We’ve tested some of these handheld marine radios. Others, we’ve held and researched at boat shows and interviewed boaters with experience using them.
We’ve tried as much as possible to point out the different features of each product to match up with the needs of boaters who ought to have a handheld, even if they have a fixed VHF already.
Read more about how we reviewed and judged these models and compare them in the table below.
Handheld VHF Marine Radios for boats are relatively inexpensive and maintain a level of safety. For coastal fishing, cruising and sailing, one of these should be on board.
Very High Frequency radios are line-of-sight devices that work where smartphones have weak signal strength.
The recommended options on this list have different features and cost between $70-$340 depending on those attributes.
The most expensive VHF radio here has both AIS, GPS, floats and has tri-watch functions for monitoring channel 16 while communicating across other channels.
See a table of comparisons with prices and features below.
The Top 6 VHF Marine Radios in 2025
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1
Best Budget: Uniden Atlantis 155 -
2
Bare-Bones Quality: ICOM M25 21 -
3
Solid Budget Option: Uniden MHS75 -
4
Floating, Tri-Watch: Cobra MR HH350 VHF Radio -
5
Great UX plus GPS: Standard Horizon HX890 -
6
Sleek & Complete: ICOM 94D with AIS
All the VHF Marine Radios We've tested
This inexpensive, handheld VHF radio is a great backup for a fixed unit or serves you well in a kayak, on a paddle board or when out fishing within 2 or 3 miles from the shore. Though it’s compact and easily tucked into a pocket or cargo tray, it has one of the largest screens for its class. It has what you need when in distress with a reliable build and transmission capability at a really affordable cost.
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 4.5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.1 lb
- IPX7 Submersible Waterproof
- 1w/3w transmitting power
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- Channels: All USA, international & Canadian marine channels, all NOAA weather channels with alert
Things we like:
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Crazy affordable -
An amazingly compact device, great for narrow waterway navigation and harbors
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Good battery life
Things we don't like:
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Only 3-watt transmitting power limits range, making it good for mainly coastal activity in short range of other vessels or traffic
This small, lightweight unit has all the features you need, including tri-watch, float & flash, USB charging, aqua-quake to vibrate water out. There aren’t all the bells and whistles of higher end devices but the price of this VHF makes it a unit you should buy if in doubt. ICOM makes great products and their support is great too. It includes weather information channels too. For the casual cruiser or as a redundancy VHF or ditch bag radio this is a good choice as it doesn’t take up much space but does a pretty good job when needed.
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 2.23 x 5.28 x 1.2 inches
- 1w/5w output
- Lithium-ion battery giving max 11 hours
- IPX7 submersible
- 3-year warranty
Things we like:
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Like the M93, this VHF radio feels great in the hand
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Compact and lightweight
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Very good programmable interface
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Good display with easy-to-read details
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Affordable and reliable
Things we don't like:
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No DSC or GPS, but that’s expected for this price point
This basic yet feature-filled handheld VHF costs less than $100. It’s hard to imagine because the Uniden brand delivers reliability in a quality package. It’s pretty robust. Though not really compact, it’s small enough to be able to carry it around in your pocket (though it comes with a clip) and the battery will give you 10 hours of combined stand-by/talk-time. Surprisingly, it also has the triple watch feature allows you to monitor channel 9 & 16 while using another switch-over channel making it both useful and safe.
- Dimensions: 6.4’’ x 6.2’’ x 3.4’’
- Weight: 1.35 lb
- JIS8 Waterproof
- Transmits 1w/2.5w/5w strength
- All USA, Canada, International Channels
- Full NOAA weather stations
- Triple Watch scanning
Things we like:
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Crazy price for quality
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This two-way also has GMRS radio for land-based use (not requiring any license to operate)
Things we don't like:
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It’s slaved to the one charging dock
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No NMEA 0183 Interface
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No DSC
The Cobra MR HH350 is an inexpensive, floating VHF radio with impressive value. It’s submersible, making it a good option for smaller vessels. It has Tri-Watch monitoring that will provide safety and awareness for coastal cruising boats too.
It does not have DSC or AIS, but that’s expected at this price. With very good sound and an LCD screen that’s clear in daylight, Cobra’s entry-level marine radio punches above its weight.
- Output: 1W, 3W or 6W
- Battery: 7-16 hours
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 inches
- GPS: No
- DSC: No
- AIS: No
- Dimensions: 2.09’’ x 2.66’’ x 4.75’’
- Weight: 9.6 oz.
