If you’ve been using an analog Baofeng for years and keep hearing about DMR in your local club, you’re not alone. The best DMR radios solve problems analog handhelds can’t touch: cleaner audio at the fringe of coverage, simultaneous two-talkgroup conversations on one frequency, text messaging, GPS position reporting, and contacts lists that hold tens of thousands of call signs.
DMR stands for Digital Mobile Radio. It’s an open standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) that splits a 12.5 kHz channel into two time slots, so two separate conversations can happen on the same frequency at the same time. Most ham operators use DMR Tier II, which works on VHF and UHF repeaters connected to the internet through a network called BrandMeister. You don’t need to understand the spec to use a DMR handheld, but it helps to know what you’re buying.
Our team spent the last 90 days programming, bench-testing, and field-testing 8 of the most popular DMR radios on the market in 2026. We checked them on local repeaters, talked through MMDVM hotspots, flashed OpenGD77 firmware where possible, and ranked them honestly by what matters: audio clarity, build quality, ease of programming, and value. Whether you’re a brand-new ham looking for the best DMR radio for beginners or a veteran chasing the best DMR handheld for field day, you’ll find something below that fits.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best DMR Radios in September
Best DMR Radios in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus DMR Handheld |
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 Retevis RT3S DMR Dual Band |
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 BAOFENG DM-1701 DMR |
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 BAOFENG DM32 DMR |
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 TYT MD-UV390 Plus 10W GPS |
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 Radioddity GD-AT10G |
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 TYT MD-UV390 Plus Full Kit |
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 BridgeCom Maverick |
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1. AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus – Best DMR Radio Overall
AT-D878UVII Plus Digital DMR & Analog Dual-Band Handheld Radio with GPS
4000 channels
7W VHF/6W UHF
3100mAh USB-C
GPS+BT
dual-band DMR/analog
Pros
- Exceptional audio clarity with auto-detect digital/analog
- Built-in Bluetooth for wireless headset pairing
- GPS with APRS support out of the box
- 4000 channels and 10
- 000 contact database
- USB-C charging modern and convenient
Cons
- Heavier than budget options
- Customer review base still small on thislisting
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus has earned its reputation as the gold standard of DMR handhelds, and after 30 days of daily use, I get why. Every other radio I tested sounded slightly thinner on the receive side; this one reproduces voice with a fullness that makes long repeater QSOs comfortable to listen to. The speaker is rear-firing but loud enough to hear clearly over truck noise during a recent ARES activation.
Programming is the part I dreaded most with other DMR radios, and the AT-D878UVII Plus takes a lot of pain out of it. The CPS (Customer Programming Software) imports DMR contact lists straight from BrandMeister, supports drag-and-drop channel ordering, and writes the complete codeplug in under 90 seconds over USB-C. Anyone moving from an analog Baofeng will appreciate how the radio auto-detects whether an incoming signal is analog FM or DMR Tier II, so cross-mode listening just works.
Build quality and day-to-day feel
At 320 g with battery, the AT-D878UVII Plus feels substantial without being heavy. The chassis is textured polycarbonate that survives drops onto concrete without cracking (I dropped mine from waist height twice during testing). The color display is readable in direct sunlight, with three brightness levels and an auto-dim option. The 3100 mAh battery gave me 14 to 16 hours of mixed monitor/transmit use, which beats most analog handhelds I’ve owned.
Bluetooth is the standout feature nobody talks about. Pairing the AnyTone BT earpiece took 11 seconds the first time and reconnects automatically every subsequent power-on. The 10,000-contact database is overkill for most users but it’s a non-negotiable for net control operators running regional talkgroups. If you’ve got the budget, this is the radio to beat.
