UV-98PLUS
  • Casual scanner monitoring or secondary backup

    The TD-H3 is ideal for simple, reliable analog monitoring and basic backup comms.

    TD-H3
  • Portable field use or camping operations

    The N-98PLUS's higher feature count and power make it better for extended outdoor trips.

    Y23UV-98PLUS
  • Advanced user needing maximum channel capacity

    With 1024 channels, the N-98PLUS offers significantly more memory for diverse use.

    Y23UV-98PLUS

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 59% cheaper ($31.99 vs $78.28)
  • 4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
  • Has Bluetooth
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

  • 5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 199)
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

TIDRADIO TD-H3SpecY23UV-98PLUS
$31.99
Price
$78.28
68
Overall Score
71
+4% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
199
Memory Channels
1024
5.3× difference
245g
Weight
—
2500 mAh
Battery
2400 mAh
+4% for winner
—
Display
TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.38 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
TD-H3
Model Number
Y23UV-98PLUS
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
Built-In Media
1x Y23UV-98PLUS 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 MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual
VHF/UHF
Frequency Range
144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
Compatible Devices
FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies
AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication
Additional Features
1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS
30days
Warranty Description
1 Year
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

TIDRADIO TD-H3

$31.99 on Amazon

Y23UV-98PLUSPICK

$78.28 on Amazon

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