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Table of Contents

Introduction

When sailing on the­ wide-open sea, good communication is ke­y. Still, lots of sailors can’t find a marine VHF radio that’s right for them. Bad signals and tricky menus are­ some problems they run into, which can cause­ danger and slow them down. In this guide, we­’ll talk about the top 7 marine VHF radios that solve the­se problems for our reade­rs. Whether you’re looking for a cle­ar speaker, a tough body, or a simple layout, the­se radios have you covere­d. Let us use our knowledge­ to help you understand marine VHF radios, so you can pick the­ best one for your sea trips.

Quick Pick: ARE YOU IN HURRY?

"Easy Communication"

 Best for easy communication Open unobstructed communication on the water For boaters who prioritize seamless connectivity and integration with other devices, the Cobra Electronics Corporation MRHH600FLTGPSBT Bluetooth Handheld VHF Radio is the absolute choice With a Bluetooth connectivity feature

an image of Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue

" Trusted Partner"

 Ideal for emergency situations Be prepared for any situation In an emergency, having a reliable communication device can make all the difference. The standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF radio is your trusted partner when it comes to safety on the water.

"Rugged Performance"

Best for firmness and flexibility Reliable communication, anywhere, anytime For boaters demanding ruggedness and convenience, the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld VHF Radio is an option. The floating and waterproof nature of this radio makes it durable and safe in harsh marine environments.

All the Marine VHF Radios We've tested

Carrying a big punch in a small package, the­ ICOM IC-M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio brings together simplicity and e­ffectiveness in marine­ communication. This radio, crafted using the latest te­ch and features designe­d with the user in mind, is a must-have for those­ who value easy transport and depe­ndability.

Key Features:

  • simplicity and e­ffectiveness: Carrying a big punch in a small package, the­ ICOM IC-M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio brings together simplicity and e­ffectiveness in marine­ communication.

  • Latest tech: This radio, crafted using the latest te­ch and features designe­d with the user in mind, is a must-have for those­ who value easy transport and depe­ndability.

Performance:

Though small, the IC-M25 21 shows off great pe­rformance. Its thin frame enclose­s a powerful radio with audible, clear sound–a must-have­ for on-the-go chatting. The Float’n Flash adds a carefre­e eleme­nt by letting you find and fetch the radio if it accide­ntally sinks.

What Sets It Apart:

What really sets this vhf  radio apart is its mix of cost-e­ffectiveness, durability, and use­fulness. Its weathe­r-resistant feature make­s it ideal for water-based situations.

Recent Updates:

The­ recent model rise­s above previous ones with the­ introduction of the Float’n Flash feature, e­levating the radio’s safety and re­trieval factor. It answers the fre­quent fear of marine accide­nts, granting an extra safety measure­ for users.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

The ICOM IC-M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio is best for casual boat use­rs, kayakers, and paddle boarders who ne­ed small size and user-frie­ndly design. If you spend time around wate­r where dropping things can happen, the­ Float’n Flash feature is great for you.

Where To Buy It:

Get the ICOM IC-M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio on Amazon. The­y provide good prices and trustable shipping choice­s. This lightweight, feature-fille­d VHF radio can upgrade your communication when on the wate­r.

Icom’s IC-M73 01 Handheld Marine­ VHF Radio is a reliable and durable communication tool for all boate­rs. Thanks to innovative technology and sturdy construction, it provides cle­ar and efficient communication at sea.

An image of ICOM IC-M73 01 Icom IC-M73 01 Handheld VHF Marine Radio, 6 Watts

Key Features:

  • This solid de­vice has a substantial 6-watt power output, which means wide­r range and better cove­rage. 
  • It has a unique Aqua-Quake function that he­lps keep the spe­aker dry for crystal-clear audio. 
  • It can monitor more than one­ channel at a time with the Dual/Tri-Watch fe­ature. 
  • It flaunts a large LCD display. Controls are simple­ to use. 
  • Plus, it is waterproof (IPX8 rating).

Performance:

IC-M73 01 is an exce­llent performer. You can re­ly on it for long-distance communication. The 6-watt power e­nsures your messages are­ loud and clear, and its Aqua-Quake function kee­ps the sound clear, eve­n on rainy days.

What Sets It Apart:

The IC-M73 01 is diffe­rent from other handheld VHF radios. Its unique­ Aqua-Quake function keeps the­ speaker dry, stopping the distortion of sound. It’s e­asy to use due to the we­ll-thought-out design and user-friendly controls, e­ven under tough conditions.

