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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng 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 DMR
  • Budget-conscious emergency field ops

    The lower price and GPS make it ideal for basic emergency deployments.

    UV-28
  • SOTA/POTA activators needing location data

    The built-in GPS feature is essential for logging and coordinating field activities.

    UV-28
  • Intermediate user wanting more channels

    With 3000 channels, it offers significantly more memory than the UV-28.

    DM-1701 DMR
  • Operator 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

Baofeng DM-1701SpecBaofeng UV-28
$64.99
Price
$42.99
64
Overall Score
75
+18% for winner
—
TX Power (High)
10.00W
3000
Memory Channels
1000
3.0× difference
—
Weight
360g
—
Battery
2200 mAh
1.77in TFT Color
Display
Color LCD
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
Black
Color
Black
UHF
Tuner Type
UHF VHF
DM 1701
Model Number
UV-28 Plus
Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset
Built-In Media
1 x Headset, 1 x Belt Clip, 1 x Wrist Strap, 1 x High-Gain ANT, 1 x Speaker Mic, 1 x UV-28 PLUS Ham Radio, 2 x 2200mAh Li-ion Battery, 1 x Desktop Charger with Adapter
VHF: 136-174MHz; UHF:400-480MHz
Frequency Range
UHF VHF
Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios
Compatible Devices
Repeater, Smartphone
Dual Band
Additional Features
CHIRP Compatible, Digital Display, GPS, Long Range, Wireless APP Programmable
2
Warranty Description
18 Months Warranty & Lifetime Support
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-1701

$64.99 on Amazon

Baofeng UV-28PICK

$42.99 on Amazon

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