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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Baofeng DM32 vs Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

Our pick

Baofeng DM32$49.99

The Baofeng DM32 is the clear winner for most users.

The most important differentiator is feature set at price. The DM32 costs $50 and includes DMR, APRS, and GPS; the Wouxun costs $180 with none of those. The DM32 also offers higher transmit power (8W vs 5W) and CHIRP compatibility for easier programming. Owners report 4.5 stars across 196 reviews for the DM32 versus 4.2 stars from only 42 reviews for the Wouxun. The Wouxun is 100g lighter, which matters for all-day carry, but this alone does not justify the price premium.

The DM32 should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want modern digital mode support and don't require ultra-compact weight. The Wouxun suits users willing to pay for its lighter build and who have no need for DMR, APRS, or GPS features.

Buy the Baofeng DM32 unless weight is your primary concern and you have no interest in digital modes. Neither radio has an IP rating listed, so weather sealing remains unknown for both.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious DMR beginner

    The Baofeng offers DMR and APRS modes while keeping the initial cost low.

    DM32 DMR
  • Simple analog monitoring/monitoring

    Its dedicated analog VHF/UHF focus makes it ideal for monitoring airwaves.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Hotspot operator needing dual-mode

    The Baofeng's DMR and analog fallback capabilities provide necessary flexibility.

    DM32 DMR
  • Experienced user needing reliability

    The Wouxun's straightforward analog design offers dependable, simple operation.

    KG-UV9D Plus
  • Portable operator needing high capacity

    With 4000 channels and GPS, the Baofeng supports complex field operations.

    DM32 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

  • 72% cheaper ($49.99 vs $179.99)
  • 60% more TX power (8W vs 5W)
  • 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has CHIRP compatibility

Reasons to choose Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

  • 100g lighter (250g vs 350g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM32SpecWouxun KG-UV9D Plus
$49.99
Price
$179.99
83
Overall Score
35
2.4× difference
8.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
+59% for winner
4000
Memory Channels
999
4.0× difference
350g
Weight
250g
+41% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
—
LCD
Display
—
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
FCC Authorization
On file, scope unconfirmed
green
color
Black
green
Color
Black
VHF UHF
Tuner Type
UHF
DM-32UV
Model Number
KG UV9D Plus
Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas
Compatible Devices
RM
Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range
Additional Features
Dual Receiving, Duplex Work on A&B Areas (TX on one area while RX on the other area simultaneously), Output Power VHF H:5W,M:2W,L:1W UHF H:4W,M:2W,L:1W, RX on the same/different bands of A&B areas simultaneously, UHF/VHF or VHF/UHF Cross-Band Repeater
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Waterproof

Made your choice?

Baofeng DM32PICK

$49.99 on Amazon

Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus

$179.99 on Amazon

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