Baofeng DM-32UV vs Baofeng DM32
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng DM32 is the clear winner despite the DM-32UV's slightly higher transmit power. Both radios are identically priced at $54 and share the same feature set with DMR, APRS, and GPS capability, making them functionally equivalent for most users.
The single most important differentiator is CHIRP compatibility. The DM32 supports CHIRP programming software, which dramatically simplifies frequency and channel management compared to the DM-32UV's proprietary software. This accessibility factor alone justifies the higher overall score and makes the DM32 significantly more user-friendly, especially for beginners learning to program their first radio.
The DM-32UV's 10-watt transmission versus the DM32's 8-watt output is negligible in practical terms for typical amateur radio distances and use cases. The unknown weight of the DM-32UV is also a minor disadvantage when the DM32 offers a known 350-gram specification.
Buy the Baofeng DM32 if you want straightforward programming and broad community software support. Choose the DM-32UV only if you specifically need that extra 2 watts of power and prefer proprietary software over CHIRP.
We recommend the Baofeng DM32 for the vast majority of buyers due to superior usability and the same rock-bottom price point.
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM-32UV
- 25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32
- 6% cheaper ($54.37 vs $57.99)
- Has CHIRP compatibility
$57.99 on Amazon
★ 4.1 (184 reviews)
$54.37 on Amazon
★ 4.4 (184 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng DM-32UV | Baofeng DM32 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $57.99 | $54.37 |
| Overall Score | 77 | 83 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | 8.00W |
| Memory Channels | 4000 | 4000 |
| Weight | — | 350g |
| Battery | — | 2500 mAh |
| Display | — | LCD |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Green | green |
| Special Feature | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range, Rechargable | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range |
| Included Components | Factory configuration | 1 X Radio |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | UHF | VHF UHF |
| Model Number | DM-32 | DM-32UV |
| Built-In Media | Factory configuration | 1 X Radio |
| Compatible Devices | DMR digital contact system devices, FRS two-way radios, UHF devices, Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas | Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas |
| Additional Features | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range, Rechargable | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range |
| Warranty Description | NO | NO |
| Connectivity Protocol | DMR | Type-c |