Baofeng DR-1801 vs Baofeng DM-1701 - Which One is Better in 2025?
Trying to choose between Baofeng DR-1801 and Baofeng DM-1701? 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 DR-1801 | Baofeng DM-1701 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Radio Name | Baofeng DR-1801 | Baofeng DM-1701 |
| Bands | 2m, 70cm | 2m, 70cm |
| Max Power 2m/70cm | 3.9/3 | 3.1/2.4 |
| Digital Mode | DMR | DMR |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Volts | 7.4 v | 7.4 v |
| Rated mAh | 2200 mAh | 2200 mAh |
| Tested mAh | 1780 mAh | 1860 mAh |
| Antenna Connector | M-SMA | M-SMA |
| Height w/ant | 267 mm | 277 mm |
| Width | 61 mm | 63 mm |
| Thickness w/clip | 45 mm | 49 mm |
| Weight | 265 g | 300 g |
| Color Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | No | No |
| Review Link | LINK | LINK |
| Price | $57 | $ |
| Purchase Link | LINK | LINK |
| CHIRP Program | No | N |
| Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm | 123/123 | 130dBm / 129dBm |
| Value Score | C | C |
| Performance Score | C | B |
| Ergonomics Score | B | A |
| Conclusions | So now it’s time to ask if I would recommend the bow thing dr – 1801? Like with most radios, that depends. I think this radio is an excellent introduction to DMR for its price. Intermediate to advanced users will want to look somewhere else. As a successor to the DM – 1801 it is an improvement, but clearly just an iteration on a theme. To make a long story short, if you are new to DMR, and on a budget, or are not sure how into DMR you want to get, then this is an excellent choice. | 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. |