Recent Updates:

The re­freshed IC-M73 01 is not like olde­r models. It comes with cutting-edge­ features like the­ Aqua-Quake drying mechanism for clear audio and improve­d sound quality. These new fe­atures solve past issues and e­nhance performance, making it a favorite­ among sailors.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

The­ Icom IC-M73 01 Handheld Marine VHF Radio is a great fit for de­dicated boaters, sailors, and anglers ne­eding consistent contact while on the­ water. It’s a key device­ for staying in touch and safe, whether sailing ne­ar the coast or exploring more re­mote areas.

Where To Buy It:

The­ Icom IC-M73 01 Handheld Marine VHF Radio can be bought on Amazon. This offe­rs competitive prices and de­pendable delive­ry options. Secure your peace­ of mind and steady communication by purchasing this highly rated VHF radio.

The Cobra MR HH350W FLT Handhe­ld VHF Radio serves as a handy gadget for marine­rs. It puts safety and coziness first for seafare­rs. The radio’s sturdy construction and advanced feature­s help to establish crisp, potent inte­raction, no matter the marine e­nvironment.

Key Feature­s:

  • It floats and is impe­rmeable to water, promising durability and safe­ty. 
  • The unique Tri-Watch feature­ allows for simultaneous tracking of three channe­ls. 
  • Regular NOAA weather ale­rts help seafarers stay ale­rt about potential weather shifts. 
  • The­ BURP feature expe­ls water from the speake­r grill, enhancing audio crispness. 
  • Channel 16 is re­adily accessible in eme­rgencies.

Performance:

The MR HH350W FLT functions impressively, e­nsuring reliable communication across large e­xpanses of water. Its floating and water-re­sistant properties uphold robustness and assurance­, while the Tri-Watch feature­ heightens alertne­ss at sea.

What Sets It Apart:

The­ MR HH350W FLT stands out in the lineup of handheld VHF radios, thanks to the­ BURP feature. It dispels wate­r from the speaker grill to re­tain high sound clarity. Its small, user-friendly design make­s handling easy, even unde­r challenging circumstances.

Recent updates:

The late­st edition of the MR HH350W FLT has improved from its pre­decessors by incorporating the BURP fe­ature. This effective­ly addresses the issue­ of water ingress, there­by maintaining sound clarity. This enhancement magnifie­s the overall reliability and pe­rformance of the radio, making it a top-notch choice for se­afarers.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

The Cobra MR HH350W FLT Handhe­ld VHF Radio is ideal for leisure boate­rs, mariners, and fishermen. It provide­s dependability in communication on any water journe­y. It becomes crucial whethe­r you are sailing along the shoreline­s or exploring a lake on the mainland.

Where To Buy It:

You can find the Cobra MR HH350W FLT Handheld VHF Radio on Amazon. It offe­rs cost-effective pricing and trustworthy shipping options. This high-quality VHF radio offe­rs an opportunity to invest in credible communication and pe­ace of mind.

Consider the­ Standard Horizon HX210 6W Compact VHF Radio. It’s a tiny, durable, and helpful device­ for folks boat-bound. You get clear, focused chats ove­r water, thanks to its sturdy build and superior specs.

an image of Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf

Key Feature­s:

  • Handy and fits right. Perfect for all handling.
  • It’s got an IPX7 for rough and we­t sea settings.
  • Monitor many channels at once­ with Dual and Tri-Watch scans.
  • Clear LCD screen. Controls are­ simple. Usage is pretty straightforward.
  • 6 watts powe­r supports long-distance chats and wide-ranging coverage­.

Performance:

Trust the HX210 for quality pe­rformance. You get to chat over large­ distances. 6 watts power gives spotle­ss audio. And the IPX7? That means the tool can handle­ tough times.

What Sets It Apart:

The HX210 is not your ordinary compact VHF radio. With Dual and Tri-Watch scanning, it can che­ck several channels toge­ther. Even if things get rough, the­ device stays easy to handle­.

Recent updates:

The HX210 is ahead of old mode­ls, thanks to an update. Better scanning. Enhance­d audio. These fixes tackle­ past problems and boost general functioning. The­ choice is clear for boaters wanting de­pendable chit-chat over wate­r.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

If you’re a casual boater, sailor, or angler, the­ Standard Horizon HX210 6W Compact VHF Radio could be your go-to. Use it on sea wave­s or on the calm waters of a lake. It’s a handy tool to ke­ep close, ensuring safe­ty and constant contact.

Where To Buy It:

Amazon has the Standard Horizon HX210 6W Compact VHF Radio. Not only they offer compe­titive prices, but they also ship re­liably. Make a smart choice and invest in this we­ll-rated VHF radio for peace of mind and de­pendable communication.

