When you’re out on the water for some fun sailing, fishing, or just generally recreating, safety is a major priority. A quality VHF radio is a great tool to give you some peace of mind that you can handle whatever might come along. You can stay on top of the weather and be alerted to hazards in your area, get help when you need it, or just communicate with other vessels and radios. The value of a VHF radio holds not just for large boats offshore but also for inland waterways and small boats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, jet skis or other vessels.
There are a large number of handheld and fixed mount models available with numerous features you will need to understand in order to select the model that most suits your needs. Below are ten VHF radios with a range of features and pricing representative of the best on the market today. There are descriptions with key features, photos, and videos followed by a comparison table and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
For other reviews of kayaks, boats, and boating gear and accessories, please check out these posts:
Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Small Outboard Motors / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews
- Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHS Marine Radio
- Cobra MR HH150 FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio
- Standard Horizon GX1700W Standard Explorer VHF Marine Radio
- Cobra MRF45D VHF Marine Radio
- Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio
- Lowrance Link-8 VHF Marine Radio
- Standard Horizon H870 Floating 6W Handheld VHF Marine Radio
- Cobra MRHH350FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio
- Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Floating Waterproof VHF Marine Radio
- ICOM IC-M93D Marine VHF Handheld Radio with GPS and DSC
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHS Marine Radio
The Uniden MHS75 is a handheld highly waterproof model that can be safely submerged in more than a meter of water for 30 minutes, so it will easily withstand most waves and splashes onboard. A PTT power boost key allows you to switch from 1 to 2.5 to 5 watts to reach longer distances and have control over power usage of the Lithium-Ion battery that holds a charge up to 10 hours. When the charge is low it emits an audible alarm. You can keep on top of the weather and alerts from all the American, Canadian, and international marine channels and NOAA weather channels. It also has dual, triple, and quad watch features that let you listen to the channel of your choice while simultaneously monitoring other channels.
- Waterproof (JIS8/IPX8 – deeper than 5 feet for 30 minutes)
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
- Up to a 12-hour battery life
- 1/2.5/5 watt switchable PTT power boost key for short and long-range and energy preservation
- Dual, Triple, and Quad Watch Plus
- Covers all USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels
- Clip-on DC charger
- Memory channel scan
- Flexible rubber antenna
- Belt clip and lanyard
- Low-priced
Cobra MR HH150 FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio
The Cobra HH150FLT is not only waterproof, but it also floats and can be easily seen with a bright orange core. The 3 watts of output can be adjusted to high, medium, or low and it uses standard or rechargeable AAA batteries which are included. It operates on the USA, Canadian, and International channel maps and supports 10 NOAA weather channels. When a hazard a weather alert arises, there is an audible and a visual signal.
- Floating and waterproof (JIS7/IPX7 – 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Illuminated LCD screen and keys
- Uses rechargeable or standard AAA batteries
- 3 watt VHF with low, medium, and high output
- Covers all USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports 10 NOAA weather channels
- Weather alert with an audible tone
- Belt clip and wrist strap
- 12-volt power cord
- Low-priced
Standard Horizon GX1700W Standard Explorer VHF Marine Radio
The Standard Explorer GX1700W is a top-rated fixed mount VHF marine radio loaded with features. The 3-inch backlit LCD display has ample space for a lot of information that can be easily read even in bright sunlight. It is powered by your onboard DC battery and has an output of 1W or 25W. The DSC (Digital Selective Calling) system allows you to share your position with up to four ships and there is a dual-channel watch. It has a 12-channel GPS system and the marine radio comes with the Clearvoice noise reduction system to remove background sounds like the motor or wind. It receives the usual marine and weather channels and provides customizable alerts, as well as being waterproof to the JIS8 level.
