Baofeng DM-1701 vs TYT MD-380 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DM-1701 and TYT MD-380? 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 | TYT MD-380 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DM-1701 | TYT MD-380 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.1/2.4 | 0/1.9 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 2000 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1860 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | F-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 277 mm | 207 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 61 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 49 mm | 53 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 289 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| 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 | C |
| Performance Score | B | C |
| 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 you are looking for a nice little radio that you are going to use primarily for DMR that won’t break the bank, the TYT MD-380 might just be your perfect little handheld. You could also go with the TYT MD-UV380 dual-band version if having 2m and 70cm bands appeals to you. You might could find a TYT MD-380 used from someone who was upgrading to a dual-band radio, in which case you could get a real deal on a great little radio. |