Tidradio TD-H8 Radio Review

Do you enjoy the content ? DONATE with PayPal to support me !

TIDRADIO

Powerful two-way communication with compact radios built for clarity. Use the code YO6DXE at checkout and get 5% OFF on your purchases from tidradio.com.

Introduction

Tidradio TD-H8 Radio Review. Here is a quick look at this 10W VHF / UHF / GMRS handheld transceiver. A nice upgrade option from a Baofeng. The Tidradio TD-H8 also comes Bluetooth ready, so you can program the radio using the Odmaster app with your cell phone. A great option for portable operations, if you want to program your radio really fast using your phone. No need to stress about programing cables anymore. I find this option really useful if I travel and want to program local repeaters from that area into the radio. I have been using this one for two years now. Let’s answer the question if it’s still worth it in 2026 ?

A version of this article was also published in the RADIO Magazine ( No. 3 April 2024 ), available in digital format translated in English downloadable as a PDF file.

Tidradio TD-H8 Features

Here you have the link to the product and a few of the features the radio offers:

Upgraded LCD Display, – Bluetooth Programing Using The Odmaster App,
10W Power – ( FM ) VHF / UHF or GMRS,
Dual Channel Monitoring,
NOAA National Weather Service,
FM Radio,
Built In LED Torch,
Battery With USB-C Charging Port ( 2500mAh ).

10W Tidradio TD-H8 With Bluetooth Programing

Technical Details Debate

Before I go deeper into technical details, you should know that there was a debate between amateur radio operators. Was this transceiver respecting the FCC requirements on harmonics suppression or not ? Does it really outputs 10W of power both on VHF and also on UHF ? You are about to find out. If you already watched the video, you already know that I personally haven’t done any measurements yet at the time I filmed the video. The reason was the lack of proper measuring equipment. That changed in the meantime thanks to the amazing subscribers and brands that sent me packages with measurement equipment.

From the time I filmed the video until today, Tidradio made even more improvements to the TD-H8 that now it’s at the 3rd generation. I gifted mine to my friends at the Cioclovina Scout Center as we are trying to build a little radio room over there up in the mountains for the kids or adults passionate about amateur radio. So far from the time I spent testing this transceiver I admit that I am happy with it. For the price, with the features available, I find it as a nice upgrade from the simple Baofeng radio. The 3rd generation of the TD-H8 does measures the right power output and clearly I haven’t seen issues on the harmonics suppression. One of the reasons why I continued promoting Tidradio products, it’s that they listen to feedback and they are continuously improving their products.

QUICK NOTE:

Since I filmed the video above and now that I do have measurement gear, after making measurements I can say that you do get 10W power output and it does respects the FCC requirements on harmonics suppression. So there is nothing to worry about.

Build Quality And Design

First thing I noticed when holding it in my hand for the first time, was the rough construction. I know for sure that it won’t fall apparat in pieces if I accidentally drop it ( and I did many times ). The wiggly antenna is also a nice upgrade comparing it to the solid ones I am used to. Installing the programing app and connecting the radio to the phone was really easy to do. You know I’m not much into digital stuff and smartphones, but I admit I liked this.

Also programing it with the Chirp software was also easy with just a few extra steps as described in the video above. The battery life it’s great. Remember that if you do have any issues, feel free to contact the support desk as they seem to be fast in answering and very helpful. I’m saying this because I’ve seen people complaining online all over the place for some small issue than can be fixed easily, but they never contact Tidradio to ask for help. Many of those issues you can fix on your own by properly reading the manual, don’t ask me how I know ( hi ).

The menus are also easy to use and understand, making even the manual programing easy to do. I know that some are used using high-end VHF / UHF handhelds from well known brands. For that reason this transceiver may not impress you much. But for someone like me that just had the amateur radio license in 2022, it’s a great transceiver to have on hand. The affordable price makes is great for beginners. If you like the simple Baofeng radios, you will love this one even more.

Ham Radio Or GMRS ?

When I received the transceiver, it was set as TD-H8. If you watch the video you will understand what’s about when it comes to the software you need to download. The nice feature is that you can actually set the transceiver as you wish. If you want you can unlock it three ways. You can either use it for Ham Radio, or if you want you can use it as GMRS radio. The third option is fully unlocked. Personally I use the Ham Radio option of course.

It's The Tidradio TD-H8 Still Worth It In 2026 ?

This is a good question indeed and I will answer it from my personal point of view. Well it depends very much what you are using it for. If you are just doing casual repeater or simplex contacts, or maybe satellite QSO’s then it’s great. The firmware has been upgraded many times since I have it and it pretty much has all you need for these purposes. I personally loved using it for satellites. But what if you are like me and you want a little more ? Maybe GPS or APRS ? I am going to make you smile but I sent many emails, I posted lots of comments on Tidradio’s social media posts, asking for a transceiver with APRS. If you are like me, our wish came true with the new Tidradio TD-H9. I will do a long expected review on this one as well pretty soon I promise.

Final Thoughts

I will be short as too much reading will take much of your free time. I was really happy about the transceiver and the only reason I gifted it to my friends at the Scouts Center was because I trust that it won’t let them down. It’s a good quality transceiver at an affordable price, but do not compare it with high end ones from well known brands. The 10W power output it’s also great, especially that it does actually outputs those 10W of power. The Bluetooth programing using your cellphone and the Odmaster app ( Apple Store version ) it’s also a great feature. Is it worth it ? Do I recommend it ? From my personal point of view, if you are not into APRS and stuff then yes.

73 DE YO6DXE