- Waterproof (JIS8/IPX8 – deeper than 5 feet for 30 minutes)
- 3-inch backlit LCD screen
- Dual watch
- DSC calling
- 12-channel GPS
- Preset and programmable soft keys
- Clearvoice noise reduction system
- Covers standard USA, Canadian, and International marine channels and NOAA weather channels with customizable alerts
- 3-year waterproof warranty
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The Cobra MRF45D is a mid-priced fixed-mount model with mid-level capabilities to match the price. It is waterproof to the JIS7 level and has a microphone that cancels out external noises from the wind, waves, and engine to help ensure transmission clarity. A slight drawback is that the adjustable backlit LCD display is not as bright as needed at times in the glare of the sun. It has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) activated by a one-touch button which will send a distress signal or an exchange of position info with a choice of 1W or 25W of power depending on the distance preferred. Dual watch technology allows you to monitor Channel 16 in addition to another channel of your choice. In addition, USA, Canada, and International channel maps and 10 NOAA Weather Channels are available for hazard and weather information and alerts.
- Waterproof (JIS7 – 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Adjustable backlit LCD display
- Dual watch
- DSC calling
- GPS input capability
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Covers standard USA, Canadian, and International marine channels and 10 NOAA weather channels
- Weather alerts with visual and audible alarms
- Moderately priced
Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio
The Uniden UM385 is a reasonably priced fixed-mount model with a good range of features. With 25 watts of power, it has a backlit display and keypad, a durable microphone, triple watch capability, and DSC (Distress, Send, and Receive). The standard range of marine and weather channels are available as well as S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) weather alerts. The waterproof level is a bit lower than most of the other models reviewed here at JIS4/IPX4 (resistant to rain or splashing water). For the price, it is a pretty rich package.
- Waterproof (JIS4/IPX4 – resistant to damage from rain or splashing water)
- Backlit keypad and display
- Rugged microphone
- Triple watch – Channels 16 and 9 plus your selected channel
- DSC calling with distress button, position send, and request
- Uniden MM-gpsk GPS receiver
- Covers standard USA, Canadian, and International marine channels and NOAA weather channels
- S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) weather alerts
- Reasonably priced
Lowrance Link-8 VHF Marine Radio
The Lowrance Link-8 VHF Marine Radio is a powerful fixed mount model with a 2W to 23W transmission range. It has dual and triple watch scanning modes and DSC (Distress, Send, and Receive) that has a distress call and man overboard button. The large 1.3-inch x 2.6-inch dot-matrix LCD screen provides a clear display and there is a dual-channel AIS (Automatic Identification System) with ID information on other watercraft including call sign, name, MMSI number, position, and destination. The standard USA, Canadian, International, and weather channels are all available and there is a dedicated weather key. With all of these features, the pricing is a little high but it comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Waterproof (JIS7/IPX7 – 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Large dot-matrix LCD display
- Rubber-grip fist mike
- Dual/triple watch
- DSC with distress calling and man overboard
- Intercom and hailer
- Dual-channel AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- Links to GPS
- Covers standard USA, Canadian, and International marine channels and NOAA weather channels with a dedicated weather key
- 2-year warranty
Standard Horizon H870 Floating 6W Handheld VHF Marine Radio
The Standard Horizon HX870 is loaded with features and is the best in its class of handheld VHF radios. It has a built-in 66-channel GPS and DSC with a Channel 70 DSC receiver. Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery it has selectable transceiving power of 1, 2, or 6 watts, programmable memory, priority scan, and dual or triple watch scan functions. Waterproof, it floats and has a water-activated strobe to make it easier to find when you accidentally drop it in. There is access to the array of USA, Canadian, and International marine channels and NOAA weather channels. With all this, it has a user-friendly interface and clear 2.3-inch dot-matrix LCD screen all backed up with a 3-year waterproof warranty.
