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🚀 Baofeng DM-1701 Dual Mode Digital Walkie Talkie
I picked up the Baofeng DM-1701 because I’ve been diving into amateur radio and wanted something reliable without breaking the bank. The fact that this is a dual-mode analog + DMR Tier 1 & 2 radio with Open GD77 firmware support really sold me.
The delivery from AliExpress took about 12 days to the US, which is faster than I expected. The radio came well-packaged, with no damage, and included a charging dock, antenna, and belt clip. It powered on immediately, and I got it programmed using CPS and GD77 firmware in under 30 minutes.
Pros:
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Great audio clarity on both analog and digital
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The GD77 firmware adds tons of features usually found in more expensive models
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Long battery life – lasted 2 days of moderate use
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Solid build and good hand-feel
Cons:
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The stock antenna could be better (I ended up swapping it)
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Programming has a learning curve for newcomers
Compared to US radios like the AnyTone AT-D878UV, which can run over $200, the DM-1701 is a steal at around $65–70 on AliExpress. It definitely met my expectations and feels like a hidden gem.
$74.29
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📡 Baofeng DM-1701A (Upgraded Version with Open GD77)
This is essentially the DM-1701A, an upgraded take on the original. I grabbed this one to keep in my vehicle as a secondary unit. I liked that it also supports Open GD77 firmware and promised a slightly improved interface.
Setup was fast, and I noticed right away the buttons felt slightly more responsive. Transmission clarity on DMR was excellent — I tested with a friend 6 miles away and it performed beautifully.
Pros:
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Responsive buttons and cleaner display interface
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Still supports GD77 custom firmware
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Excellent digital range
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Crisp mic audio
Cons:
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A bit heavier than the original
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Doesn’t include a programming cable by default
At around $70, it still undercuts most big-name radios. It met expectations and is now my go-to mobile unit.
$68.12
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🛰️ Baofeng DM-1702 (with GPS, Open GD77 Support)
I went with the DM-1702 GPS version for hiking and outdoor use. I specifically wanted GPS support and DMR Tier 2 functionality in one package — something hard to find in US models under $150.
GPS took a while to lock in the first time but worked well afterward. I used it during a hike in Colorado, and it helped log my path via APRS, which was a huge win.
Pros:
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Integrated GPS works well for ham use
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Compatible with popular ham software
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Great battery life
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Lightweight compared to other GPS-enabled radios
Cons:
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GPS startup can be slow
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No USB-C charging
For around $80 on AliExpress, this is a budget-friendly powerhouse. Honestly surpassed my expectations.
$62.91
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🔋 Baofeng DM-1701 (Long Range Edition)
This “long-range” version of the DM-1701 caught my eye due to user reviews claiming solid UHF/VHF performance. I live in a semi-rural area, so range is critical for me.
On testing, I was able to hit a repeater 15 miles away — not bad for a handheld. The included high-gain antenna really helped. It also seemed to handle DMR talk groups with less audio dropout than other models I’ve used.
Pros:
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Stronger signal output
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Very clean receive audio
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Comes with a better antenna than standard DM-1701
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Durable build
Cons:
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Menu navigation isn’t super intuitive
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Speaker could be louder
For just under $70, this is far cheaper than long-range HTs sold in US markets like the Yaesu FT-70DR. It fully met expectations.
$58.61
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🎛️ Baofeng DM-1701 Dual-Band Radio (Open GD77)
This was my experimental backup radio. The dual-band UHF/VHF support and full compatibility with GD77 firmware were the main attractions. I wanted a travel-friendly radio that could serve as a repeater monitor and local communication tool.
Worked right out of the box. I installed the latest Open GD77 firmware and configured it for both local analog repeaters and DMR talkgroups. Testing around the city proved it’s reliable and surprisingly accurate in DMR channel scanning.
Pros:
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Super versatile in analog/digital switching
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GD77 firmware adds lots of pro-level features
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Includes charging dock and belt clip
Cons:
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Display isn’t very bright in sunlight
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Clip feels a bit cheap
At $65, it’s a great value. Compared to any dual-band digital US radio, this is unbeatable at the price.
$59.5
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🧭 Baofeng DM-1801 Dual Time Slot Radio
This DM-1801 is a slightly older model but still a strong performer. I chose it for its Tier 1+2 DMR support and wanted to compare it with newer Baofengs. For the price (around $60), it delivers plenty.
Programming was a bit trickier than expected, but once set, it worked great on both simplex and repeater networks. Battery life is average, but it’s a solid budget radio.
Pros:
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Supports dual time slot DMR
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Compatible with most Baofeng accessories
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Compact design
Cons:
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UI feels outdated
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Limited button customization
Not the flashiest, but it works. And for the price? It’s a solid deal.
$52.55
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🔧 Baofeng DM-5R (Classic Analog/Digital Combo)
I bought the DM-5R as a cheap backup for the glove compartment. It’s not full Tier II compliant without firmware updates, but it does basic analog and DMR well.
Out of the box, analog works great. Digital can be hit-or-miss unless you update the firmware. The audio quality is decent but not amazing.
Pros:
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Very low price (~$45)
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Simple and durable
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Great intro to DMR
Cons:
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Needs firmware update for full DMR support
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Average audio
Met my expectations as a basic, cheap radio. Not for advanced users, but a good starter.
$56.65
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🛠️ Baofeng DM-1701A (Enhanced Build, Dual Band)
This was the DM-1701A variant I got mainly because it had better reviews than the base model. I can confirm: the case is tougher, and the battery lasts noticeably longer.
It handles UHF/VHF just as well as other versions. Firmware upgrades were smooth, and the radio feels more “finished” overall.
Pros:
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Better battery
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Sturdier body
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Excellent reception
Cons:
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Slightly more expensive (~$75)
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No real new features besides build quality
Still, well worth the extra few bucks.
$55.98
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🎤 Baofeng 1701 (Basic DMR for Repeater Use)
This one was my testbed radio to leave at home for repeater monitoring. I didn’t want to spend much, and this version is as simple as it gets while still supporting Open GD77 and DMR.
Does what it promises. Works fine on DMR Tier II. Menu system isn’t the best, but I rarely touch it after setup.
Pros:
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Super affordable (~$60)
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Works with GD77 firmware
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Reliable reception
Cons:
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Basic screen and speaker
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Not beginner-friendly for setup
Met my expectations for what I wanted it to be.
$40.24
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🌍 Baofeng DM-1701 Dual Band (Best Overall Pick)
I’ll end with this one because I actually think it’s the best overall balance of everything — performance, cost, firmware support, and audio quality. It does everything I need: dual-band, dual-mode, solid antenna, and works great with a shoulder mic.
The audio is slightly better than most others I tried. Battery lasts two full days. And with GD77 installed, the options feel endless.
Pros:
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Amazing all-around value
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Great DMR signal quality
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Excellent battery life
Cons:
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A bit bulky for small pockets
At $68 shipped, this one impressed me most.
$54.08
🔚 Overall Verdict
I honestly went into these purchases with modest expectations. But each Baofeng DMR radio performed better than expected — especially for the price. The support for Open GD77 firmware across the board was a big deal for me. In the US, I would’ve paid triple for similar functionality.
Yes, there’s a learning curve for programming and firmware. But once you get over that hump, these radios are powerful, reliable, and highly customizable.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely — especially to anyone interested in amateur radio or prepping. And yes, I’ve already bookmarked more gear to buy.
