RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Baofeng DM-1701

Our pick

Baofeng BF-F8HP$84.89

The BF-F8HP edges out the DM-1701 as the better value proposition, though this comparison hinges on your intended use.

The most important differentiator is DMR capability. The DM-1701 supports digital mode radio while the BF-F8HP does not. This matters significantly if you operate on DMR networks; it's irrelevant if you don't.

Owners report stronger satisfaction with the BF-F8HP, which carries a 4.5/5 rating from over 15,000 reviews compared to the DM-1701's 4.1/5 from 76 reviews. The BF-F8HP also offers CHIRP programmability, which the DM-1701 lacks. We lack specifications on the DM-1701's transmit power and weight, so direct physical comparison is incomplete.

The BF-F8HP suits operators who want proven, widely-reviewed performance on analog FM with easy computer programming. The DM-1701 is for those specifically needing DMR capability and willing to accept fewer owner reports and less established track record.

Given nearly identical pricing and the substantially larger owner feedback pool favoring the BF-F8HP, choose it unless DMR is a requirement for your operating plans.

Winner

Baofeng BF-F8HP

$84.89

Good

$84.89 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Baofeng DM-1701

Average

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee learning on a budget
Simple controls and a lower cost make it the easier starting point for a new ham.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
Budget-conscious emergency backup kit
It costs less and offers 8W on VHF and UHF for basic emergency voice contact.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
Operator wanting plug-and-play setup
Its simpler setup suits operators who want to avoid programming headaches.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
DMR digital voice newcomer
DMR support and 3000 channels let a newcomer explore digital voice networks.
DM-1701 DMR
Operator wanting firmware customization
Its higher feature score and firmware flexibility suit users who want to tinker.
DM-1701 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP

Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701

23x more memory channels (3,000 vs 128)
Has DMR digital mode

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-F8HPSpecBaofeng DM-1701

$84.89

Price

—

Overall Score

+43% for winner

8.00W

TX Power (High)

—

128

Memory Channels

3000

25.0× difference

286g

Weight

—

2000 mAh

Battery

—

Color LCD

Display

1.77in TFT Color

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

Black

color

Black

unitCount

701748708974

UPC

755745369973

Black

Color

Black

UHF, VHF

Tuner Type

UHF

BF-F8HP

Model Number

DM 1701

baofeng

Built-In Media

Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset

Two-way radios, headsets, earpieces, external antennas, and other devices operating on VHF (136-174 MHz) or UHF (400-520 MHz) frequencies, as well as accessories compatible with the UV-5R.

Compatible Devices

Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios

Only BaoFeng Tech is Authorized to Resell, Software and Downloads Available at: https://baofengtech.com/bf-f8hp

Additional Features

Dual Band

1 year

Warranty Description

Waterproof

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-F8HPPICK