Icom ID-31a vs Baofeng BF-T1 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Icom ID-31a and Baofeng BF-T1? 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.

FeatureIcom ID-31aBaofeng BF-T1
Image
Radio NameIcom ID-31aBaofeng BF-T1
Bands70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm0/2.30/1
Digital ModeD-STAR-
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v3.7 v
Rated mAh1150 mAh1500 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMA-
Height w/ant235 mm105 mm
Width62 mm56 mm
Thickness w/clip44 mm31 mm
Weight232 g102 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$180$23
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoYes
Rating by PriceCC
Rating OverallBC
Rating ErgonomicsB-
Conclusions

If you are interested in D-STAR and really could not care less about the 2m band (the Icom id-51a adds the 2m band), and analog is not a super important factor, then the Icom ID-31a is an excellent radio for you. For anything else, and I hate to say this, but the $500 Kenwood TH-D74 is a far superior radio in every respect except fitting into your pocket.

The Icom ID-31a is not a bad radio, it just, in my opinion, does not really live up to its price tag. Drop it down to $199 or even better, $179, and I would rate it much higher. If however you need to hit a 70cm Icom DSTAR repeater, then you might really like this radio.

The Baofeng BF-T1 is a nice pocket-sized radio which is perfectly usable for the amateur radio operator who wants something like a bubble-pack radio that can be programmed for ham frequencies. If this sounds like you, this might be the best walkie-talkie for you, much better than the non-programmable Motorola walkie-talkie amazon may carry.