TIDRADIO TD-H9 vs TYT MD-UV390

The TD-H9 is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is price combined with power output. The TD-H9 costs $70 with 10W transmission, while the MD-UV390 costs $121 with only 5W. This $51 gap is substantial for handhelds, and you're paying more for less transmit capability. The TD-H9 also includes GPS and APRS, making it more versatile for outdoor use, whereas the MD-UV390 offers DMR support, which only matters if you use DMR repeaters in your area.

Owners report slightly higher satisfaction with the TD-H9 at 4.2/5 from 450 reviews versus 4.0/5 from 142 reviews. The MD-UV390's IP67 rating provides better water resistance than the TD-H9's IP54, a meaningful advantage if you work in wet conditions regularly.

The TD-H9 suits most amateur operators seeking a capable, affordable handheld with good owner feedback and practical features like GPS and Bluetooth. The MD-UV390 makes sense only if you specifically need DMR capability and can justify the higher cost and lower power output.

Choose the TD-H9 unless DMR is essential to your repeater network.