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The Baofeng DM-1701 vs DM32 comparison is not simply old model versus new model. Both are dual-band handheld radios that support conventional analog FM and DMR Tier II digital operation, but they are aimed at different types of users.
The DM-1701 is the established, lower-cost platform. It offers 3,000 channels, 250 zones, a 1.77-inch color display, a 2,200 mAh battery and up to 5 watts of transmit power. Its most important advantage is compatibility with the mature OpenGD77 alternative firmware, which transforms it into a much more amateur-radio-focused handheld.
The DM32, also sold as the DM-32UV, is the newer and more fully equipped radio. It increases maximum advertised power to 10 watts, raises channel capacity to 4,000, adds GPS with Digital APRS, USB-C charging, airband and NOAA reception, a 2-inch display, voice recording and a larger 2,500 mAh battery.
The decision comes down to software flexibility versus modern hardware. The DM-1701 is particularly attractive to operators who intend to install OpenGD77. The DM32 is better suited to buyers who want newer hardware, GPS, USB-C charging and more integrated field features without replacing the original firmware.
Best for most people: choose the Baofeng DM32 for its GPS, Digital APRS, USB-C charging, larger display, higher output and broader receive features. Choose the Baofeng DM-1701 when you want the lower-cost option or specifically value mature OpenGD77 support.
Choose the DM-1701 for affordable DMR, 120,000-contact storage and the option to install OpenGD77 for a more flexible amateur-radio interface.
Choose the DM32 for GPS, Digital APRS, 10-watt output, USB-C charging, airband reception and a more modern hardware platform.
Quick Verdict
The Baofeng DM32 is the better overall radio. It provides more transmit power, a larger display, direct USB-C charging, GPS, Digital APRS, NOAA alerts, AM airband reception and digital voice recording. These are meaningful upgrades for field operation, travel and emergency use.
The Baofeng DM-1701 remains the better value for experimenters and OpenGD77 users. Its hardware is older, but OpenGD77 provides an amateur-focused interface, improved talkgroup handling, flexible hotspot operation and faster access to common DMR functions.
The DM32’s 10-watt rating does not mean it will provide twice the range of the 5-watt DM-1701. Doubling transmitter power adds 3 dB to the link budget. That can improve a marginal connection, but antenna efficiency, antenna height, terrain and receiver performance normally have a greater effect on practical range.
Baofeng DM-1701 vs DM32 Comparison Table
| Feature | Baofeng DM-1701 | Baofeng DM32 |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Budget DMR, OpenGD77 users, hotspot operation and radio experimentation | Modern general-purpose DMR, GPS location reporting and extended field use |
| Operating modes | DMR Tier II and analog FM | DMR Tier II and analog FM |
| Transmit coverage | 136–174 MHz and 400–480 MHz | 136–174 MHz and 400–470 MHz |
| Advertised output power | 5, 2 and 1 watts | 10, 4 and 1 watts |
| Memory channels | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Zones | 250, with up to 64 channels per zone | 250 |
| Digital contacts | Up to 120,000 | 50,000 plus 800 quick-access favorites |
| Digital talkgroups | Up to 10,000 listed by Baofeng | Talkgroup list and talker-alias support |
| Display | 1.77-inch color TFT | 2-inch customizable color display |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Digital APRS | No native GPS-based Digital APRS | Yes |
| Battery | 2,200 mAh | 2,500 mAh |
| USB-C charging | No; desktop charging cradle | Yes, plus desktop charging support |
| AM airband reception | Not a core documented feature of the original DM-1701 platform | 108–136 MHz AM reception |
| NOAA weather reception | No dedicated NOAA alert feature in the original documentation | Ten NOAA channels and alert support on the US version |
| FM broadcast reception | Varies by firmware and listing | 65–108 MHz |
| Voice recording | No comparable native recording feature | Up to 10 hours of digital audio recording |
| Frequency copying | Not a major stock-firmware feature | Yes, in analog mode |
| Official programming | Baofeng/Radioddity CPS and programming cable | Baofeng CPS and programming cable |
| CHIRP compatibility | No conventional CHIRP support | No |
| OpenGD77 compatibility | Yes, established supported platform | Not on the established supported-radio list; experimental work may exist |
| Water resistance | No documented IP rating | No dependable IP rating in the linked listing |
| Value position | Best value and best for firmware enthusiasts | Best overall hardware and features |
| Default recommendation | Choose when OpenGD77 is a priority | Choose for most buyers |
Specifications can vary by bundle, firmware and regional version.
