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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng DM32

The DM32 is the clear winner for most buyers.

The most important differentiator is feature set at a lower price. The DM32 adds APRS, GPS, and CHIRP support while costing $8 less. We don't have the DM-1701's transmit power or weight, so we cannot compare those specs directly. Both support DMR, and neither lists an IP rating. Owners report higher satisfaction with the DM32 (4.5 out of 5 from 196 reviews versus 4.1 out of 5 from 76 reviews for the DM-1701), which suggests buyers have had a more positive experience with it in real-world use.

The DM-1701 makes sense only if you need specific features or performance characteristics we cannot measure here, or if you find it at a significant discount.

Buy the DM32 if you want the most features and best owner feedback for the least money. Buy the DM-1701 only if you have a specific reason that outweighs its missing features and higher price. We recommend the DM32 to anyone choosing between these two.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time DMR licensee

    It costs less than the alternative while adding DMR, APRS, and GPS for a beginner on a tight budget.

    DM32 DMR
  • Ham needing very high channel capacity

    With 4000 memory channels, it holds more programmed frequencies than the 3000-channel alternative.

    DM32 DMR
  • Portable operator prioritizing lightweight carry

    It is the lighter, more portable choice for hikers and field operators who carry a radio all day.

    DM-1701 DMR
  • Experimenter wanting firmware flexibility on a budget

    Its strong value and firmware flexibility suit hams who prefer tinkering with settings over fixed features.

    DM-1701 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701

  • Has color TFT display

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

  • 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 DM32
49
Overall Score
75
+54% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
8.00W
3000
Memory Channels
4000
+33% for winner
—
Weight
350g
—
Battery
2500 mAh
1.77in TFT Color
Display
LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
Black
color
green
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
green
UHF
Tuner Type
VHF UHF
DM 1701
Model Number
DM-32UV
Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset
Built-In Media
1 X Radio
Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios
Compatible Devices
Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas
Dual Band
Additional Features
Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range
2
Warranty Description
NO
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-1701

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Baofeng DM32PICK

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