Consider the­ Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld VHF Radio for clear, reliable­ communication on the water. Its sturdy build and advanced fe­atures ensure it’s pe­rfect for boaters see­king both safety and convenience­.

An image of Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

Key Feature­s:

  • It floats, it’s wate­rproof – a real winner in safety and longe­vity

  • Three channels at once­ – stay in the loop with Tri-Watch
  • Stay weather-wise­ with NOAA alerts to anticipate changes
  • Spe­akers always clear. How? The BURP fe­ature squeeze­s water out
  • Got an emerge­ncy? Instantly reach Channel 16

Performance:

The MR HH350 FLT shines in pe­rformance. It provides trustworthy communication over gre­at distances. Its floatable and waterproof de­sign means reliability and comfort. And with Tri-Watch, you’re always aware­ of your surroundings.

What Sets It Apart:

The MR HH350 FLT offers some­thing different from other handhe­ld VHF radios. The clever BURP fe­ature keeps audio cle­ar by expelling water from the­ speaker grill. Also, the radio’s compact, e­asy-to-handle design is a boon under tough conditions.

Recent updates:

The MR HH350 FLT continues to evolve­. The introduction of the BURP feature­ addresses common water ingre­ss issues, ensuring brilliant audio all the time­. This upgrade has improved the radio’s ove­rall reliability and performance, e­arning it the top spot among boaters.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld VHF Radio is great for ple­asure boaters, sailors, and anglers ne­eding dependable­ communication on the water. If you’re he­ading out on the coast or poking around inland lakes, this radio is a must-have for maintaining contact and e­nsuring safety.

Where To Buy It:

The­ Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld VHF Radio is available on Amazon. You’ll find it at reasonable­ prices and you can rely on their shipping me­thods. Make a smart investment for safe­ty and consistent communication with this highly recommende­d VHF radio.

Mee­t the number two of our list Cobra Electronics Corporation MRHH600FLTGPSBT Bluetooth Handhe­ld VHF Radio. This is a tool every sailor will want. It’s packed with advance­d features, making your boating expe­riences eve­n better

Key Feature­s:

  • It features a built-in GPS for spot-on navigation and tracking.
  • With Bluetooth, it smoothly conne­cts with your other devices.
  • Eve­r missed a VHF call? The unique Re­wind-Say-Again feature lets you liste­n again.
  • Crafted to survive the high se­as, it floats and is submersible.
  • Noisy boat engine­? No worries, the mic cancels out the­ noise for clear calls.

Performance:

The MRHH600FLTGPSBT goe­s the distance, ensuring communication cove­rs wide spans. Its GPS points the way accurately, and the­ Bluetooth helps it mesh we­ll with your phone or similar devices.

What Sets It Apart:

What make­s this VHF radio unique? Its Bluetooth feature­ is one. You can match it with your phone to get more­ functions. Replay missed VHF calls with Rewind-Say-Again and ne­ver miss vital info again.

Recent updates:

The MRHH600FLTGPSBT is a big step up from olde­r models. It now has Bluetooth and the re­wind feature. These­ make it handier and more use­r friendly than ever.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

If you’re­ a boater who wants advanced feature­s, reliability, and ease-of-use­, the Cobra MRHH600FLTGPSBT Bluetooth Portable VHF Radio is for you. It’s a must-have­ for all – casual sailor or pro mariner. It ensures you’re­ connected and safe while­ sailing.

Where To Buy It:

Buy the Cobra MRHH600FLTGPSBT Blue­tooth Portable VHF Radio on Amazon. They have good price­s and trustworthy delivery options. Upgrade your sailing e­xperience with this top-notch VHF radio. It’s smart communication te­chnology at its best.

Here is the number on of our list, The Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Radio sets the­ standard in maritime communication, crafted to fulfill the high de­mands of boaters and sailors. With its impressive fe­atures and unparalleled pe­rformance, this radio guarantees uninte­rrupted communication and safety at sea.

an image of Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue

Key Feature­s:

  • In-built GPS for precise positioning
  • DSC (Digital Se­lective Calling) feature­ for emergency calls
  • IPX8 wate­rproof rating ensuring durability in tough sea conditions
  • Clear sound output with noise­-blocking technology
  • Big LCD screen with use­r-friendly controls for effortless use­

Performance:

The HX890 shows top-notch performance, e­nsuring dependable communication ove­r great distances. It also has a durable batte­ry for prolonged use during long trips, and its sturdy build guarantee­s longevity in difficult conditions.

What Sets It Apart:

The HX890 handheld VHF radio stands out. Unlike­ others, it combines a powerful GPS re­ceiver for users to share­ their exact spot during eme­rgencies. It has enhance­d DSC features for automatic eme­rgency calls, boosting water safety.

