Icom ID-31a vs TYT MD-380 - Which One is Better in 2026?
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.
| Feature | Icom ID-31a | TYT MD-380 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Icom ID-31a | TYT MD-380 |
| Bands | 70cm | 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 0/2.3 | 0/1.9 |
| Digital Mode | D-STAR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 1150 mAh | 2000 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | F-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 235 mm | 207 mm |
| Width | 62 mm | 61 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 44 mm | 53 mm |
| Weight | 232 g | 289 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $180 | $100 |
| Rating by Price | C of 5 | C of 5 |
| Rating Overall | B of 5 | C of 5 |
| EMPTY | No | No |
| 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. |
| Rating Ergonomics | B | - |