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10 Best Handheld Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT handheld VHF radio is a solid choice for anyone looking to stay connected while on the water. With a power output of up to 6 watts, it offers flexible communication options for both short and long-range use, making it suitable whether you're close to shore or out on the open water. The noise-cancelling microphone is a notable strength, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly even in windy conditions, which is essential for safety and effective communication.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Power Output
Battery Life
Waterproof Rating

Most important from
3159 reviews

Power Output
For inland rivers and protected bays, the range on High is very good considering the size of this radio.
Battery Life
After four full days of boating on a single charge, the battery indicator still read full.
Waterproof Rating
Sound is clear, it has decent range, and it is absolutely waterproof.
Additional Features
The weather alert feature is loud and works well, making it a reliable companion on the lake.
#2
10.0 score

Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Marine Radio – 6 Watt, GPS, Bluetooth, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, Memory Scan, Grey

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is a solid choice for those needing a reliable handheld VHF radio, especially for marine environments. Its standout feature is the built-in GPS, allowing users to see their coordinates on screen and send location information during DSC calls, which is crucial for safety at sea. The Bluetooth capability also lets you make calls directly from the radio, keeping your phone safe and dry. With a maximum power output of 6 watts, it provides good coverage, enabling communication over distances of up to 15 miles, and access to emergency channels adds peace of mind.

Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Waterproof Rating
Channel Selection

Most important from
211 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life can last 2-4 days with moderate use, but heavy use may drain it faster.
Waterproof Rating
Despite being waterproof, there can be issues with moisture affecting performance, so it's not 100% reliable for safety use.
Channel Selection
The memory feature allows for easy cycling through preferred channels, making it user-friendly.
Size and Weight
The radio's size and bulky plastic construction might feel cheap initially but contributes to its buoyancy and good fit in hand.
Display and Interface
The radio's backlight is very bright, ensuring visibility in all conditions.
Additional Features
The GPS/DSC/MMSI functionality makes it a fully functional emergency radio, providing peace of mind on bigger lakes.
#3
9.8 score

Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]

The Standard Horizon HX210 is a robust handheld VHF radio, suitable for marine use. One of its main strengths is the IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, making it highly reliable in wet conditions. The device also floats, which is a crucial feature for users on the water. Its power output is adjustable, offering 6W, 2.5W, and 1W options, allowing flexibility depending on your communication needs. With a maximum talking range of 5 miles, it provides solid coverage for most marine environments.

Rating
9.8
Power Output
Waterproof Rating
Display and Interface

Most important from
382 reviews

Power Output
Charges in about 3 hours and is powerful enough to work well on Sarasota Bay.
Waterproof Rating
The device floats and is submersible to 3 feet, backed by a 3-year warranty.
Display and Interface
Booted right up and was easy to use without the instructions, though the manual is thorough and well made.

Top 10 Best Handheld Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Power Output: 6 watts
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Channel Selection: 16 channels
Size and Weight: 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 in, 9.6 oz
Display and Interface: Backlit display
Additional Features: Floating, NOAA weather, Noise-cancelling mic

Chosen by 1167 this week

Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]

Power Output: 6W, 2.5W, 1W
Battery Life: 1850 mAh
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Channel Selection: All USA, International, Canadian, 200 channels
Size and Weight: 1.57 x 2.36 x 5.2 in, 1 lb
Display and Interface: Large dot matrix LCD, easy menu
Additional Features: Floats, emergency strobe, FM receiver, programmable keys

Icom M94d Vhf Marine Radio W/dsc & Ais

Power Output: 6 watts
Battery Life: 10 hours
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Channel Selection: 4
Size and Weight: 2.2 pounds, 2.4 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches
Display and Interface: Back-lit display
Additional Features: AIS Receiver, DSC, AquaQuake, Noise Cancellation

Standard Horizon HX890 Black Handheld VHF - Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Two Way Radio

Power Output: 6 watts
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Channel Selection: 66
Size and Weight: 9.96 x 7.44 x 4.02 in; 2.16 lbs
Display and Interface: user-friendly
Additional Features: DSC (Digital Selective Calling)

Standard Horizon HX891BTBK

Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Channel Selection: 66 channels
Size and Weight: 1.5"D x 2.6"W x 5.43"H, 1 lb
Display and Interface: Basic, functional display
Additional Features: Bluetooth

Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

Power Output: 3 Watt, user-selectable to 1 Watt
Battery Life: 10 hours
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Channel Selection: All USA, Canada, international VHF channels
Size and Weight: 1.44"D x 2.5"W x 5.38"H, 1.06 lbs
Display and Interface: Dual-color screen, white/red backlight
Additional Features: Floats, three-year warranty
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Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vhf Radios

When choosing a handheld VHF radio, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Handheld VHF radios are essential for communication, especially in marine environments, and can be a critical safety tool. Understanding the key specifications will help you select the best model for your requirements.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, determines the range of your VHF radio. Higher power output means a longer communication range. Handheld VHF radios typically offer 1 to 6 watts of power. For short-range communication, 1-3 watts is sufficient. For longer distances, especially in open water, 5-6 watts is preferable. Consider your typical usage scenarios to decide the appropriate power level.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the radio can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial for ensuring your radio is reliable during extended use. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 20 hours. If you plan to use the radio for long trips or in emergencies, opt for a model with longer battery life. For occasional use, shorter battery life may be acceptable.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating shows how well the radio can withstand exposure to water. Ratings like IPX7 mean the radio can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, while IPX8 offers even greater protection. If you will be using the radio in wet or marine environments, a higher waterproof rating is essential to ensure durability and functionality.
Channel SelectionChannel selection refers to the number of channels the radio can access. More channels provide greater flexibility for communication. Standard VHF radios typically have access to all US, Canadian, and international marine channels. Ensure the radio covers the channels you need for your specific activities, such as emergency channels, weather channels, and local communication channels.
Size and WeightSize and weight affect the portability and ease of use of the radio. Lighter and more compact models are easier to carry and handle, especially for extended periods. However, smaller radios may have fewer features or shorter battery life. Consider how you will carry and use the radio to find a balance between portability and functionality.
Display and InterfaceThe display and interface determine how easy it is to operate the radio. A clear, backlit display is important for visibility in various lighting conditions. Intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface make it easier to navigate channels and settings. If you need to use the radio in low light or while wearing gloves, look for models with large buttons and a bright display.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your VHF radio. Features like GPS, DSC (Digital Selective Calling), and weather alerts can be very useful. GPS allows for location tracking, DSC enables distress signaling, and weather alerts keep you informed of changing conditions. Consider which additional features are important for your specific needs and activities.

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