- Floating and waterproof (JIS8/IPX8 – deeper than 5 feet for 30 minutes)
- Water-activated emergency strobe light
- 2.3-inch dot-matrix LCD
- Lithium-Ion battery
- Built-in 66-channel GPS
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) with built-in Channel 70 DSC receiver
- Man overboard function
- Noise-canceling function transmitting and receiving
- 1/2/6 watt switchable power
- Dual and triple watch with programmable and priority scans
- Covers standard USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels
- 3-year waterproof warranty
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Cobra MRHH350FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio
The Cobra MRHH350FLT is a high-performance handheld radio with many features to boast. First off, it is waterproof and floats and has a BURP feature that clears the speaker of water. Extraneous noises are canceled from the mike for clear transmissions during wind, weather, and noisy conditions. Triple watch allows you to monitor two other channels other than the one engaged and there are 3 output options depending on the distance required which can save battery power. It also supports the standard marine and weather channels and has an audible alert for important weather information. The pricing is reasonable especially considering what you get.
- Floating and waterproof (JIS7/IPX7 – 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Backlit display
- Lithium polymer rechargeable battery
- 1, 3, or 6-watt output options
- Triple watch
- Noise-canceling microphone
- BURP feature clears speaker when wet
- Covers all USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels
- Audible weather alerts
- Moderately priced
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Floating Waterproof VHF Marine Radio
The Uniden Atlantis 155 is a budget-priced handheld model with many top-flight features. It’s highly waterproof, floats, and has the capability of clearing the speaker after submersion. For night use it has a white backlit display that is bright and clear. The package includes 4 AAA rechargeable batteries with a battery save mode when not in use and output options of 1 or 2.5 watts. Triple watch allows monitoring 2 channels other than the one engaged simultaneously and the standard marine and weather channels are all covered. There is even a weather alert mode that mutes the radio and emits an audible alarm when there is an alert. On top of all these features, the price is very low.
- Floating and waterproof (JIS8/IPX8 – more than 5 feet for 30 minutes)
- Water clearing from the speaker after submersion feature
- White backlight LCD display
- Uses 4 AAA rechargeable batteries (included) with 10-hour battery life
- Battery save mode that automatically conserves power when not in use
- 1 or 2.5-watt output options
- Triple watch
- Includes headset jack, DC adapter, and belt clip
- Covers all USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels
- Weather alert mode mutes the radio and sounds an alarm when there is an alert
- Budget-priced
ICOM IC-M93D Marine VHF Handheld Radio with GPS and DSC
Of the handheld models reviewed here, the ICOM IC-M93D sets itself apart from the other handhelds by including integrated GPS providing location, bearing, and speed, and DSC features. It is waterproof and floats, has a flasher if dropped in the water, and a speaker draining function. It has 5 watts of output with dual or triple watch that allows monitoring other channels than the one engaged along with a digital noise-canceling feature that eliminates background sounds from the transmission and reception. Standard marine and weather channels are covered and there are weather alerts. A user-friendly interface and bright, clear display make it a pleasure to use.
- Floating and waterproof (JIS7/IPX7 – 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- AquaQuake draining function clears water from the speaker grill
- Float’n Flash feature allows the radio to be visible if dropped in the water
- Large dot-matrix LCD display
- Uses 1 Lithium-ion battery (included)
- Digital active noise canceling
- 5W output
- Dual and triple watch
- Built-in DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
- Integrated GPS
- Covers all USA, Canadian, and International marine channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels with alerts
Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews Comparison Table
| Picture | VHF Radio | Type | Power | Watch | DSC | GPS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHS Marine Radio | Handheld | 1W/2.5W/5W | Dual/Triple/Quad | No | No | $ |
  | Cobra MR HH150 FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio | Handheld | 3W | No | No | No | $ |
  | Standard Horizon GX1700W Standard Explorer VHF Marine Radio | Fixed Mount | 1W or 25W | Dual | Yes | Yes | $$$ |
  | Cobra MRF45D VHF Marine Radio | Fixed Mount | 1W or 25W | Dual | Yes | No | $$ |
  | Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio | Fixed Mount | 25W | Triple | Yes | Yes | $ |
  | Lowrance Link-8 VHF Marine Radio | Fixed Mount | 2W-23W | Dual/Triple | Yes | No | $$$$ |
  | Standard Horizon H870 Floating 6W Handheld VHF Marine Radio | Handheld | 1W/2W/6W | Dual/Triple | Yes | Yes | $$ |
  | Cobra MRHH350FLT Floating VHF Marine Radio | Handheld | 1W/3W/6W | Triple | No | No | $$ |
  | Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Floating Waterproof VHF Marine Radio | Handheld | 1W or 2.5W | Triple | No | No | $ |
  | ICOM IC-M93D Marine VHF Handheld Radio with GPS and DSC | Handheld | 5W | Dual/Triple | Yes | Yes | $$$ |
| Picture | VHF Radio | Type | Power | Watch | DSC | GPS | Price |
Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews Buying Guide
Handheld versus Fixed Mount – Handheld models typically have no more power than 5W or 6W which will give a coverage of around five miles. This makes them suitable for smaller boats and kayaks that do not have a great range.