Things we like:
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Makes a great secondary unit to fixed models
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Will do the job well as a primary for coastal excursions
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Quality-to-price value is impressive
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Buoyancy and the reflective orange strip make it easy to find and retrieve
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Solid construction
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IPX7 waterproof rating
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Noise-cancelling microphone
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Cobra’s 3-year warranty
Things we don't like:
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no dsc function
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no AIS
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Flimsy belt clip
Whether you use it as a primary marine VHF or to compliment a fixed unit, this Standard Horizon will serve you well. “Nothing takes to water like Standard Horizon” so goes their mission cry. SH is a 50-year old company that delivers a feature-packed do-everything VHF.
Between its rugged construction and ease of use, including an easy-to-read LCD screen, and a programmable operating system, the HX890 might just replace your smartphone. Well, maybe not, but with FM radio receiver, navigation assists, standard DSC, man overboard feature (MOB)–to name just a few–you can quickly see why this VHF costs a wee bit more than other units. But it’s worth it and you’ll have this for several nautical years. And the battery operating time of about 11 hours ain’t too shabby.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.9’’ x 7.4’’ x 4’’
- 6W output power (down to 2/1 W)
- Battery: Lithium-Ion rechargeable
- Floats
- IPX8 submersible with water activated emergency strobe light
- FM Broadcast Radio Receiver
- WAAS GPS Receiver
Things we like:
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Strong as heck
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Easy to use
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Can use GPS to log position in concert with chartplotter
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Loud & Clear audio
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Takes normal alkaline batteries in a pinch
Things we don't like:
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A little too bulky to use one-handed
Where to buy ICOM 94D with AIS:
Amazon
The successor to the popular 93D, previously one of the best VHF radios, ICOM’s latest handheld unit hits it out of the ballpark with the 94D. This is the first handheld VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver.
An ocean cruising backup or mobile unit, a primary waterway option as well as an excellent ditch-bag VHF, the 94D does what its predecessor did and more.
With tri-watch, DSC & AIS, MOB button and the flashing feature, safety and peace of mind are made better.
It’s easy to use and has all the right features and accessories to make marine activities safer. There’s a reason both kayakers and sailors have been praising this VHF.
There’s always banter between older sailors and newer mariners about the virtues of a chart plotter. The old-school comment, “can’t you read a map” doesn’t always reflect the trouble of navigating in fog or with so much boat traffic.
The 94D adds a simplified navigation system, one that fixed units have had for some time. We think this greatly improves the tools of safety for boaters in waterways and in tricky weather.
An AIS will show the location of other ships around, and at the same time reveal your position to them (albeit on AIS “B”), which commercial vessels can ignore.
With a 1500mW speaker that’s clear, even after a dunk in the drink–thanks to the AquaQuake and Float and Flash functions–and a directional control pad for easy navigation, the 94D is user-friendly and reliable.
This is the newest and possibly the best handheld VHF marine radio available. The price reflects that.
- Output: 1W or 6W
- Battery: 2400mAh Li-ion (7-10 hours)
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- GPS: Yes
- DSC: Yes
- AIS: Yes
- Dimensions: 2.4’’ x 5.7’’ x 1.7’’
- Weight: 12.6 oz.
Things we like:
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AIS is great when standing at the bow in fog
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Directional control pad is nice
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PTT button sits in the right spot
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Battery life is good
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The dimmable LCD screen is easy to see in both sunlight and darkness
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Floats and Flashes even when turned off
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Up to 50 waypoints is good for fishing
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The most complete package of features in a handheld unit
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The included rapid charger is the new standard
Things we don't like:
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Nothing yet
Where to buy ICOM 94D with AIS:
Amazon
Related Reviews
Why Trust Us
Bradley has been sailing since childhood in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence and the mercurial Lake Simcoe. His experience with VHF radios in both North America and in Europe where he sails a Viking ship on the Baltic Sea is basis for his expertise and council.
We’ve selected products here that have been tested by a member of Boat & Sail or by a friend or sailing partner who can vouch for these marine radios.
VHF Radios Compared
VHF Marine Radios: Essential Tools for Safe Boating
VHF marine radios, also known as VHF radios or marine radios, are helpful for ensuring safety and effective communication on the water in defined areas where cell tower signals are unreliable.
These devices, including boat radios and united radios, provide reliable communication between vessels, marinas, and Coast Guard services.
Note: Recreational boaters in the United States do not need a VHF certificate to use marine radio. Many European countries require a license to use them–not to have one and monitor Channel 16.
Read a more in-depth guide to using VHF marine radio to understand what channels to use, how to talk and how very high frequency works.