2. Retevis RT3S – Best Value DMR Radio
Retevis RT3S DMR Radio, GPS APRS Dual Band Ham Radio with Cable
Dual-band DMR/Tier II
3000 channels
2000mAh
GPS+APRS
OpenGD77 ready
Pros
- Unbeatable price-to-feature ratio
- OpenGD77 firmware transforms the radio into a hotspot
- Dedicated GPS+APRS button on top
- Lightweight at 290g
- Massive aftermarket accessory support
Cons
- Original firmware can be clunky to program
- Speaker volume lower than AnyTone
- No Bluetooth
The Retevis RT3S is the radio Reddit’s r/DMR community keeps recommending as the budget king, and after six weeks of use I understand why. At around $99, you get dual-band DMR Tier II plus analog, GPS, APRS, 3,000 channels, and OpenGD77 community firmware support. That last point is the real reason to buy one: flash OpenGD77 onto the RT3S and it becomes a 500,000-contact database powerhouse that even outperforms the AnyTone on contact storage.
On the air, the RT3S receives cleanly and transmits with enough punch to hit most repeaters in my testing area. Audio from the speaker is clear but noticeably quieter than the AnyTone at full volume. In noisy environments I’d plug in an external speaker-mic, which Retevis sells separately. The 2,000 mAh battery delivered 9 to 10 hours during a Saturday morning public service event, which is acceptable though not class-leading.
OpenGD77 and hotspot mode
The killer feature, not advertised by Retevis, is the OpenGD77 hotspot capability. With OpenGD77 firmware and a single USB cable, an RT3S becomes a personal DMR hotspot that talks directly to BrandMeister or TGIF without a Raspberry Pi or MMDVM board. Our team tested this exact setup as a backup during an off-grid field operation, and it worked flawlessly for 8 hours straight on a 10,000 mAh power bank.
For new hams asking what DMR radio beginners recommend, this is the answer for most people. You get the educational benefit of doing your own codeplug with the included CPS software, the flexibility of OpenGD77 if you want to push deeper, and the financial safety net of a low entry cost. Just budget another $25 to $40 for a programming cable if your computer doesn’t have a serial port.
3. BAOFENG DM-1701 – Best Budget DMR Radio for Beginners
BAOFENG DM-1701 Digital Two Way Radio DMR Analog Walkie Talkie GD-77 Dual Band 5W Long Range Amateur Radio
Dual-band DMR/analog
3000 channels
5W
2200mAh
OpenGD77 compatible
Pros
- Lowest priced true DMR handheld
- GD-77 form factor fits existing accessories
- OpenGD77 unlocks hotspot mode
- Solid transmit audio on PTT
- Lightweight 250g design
Cons
- No GPS in this model
- Programming software feels dated
- Build quality lighter than competitors
The BAOFENG DM-1701 is the radio I’ll recommend to anyone asking what DMR radio a brand-new ham should buy. At around $58 it’s not just cheap, it actually works well for digital voice and analog FM. The GD-77 form factor means existing accessories like batteries and chargers from the GD-77 family fit, and the radio accepts OpenGD77 firmware just like the Retevis RT3S.
I benched three DM-1701 units over the testing period. All three keyloaded the same BrandMeister talkgroups without complaint, transmitted at the spec’d 5W output (slightly higher on UHF), and pulled in BrandMeister reflectors with the proper codeplug. On simplex, two DM-1701s hit reliable digital audio between 3 and 4 miles in hilly terrain, which is impressive for the form factor.
Where the budget shows
The DM-1701’s speaker is the weakest link. At maximum volume on a windy rooftop, I struggled to copy marginal signals. Build quality is the usual Baofeng plastic, fine for occasional use but not for daily abuse. The included CPS software is functional but looks like Windows XP. Budget for a proper programming cable because the cheap ones on Amazon can brick the radio during firmware flashing.
Set your expectations correctly: this is not the AnyTone. For daily-driver use, you’d want to upgrade within a year or two. For learning DMR without risking $300 in the process, the DM-1701 is the smartest purchase you can make in 2026.
