Yaesu FT3DR vs Baofeng BF-X3 - Comparison in 2025

Trying to choose between Yaesu FT3DR and Baofeng BF-X3? 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.

Feature	Yaesu FT3DR	Baofeng BF-X3
Image
Radio Name	Yaesu FT3DR	Baofeng BF-X3
Bands	2m, 70cm	2m, 1.25m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm	3/4	3/1.1
Digital Mode	C4FM	-
Battery Type	Li-Ion	Li-Ion
Battery Volts	7.2 v	8.4 v
Rated mAh	2200 mAh	9500 mAh
Tested mAh	2190 mAh	mAh
Antenna Connector	F-SMA	M-SMA
Height w/ant	275 mm	254 mm
Width	67 mm	60 mm
Thickness w/clip	46 mm	50 mm
Weight	300 g	260 g
Color Screen	Yes	No
GPS	Yes	No
USB-C Charging	No	No
Review Link	LINK	LINK
Book Link	-	LINK
Price	$300	$45
Purchase Link	LINK	LINK
CHIRP Program	No	Yes
Rating by Price	A	C
Rating Overall	A	D
Conclusions	So would I recommend the Yaesu FT3DR? Absolutely! I would, however, highly recommend that if you have large hands and really want to use the touchscreen that you play with one before making a final decision. It is a fantastic radio in every respect and will do pretty much anything you can think of a handheld radio can do. Would I recommend it over the FT5DR? That too depends on what you need. The FT5DR has a nicer screen, louder audio, a USB-C port for both charging and data, IPX7 waterproofing, and is supposedly more ergonomic. To my knowledge, it doesn’t do anything the FT3DR can’t. Is that worth the currently $200-$250 more? Not to me, but maybe to you.	Unfortunately, the Baofeng BF-X3 plus looks like another attempt to juggle things around and sell yet another radio. There is nothing special here, your money is better spent on a Baofeng UV-9R plus. To recap, the UV-9R has a better clip, volume knob shield, appears much more waterproof, feels more rugged, has a multicolored keypad, includes a better antenna, and is cheaper. I could go on, but why.