Kenwood TH-D74A vs Alinco DJ-MD5 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Kenwood TH-D74A and Alinco DJ-MD5? 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 | Kenwood TH-D74A | Alinco DJ-MD5 |
---|---|---|
Image | ![]() | ![]() |
Radio Name | Kenwood TH-D74A | Alinco DJ-MD5 |
Bands | 2m, 1.25m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.6/1.4 | 3.5/2.3 |
Digital Mode | D-STAR | DMR |
Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
Rated mAh | 1800 mAh | 1700 mAh |
Tested mAh | 1640 mAh | 1790 mAh |
Antenna Connector | F-SMA | F-SMA |
Height w/ant | 305 mm | 278 mm |
Width | 59 mm | 59 mm |
Thickness w/clip | 46 mm | 51 mm |
Weight | 345 g | 266 g |
Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
GPS | Yes | Yes |
USB-C Charging | No | No |
Review Link | LINK | LINK |
Book Link | LINK | LINK |
Price | $375 | $100 |
Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
CHIRP Program | No | No |
Rating by Price | A | A |
Rating Overall | A | B |
Conclusions | If you are looking for the ultimate in handheld amateur radio technology, then the Kenwood TH-D74A is probably what you want. No other handheld radio that I am aware of, for any amount of money, has the features, functionality, and quality of the Kenwood. If you can find a Kenwood TH-D74A used, it will probably cost almost as much as a new one because no one wants to give them up, that should tell you something. I have had hundreds of handheld radios come through here, none hold a candle to this one. Mic drop. | 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. |