RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
The Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS is the clear winner here. It scores 20 points higher overall, costs $10 less, and includes APRS and GPS capabilities that the DM-1701 completely lacks. For digital voice users, this is a significantly better value proposition.
The single most important differentiator is feature set versus price. The DM-32UV GPS APRS delivers more functionality for less money, including location tracking and position reporting—capabilities increasingly important in modern amateur radio. The missing TX power specification for the DM-1701 is also suspicious and suggests incomplete documentation.
The DM-1701 makes sense only for budget-conscious users who absolutely need DMR and nothing else, though at just $10 more, they're better served elsewhere. The DM-32UV GPS APRS should appeal to anyone wanting a practical dual-mode handheld with modern features, particularly emergency communicators and those running digital nets.
Get the DM-32UV GPS APRS. It's cheaper, better featured, and the review scores reflect genuine superiority. The DM-1701 doesn't justify its existence at this price point.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-constrained buyer entering DMR
Costs less than the alternative while still offering DMR and dual-band VHF and UHF operation.
DM-1701 DMRCasual DMR user skipping GPS and APRS
Operators who only want DMR and dual-band use will not pay for GPS or APRS.
DM-1701 DMRBeginner wanting GPS and APRS features
Adds GPS and APRS tracking plus 4000 channels, giving beginners more features to explore than the alternative.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSField and public service portable operator
Offers 10W transmit power and a 4000-channel memory for field and public service work.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSLicensed operator expanding an existing HT collection
Adds GPS and APRS to an existing HT collection, a role its higher feature score reflects.
Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701
- No clear advantages in this comparison
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
- 33% more memory channels (4,000 vs 3,000)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng DM-1701
Search on AmazonBaofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSPICK
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