Key Features and Usage
When operating your vessel with a VHF radio, understanding the key features and proper usage is essential. In the United States, the primary VHF radio safety and distress calling channel is channel 16. It is vital to monitor this channel to ensure safety and to respond to any emergencies. Additionally, familiarize yourself with other important marine VHF channels for weather updates and local communication.
Important Channels and Functions
- **Channel 16:** The international distress, safety, and calling channel that must be monitored at all times.
- **Digital Selective Calling (DSC):** Enhances safety by allowing boaters to send automated distress signals, including the vessel’s location, to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels.
- **Automatic Identification System (AIS):** Provides real-time tracking information about nearby vessels, improving situational awareness and preventing collisions.
Marine Radio Communication Tips
Effective marine radio communication involves understanding and using proper radio language and procedures. Key practices include:
– Performing regular radio checks to ensure your equipment is functioning properly.
– Understanding the meaning of terms like “Pan Pan” and “Mayday” for distress calls.
– Following navigation rules and being aware of emergency frequencies.
Choosing the Best VHF Marine Radio
Selecting the best marine VHF radio depends on your specific needs and boating habits. Consider factors like range, frequency channels, and additional features such as weather alerts and GPS integration.
Conclusion
A well-functioning VHF marine radio is an indispensable tool for any boater. By understanding its features, monitoring the correct channels, and using the proper communication protocols, you can significantly enhance your safety on the water. Stay informed and prepared by integrating VHF marine radios into your boating routine.
For more detailed information on VHF marine radios, read our more comprehensive guide. This guide details most of the information contained in the short range communication (SRC) course.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to take a course to learn how to use a VHF radio when boating. But many people have a VHF unit on board, either because it came with the vessel they bought or to be able to respond to distress calls from other boaters. If you hear a distress call, you should answer it. There will likely be only appreciation as the form of consequence if you use a VHF in this situation.
VHF radios are line-of-sight communication devices that will only transmit 5-10 miles depending on the unit and if there is an external antenna. Some sailboats equipped with antennas on their masts can transmit and receive longer distances. While this short range communication is good for localized chatter, Coast Guard stations can both transmit and receive over longer distances because of the height of their towers. Handheld VHF radios with transmission power of 6W will transmit over longer distances than units with only 5W for example. When choosing the best VHF unit, remember that when deciding between fixed mounted (up to 25W) or the more mobile versions.
VHF radios, usually for marine use, are line of sight 2-way communication devices. The higher the antenna, the further it travels before getting smothered by the curvature of the planet. For best results, a fixed mounted VHF radio with an antenna atop a sailboat mast will transmit furthest. Read more about it here.
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Comments
In any yacht, a Very High Frequency radio, or VHF radio, is a need. You can communicate even when there is no mobile service with this hand-held device, which can also be mounted in a boat. It works by sending and receiving signals through an antenna.
Totally agree. Most bigger yachts come kitted out with them anyways, but some older ones benefit from newer models. Thanks Tom.
Hey Jackie. The floating/waterproof part isn’t too much of an issue, rather it’s the transmitting power part and the price point. The best handheld I’d recommend is the ICOM IC-M93D, which is sleek and compact enough, but more expensive than you want. It also has the quake function to clear water out of the mic and speakers.
It’s little brother–ICOM M25 21-has the transmitting power and better affordability, but not the quake function.
Another option is the Uniden Atlantis 275. I haven’t tested it with water, but it by all accounts it deals with spray and rain just fine. As a normal VHF, I’ve a good impression of it and it’s pretty compact.
Kayaker with very small hands seeking smallest affordable (under $150), waterproof, floating handheld vhf (example: tired HX210 but too bulky).
Ohoy Capt. You got yourself a good unit and it’s worth repairing. Icom has some pretty decent service, even if your fixed VHF is out of warranty. It’ll cost you about $90 for them to even look at your device and maybe even $150 after parts & labor, but it should be an easy fix. You can contact them about it here: https://icomamerica.com/support/repair/
Good luck and good wind.
Can my sun damaged display glass be repaired IC M 504?
would like advice on a vhf radio for 22′ with internal gps and nmea2000
Hey Tom,
Thanks for your comments. A reliable VHF is really important. I’d like to see more mariners with them and with the VHF course too, because it makes everything and everyone safer out there. Safe means more fun.
Good wind
We are a non-profit and we monitor boat and land excursions, we also coordinate rescues when needed. We have tried other popular brands but these radios are the ones we trust. They are compact in size but very durable and reliable.