Whether you're an experienced sailor or you're just starting out on the water, it's imperative that you invest in the best handheld VHF marine radio.
Having a VHF marine radio is a lifeline when you're out on the water, it's perhaps the most essential component of keeping yourself and any other mariners safe.
It's important that you learn about different VHF radios and what they have to offer to find the best handheld VHF marine radio for you.
Comparison Table
How We Reviewed
When it comes to the best handheld VHF marine radio, there are plenty of great contenders from which to choose. Plus, the features you need in a VHF radio will depend on where you plan on sailing.
To help you make an informed decision about which would be the best handheld VHF marine radio for your adventures, we've gathered some of the best radios on the market and compared them on key factors. In no time, you'll be ready to set sail.
Overall Price Range of the Best Handheld VHF Marine Radio
Depending on several factors, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on the best handheld VHF marine radio.
10 Best Handheld VHF Marine Radio
Standard Horizon HX300
- Large 1.75" LCD
- 5 or 1 Watts of transmit power
- All scanning functions including Programmable, Priority Scan and Dual/Tri Watch
Features
This is one of the best handheld VHF marine radio options on the market. The HX300 floats, just in case you drop it in the water, and the drop will activate a flashing recovery strobe light to help you locate it.
It's made using polycarbonate housing and meets the industry standards for waterproofing. The HX300 also includes programmable scan functions, a 600mW internal audio speaker, and a 10-channel preset key selection.
It also includes a new E2O (Easy to Operate) menu for a more intuitive radio. The high-powered Lithium-ion non-memory rechargeable battery has a high capacity of 1650mAh 3.7V.
It also comes with a rugged belt clip and a 110-240V AC USB charger. The battery life should last more than 13 hours and weighs 9 ounces.
Warranty
The manufacturer of this radio offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine Radio
- JIS8 Waterproof Level - Uniden MHS75 VHF Hand Held Radio won't give up no matter how wet it gets. Whitecap splash, gusty spray, tidal wave, whatever, this radio can take it. The Uniden MHS75 2-way Marine Radio is built rugged to take the rigors of being out on the water, day in and day out with a full JIS8 Submersible waterproof rating. Submersible for up to 30 minutes at five feet.
- 1 /2.5/5 Watt Switchable - Select between 1, 2.5, and 5 Watts for short- and long-range communication--this is also a convenient way to save a little battery life. In most situations, the 1 Watt transmission power is all you need. If you find yourself far away from other stations and have trouble getting a response, you may need to boost the transmission power from 1 Watt to 2.5 Watts or 5 Watts
- All USA, International, and Canada Channels - The MHS75 covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, keeping you up-to-date with all the latest marine activity
- Instant Channel 16/9/Triple Watch - Triple Watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9 for a signal while you listen to the currently selected channel. The marine radio checks channel 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds
Features
This MHS75 Uniden radio is a phenomenal choice for the best handheld VHF marine radio for you. It meets the rigid JIS8 submersible standards of 5 feet for 30 minutes.
It has a selectable 1Watt/2.5/5 transmit power and covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels so you're always covered, wherever you go. The rechargeable battery will give you up to 12 hours of battery life.
It has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen and reaches all N.O.A.A. Weather Channels with Weather Alert. The compact size of the radio will make it a convenient addition to any marine craft.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Standard Horizon HX870 Floating 6W Handheld VHF
- Floating 6W Handheld VHF with Internal GPS; Supplied with a 1800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, 110VAC and 12VDC 3-hour quick chargersAlkaline Battery Tray
- Meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
- Separate Receiver for CH70 (Receiving DSC Calls)
- Integrated 66 Channel WAAS GPS receiver.Submersible IPX8 waterproof rating (1.5M or 4.92 feet for 30 minutes)
- Noise-canceling Function for both transmit and receive audio
Features
This is quite possibly the best handheld VHF marine radio available. It comes with a noise-canceling function for both transmit and receive audio, giving a clearer transmission than ever before.
Has floating capabilities and has an internal GPS. It comes with a 110VAC and 12VDC 3-hour quick charge Alkaline Battery Tray and an 1800 mAh Lithium battery.
This radio has a separate receiver for CH70 and integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver. It is submersible with the IPX8 rating of 4.92 feet for 30 minutes.
Warranty
The manufacturer of this radio offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Standard Horizon HX150
- Large 1.8" LCD
- 5 or 1 Watts of transmit power
- All scanning functions including Programmable, Priority Scan and Dual Watch
Features
This is perhaps the best handheld VHF marine radio because of its large 1.8" LCD screen. This radio will float if you accidentally drop it in the water, and it's submersible per the IPX7 standards.
It has selectable 5 and 1 Watt transmit power output and can reach all USA, international, and Canadian marine channels. It also gets all the N.O.A.A. weather channels and has a programmable scan, priority scan, and dual watch capabilities.
It comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack, an AC adapter, and a belt clip.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Icom M36 01 Floating Handheld 6W Marine Radio
- 1.5" diagonal LCD
- 6 Watts output power
- 8 hour lithium-ion battery
- Optional Speaker/Mic
- Dual Watch, scan functions
Features
This is perhaps the best handheld VHF marine radio because of its trademarked AquaQuake water draining function. It is powered by 6 watts for a further communication range.
The 980mAh Lithium-ion battery lasts up to 8 hours. The radio floats and is waterproofed to meet the compliance of IPX7 standards.
This radio comes with an ambient noise adjuster that automatically adjusts the audio to compensate for the ambient noise level. The noise-canceling microphone inverts phase and cancels out ambient noise.
