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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng 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 DMR
  • Casual DMR user skipping GPS and APRS

    Operators who only want DMR and dual-band use will not pay for GPS or APRS.

    DM-1701 DMR
  • Beginner 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 APRS
  • Field and public service portable operator

    Offers 10W transmit power and a 4000-channel memory for field and public service work.

    Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
  • Licensed 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

Baofeng DM-1701SpecBaofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
49
Overall Score
79
+61% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
3000
Memory Channels
4000
+33% for winner
—
Weight
350g
—
Battery
2500 mAh
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
Black & Green
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black & Green
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
DM 1701
Model Number
DM-32UV
Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset
Built-In Media
2500mAh Battery x 1, Standard ANT x 1, BAOFENG DMR Radio x 1, Desktop Charger Base x 1, USB-C Charger x 1, Headset x 1, Radio Case Holder x 1
VHF: 136-174MHz; UHF:400-480MHz
Frequency Range
UHF VHF
Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Two Way Radio
Dual Band
Additional Features
Digital Display, Dual Band, GPS & Digital APRS, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable
2
Warranty Description
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-1701

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Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRSPICK

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