Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng K5 Plus

The K5 Plus is the better value. Both radios lack the TX power specification and offer no digital modes beyond what's listed, so their capabilities are effectively tied on paper. The K5 Plus costs $35 less and owners report a higher rating at 4.5 out of 5 across 506 reviews compared to the DM-1701's 4.1 out of 5 from 76 reviews. That larger review sample from K5 Plus owners gives you better confidence in what to expect.

The single most important differentiator is price paired with owner satisfaction. The K5 Plus delivers strong reported owner approval at less than half the cost of the DM-1701.

The K5 Plus suits buyers on a tight budget who want a straightforward handheld radio with solid owner feedback. The DM-1701 makes sense only if you specifically need DMR capability, which the K5 Plus does not offer.

Get the K5 Plus unless DMR digital mode is a must-have requirement for your use case. Otherwise you are paying significantly more for the DM-1701 without a meaningful gain in listed specifications or owner-reported satisfaction.