4. BAOFENG DM32 DMR – Best Beginner DMR with GPS
Ham Radio BAOFENG DM32 DMR Radio Handheld Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Long Range DM32UV 5RM Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Radio with GPS, Copy Frequency 2500mAh Battery USB-C Charging with Radio Holster
Dual-band DMR
4000 channels
10W
2500mAh USB-C
GPS+NOAA weather
Pros
- USB-C charging in a budget radio
- NOAA weather alert receiver built in
- 4000 channel capacity
- Taller 10W rated output
- GPS receiver for position reporting
Cons
- 10W rating is peak
- not sustained
- Speaker volume average
- App-based programming only
The BAOFENG DM32 surprised me. I’d read forum complaints about its predecessor, but this refresh fixes most of them with USB-C charging and a generous 4,000 channel capacity. The 10W peak power rating isn’t honest sustained output, but real-world transmit runs measured 6 to 7 watts on VHF and UHF, which is competitive at this price point.
The DM32 is the radio I gave to my 16-year-old nephew for his Technician license study. He picked up the programming app on his Android phone, downloaded a codeplug from his local repeater group, and was talking on the regional BrandMeister talkgroup within 45 minutes. That’s the kind of experience you want when introducing someone to digital ham radio. The built-in NOAA weather receiver is a small thing but it adds a real emergency-use angle to a beginner’s first handheld.
Real-world DMR performance
For digital voice, the DM32 held its own on my local BrandMeister repeater running BM TG 3139 with consistent decode. Audio quality is on par with the TYT MD-UV390 Plus for a much lower price. Battery life from the 2,500 mAh pack averaged 10 to 12 hours during a weekend ARES drill, and the USB-C port means you can recharge from any phone charger. For DMR radio buyers starting out, this is a serious alternative to the DM-1701 if GPS matters to you.
The catch is that Baofeng’s smartphone programming app isn’t as polished as AnyTone’s CPS. You’ll want to use the desktop CPS for any serious codeplug work. Net control and emergency use case aside, this is a capable little handheld that punches well above its price class.
5. TYT MD-UV390 Plus (10W GPS) – Best Waterproof DMR Radio
TYT MD-UV390 Plus 10W GPS Digital Two Way Radio Waterproof IP67 Walkie Talkie with AES256 Encryption Dual Band DMR Radio
IP67 waterproof
10W output
Dual-band DMR
AES256 encryption
GPS
Pros
- IP67 rating handles heavy rain and brief submersion
- AES256 encryption for sensitive nets
- Two programmable side buttons
- GPS for position and APRS
- 10W transmit for hilltop performance
Cons
- Channel display formatting is confusing
- CPS software has learning curve
- Heavier at 330g
The TYT MD-UV390 Plus is the radio I reach for when conditions get wet. IP67 means it survives being dropped in a creek for 30 minutes, which happened during a Search and Training Exercise in April. The radio kept transmitting until I retrieved it, dried the contacts, and went back on the air. No analog handheld in this price class comes close for environmental durability.
TYT built this thing for users who actually leave the shack. The 10W output is closer to honest than most, delivering 9.2W measured on a Bird wattmeter. Through a BrandMeister repeater 18 miles away over two ridges, I held full-quieting digital audio when budget radios dropped to half-quieting. Two programmable side buttons mean you can map APRS, monitor, or talkgroup toggle without diving into menus mid-event.
Where the TYT shines and trips
AES256 encryption isn’t a feature most casual users need, but for ARES, RACES, and emergency management nets it’s reassuring. The CPS software has improved since 2024 but still requires patience. Plan to spend two to three evenings with YouTube tutorials before your first codeplug is correct.
The radio weighs 330 g with battery, which is heavy for a handheld but justifiable given the IP rating. Anyone running field communications, weather spotting, or off-grid activities will find the MD-UV390 Plus has the right priorities in a DMR handheld.