Baofeng DM-1701 Overview
The Baofeng DM-1701 is an established dual-band DMR handheld that supports both digital and analog operation. It covers VHF and UHF, provides dual-time-slot DMR operation and stores up to 3,000 channels, 10,000 talkgroups and 120,000 digital contacts.
The large contact capacity remains one of the DM-1701’s strongest specifications. A DMR contact database associates subscriber IDs with names and call signs, allowing the radio to display meaningful identity information instead of an unexplained numeric ID. The DM32 is newer, but its 50,000-contact capacity is considerably smaller.
The DM-1701 also provides 250 zones, with up to 64 channels assigned to each zone. Zones are important in DMR because a complete codeplug may contain several repeaters, time slots and talkgroups for each geographic area. They allow the operator to divide the configuration into usable groups rather than scrolling through thousands of unrelated channels.
Its stock hardware is relatively conventional. It uses a 1.77-inch color display, a 2,200 mAh battery, a desktop charging cradle and selectable 5, 2 and 1-watt output levels. The package commonly includes a programming cable, earpiece, belt clip and charging base.
The defining reason to buy the DM-1701 today is OpenGD77. The alternative firmware is designed around amateur-radio operation and provides a more flexible interface than many stock commercial-style DMR implementations.
The DM-1701 is the better choice when affordability, contact capacity and established OpenGD77 compatibility matter more than GPS, USB-C charging or maximum output power.
- DMR Tier II and analog FM operation
- 3,000 programmable channels
- Up to 120,000 digital contacts
- 250 zones with extensive codeplug capacity
- 5, 2 and 1-watt power settings
- 2,200 mAh removable battery
- Established OpenGD77 support
- Programming cable commonly included
Baofeng DM-1701 Pros
- Excellent value for DMR: the DM-1701 provides digital and analog operation at a comparatively accessible price point.
- OpenGD77 compatibility: mature alternative firmware is the radio’s most important advantage over the DM32.
- Large contact database: 120,000 contacts can accommodate a much larger portion of the DMR subscriber database than the DM32’s 50,000-contact limit.
- Extensive channel organization: 3,000 channels and 250 zones are sufficient for several regions, repeaters and hotspot configurations.
- Useful low-power setting: the 1-watt mode conserves battery power and reduces unnecessary RF output when operating through a nearby hotspot or repeater.
- Full keypad: direct number entry and menu access are more practical than minimalist DMR radios with only a few buttons.
- Programmable controls: multiple customizable keys can be assigned to frequently used functions.
- Established community knowledge: programming guides, codeplug advice and OpenGD77 instructions are widely available.
- Good hotspot companion: high output is unnecessary for a hotspot located only a few metres away, making the DM-1701’s lower power less important.
Baofeng DM-1701 Cons
- Older hardware platform: the display, charging system and physical interface feel dated compared with the DM32.
- No GPS: the radio cannot provide native GPS-based location reporting.
- No USB-C charging: the standard battery depends on a desktop cradle, making travel and vehicle charging less convenient.
- Lower maximum output: the 5-watt ceiling provides less link margin than the DM32’s advertised 10-watt mode.
- Stock software can be frustrating: many owners prefer OpenGD77 because the original CPS and firmware are less intuitive for amateur-radio use.
- Firmware replacement requires care: installing OpenGD77 introduces additional steps, backup requirements and the possibility of configuration mistakes.
- Battery endurance varies: customer reports range from acceptable daily performance to disappointment compared with simpler analog Baofeng radios.
- No dedicated NOAA or modern monitoring package: the DM32 is substantially better equipped for weather and aviation monitoring.
- No documented environmental rating: it should be protected from rain, spray and industrial contamination.
