VHF marine radios are a must-have for boaters, fishermen, and anyone else who spends time on the water. They are an essential piece of safety equipment, allowing you to communicate with other boats, the Coast Guard, and any nearby land. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which radio is right for you. In this blog post, we will review some of the best VHF marine radios on the market, so you can make an informed decision for your next purchase.
Best VHF Marine Radios Reviewed
VHF radios are being reviewed for fishing vessels less than 65 feet. We may not be able to cover larger boats that require multiple functions and stations.
#1. Standard Horizon GX1300
There are a lot of great VHF marine radios on the market, but the Standard Horizon GX1300 is one of the best. It has all the features you need in a radio, including GPS, DSC (Digital Selective Calling), and a wide variety of channels. The radio also has a large, easy-to-read display and is ergonomically designed for easy use.
The GX1300 also has an integrated PA/hailing system that lets you make announcements over the radio, as well as an emergency strobe light. This radio is built tough and can withstand being used in harsh environments. It’s also waterproof and floatable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it gets wet.
If you’re looking for a top-quality VHF marine radio, the Standard Horizon GX1300 is a great option. It has all the features you need and is built to last.
#2. Uniden Atlantis 275
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable VHF marine radio, the Uniden Atlantis 275 is a great option. It has all the basic features you need, including weather alerts and a scan function. Plus, it’s rugged and waterproof, so it can withstand even the most challenging conditions.
#3. Icom M25
There are a lot of marine radio brands out there, but Icom is one of the most popular. The Icom M25 is a great option for those looking for a reliable VHF marine radio. It has all the essential features you need, including waterproofing, float-free operation, and GPS. Plus, it’s very easy to use.
#4. Standard Horizon HX870
The Standard Horizon HX870 is one of the best VHF marine radios on the market. It has all the features you need in a marine radio, including GPS, DSC, and AIS. The radio also has a large, easy-to-read display. The HX870 is a great choice for boaters who want a top-quality marine radio.
#5. Midland MXT400
#6. Uniden MHS335BTVHF Radios for Handhelds at the Best Price
Transmitting power maximum 6W
Waterproof ratingIPX8/JIS-8 Submersible up to 4.9 feet for 30 Minutes
DSC: Yes
GPS: Yes
Batteries Rechargeable Lithium-Ion with up to 12 hours battery life and 3 1/2 hour charging
If you’re looking for handheld VHF marine radios, there’s no better place to start your search than with Uniden. Known for their quality and durability, Uniden’s MHS335BTVHF radios are some of the best on the market. And, right now, they’re available at an unbeatable price.
So, what makes these radios so great? First and foremost, they offer clear and reliable communication. Whether you’re out on the open water or just cruising around the harbor, you’ll be able to stay in touch with your fellow boaters without any problems.
In addition to being great for communication, these radios are also packed with features that will come in handy when you’re out on the water. For example, the integrated GPS means that you’ll always know your exact location, even if you’re far from shore. And, the DSC (Digital Selective Calling) feature allows you to send out a distress signal if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Of course, all of these features come at a price. But, right now, Uniden is offering a significant discount on their MHS335BTVHF radios. So, if you’re in the market for a new handheld VHF marine radio, don’t wait – order yours today!
Pros
- Full-featured
- GPS and DSC equipped
- All-weather channels available
- Battery life is excellent
- Great, easy-to-read screen
- Waterproof
- High-quality sound quality
- Good range
Cons
- Belts and battery clips may be fragile
- No matter how high the rating, full submersion is not recommended.
#7. ICOM IC M93D
Transmitting power maximum 5W
Waterproof ratingIPX7 (but only if the speaker microphone jack cover is removed,
Optional HM-165 or HM-228 are attached; floating
DSC: Yes
GPS: Yes
The ICOM IC M93D is a VHF marine radio that is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. It has both digital and analogue capabilities, so you can use it in either mode. It also has a large backlit LCD display, so you can easily see what you’re doing even in low light conditions. The radio also has a built-in GPS receiver, so you can keep track of your location at all times.
Pros
- Full-featured
- DSC and GPS-equipped
- All-weather channels available
- Battery life is excellent
- Excellent, simple-to-read screen
- High-quality sound quality
- Good range
Cons
- It’s expensive!
