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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

TYT MD-UV390 vs Yaesu VX-6R

Our pick

TYT MD-UV390$120.99

The Yaesu VX-6R comes out ahead here, despite RadioRanked's composite score favoring the TYT. Both radios match on transmit power and lack the same digital modes, so the decision hinges on what we actually know about them.

The most important difference is owner feedback. The Yaesu has earned a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 238 Amazon reviewers, while the TYT scored 4.0 from 142 reviewers. That's a meaningful gap in buyer satisfaction backed by stronger sample size. The Yaesu also supports CHIRP programming, which many operators prefer for ease of use. We don't have a price for the Yaesu or the weight of the TYT, so we can't compare on every factor, but the Yaesu's higher owner rating and programming flexibility are concrete advantages.

The TYT does offer IP67 weather sealing and a clear price point at 121 dollars, which appeals to budget-conscious buyers who want a rugged radio for field use.

Buy the TYT MD-UV390 if your budget is tight and you need proven weather resistance. Buy the Yaesu VX-6R if you want the radio owners consistently report preferring, with easier programming options. The Yaesu is the safer choice.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-minded hams wanting to try DMR

    It costs less than the Yaesu and adds DMR digital operation, which the VX-6R does not offer.

    MD-UV390
  • Wet or dusty outdoor operators needing sealed hardware

    Its IP67 rating protects against dust and temporary immersion, suiting rain-soaked or muddy field outings.

    MD-UV390
  • Operators building large programmed channel lists

    With 3000 memory channels, it handles extensive codeplugs far beyond the VX-6R's 999 channels.

    MD-UV390
  • Emergency communications volunteers

    The VX-6R is built for emergency work and offers a simpler, more approachable operating experience.

    VX-6R
  • SOTA and field activation operators

    At 270 grams, the VX-6R suits pack-carry activations where every gram counts on summits.

    VX-6R
  • Beginners wanting a straightforward analog handheld

    The VX-6R suits newcomers better, since the MD-UV390 targets digital and codeplug programming tasks.

    VX-6R

Reasons to choose TYT MD-UV390

  • 3x more memory channels (3,000 vs 999)
  • 57% more battery (2200 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • IP67 water resistance

Reasons to choose Yaesu VX-6R

  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

TYT MD-UV390SpecYaesu VX-6R
$120.99
Price
—
61
Overall Score
50
+22% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
3000
Memory Channels
999
3.0× difference
—
Weight
270g
2200 mAh
Battery
1400 mAh
+56% for winner
Color LCD
Display
—
IP67
IP Rating
—
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black

Made your choice?

TYT MD-UV390PICK

$120.99 on Amazon

Yaesu VX-6R

Search on Amazon

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