Baofeng DM-1701 vs Retevis RB22 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DM-1701 and Retevis RB22? 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 | Retevis RB22 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DM-1701 | Retevis RB22 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.1/2.4 | 0/3.5 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 1500 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1860 mAh | mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 277 mm | 252 mm |
| Width | 63 mm | 58 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 49 mm | 49 mm |
| Weight | 300 g | 260 g |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $ | $75 |
| 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. | The Retevis RB22 has a lot of competition in the $100ish DMR radio field including the Baofeng DMR-V1, Baofeng DR-1801UV, TYT MD-UV380, Ailunce HD1, and even Retevis’ own RT3s. So the question is, is the Retevis RB22 the best one in the pack? In my opinion, for amateur radio, the Retevis RB22 is not that great of a choice. For business radio, maybe the Retevis RB22 is something to consider. I will absolutely say that the Retevis RB22 is a good radio that performs pretty much just as well as any other DMR radio in its price range. For amateur radio operators, radios like the Baofeng DM-1801 and TYT MD-UV380 have batteries, chargers, belt clips, and even cases available for them while also having a full keypad making some programming possible in the field. Not only that, but both the Baofeng and TYT are cheaper in most cases than the Retevis RB22. If you have a Retevis RB22, keep using it! It is a fine radio. If you are an amateur radio operator and haven’t bought one, yet you might look into some alternatives before pulling the trigger on the RB22. If you are a business that needs DMR radios, then the only real complaint I have is the lack of replacement batteries and chargers, which Retevis may fix. They may already have them for another radio that fits the Retevis RB22. |