Baofeng DM32 Overview
The Baofeng DM32, commonly identified as the DM-32UV, is a newer dual-band DMR and analog handheld with a stronger emphasis on field features and modern usability. It supports 4,000 channels, 250 zones, 50,000 digital contacts and 800 quick-access favorites.
Its output levels are specified at 10, 4 and 1 watts. The high-power setting adds 3 dB relative to a 5-watt transmitter, while the 1-watt mode remains appropriate for hotspot use and strong local repeaters. The intermediate 4-watt setting provides a practical balance between link margin and battery consumption.
The DM32 adds built-in GPS and Digital APRS. GPS determines the radio’s coordinates, while Digital APRS can send position information through a compatible DMR configuration. This can be useful for public-service events, outdoor groups and coordinated field operations, although it requires correct programming and compatible infrastructure.
The hardware is more modern than the DM-1701. The DM32 uses a 2-inch color display, a 2,500 mAh battery and USB-C charging. It also includes AM aviation-band reception, FM broadcast reception and NOAA weather alerts on the US version.
Additional features include up to 10 hours of digital audio recording, text messaging, fall detection, analog frequency copying, adjustable microphone gain and programmable side keys. These features make the DM32 a more complete standalone field radio, even though they also increase programming complexity.
The main limitation is software maturity. The DM32 relies on its official CPS rather than CHIRP. Owner discussions frequently praise the hardware and audio while criticizing CPS behavior, scan-list configuration and firmware quirks.
The DM32 is the better all-round purchase when you want a modern DMR handheld with GPS, Digital APRS, USB-C charging, broader monitoring coverage and higher maximum output.
- DMR Tier II and analog FM operation
- 10, 4 and 1-watt output levels
- 4,000 channels and 250 zones
- Built-in GPS and Digital APRS
- 2-inch customizable color display
- 2,500 mAh USB-C rechargeable battery
- NOAA and AM aviation-band reception
- Up to 10 hours of digital recording
Baofeng DM32 Pros
- Best overall feature set: the DM32 combines DMR, analog FM, GPS, APRS, monitoring and recording functions in one handheld.
- Higher maximum output: the 10-watt mode can provide additional link margin in marginal conditions.
- Modern USB-C charging: the radio can be charged from power banks, vehicle adapters and common travel chargers.
- Built-in GPS: coordinates can support navigation awareness and compatible location-reporting workflows.
- Digital APRS support: position data can be transmitted through a suitable DMR configuration.
- Larger display: the 2-inch screen provides more room for channel names, IDs, menus and status information.
- Broader receive functions: aviation-band, FM broadcast and NOAA reception increase its usefulness as a monitoring radio.
- Voice recording: digital audio can be stored for later review, training or event logging.
- More channel memories: 4,000 channels provide additional room for complex regional codeplugs.
- Good reported digital audio: owner and field-review feedback commonly describes the DMR audio as clear once the radio is configured correctly.
Baofeng DM32 Cons
- CPS quality is inconsistent: programming software and scan-list behavior are among the most common owner complaints.
- No established OpenGD77 support: the DM32 is not currently listed with the mature supported-radio group, despite experimental development discussions.
- Smaller contact database: 50,000 contacts may be restrictive for operators who want a large national or international subscriber database.
- More expensive: the additional cost pays for hardware and field features rather than a proportionate increase in basic DMR voice quality.
- Large codeplugs can slow operation: owner reports indicate that very large channel and contact databases may increase startup time.
- Display visibility can vary: some users report that the color screen is difficult to read in bright sunlight.
- Scanning is not a major strength: scan-list limitations and slow scanning make it a poor substitute for a dedicated receiver.
- Programming errors can be difficult to diagnose: an incorrect DMR squelch, time slot, color code or talkgroup assignment may prevent audio even when the frequency is correct.
- No dependable environmental rating: the linked listing should not be treated as proof of professional waterproofing.
Key Differences
The DM-1701’s defining advantage is established OpenGD77 compatibility. The alternative firmware changes the radio from a commercially styled DMR handheld into a platform designed more directly around amateur-radio operating habits.
