RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng DM-1701 vs TIDRADIO TD-H9

Our pick

TIDRADIO TD-H9$69.99

The TD-H9 is the clear winner for most users, offering better listed specifications for the money despite its higher price.

The single most important differentiator is feature set. The TD-H9 includes APRS and GPS capability plus CHIRP support for programming, while the DM-1701 focuses narrowly on DMR digital mode. We don't have TX power or weight data for the DM-1701, which limits our ability to fully compare them. The TD-H9's 10W output is solid for a handheld. RadioRanked's overall score reflects this gap: the TD-H9 scores 85 versus 64 for the DM-1701, meaning better specifications at current pricing.

Owner feedback slightly favors the TD-H9, with 4.2 stars from 450 reviews compared to 4.1 stars from 76 reviews. That larger sample size gives more confidence in the TD-H9's user experience, though both radios earn solid ratings from owners.

Buy the DM-1701 only if you specifically need DMR capability and want to minimize cost. Buy the TD-H9 if you want a versatile radio with GPS, APRS, and standard programming tools for seventy dollars.

The TD-H9 is the better general-purpose choice.

Runner-up

Baofeng DM-1701

$57.94

Good

$57.94 on Amazon

See full review and specs

Winner

TIDRADIO TD-H9

$69.99

Very Good

$69.99 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

New operator exploring DMR digital modes
The DM-1701 offers more channels and is specifically designed for DMR exploration.
DM-1701 DMR
Operator needing integrated APRS and GPS features
The TD-H9 includes dedicated APRS and GPS functionality essential for tracking.
TD-H9
Budget-conscious user prioritizing channel count
With 3000 channels, the DM-1701 offers superior channel capacity for the price.
DM-1701 DMR
Technician needing triband coverage and versatility
The TD-H9's triband capability makes it ideal for varied local simplex work.
TD-H9
Casual user wanting basic digital mode access
The DM-1701 is best for casual users exploring digital modes like DMR.
DM-1701 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-1701

17% cheaper ($57.94 vs $69.99)
15x more memory channels (3,000 vs 199)
Has DMR digital mode

Reasons to choose TIDRADIO TD-H9

Has APRS support
Has built-in GPS
Has Bluetooth
Has CHIRP compatibility
IP54 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM-1701SpecTIDRADIO TD-H9

$57.94

Price

$69.99

Overall Score

+33% for winner

—

TX Power (High)

10.00W

3000

Memory Channels

199

14.3× difference

—

Battery

2400 mAh

1.77in TFT Color

Display

Color LCD

—

IP Rating

IP54

Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)

FCC Authorization

Covers FRS only (Part 95B)

Black

color

1Pack & Antenna-Clear

unitCount

Black

Color

1Pack & Antenna-Green

DM 1701

Model Number

TD-H9

Factory configuration, Programming line, USB cable, headset

Built-In Media

1 X 2500mAh Battery; 1 X Destop Charger, 1 X Original Antenna; 1 X 18.8inch Foldable Tactical Antenna, 1 X TIDRADIO TD-H9 Ham radio(Green), 1 X USB-C Charging Cable

VHF: 136-174MHz; UHF:400-480MHz

Frequency Range

AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF

Digital and analog radios, MOTOTRBO Tier I & II, other DMR radios

Compatible Devices

Ham Radios

Dual Band

Additional Features

Bluetooth Device Connectivity, Built-in GPS & APRS, Odmaster APP; Global Talk; Firmware Upgradeable, SMS Text Messaging, Spectrum Analysis

Warranty Description

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM-1701