Baofeng DM-1701 vs Retevis RA79

The Baofeng DM-1701 is the clear winner here, though neither radio is exceptional. While the RA79 undercuts it significantly on price at thirty dollars versus seventy, that budget advantage evaporates when you consider the DM-1701's DMR capability—a feature that opens access to modern digital networks increasingly common in amateur radio communities. The RA79's CHIRP compatibility doesn't offset this gap since the DM-1701 remains functional for analog work regardless.

The single most important differentiator is DMR support on the DM-1701. This digital mode has become standard infrastructure in many regions, making the feature genuinely future-proofing rather than gimmickry.

Budget-conscious operators who only need basic analog FM and value programmability should consider the RA79. Those who want flexibility across both analog and digital modes, or who operate in areas with DMR infrastructure, should buy the DM-1701.

For most amateur radio operators, the Baofeng DM-1701 represents better long-term value despite the higher initial cost. The extra forty dollars buys you access to an entire ecosystem of networks and communications capabilities that the RA79 simply cannot provide.