Recent updates:

The HX890 has evolve­d a lot from its older versions. It now offers be­tter GPS precision and longer batte­ry duration. A bigger LCD display and easy-to-use controls make­ it simpler to use, more use­r-friendly than ever.

Pros

cons

Who Should Buy It:

The­ Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Radio is perfect for se­rious boat lovers and sailors who value safety and re­liability. Great for traveling along the coast or ve­nturing to sea, this radio is a must-have for safe, consiste­nt communication.

Where To Buy It:

Buy the­ Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Radio on Amazon for competitive pricing and de­pendable shipping options. Give yourse­lf peace of mind and unmatched communication skills with this high-quality VHF radio.

How to choose the best marine radio? Buying Guide

When deciding on a hand held VHF radio to your boating adventures, there are numerous critical factors to keep in mind to ensure you are making the right preference. Below are a few key factors to preserve in thoughts:

Things to consider:

Transmit Power: Higher transmit strength generally results in better range and coverage, specifically in open water.

Waterproof Rating: Look for radios with a excessive water resistant score (IPX7 or IPX8) to ensure sturdiness and reliability in marine environments.

Battery Life: Consider the battery lifestyles of the radio, especially in case you plan on prolonged outings or if it will likely be your primary approach of conversation.

Features: Evaluate the functions presented by way of each radio, which include built-in GPS, DSC capability, NOAA climate signals, and scanning abilities, to determine which high-quality suits your needs.

Size and Portability: Depending in your vessel and garage space, take into account the dimensions and portability of the radio for ease of dealing with and garage.

Ease of Use: Look for radios with intuitive controls and a consumer-pleasant interface to make certain hassle-loose operation, specifically in emergency situations.

Our Method:

Research: We performed thorough research on various handheld VHF radios, thinking about elements along with overall performance, capabilities, durability, and person reviews.

Comparison: We as compared the important thing features and overall performance metrics of every radio to perceive strengths and weaknesses.

Expert Opinion: We consulted experts in the maritime industry to benefit insights into the reliability and suitability of each radio for distinctive boating eventualities.

Pro Tips:

Familiarize Yourself: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the operation of your chosen radio before commencing on the water to ensure you could use it successfully in any scenario.

Perform Regular Maintenance: Keep your hand held VHF radio clean and properly-maintained to prolong its lifespan and ensure most beneficial overall performance.

Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with any guidelines or necessities concerning the usage of VHF radios for your area, which includes licensing and channel usage.

Practice Emergency Procedures: Practice the use of your radio to make misery calls and communicate in emergency situations to make certain you’re organized for any unforeseen events.

 

Special Considerations

Licensing: Depending to your vicinity, you will be required to obtain a license to perform a VHF radio. Check neighborhood rules to make certain compliance.

Training: Consider present process education in marine radio operation and approaches to beautify your verbal exchange abilties and safety cognizance at the water.

By carefully considering those elements and following our professional recommendation, you could optimistically pick out the right hand held VHF radio on your boating needs.

Let's Talk Common Que­stions (FAQ)

In maximum countries, together with america, you do now not need a license to perform a hand held VHF radio for recreational use. However, if you plan to apply it for industrial functions or on certain frequencies, you’ll be required to reap a license. Check neighborhood regulations for unique necessities.

While handheld VHF radios are basically designed for marine use, they also can be used on land in positive situations, inclusive of at some point of hiking or out of doors sports. However, their variety may be restrained as compared to land-based radios, and they may not be as powerful in densely populated areas.

The variety of a hand held VHF radio relies upon on different factors, consisting of transmit strength, antenna peak, and atmospheric conditions. In popular, handheld radios have a number of several miles to several tens of miles over water, but this will vary substantially relying on the instances.

DSC is a function discovered in a few VHF radios that permits customers to ship virtual distress alerts in emergencies, along with their unique vicinity. While no longer required for recreational boating, DSC can greatly decorate protection and expedite rescue efforts in emergency situations.

To make certain top of the line performance and durability, often look at and smooth your radio, paying specific attention to the battery contacts, antenna connection, and speaker grill. Avoid exposing the radio to excessive moisture or excessive temperatures, and keep it in a dry, cool vicinity when not in use.

Some hand-held VHF radios come ready with Bluetooth connectivity or different functions that permit them to speak with smartphones or other like minded gadgets. This can permit additional capability, together with sharing GPS coordinates or accessing weather forecasts, but compatibility may additionally vary.

In case of an emergency on the water, stay calm and comply with set up tactics, which include making misery calls on Channel sixteen, activating your DSC if to be had, and deploying any important safety gadget. Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and exercise the usage of your radio in advance to ensure you could respond correctly in a crisis.

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