Alinco DJ-MD5 vs Icom ID-31a - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Alinco DJ-MD5 and Icom ID-31a? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.

FeatureAlinco DJ-MD5Icom ID-31a
Image
Radio NameAlinco DJ-MD5Icom ID-31a
Bands2m, 70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm3.5/2.30/2.3
Digital ModeDMRD-STAR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1700 mAh1150 mAh
Tested mAh1790 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant278 mm235 mm
Width59 mm62 mm
Thickness w/clip51 mm44 mm
Weight266 g232 g
Color ScreenYesNo
GPSYesYes
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$100$180
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoNo
Rating by PriceAC
Rating OverallBB
Rating Ergonomics-B
Conclusions

If I could only own one dual-band DMR radio, this Alinco DJ-MD5 would be the one. The extra money you spend on this compared to other comparable radios is justified with a better screen, more channels, better audio all around, USB programming cable, and better programming software.

If you are interested in D-STAR and really could not care less about the 2m band (the Icom id-51a adds the 2m band), and analog is not a super important factor, then the Icom ID-31a is an excellent radio for you. For anything else, and I hate to say this, but the $500 Kenwood TH-D74 is a far superior radio in every respect except fitting into your pocket.

The Icom ID-31a is not a bad radio, it just, in my opinion, does not really live up to its price tag. Drop it down to $199 or even better, $179, and I would rate it much higher. If however you need to hit a 70cm Icom DSTAR repeater, then you might really like this radio.