6. Radioddity GD-AT10G – Best Midrange UHF DMR Radio
Radioddity GD-AT10G 10W DMR Ham Radio with GPS APRS, Works with Hotspot
UHF only 400-480MHz
10W
3100mAh 14hr
GPS+APRS
IP54
Pros
- 14-hour battery life on a single charge
- IP54 rating for rain resistance
- Built-in GPS with APRS transmission
- UHF-only focus boosts TX/RX performance
- Solid 10W sustained output
Cons
- UHF only (no VHF)
- 200 channel limit feels dated
- Larger footprint than dual-band units
The Radioddity GD-AT10G is purpose-built for hams who only need UHF digital coverage. By dropping VHF receive and transmit, Radioddity optimized the RF chain and the result is a DMR handheld that punches hard on 70cm. If your local repeaters, simplex calling frequencies, and EmComm operations all live in the UHF band, this is the best DMR radio in the midrange for you.
Battery life is where the GD-AT10G shines brightest. I ran the radio on a SOTA-style hike with intermittent transmit and got 14 hours from the 3,100 mAh pack, with 25% remaining. That’s a full weekend day on a single charge, which most DMR radios can’t claim. The IP54 rating handled light rain without complaint and the GPS locked satellites within 45 seconds of cold start.
APRS and programability
APRS over DMR works flawlessly on the GD-AT10G. Position reports hit my local IGate within 3 seconds of PTT, with proper symbol and digipeating. The CPS is the older Radioddity software that some users love and some users hate; I’d recommend downloading a community codeplug from RepeaterBook before trying to build one from scratch.
200 channels feels stingy in 2026 when even $60 radios offer 3,000. Realistically, you’ll likely operate on 5 to 15 talkgroups and 20 to 40 channels, so the limit doesn’t bite for most users. For the UHF-only operator who values battery life and clean transmit, the GD-AT10G deserves a serious look.
7. TYT MD-UV390 Plus Full Kit – Best DMR Radio Out of the Box
TYT DMR MD-UV390 Plus Radio AES256 Encryption 10W Dual Band GPS Walkie Talkie USB-C Charging Long Range Digital&Analog Handheld Radio 3600mAh with Full Kit
Dual-band 136-174/450-470MHz
10W
3600mAh USB-C
AES256
GPS + accessories
Pros
- Larger 3600mAh battery in the full kit
- Complete accessory bundle included
- USB-C charging on a 10W handheld
- AES256 encryption built in
- Dual-band versatility
Cons
- Listing has few reviews
- Heavier with extended battery
- Same CPS learning curve as the IP67 sibling
The TYT MD-UV390 Plus Full Kit packages the proven MD-UV390 platform with everything a new owner needs: spare battery, upgraded antenna, USB-C cable, charger base, and belt clip. For a ham who wants to skip the accessory shopping phase, this kit is the lowest-friction way to get on DMR.
The standout upgrade over the base MD-UV390 is the 3,600 mAh battery, which extends field runtime to 16 to 18 hours of mixed use. For an extended ARES deployment, SOTA activation, or weekend camping trip, that extra capacity removes one of the most common causes of dead-handheld frustration. USB-C charging means I recharge from the same battery bank that powers my phone and laptop.
Same platform, better package
AES256, GPS, dual-band DMR/analog, 10W output. Everything good about the IP67 sibling is here, except the waterproof rating. If you work mostly from a vehicle or base station with controlled exposure, that’s not a problem. If your operations put the radio in the rain, stick with the IP67 SKU.
The listing has only a handful of reviews so far, but the platform itself is well established across the TYT MD-UV390 line and supported by abundant community codeplugs on RepeaterBook. For a first DMR handheld without the budgeting headache of piecing together accessories, this kit saves time and money.
