Best Budget DMR Ham Radios for Beginners

If you're new to DMR amateur radio and looking for an affordable yet reliable entry point, you're in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover the best cheap DMR radio options that deliver great performance without breaking the bank. Whether you're a ham radio enthusiast or just getting started with ham radio DMR radios, these picks offer excellent features at budget-friendly prices.

Top 3 Best Budget DMR Ham Radios

1. TYT MD-UV390 (HD2) – Best for Durability & Outdoor Use

The TYT MD-UV390 (also known as HD2) is a rugged and waterproof DMR ham radio that stands out for its IP67 rating, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand temporary submersion in water.

Key Features:

IP67 waterproof & dustproof – Perfect for outdoor adventures
Long battery life – 3200mAh battery for extended use
GPS & Bluetooth support – Great for tracking and wireless accessories
Affordable price – One of the best cheap DMR radio options 

Best for: Hikers, emergency preppers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a tough radio.

2. Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus (P1) – Best for Signal Strength & Penetration

The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus (P1) is a favorite among DMR amateur radio users because of its superior signal stability and strong penetration in urban environments.

Key Features:

Enhanced RF performance – Better signal range and building penetration
Dual time-slot TDMA – Efficient digital communication
Upgradable firmware – Future-proof with new features

Best for: Urban operators, truckers, and those who need reliable indoor/outdoor coverage.

3. Radioddity GD-77 (NR30D) – Best for Security & Encryption

The Radioddity GD-77 (NR30D) is a budget-friendly ham radio DMR radio that includes AES256 encryption, making it a great choice for secure communications.

NR30D AES256 encryption

Key Features:

AES256 encryption – Enhanced privacy for sensitive communications
Open-source firmware support 
Lightweight & compact – Easy to carry for portable use
Good battery life – 2800mAh battery for all-day operation
Affordable entry point – One of the best cheap DMR radio choices 

Best for: Privacy-conscious users, experimenters, and those who like open-source modifications.

How to Choose the Best Budget DMR Ham Radio

When picking your first DMR amateur radio, consider:
Durability – Do you need waterproofing (like the HD2)?
Signal strength – Will you use it in cities (the P1 excels here)?
Security – Do you need encryption (the NR30D offers AES256)?
Price – All three are among the best cheap DMR radio options.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

• Best for outdoors? → TYT MD-UV390 (HD2) (IP67 waterproof)

• Best for urban use? → Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus (P1) (strong signal)

• Best for security? → Radioddity GD-77 (NR30D) (AES256 encryption)

All three are excellent ham radio DMR radios for beginners, so pick based on your needs!

Ready to get started? Check current prices and deals on these best cheap DMR radio models today!