Baofeng DM-1701 vs Baofeng UV-5R

The UV-5R is the clear winner for most users. Despite nearly identical overall scores, the UV-5R's $16 price point versus the DM-1701's $70 makes this a practical choice for newcomers and budget-conscious operators. The single most important differentiator is price-to-value ratio: you're paying four times more for the DM-1701 without clear performance benefits, as the UV-5R actually has a known transmit power specification while the DM-1701's remains unspecified. The UV-5R's CHIRP compatibility is significant for programmers, while the DM-1701's DMR capability only matters if you have access to DMR networks.

Buy the UV-5R if you want reliable, affordable entry into amateur radio with proven performance and excellent community support. Buy the DM-1701 only if you specifically operate on DMR networks and can verify its actual specifications before purchase.

Final recommendation: Start with the UV-5R. It's hard to justify the DM-1701's higher cost given the missing specifications and marginal score improvement. The UV-5R has a massive user base, extensive resources, and genuine value that makes learning the hobby affordable.