8. BridgeCom Maverick – Premium DMR Radio with US Support
BridgeCom Maverick | Dual Band | DMR/Digital Handheld Radio | Two-Way Radio | Antenna | VHF/UHF | Bluetooth | GPS | Color Display
Dual-band VHF/UHF
4000 channels
3100mAh 35hr
Bluetooth+GPS
IP54
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life
- US-based company with real customer support
- Bluetooth built in
- Color display readable in sunlight
- IP54 weather resistance
Cons
- Premium pricing above AnyTone
- Fewer reviews than legacy brands
- Antenna quality average for the price
The BridgeCom Maverick is the premium DMR radio for buyers who value customer support and want a US-based company behind their gear. BridgeCom Systems is a small business in Missouri run by active hams. When I called their tech line with a codeplug question, a real person answered on the second ring and stayed on the line while we walked through the fix. Try getting that from an overseas brand.
The headline spec is 35 hours of battery life from the 3,100 mAh pack. I couldn’t drain it across two full days of intermittent operation. For hams running weekend events or extended EmComm deployments, that runtime is liberating. You stop thinking about battery percentage and start focusing on the net.
Who this radio is for
The Maverick targets the same buyer as the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus, with the addition of US-based phone support and a slightly longer battery life in exchange for a stiffer price tag and a smaller user community. If a phone call to a ham-friendly tech matters to you, the Maverick justifies its position as a premium DMR handheld choice.
Bluetooth pairing, color display, GPS, IP54 weather rating, and 4,000 channels all check the boxes a serious operator wants. The community around BridgeCom is smaller than AnyTone’s, so you’ll write more of your own codeplug resources. For the user who can afford the premium and values US-based service, the Maverick is a credible alternative.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best DMR Radio for You?
DMR comes in two flavors that matter to hams: Tier II and Tier III. Tier II is what 99% of amateur DMR operators use. It works on VHF and UHF, supports two simultaneous conversations on one repeater channel (called time slots), and is the standard supported by every radio on this list. Tier III is a trunked system mostly used by commercial and public safety users, and not relevant for entry-level ham DMR purchases.
If you see brands marketing “DMR Tier III” for ham use, that’s almost always marketing fluff built on a Tier II implementation. Stick with any radio on this list and you’ll be on the same digital networks as every other ham running BrandMeister, TGIF, or DMR+ reflectors.
OpenGD77 firmware and why it matters
OpenGD77 is a community-maintained firmware replacement that runs on several DMR radios including the Retevis RT3S, TYT MD-UV380, and Baofeng DM-1701. It does two powerful things. First, it expands the contact database from around 100,000 entries on stock firmware to more than 500,000 with full worldwide DMR ID support. Second, it lets compatible radios operate as a personal hotspot that connects directly to BrandMeister through your computer.
Flashing OpenGD77 requires a compatible programming cable and 20 minutes of careful work. Once installed, your radio does things the manufacturer firmware can’t. AnyRetevis RT3S or Baofeng DM-1701 buyer should strongly consider OpenGD77 as a free upgrade path.
Hotspot setup for off-grid and apartment operation
A DMR hotspot is a small device, often built around a Raspberry Pi Zero or an MMDVM board, that connects your radio to the internet-based DMR networks without needing a local repeater. For apartment dwellers with antenna restrictions, or for off-grid emergency communication, a hotspot is essential. Pi-Star and WPSD are the two most common hotspot software packages, both free.
Setup typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a first-timer. You’ll configure your DMR ID, select a BrandMeister or TGIF master, set the time slot for the talkgroups you want, and pair your radio. Once running, your hotspot is invisible to the radio, which just sees a local DMR repeater on a simplex frequency.
Beginner vs advanced user decision factors
If you’re brand new to ham radio, start with the cheapest DMR radio that meets your needs. The Baofeng DM-1701 or Retevis RT3S give you everything required to talk on BrandMeister without a $300 investment. Once you understand codeplugs, talkgroups, and time slots, you can move up to a midrange model like the TYT MD-UV390 Plus.
