RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

TIDRADIO TD-H9 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H9$69.99

The TD-H9 is the better choice here. Both radios share identical core specifications: 10W transmit power, APRS, GPS, and no CHIRP support. The meaningful difference is Bluetooth connectivity, which the TD-H9 includes and the Y23UV-98PLUS does not. That feature matters for pairing with accessories, logging, and general usability in the field.

Beyond features, owners report 4.2 out of 5 stars for the TD-H9 across 450 reviews, compared to 4.0 stars from 16 reviews for the Y23UV-98PLUS. The TD-H9 has substantially more owner feedback, giving a clearer picture of real-world satisfaction. The TD-H9 also carries an IP54 rating, while we have no environmental rating listed for the Y23UV-98PLUS.

The radios are priced within two dollars of each other, so cost is not the deciding factor. Buy the TD-H9 if you want Bluetooth, stronger owner data, and a confirmed weather seal. Buy the Y23UV-98PLUS only if you have no use for Bluetooth and want to save two dollars. For most users, the TD-H9 offers more features and better evidence of owner satisfaction.

Winner

TIDRADIO TD-H9

$69.99

Very Good

$69.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Y23UV-98PLUS

$78.28

Good

$78.28 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee wanting an easy start
Its friendlier beginner rating and fuller feature set make it the easier first handheld to learn.
TD-H9
Budget-constrained buyer on a tight budget
It costs less than the alternative while still offering triband coverage and IP54 water resistance.
TD-H9
APRS user needing 1.25m coverage
Operators wanting APRS tracking plus 1.25m coverage get both here, which the alternative does not offer.
TD-H9
Campers and hikers facing wet conditions
Campers facing rain or dust gain an IP54 rating, which the alternative does not list.
TD-H9
Operator programming many repeater channels
Its 1024-channel memory suits users programming many repeaters and simplex frequencies at once.
Y23UV-98PLUS

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H9

11% cheaper ($69.99 vs $78.28)
Has Bluetooth
IP54 water resistance

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

5x more memory channels (1,024 vs 199)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

TIDRADIO TD-H9SpecY23UV-98PLUS

$69.99

Price

$78.28

Overall Score

+14% for winner

10.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

199

Memory Channels

1024

5.3× difference

2400 mAh

Battery

2400 mAh

Color LCD

Display

TFT Color

IP54

IP Rating

—

No grant found

FCC Authorization

No grant found

1Pack & Antenna-Clear

color

Standard

unitCount

1Pack & Antenna-Green

Color

Standard

7.4 Volts

Voltage

7.38 Volts

50 Ohms

Impedance

50 Ohms

TD-H9

Model Number

Y23UV-98PLUS

1 X 2500mAh Battery; 1 X Destop Charger, 1 X Original Antenna; 1 X 18.8inch Foldable Tactical Antenna, 1 X TIDRADIO TD-H9 Ham radio(Green), 1 X USB-C Charging Cable

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

AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF

Frequency Range

144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz

Ham Radios

Compatible Devices

FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies

Bluetooth Device Connectivity, Built-in GPS & APRS, Odmaster APP; Global Talk; Firmware Upgradeable, SMS Text Messaging, Spectrum Analysis

Additional Features

1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS

Warranty Description

1 Year

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