Icom ID-31a vs Baofeng DM-V1 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Icom ID-31a and Baofeng DM-V1? 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 DM-V1
Image
Radio NameIcom ID-31aBaofeng DM-V1
Bands70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm0/2.3.3
Digital ModeD-STARDMR
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v3.7 v
Rated mAh1150 mAh2000 mAh
Tested mAh mAh1610 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant235 mm220 mm
Width62 mm60 mm
Thickness w/clip44 mm43 mm
Weight232 g192 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINKLINK
Price$180$30
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoNo
Value ScoreCD
Performance ScoreBF
Ergonomics ScoreB-
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.

Just no, do not buy a Baofeng DM-V1. If you somehow wind up with a Baofeng DM-V1 in your possession, do not waste your time and just dump it in the nearest electronics recycling bin. Personally, I have dreams of more of a Viking funeral, but there hasn’t been much rain around here lately, and I have a lot of pine trees.