The DM32 is not included in the project’s established supported-radio list. Experimental work may develop, but buyers should not purchase the DM32 on the assumption that it currently offers the same mature OpenGD77 experience.
The DM32 includes GPS and Digital APRS, while the DM-1701 does not include native GPS hardware. This makes the DM32 more suitable for location-aware field operations and compatible position-reporting systems.
Digital APRS is not automatic simply because GPS is enabled. The operator must configure the correct DMR destination, reporting interval and network or repeater parameters.
The DM-1701 provides 5, 2 and 1-watt output levels. The DM32 provides 10, 4 and 1-watt settings.
The DM32 has a real link-budget advantage at maximum power, but the difference is 3 dB rather than a doubling of communication distance. Both radios should normally be operated at the lowest power that maintains reliable communication.
The DM32 stores more channels, with 4,000 compared with the DM-1701’s 3,000. The DM-1701 stores substantially more contacts, with 120,000 compared with 50,000 on the DM32.
Channel capacity matters when building a large multi-region codeplug. Contact capacity matters when the operator wants the radio to display names and call signs for a broad subscriber database.
The DM32 combines a 2,500 mAh battery with USB-C charging. The DM-1701 uses a 2,200 mAh battery and a desktop cradle.
The nominal capacity difference is moderate, but the charging difference is significant. USB-C is easier to support in a vehicle, emergency kit or travel bag without carrying a dedicated charging base.
The DM32 has a larger 2-inch display with configurable text colors. The DM-1701 uses a 1.77-inch color TFT.
The DM32 provides the more modern stock interface, but the DM-1701 can become more efficient for amateur use after OpenGD77 is installed.
The DM32 explicitly includes NOAA weather alerts, AM airband reception and FM broadcast coverage. The original DM-1701 is more narrowly focused on VHF/UHF communication.
The DM32 is therefore the better secondary receiver, although neither radio matches the scan speed, selectivity or usability of a dedicated scanner.
The DM32 adds digital voice recording, fall detection and analog frequency copying. These can be useful for training, field coordination and documenting radio traffic.
The DM-1701 offers digital messaging, programmable keys and commercial-style signaling functions, but its stock feature set is less comprehensive.
Real-World Performance Comparisons
Both radios can work through conventional Tier II DMR repeaters when the frequency, color code, time slot and talkgroup are configured correctly. The DM32 provides more output power, while the DM-1701 offers the more mature OpenGD77 workflow.
The DM-1701 is particularly attractive for hotspot operation because OpenGD77 provides flexible talkgroup handling and the required RF distance is normally very short. The DM32’s 10-watt mode provides no benefit when the hotspot is in the same room.
Both support conventional analog FM channels. The DM32 can provide more link margin at full power, but the two radios should perform similarly through a strong local repeater when used at equivalent power.
The DM32’s higher output may improve a marginal simplex path, but terrain and antenna height remain dominant. Neither radio will reliably overcome hills, reinforced buildings or dense urban obstructions through power alone.
The DM-1701 wins when the operator wants to store more than 50,000 subscriber records. The DM32’s favorites list is useful for frequently contacted users, but it does not compensate for the lower total contact capacity.
The DM32 is the stronger field radio because it includes GPS, APRS, NOAA alerts and USB-C charging. These functions reduce the need for separate charging equipment and provide additional situational information.
The DM32 has a clear advantage because these receive functions are explicitly built into the platform. The DM-1701 should be viewed primarily as a VHF/UHF communications radio.
Neither is ideal as a general-purpose scanner. The DM-1701 running OpenGD77 is often preferred for DMR monitoring and promiscuous operation, while owner feedback on the DM32 identifies scan-list behavior as a recurring weakness.
The DM32 relies on Baofeng’s CPS, while the DM-1701 can use either its original CPS or the OpenGD77 ecosystem after a firmware change. The DM32 offers stronger front-panel hardware, but the DM-1701 offers more mature community tools.
The DM32 is easier to support away from home because it charges over USB-C. The DM-1701’s removable battery is practical, but its charging cradle occupies more space and requires a dedicated power arrangement.