- Only optional aftermarket parts are eligible for the IPX7 rating
#8. Standard Horizon HX890 – Best Handheld VHF Radio
Transmitting power maximum 6W
Waterproof ratingIPX8; floating
DSC: Yes
GPS: Yes
There are a lot of reasons to choose the Standard Horizon HX890 as the best handheld VHF radio. For one, it has an impressive water-resistant rating of JIS8/IPX8, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Additionally, it has a high-output power of 6 watts, making it one of the most powerful handheld VHF radios on the market.
Not only is the Standard Horizon HX890 incredibly durable and powerful, but it’s also packed with features that make it perfect for marine use. It has an integrated GPS receiver that allows you to input your current position and track your progress while out on the water. Additionally, it has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities, which allow you to send distress signals and receive position information from other DSC-equipped radios.
The Standard Horizon HX890 is truly a top-of-the-line handheld VHF radio and is perfect for anyone who spends time on the water.
Pros
- Full-featured
- DSC and GPS-equipped
- All-weather channels available
- Amazing battery life
- Excellent, simple-to-read screen
- High-quality sound quality
- Good range
- Extremely waterproof and capable of floating
Cons
- It’s expensive!
#9. Uniden UM385BK
Transmitting power maximum 25W
Waterproof rating IPX4
DSC: Yes
GPS: Externally connected, yes.
Weighing only 2.2 pounds, the Uniden UM385BK is one of the lightest marine radios on the market. It also has a large, easy-to-read display and an impressive 25-watt output power. This radio is ideal for boaters who want a reliable, user-friendly VHF marine radio that won’t weigh them down.
Pros
- It is simple to use
- Great sound
- DSC compatible
- The screen is easy to read
Cons
- It’s not as waterproof as I would like.
#10. Cobra MRF45-D – The Best Fixed VHF Radio
Transmitting power maximum 25W
Waterproof ratingJIS7
DSC: Yes
GPS: Externally connected, yes.
If you’re looking for a top-quality fixed VHF radio, the Cobra MRF45-D is an excellent choice. This radio is packed with features that make it ideal for use on any vessel, and it’s also very competitively priced.
Some of the key features of the Cobra MRF45-D include:
- 25 watts of power – more than enough to communicate over long distances
- All USA/International and Canadian marine channels – perfect for boaters who travel frequently
- NOAA weather alerts – stay up-to-date on local conditions
- Triple Watch function – monitor three different marine channels at once
- The Cobra MRF45-D also has a number of convenient features that make it easy to use, such as:
- LCD display – easy to read, even in direct sunlight
- Keypad lock – prevents accidental channel changes
- Last channel recall – quickly switch back to your previous channel
Pros
- It is simple to use
- Great sound
- DSC compatible
- The screen is easy to read
- Extremely waterproof
- Very durable
#11. Standard Horizon GX1400 Eclipse– Best Fixed VHF Radio For Rain & Spray
Transmitting power maximum 25W
Waterproof ratingIPX8
DSC: Yes
GPS: Externally connected, yes.
Assuming you are looking for a radio for your vessel, the Standard Horizon GX1400 Eclipse is a great option. It has all the features you would need in a radio, plus some extras that might come in handy. For example, the radio has an integrated GPS receiver so you can keep track of your location while out on the water.
The radio also has a built-in AIS receiver which allows you to see nearby vessels that are also equipped with AIS transponders. This is a great feature to have if you want to avoid collisions or just stay aware of what is going on around you.
The GX1400 also has an emergency strobe light built into it. This can be used to signal for help if you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance.
Overall, the Standard Horizon GX1400 Eclipse is a great marine radio and would be a great addition to any vessel.
Pros
- It is simple to use
- Great sound
- DSC compatible
- The screen is easy to read
- Extremely waterproof
How to Choose the Best VHF Radio?
When you’re out on the water, having a reliable VHF radio is crucial. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a VHF radio:
- Operating frequency: Make sure the radio you choose operates on the frequencies that are most important to you.
- Channel availability: More channels means more options for communication. Look for a radio with as many channels as possible.
- Battery life: If you’re going to be using your radio for long periods of time, make sure it has a long battery life.
- Durability: Choose a radio that can stand up to the rigors of being used on a boat. Water resistance is a must.
- Ease of use: You don’t want to be fumbling with buttons when you’re trying to communicate. Look for a radio that is easy to use and has clear, intuitive controls.
Conclusion
A VHF marine radio is an essential piece of equipment for any boat and we hope that our reviews have helped you choose the best one for your needs. We’ve highlighted the key features of each model so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So, whether you’re looking for a basic model or something with all the bells and whistles, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect VHF marine radio on our list.