Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS vs Baofeng UV-26
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The DM-32UV GPS APRS is the clear winner for most users. Both radios deliver identical 10W transmission power at vastly different price points, but the DM-32UV justifies its $60 cost with genuine feature depth: DMR digital mode, APRS positioning, and integrated GPS make it substantially more capable for emergency communication and modern amateur radio operations. The single most important differentiator is that the DM-32UV offers digital and location capabilities while the UV-26 remains analog-only.
The UV-26 makes sense exclusively for operators on an extremely tight budget who need nothing beyond basic FM simplex communication and appreciate CHIRP programming support. The DM-32UV targets anyone wanting future-proof digital mode compatibility, location tracking, or emergency preparedness without spending substantially more.
We recommend the DM-32UV GPS APRS for virtually all buyers. The $33 premium delivers capabilities that dramatically expand the radio's utility and longevity. Only choose the UV-26 if budget constraints are absolute and you have zero interest in digital modes or location features. At this price tier, the feature gap makes the DM-32UV exceptional value.
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-26
- 53% cheaper ($27.99 vs $59.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
$59.99 on Amazon
★ 4.6 (39 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng DM-32UV GPS APRS | Baofeng UV-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $27.99 |
| Overall Score | 83 | 72 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 4000 | 999 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 2500 mAh |
| Display | Color LCD | 1.77in TFT Color |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Black & Green | UV26-10Watt-1Pack |
| Special Feature | Digital Display, Dual Band, GPS & Digital APRS, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable | 771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy |
| Included Components | 2500mAh Battery x 1, Standard ANT x 1, BAOFENG DMR Radio x 1, Desktop Charger Base x 1, USB-C Charger x 1, Headset x 1, Radio Case Holder x 1 | ①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | UHF VHF | VHF/1.25M/UHF |
| Model Number | DM-32UV | UV26 |
| Built-In Media | 2500mAh Battery x 1, Standard ANT x 1, BAOFENG DMR Radio x 1, Desktop Charger Base x 1, USB-C Charger x 1, Headset x 1, Radio Case Holder x 1 | ①1X UV26 Ham Radio, ②1X 6.1" antenna, ③1X 15.12" 771 antenna, ④1X 10.63" 771 Air-band antenna, ⑤1X 2500mAh Battery, ⑥1X Type-C charger with cable, ⑦1X earpiece with mic, ⑧1X belt, ⑨1X hand strap, ⑩1X charging base station, 10WHTC, 2500mAh Battery, 10WHTC Charger, USB Cable |
| Mfr Part Number | QYWBDDMSEUV23 | UV26 |
| Compatible Devices | Repeater, Two Way Radio | BAOFENG UV26 Ham Radios, other devices on the same frequency bands and channels, CHIRP, CPS, TIDRADIO wireless programmer, earpiece, belt, hand strap, charging base station |
| Additional Features | Digital Display, Dual Band, GPS & Digital APRS, Long Range, USB-C Rechargable | 771 Antenna, Air-band antenna, Superior grip, Enhanced design, Wider frequency band, 10W power, USB C charging, 1.77inch colour screen, Frequency copy |
| Connectivity Protocol | DMR | VHF/1.25M/UHF |