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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng UV-26

The DM-1701 edges out the UV-26 primarily because of what owners report: 76 reviewers rate it 4.1 out of 5, compared to 94 reviewers rating the UV-26 at 4.4 out of 5. While the UV-26 has a higher owner rating, the DM-1701's advantage is its DMR capability, which the UV-26 lacks entirely. The UV-26 offers known 10-watt TX power, whereas the DM-1701's transmit power is unspecified. Both radios share missing data on weight and lack listed IP ratings. Price information is missing for the UV-26, making a true cost comparison impossible. If you prioritize DMR digital mode support, the DM-1701 is your choice; if you need confirmed analog-only operation with higher owner satisfaction and known power output, the UV-26 suits you better. The missing price for the UV-26 and unknown TX power for the DM-1701 create real gaps in this comparison. Given the complete specifications and owner feedback available, the DM-1701 offers more capability, though the UV-26's higher owner rating reflects positive real-world experience that shouldn't be dismissed.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget buyer entering digital voice modes

    Lowest cost option that adds DMR access for a first digital radio.

    DM-1701 DMR
  • First-time licensee learning local repeaters

    Ranks higher for beginner usability and covers the local VHF and UHF repeater bands newcomers use.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Emergency preparedness kit builder

    Ten-watt output and 1.25m coverage suit emergency preparedness kits needing wider local reach.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • DMR experimenter needing large channel memory

    Adds DMR support and a much larger channel memory for operators exploring digital voice.

    DM-1701 DMR
  • Portable POTA and SOTA field operator

    A higher portability rating suits field operators on summit or park activations needing 1.25m reach.

    Baofeng UV-26
  • Firmware tinkerer who customizes hardware

    Supports firmware flexibility that suits operators who like customizing their hardware.

    DM-1701 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701

  • 3x more memory channels (3,000 vs 999)
  • Has DMR digital mode

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26

  • No clear advantages in this comparison

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM-1701SpecBaofeng UV-26
49
Overall Score
49
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
3000
Memory Channels
999
3.0× difference
—
Battery
2500 mAh
1.77in TFT Color
Display
1.77in TFT Color
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
Black
color
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
1
unitCount
2
Black
Color
UV26-10Watt-1Pack
UHF
Tuner Type
VHF/1.25M/UHF
DM 1701
Model Number
UV26
Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset
Built-In Media
①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable
Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios
Compatible Devices
BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station
Dual Band
Additional Features
771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-1701

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Baofeng UV-26

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