Baofeng DM-1701 vs TYT MD-UV390

The Baofeng DM-1701 is the better value here. Both radios offer DMR digital capability and similar owner ratings, with 76 owners reporting 4.1/5 for the Baofeng and 142 owners reporting 4.0/5 for the TYT. The key difference is price: the Baofeng costs $55 versus $121 for the TYT, a substantial gap for functionally similar radios at the feature level we can measure. The TYT does list IP67 weather protection while the Baofeng's rating is unknown, and the TYT specifies 5W transmit power while the Baofeng's power is unlisted. These are real differences, but they don't justify paying 2.2 times more given the comparable owner satisfaction. The Baofeng DM-1701 is the pick for budget-conscious users who want DMR without premium pricing. Buy the TYT MD-UV390 only if you need the documented IP67 rating for harsh field conditions or require the specified 5W output for your area's network demands.