Fixed-mount models are generally on larger boats with a more extended range using fixed antennae and thereby often carry up to 25W, which is the maximum allowed, so that coverage may reach 20-25 miles.
The batteries for handheld models are internal and have 10-12 hours of runtime suitable for day trips and short usage times. Fixed-mount radios are powered by the 12V boat battery and often carry more power, using features like AIS (Automatic Identification System) or a hailer system that is not found on handheld models.
Handheld models can also serve as back-ups for fixed mount radios on vessels that normally travel greater distances.
Battery – If your VHF radio is to be relied upon for safety, then obviously it will need enough battery power to do the job. Whether it’s the internal battery in a handheld model or the 12V battery that powers your boat motor and fixed-mount radio, it must have enough power to be suitable for the time it will be needed on your trip. Be well aware of the capabilities of your battery and maintain it well.
Handheld models often have power saving options that can assist in extending the usage time that is well worth looking into.
Channels – There are a number of channels available that are standard on the radios reviewed here.
Weather channels typically run by NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provide ongoing weather information and emergency alerts.
There are also numerous USA, Canadian, and International channels with crucial information. Channel 16 is the one that is used for international distress calls. It also provides Coast Guard weather alerts.
Make sure you know which channels your radio has and test them before getting underway.
Watch Operation – A watch operation allows you to monitor more than one channel simultaneously. There are models with dual, triple, and quad watch capabilities. A quad watch system, for example, would allow you to monitor four different channels such as a weather channel, two distress channels, and your memory scan. If there is an alert, three of them would mute during the alert signal to allow a more clear focus.
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) – This is a system that serves as a distress signal that allows you to alert other boats in the area and the Coast Guard of your position with GPS coordinates, as well, if your model has them. Some models also allow you to poll position data for other boats nearby. It is required for fixed-mount systems.
GPS (Global Positioning System) – As mentioned, a GPS is quite useful when used along with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) for a distress signal, as it delivers your exact position to would-be rescuers.
It also offers navigational features like routing, setting waypoints, and monitoring position that can be useful for fishing and navigation.
AIS (Automatic Identification System) – This feature allows you to locate and identify other vessels with information commonly available such as the name, number, position, destination, and type of cargo.
This can help you in safely navigating through waters with other vessel traffic.
For VHF radios with this function, it is usually only possible to receive such information but not send out your own.
Water Resistance is important for electronic devices used around water. Handheld VHF radios with their mobility will have a greater likelihood of getting wet or even dropped in the water, so a higher degree of waterproofing is desired. Fixed-mount radios will less likely get as wet and the extent that it happens at all depends on how much cover there is where it is mounted.
The models reviewed here all are rated based on two systems, the JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) or IPX (International Protection Code). For handheld models a rating of JIS7-JIS8 or IPX7-IPX8 is suitable.
Noise Canceling Technology – To be effective, a radio needs to be heard. This can be difficult with the sounds of weather, water, motors, and other machinery to interfere. Some models incorporate a system that blocks these noises in some cases for transmission and reception. If your environment on board tends to be noisy, this is a feature to consider.
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