Icom ID-31a vs TYT MD-380 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Icom ID-31a and TYT MD-380? 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.

FeatureIcom ID-31aTYT MD-380
Image
Radio NameIcom ID-31aTYT MD-380
Bands70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm0/2.30/1.9
Digital ModeD-STARDMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1150 mAh2000 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant235 mm207 mm
Width62 mm61 mm
Thickness w/clip44 mm53 mm
Weight232 g289 g
Color ScreenNoYes
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$180$100
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoNo
Rating by PriceCC
Rating OverallBC
Rating ErgonomicsB-
Conclusions

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.

If you are looking for a nice little radio that you are going to use primarily for DMR that won’t break the bank, the TYT MD-380 might just be your perfect little handheld. You could also go with the TYT MD-UV380 dual-band version if having 2m and 70cm bands appeals to you.

You might could find a TYT MD-380 used from someone who was upgrading to a dual-band radio, in which case you could get a real deal on a great little radio.