RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng DM32 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

Our pick

Y23UV-98PLUS$78.28

The Baofeng DM32 is the better choice for most buyers.

Both radios offer GPS and APRS, but the DM32 adds DMR digital mode capability, making it more versatile for coordinated emergency or hobby communications. The DM32 costs $28 less and carries stronger owner feedback: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 196 Amazon reviews versus 4.0 from only 16 reviews for the Y23UV-98PLUS. While the Y23UV-98PLUS delivers 2 extra watts of transmit power, that modest difference won't overcome the DM32's feature and value advantage. We lack the Y23UV-98PLUS's weight specification, so we cannot make that comparison; treat this as missing data, not a weakness.

The DM32 should appeal to budget-conscious operators who want digital mode flexibility and solid owner-reported performance. The Y23UV-98PLUS is only worth considering if maximum transmit power in its limited analog-plus-APRS feature set meets your specific needs and you value its unknown characteristics enough to accept thinner user feedback.

Buy the Baofeng DM32 unless you have a particular reason to need more watts and can live with fewer digital options. The owner reviews and lower price make this an easy recommendation.

Winner

Baofeng DM32

Very Good

Search on Amazon

See full review and specs

Runner-up

Y23UV-98PLUS

$78.28

Good

$78.28 on Amazon

See full review and specs

By use case

Which should you buy?

Budget-conscious first-time DMR licensee
It costs less and adds DMR support, so new digital operators get more capability for the money.
DM32 DMR
Brand-new licensee wanting simple setup
It earns a higher beginner-friendliness rating and is aimed directly at people entering amateur radio.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Digital hotspot operator needing dual-mode
It supports DMR alongside analog voice, which the Y23UV-98PLUS does not offer for hotspot work.
DM32 DMR
Camper wanting APRS position tracking
It pairs APRS and GPS with a more portable build for field use away from home.
Y23UV-98PLUS
Repeater hunter needing many stored channels
It stores 4000 channels versus 1024, which suits operators tracking many repeaters across regions.
DM32 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 1,024)
4% more battery (2500 mAh vs 2400 mAh)
Has DMR digital mode
Has CHIRP compatibility
FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Y23UV-98PLUS

25% more TX power (10W vs 8W)
Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM32SpecY23UV-98PLUS

—

Price

$78.28

Overall Score

+5% for winner

8.00W

TX Power (High)

10.00W

+25% for winner

4000

Memory Channels

1024

3.8× difference

350g

Weight

—

2500 mAh

Battery

2400 mAh

+4% for winner

LCD

Display

TFT Color

Covers land mobile only (Part 90)

FCC Authorization

No grant found

green

color

Standard

unitCount

green

Color

Standard

DM-32UV

Model Number

Y23UV-98PLUS

1 X Radio

Built-In Media

1x Y23UV-98PLUS Main unit, 1x 2400mAh Li-ion Battery,1x Dual band antenna,1x Belt Clip, 1x Type C charging Cable,1x Power supple with USB port，1x MW Antenna, 1x SW Antenna,1x English User Manual

Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas

Compatible Devices

FRS Radios on 144-148Mhz/420-450Mhz frequencies

Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range

Additional Features

1024 Chlannels, AM FM SSB R Eeception, Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity, Cross Band Repeater, GPS/APRS

Warranty Description

1 Year

Not Water Resistant

Water Resistance Level

Not Water Resistant

Made your choice?