Baofeng DM-1701 vs Alinco DJ-MD5 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DM-1701 and Alinco DJ-MD5? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.
| Feature | Baofeng DM-1701 | Alinco DJ-MD5 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DM-1701 | Alinco DJ-MD5 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.1/2.4 | 3.5/2.3 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1700 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1860 mAh | 1790 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 277 mm | 278 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 59 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 49 mm | 51 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 266 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Book Link | - | LINK |
| Price | $ | $100 |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | N | No |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 130dBm / 129dBm | - |
| Value Score | C | A |
| Performance Score | B | B |
| Ergonomics Score | A | - |
| Conclusions | The Baofeng DM-1701 is a mediocre dual-band analog radio. It is, however, a pretty good entry level digital radio. So would I recommend it? As your first or second DMR radio, absolutely. It handles analog adequately and does a very good job at digital for a reasonable price, in a reasonable radio. I also very much like having the option of using openGD77 should I choose to push the radio even further. If you are brand new to digital radio and are not sure that you want to pursue it, you might look at the DM-1801 instead. On the other hand, if you think you may have any desire to use DMR for any length of time, this might just be one of the best beginner to intermediate radios for you. | If I could only own one dual-band DMR radio, this Alinco DJ-MD5 would be the one. The extra money you spend on this compared to other comparable radios is justified with a better screen, more channels, better audio all around, USB programming cable, and better programming software. |