The radio has Dual/Tri-Watch function and instant access to Channel 16 or 9. The 4 level battery indicator will help you keep track of your radio's battery life. It also comes with an auto power save function and an LCD and key backlighting for operating after dark.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Cobra Electronics Corporation MRHH125 Handheld Vhf Radio
- 1 or 3 Watts
- Large, Bright LCD Display
- 5 NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
- 12 Volt Accessory Charger
- Compact Waterproof Design
Features
This radio by Cobra is perhaps the best handheld VHF marine radio available because it's so affordable.
You can choose to run it on 1 or 3 Watts and has a large, bright LCD display with an LED backlight so you can use it just as easily after dark as you can during the day. It runs on 5 NiMH Rechargeable Batteries.
It comes with a 12-volt accessory charger. This affordable option is waterproof and comes in a compact design that will easily fit in the palm of your hand.
It comes with audible and visual weather alerts and a selectable roger beep tone to give you a confirmation. It reaches all 10 N.O.A.A. channels and has a noise-canceling microphone.
The signal strength meter will show you a visual of the strength of the outgoing and incoming signals and the memory scan will allow you to program your channels.
Warranty
This radio comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Cobra MRHH600
- Built-in GPS receiver & DSC
- All NOAA weather channels
- Bluetooth wireless technology
Features
This is hands-down the best handheld VHF marine radio for many mariners. It has a build in GPS that will show your coordinates on screen and include them in any distress call you make.
The manufacturer says this is the first radio of its kind with these capabilities. It has Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to use the radio to make and receive phone calls.
If dropped in the water, this radio floats and its bright orange color will help you locate it. You can also record your calls with this radio. You can choose between 1, 3, or 6 Watt output for short or long-range communication. This radio has a signal of 15 miles.
Warranty
The manufacturer of this radio offers a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Uniden Atlantis 150
- Submersible
- Floating, Lightweight Design
- 1/2.5 Watt TX
- US, Canada, and International, Marine Channels
- NOAA Weather Alert
Features
This is radio by Uniden is maybe the best handheld VHF marine radio because it's very affordable. If dropped in water, the radio floats, and it's waterproof complying with IPX8/JIS8 standards.
Its lightweight design will make it easy to carry with you. The radio can function on 1 or 2.5 watts and has a 10-hour battery life when fully charged. It also comes with a battery save mode that allows the radio to conserve energy when the battery life is low.
The radio gets all US, Canada, and International marine channels as well as N.O.A.A. Weather alerts.
Warranty
This radio comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Standard Horizon HX890BK
- The new HX890 shares all the same capabilities of the extremely popular HX870, with the addition of some great new features.
- New features include two scrambler systems built in, both a 4 code CVS2500A and a 32 code FVP-42 scrambler system ensure secure communications out on the water.
- Includes a built in FM Broadcast band receiver, during times when radio communication is not necessary, relax with some music on the FM Radio broadcast bands.
- Rugged case construction conforms to Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F)
- Built-in Integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver
Features
This radio is perhaps most likely to be the best handheld VHF radio on the market. This radio comes with all the features that were loved about the popular HX870, plus more.
Newly added is two scrambler systems built in, a 4 code CVS2500A and a 32 code FVP-42 scrambler. The built-in FM broadcast band receiver lets you relax and listen to some radio when you don't need to radio in.
The case construction conforms to military standard, and it has a built-in integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver.
Warranty
This radio comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Cobra MR HH350 FLT
- IT FLOATS - Never worry about losing your radio overboard! The floating design and orange core makes it easy to retrieve from the water. COAST GUARD WATERPROOF
- STANDARD JIS7 means it is submersible for 30 minutes in up to 3ft/1M deep water
- SHORT OR LONG RANGE - Clearly communicate with 1,3 or 6 Watt output options so that you're never alone on the water. With Tri-Watch you can monitor 3 channels simultaneously
- INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE - with 3 channel maps, you can confidently navigate around the USA, Canada and International waters with coverage you can count on and convenient unlimited memory to make channel recall simple w/ easy-to-read signal meter
- 10 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather w/ instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby while monitoring up to 3 channels at once
Features
One of the best features of this radio is its floating capabilities and orange color, so even if it does go overboard, you'll be able to find it quickly and easily. And if you do drop it, it has waterproof capabilities that are Coast Guard standards.
You can communicate with 1, 3, or 6 Watt output for short or long range. With Tri-watch capabilities, you can monitor 3 channels simultaneously. This radio makes it easy to confidently navigate with 3 channel maps and unlimited memory.
This radio gives you instant access to N.O.A.A. weather channels and an audible tone that will let you know if an emergency or threatening weather event begins.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
Product FAQ
Image via Pixabay
What Is a Handheld VHF Marine Radio?
This kind of radio makes it possible for you to contact help, specifically from the Coast Guard or other marine vessels, while you're at sea.
And, it might be the only way you can signal for help, once you get outside of the perimeter of the nearest cell towers. That's why having the best handheld VHF marine radio isn't just important, it's life and death.
What Does VHF Stand For?
VHF stands for "very high frequency." That's because the radios function exclusively between the frequency range of 156 and 174 MH
The Verdict
If you plan to go out on the water, it's imperative that you have the best handheld VHF marine radio in case you need to contact surrounding boats or the Coast Guard for help.
You never know when a crisis will occur, and this is one of the most basic and important steps to ensuring your own safety and the safety of anyone on your watercraft. Even if you feel certain that no harm will befall you, pride comes before the fall.
You need to prepare yourself with a high-quality marine radio so that no matter what happens, you are always prepared. When it comes to VHF marine radios, there are many great options to choose from.
Determine what kind of battery and range you need in a handheld radio, and how much money you are looking to spend. Finding the best radio for you will be simple after that.
Order or pick up your new VHF scanner as soon as possible. For more product reviews, FAQs, and information on everything ocean, visit our website today!
Featured Image via Pixabay
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