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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

TIDRADIO TD-H3 vs Yaesu FT-60R

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H3$31.99

The TD-H3 is the clear winner for budget-conscious operators.

The single most important differentiator is price. The TD-H3 costs $32 compared to $210 for the FT-60R, a nearly 7-fold difference for radios with identical feature sets on paper: neither has DMR, APRS, or GPS, and neither lists an IP rating. We don't have the TD-H3's transmit power specification, so we cannot definitively compare power output. The FT-60R is heavier at 370g versus 245g. Both receive strong owner ratings, with the FT-60R slightly edging out the TD-H3 at 4.5/5 versus 4.4/5, though the TD-H3 draws from a larger review sample of 534 owners versus 212.

The TD-H3 supports CHIRP programming while the FT-60R does not, adding practical value to the budget option.

Buy the TD-H3 if you want an affordable entry-level radio for basic VHF/UHF communication without premium features. Buy the FT-60R if you need confirmed 5-watt output power and prioritize Yaesu's brand heritage, though at significantly higher cost.

For most operators, the TD-H3 delivers solid owner satisfaction at a fraction of the price, making it the practical choice unless you specifically require the FT-60R's power rating or brand.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning the hobby

    Costs less and scores higher on beginner ease, making it a low-risk first handheld.

    TD-H3
  • Budget-constrained buyer wanting VHF and UHF

    Costs much less while still covering VHF and UHF with 199 channels.

    TD-H3
  • Search and rescue field operations

    Its 5W transmit power and 1000-channel memory suit field operations better than the TD-H3.

    FT-60R
  • Repeater monitoring with analog simplicity

    Pure analog operation and 1000 memory channels make it the simpler choice for repeater monitoring.

    FT-60R
  • Hiker wanting a lighter carry radio

    At 245g it weighs noticeably less than the FT-60R, easing long carry days.

    TD-H3

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H3

  • 79% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • 125g lighter (245g vs 370g)
  • Has Bluetooth

Reasons to choose Yaesu FT-60R

  • 5x more memory channels (1,000 vs 199)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

TIDRADIO TD-H3SpecYaesu FT-60R
$31.99
Price
—
68
Overall Score
45
+52% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
5.00W
199
Memory Channels
1000
5.0× difference
245g
Weight
370g
+52% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
+79% for winner
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
1Pack Full Kits(Crystal)
color
Black
1Pack Full Kits (Black)
Color
Black
UHF/VHF
Tuner Type
UHF, VHF
TD-H3
Model Number
FT-60R
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
1400mA Battery, Charger, antenna, belt clip
VHF/UHF
Frequency Range
144 - 148 MHz
Ham Radio Handheld,such as baofeng uv-5r series quangsheng uv-k5 etc.
Compatible Devices
MH-37A4B, MH-34B4B, E-DC-5B, EDC-6, CT-44, FBA-25A
AM/FM Reception, Dual PTT/Dual Watch/Dual Display, One Key Frequency Match, USB-C Programming & Charging, Wireless Radio Replication
Additional Features
Weather Alert
30days
Warranty Description
3 Years
Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

Made your choice?

TIDRADIO TD-H3PICK

$31.99 on Amazon

Yaesu FT-60R

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