Customer Opinions: Amazon and Reddit Summary
Amazon sentiment around the DM-1701: buyer feedback generally positions it as a capable entry-level DMR radio with good value, extensive channel storage and useful included accessories. Recurring complaints involve the stock programming process, battery variation and occasional quality-control problems. The radio’s reputation improves substantially among buyers who install OpenGD77.
Reddit sentiment around the DM-1701: owners frequently describe it as one of the best price-to-function choices for an OpenGD77-compatible handheld. Positive comments focus on flexibility, hotspot use and improved usability after the firmware change. Negative comments mention lower build quality than some alternatives, awkward battery retention on some units and poor stock software.
Amazon sentiment around the DM32: the linked configuration is marketed around 10-watt output, GPS, APRS, 4,000 channels, USB-C charging and a large accessory package. Buyer interest is driven by the modern hardware and broad specification set, but purchasers should verify the exact battery and antenna bundle because multiple DM32 packages are sold.
Reddit sentiment around the DM32: positive comments commonly mention clear digital audio, sturdy construction, good battery performance, airband reception and the large display. Negative comments repeatedly focus on CPS quirks, scan-list problems, slow startup with very large databases, display readability in sunlight and occasional firmware-specific configuration issues.
The combined feedback produces a clear pattern. The DM32 has the stronger hardware platform, but its software is the main source of frustration. The DM-1701 has older hardware and weaker stock firmware, but OpenGD77 gives it a mature amateur-radio workflow that the DM32 does not yet match.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Baofeng DM-1701 if…
- You want the lower-cost DMR radio.
- You specifically want an OpenGD77-supported handheld.
- You use a personal DMR hotspot regularly.
- You need to store more than 50,000 digital contacts.
- You prefer mature community firmware over newer stock hardware.
- You do not need GPS or Digital APRS.
- You are comfortable backing up and replacing radio firmware.
- You already understand DMR codeplugs, zones, time slots and talkgroups.
- You do not mind using a desktop charging cradle.
Buy the Baofeng DM32 if…
- You want the best overall hardware package.
- You need GPS and Digital APRS location reporting.
- You want direct USB-C charging.
- You need NOAA weather alerts or AM airband reception.
- You value the larger 2-inch display.
- You want up to 10 watts of advertised output.
- You want digital voice recording and fall detection.
- You prefer to keep the manufacturer’s stock firmware.
- You can work around occasional CPS and scan-list quirks.
The value tradeoff is straightforward. The DM-1701 offers a lower entry cost, a larger contact database and established OpenGD77 support. The DM32 costs more because it adds GPS, APRS, USB-C charging, higher output, better monitoring coverage, recording and a more modern physical platform.
Choose the Baofeng DM32 for most buyers. It is the more complete radio and requires fewer accessory compromises in the field. Choose the DM-1701 when your priority is OpenGD77, maximum contact storage or the lowest practical cost of entering DMR.
The better choice for OpenGD77 users, hotspot operators and buyers who value contact capacity over GPS and modern charging.
The stronger all-round platform for field communication, GPS reporting, USB-C charging and broader receive coverage.
Final Verdict
The Baofeng DM32 wins on hardware and overall capability. Its 10-watt output, GPS, Digital APRS, USB-C charging, larger display, NOAA reception, airband coverage and digital recording make it the better standalone radio for most buyers.
The Baofeng DM-1701 wins on value, contact capacity and firmware flexibility. It remains highly relevant because OpenGD77 provides a mature amateur-radio interface that many operators prefer to the stock CPS and firmware found on newer budget DMR radios.
For a buyer who wants a radio that can be charged from a power bank and used for location-aware field communication, the DM32 is worth the upgrade. For a technically inclined operator who enjoys customizing firmware or mainly communicates through a home hotspot, the DM-1701 can be the more satisfying purchase.
Both radios require a properly configured DMR codeplug. Confirm the frequency, color code, time slot, talkgroup, radio ID and transmit permissions before operating. Specifications and included accessories can vary by seller, firmware revision and regional version.
