RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng BF-F8HP vs Baofeng DM32

Our pick

Baofeng BF-F8HP$84.89

The DM32 is the clear winner for digital mode users, though the choice depends on your needs.

The most important difference is digital capability. The DM32 adds DMR, APRS, and GPS to match the BF-F8HP's analog FM foundation. Both radios match on transmit power and CHIRP programming support. The BF-F8HP weighs 64 grams less, which matters for all-day carry. Both show equal owner satisfaction at 4.5 stars, though the BF-F8HP has substantially more reviews (15,354 versus 196), giving stronger statistical confidence in that rating. We have no IP rating data for either radio.

The five dollar price difference is negligible. What matters is the DM32's digital modes, which require purpose-built hardware and cannot be added later. Owners report the same satisfaction level with both, so the decision hinges on whether you need those modes.

Buy the BF-F8HP if you operate only analog FM or want the lightest option. Buy the DM32 if you plan to use DMR networks, APRS, or GPS functionality. For most digital-curious operators, the DM32 justifies its modest price premium and extra weight through expanded capability.

Runner-up

Baofeng BF-F8HP

$84.89

Good

$84.89 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

Baofeng DM32

Very Good

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

First-time licensee learning basic VHF and UHF
Its simpler controls and beginner-friendly setup make it the easier radio to start with.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost
It costs less than the alternative while covering the same VHF and UHF bands at 8W.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C
Hotspot operator needing dual-mode digital and analog
It supports DMR alongside reliable analog operation, with 4000 channels for large channel lists.
DM32 DMR
Field backup kit for basic local repeater use
Its lighter weight and lower cost suit a simple grab-and-go backup radio.
BF-F8HP PRO 10W Tri Band Two-Way Radio, IP54, 1000 Channels, GPS, Aviation RX, USB-C

Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-F8HP

64g lighter (286g vs 350g)
Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

31x more memory channels (4,000 vs 128)
25% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2000 mAh)
Has DMR digital mode
Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng BF-F8HPSpecBaofeng DM32

$84.89

Price

—

Overall Score

+8% for winner

8.00W

TX Power (High)

8.00W

128

Memory Channels

4000

33.3× difference

286g

Weight

350g

+22% difference

2000 mAh

Battery

2500 mAh

+25% for winner

Color LCD

Display

LCD

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers land mobile only (Part 90)

Black

color

green

unitCount

Black

Color

green

UHF, VHF

Tuner Type

VHF UHF

BF-F8HP

Model Number

DM-32UV

baofeng

Built-In Media

1 X Radio

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

Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas

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

Additional Features

Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range

1 year

Warranty Description

Waterproof

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng BF-F8HP