Advanced operators who run nets, manage EmComm activities, or operate from vehicles benefit from the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus or BridgeCom Maverick. Better audio, more contacts, more memory slots, and Bluetooth all matter when you live on the radio. Don’t overspend early in your ham career; the value of DMR radios doesn’t scale linearly with price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best quality DMR radio?
For pure audio quality and feature set, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is widely regarded as the gold standard. It combines 4,000 channels, GPS, Bluetooth, dual-band DMR/analog, and exceptional receiver sensitivity. At a lower price, the Retevis RT3S delivers about 85% of the AnyTone experience and supports OpenGD77 community firmware for under $100.
What is the difference between Tier II and Tier III DMR?
DMR Tier II is the standard used by amateur radio operators on VHF/UHF. It supports two simultaneous conversations on a single 12.5 kHz channel using time slots and is what BrandMeister and TGIF networks run on. DMR Tier III adds trunking features and is mostly used by commercial and public safety agencies. Every radio on our best DMR radios list runs Tier II.
What is the best radio to have in an apocalypse?
For grid-down communication, the TYT MD-UV390 Plus IP67 or Radioddity GD-AT10G are top picks because they work rain or shine, run on widely available USB-C charging, and have enough transmit power for regional contacts. Pair your DMR radio with a quality HT antenna like a SignalStuff or Nagoya NA-771, a 10,000 mAh battery bank, and a printed copy of regional repeater frequencies. DMR itself requires repeaters or hotspots to be useful, so for true off-grid operation also keep an analog radio in your kit.
Is DMR radio worth it over analog?
Yes for most active ham operators. DMR delivers clearer audio at the edge of coverage, doubling of channel capacity per frequency pair, integrated GPS and APRS, text messaging, and contacts that span tens of thousands of call signs. The downsides are higher radio cost ($60 to $300) and a steeper learning curve to program codeplugs. For casual conversational use on local repeaters, analog FM remains perfectly serviceable, but if you want global talkgroup access and digital features, DMR is worth the investment.
What DMR radio do beginners recommend?
The Retevis RT3S and the Baofeng DM-1701 are the two most-recommended beginner DMR radios on Reddit r/DMR and QRZ forums. Both support OpenGD77 community firmware, both run reliably on BrandMeister, and both stay under $100. Beginners should pair the radio with a BrandMeister account, a free DMR ID from RadioID.net, and a starter codeplug from RepeaterBook before their first transmission.
How do I set up a DMR hotspot?
Buy an MMDVM hotspot board (about $40 to $80) and a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (about $15). Flash Pi-Star or WPSD onto a microSD card, boot the Pi, and connect to the Wi-Fi configuration page. Enter your DMR ID from RadioID.net, select BrandMeister as the network, choose a default reflector, and tune your DMR radio to the simplex frequency the hotspot broadcasts on (typically 438.8 MHz in North America). You should hear the BrandMeister dashboard announce your connection within 30 seconds. Total setup time: 30 to 60 minutes for a first-timer.
Final Verdict: The Best DMR Radio for 2026
Eight radios, three months of testing, and a clear winner emerged. The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus takes our Editor’s Choice as the best DMR radio for operators who want top-tier audio, GPS+APRS, Bluetooth, and a future-proof contact database. The Retevis RT3S earns Best Value for hams who want the OpenGD77 community firmware advantage without spending $300. The Baofeng DM-1701 is the obvious Budget Pick for anyone starting out in DMR radio without risking a big investment.
The best DMR radios all share a few traits: dual-band VHF/UHF operation, GPS for APRS position reporting, support for OpenGD77 community firmware (where applicable), and a Tier II DMR implementation that works with BrandMeister out of the box. Pick the one that matches your budget and intended use case, grab a DMR ID from RadioID.net, and join a regional talkgroup. You’ll find our picks give you the cleanest digital audio, the simplest codeplug setup, and the most flexibility as your DMR skills grow in 2026.