Baofeng
Baofeng DM-32
The DM-32 offers advanced DMR features and robust memory capacity, providing excellent value for budget-conscious digital operators. It is a capable entry point into modern digital radio systems.
★★★★☆4.3(182 reviews)
VHFUHFDMRAPRSGPS
$57–$60
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Budget-minded digital operators
- ✓Technician/General class operators
- ✓Codeplug enthusiasts building networks
- ✓Operators needing robust feature set
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Users needing advanced repeater functionality
- ✕Operators requiring Chirp or CTCSS/DCS
- ✕Professionals needing certified rugged radios
The good and the bad
What we like
- High channel capacity (4000 channels)
- Includes DMR, APRS, and GPS
- AES128/AES256 encryption support
- Respectable 10W VHF/UHF output
- Good battery life and charging
What we don't
- Programming software is complex
- No confirmed water resistance rating
- Chirp function is unavailable
- Potential issues with repeater setup
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
78
Very GoodValue
95
Features
68
Beginner
46
Portability
52
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
Ready to buy?
Fast Prime shipping, no-questions-asked returns through Amazon.
10.00W
TX Power
4000
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Value for money
Reviewers praise the feature density relative to the low cost.
4.5
Ease of programming
Programming requires effort; advanced users recommend CSV edits.
3.5
Digital performance
Audio clarity and digital features perform well in field tests.
4.3
Repeater reliability
Some users report inconsistent or marginal repeater operation.
2.8
★★★★☆4.3(182 Amazon reviews)
5 star
65%
4 star
19%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
8%
Overview
The Baofeng DM-32 is aimed squarely at Technician and General class operators who want a foothold in DMR without committing to a triple-digit price tag. It sits in the crowded budget digital handheld segment, but the feature list punches above what most competitors offer at this price point.
At 10W output across VHF and UHF, the RF performance is respectable for a handheld. The 4,000-channel memory accommodates serious codeplug builds, and the inclusion of GPS-driven APRS reporting alongside AES128 and AES256 digital encryption are genuinely uncommon at this price. Features score well for the category, which reflects how much Baofeng has packed in relative to cost. Value scores strong for similar reasons.
Without confirmed water resistance, this is a fair-weather or shack-adjacent radio, not a trail or field day workhorse. Beginners may find the DMR configuration curve steep without prior codeplug experience. Operators who want a capable DMR or APRS experimenter on a tight budget will get real mileage here; those needing durability or polished out-of-box usability should look higher up the shelf.
Specifications
| Price | $59.99 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W |
| Memory Channels | 4000 |
| FCC ID | 2AJGM-DM32UV |
| FCC Grant Date | 2025-04-25 |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Tuner Type | HF |
| Model Number | DM-32 |
| Built-In Media | JIQI |
| Frequency Range | 136-174MHZ, 400-406MHZ, 406.1-470MHZ |
| Compatible Devices | Two-way radios (digital and analog), compatible accessories |
| Additional Features | Long Range |
| Number of Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
| Connectivity Protocol | DMR, Analog |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 06978269220054 |
Key Features
- Dual-band VHF/UHF coverage with 10W max output and three-level power switching
- DMR Tier II digital mode plus analog operation on the same hardware
- 4,000 channel memory supports large, complex DMR codeplugs
- Integrated GPS with APRS position reporting transmitted directly from the radio
- Digital encryption support includes ARC4, AES128, and AES256 cipher options
- Short message, call recording, and emergency alarm functions built into firmware
- Not water resistant; unsuitable for use in rain or high-humidity field conditions
Similar Radios
What Customers Say
★★★★★Expert radio for budget price.
Exactly what I wanted, shipping was fast and product 100% perfect. This is NOT a simple radio. Do your homework, but if you have programmed other radios and watch a few YouTube vids, its no big deal to have up and running fast. Digital and encryption works flawless. 100X's better than a simple uv5r ...
Joseph Collins·Apr 6, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★well built capable analog, DMR Radio with lots of options for use.
Very nice quality radio I use this radio with a hotspot and have had only good reports on audio quality already had a codeplug made up just loaded with CPS and ready to talk, DMR, GMRS,POLICE,FIRE,HAM,LOCAL REPEATERS,MARINE, Radio is very capable and powerfull this is my fourth model of this radio...
Redman·Mar 2, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Has it's issues, but decent
Good radio, but has some issues.Programming software is not great. I found exporting to .csv and editing in OpenOffice Calc or Excel makes it much easier. Chirp is not an option with DMR radios.There's a bug in scan lists. You have to go into the radio to enable it in each channel. The CPS doesn't s...
Chest Rockwell·Sep 21, 2025·Verified Purchase