JJCC JC-8629 vs TYT MD-380 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between JJCC JC-8629 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.

FeatureJJCC JC-8629TYT MD-380
Image
Radio NameJJCC JC-8629TYT MD-380
Bands2m, 1.25m, 70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm5.1/30/1.9
Digital Mode-DMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2000 mAh2000 mAh
Tested mAh1680 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAF-SMA
Height w/ant294 mm207 mm
Width65 mm61 mm
Thickness w/clip54 mm53 mm
Weight243 g289 g
Color ScreenYesYes
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingYesNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book Link-LINK
Price$53$100
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesNo
Rating by PriceAC
Rating OverallCC
Conclusions

I bet this review has me sounding like a fanboy, but it certainly did not start out that way. Every time I tested the radio it surprised me, in a good way. It isn’t often I test a radio that, for the price, I can’t find a real flaw in. Trust me, I try.

Would I recommend the radio? Absolutely and without reservation. The only thing that gives me any kind of pause is that JJCC does not seem to be a known entity, and they only have a few models out, so reliability and parts availability (think batteries) is an unknown. Other than that, I am shocked at how good this radio is for the price.

And no, they did not send me this radio for free, I paid full price as I do with 95% of the radios I review.

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.