RadioRanked verdict
Updated Oct 2026Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng UV-28
Our pick
Baofeng UV-28$42.99
The UV-28 is the stronger choice for most buyers. Both radios share the same price point and owner rating, but the UV-28 delivers better listed specifications and a higher overall score. The UV-28 publishes 10W transmit power while the DM-1701's power is unknown. The UV-28 includes GPS and CHIRP programmability; the DM-1701 offers DMR but lacks both features. The UV-28 also provides a stated weight of 360g for transparency. We lack specifications on the DM-1701's transmit power and weight, which limits direct comparison on those dimensions.
The most important differentiator is feature set. If you need DMR digital mode, the DM-1701 is your only choice here. If you want GPS capability or prefer CHIRP software for programming, the UV-28 wins decisively.
Buy the DM-1701 if DMR support is essential to your intended use. Buy the UV-28 if you want GPS, CHIRP compatibility, and clearly specified power output at the same price.
Go with the UV-28 as the safer recommendation given its better specification transparency and higher overall score, unless DMR is a hard requirement.
By use case
Which should you buy?
New operator exploring digital modes
It supports DMR, allowing you to explore modern digital radio features.
DM-1701 DMRBudget-conscious emergency field ops
The lower price and GPS make it ideal for basic emergency deployments.
UV-28SOTA/POTA activators needing location data
The built-in GPS feature is essential for logging and coordinating field activities.
UV-28Intermediate user wanting more channels
With 3000 channels, it offers significantly more memory than the UV-28.
DM-1701 DMROperator needing maximum firmware flexibility
Its advanced features and open platform allow for deep customization and growth.
DM-1701 DMR
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701
- 3x more memory channels (3,000 vs 1,000)
- Has DMR digital mode
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-28
- 34% cheaper ($42.99 vs $64.99)
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has CHIRP compatibility
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Baofeng DM-1701
$64.99 on AmazonBaofeng UV-28PICK
$42.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads

