10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a versatile and robust choice for marine communication. One of its standout features is the 6-watt power output, which allows for customizable communication ranges, making it suitable for both short and long-distance use. The radio supports USA, Canada, and international channels, providing broad coverage for various regions. However, it does not seem to support Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which is a significant safety feature in marine radios.

The radio is submersible and has a floating design, ensuring it can be easily retrieved if dropped in water. Additionally, it comes with a noise-cancelling microphone to ensure clear communication even in noisy environments. Its backlit LCD display is designed for high visibility, which is essential for use in different lighting conditions at sea.

The NOAA weather and emergency radio feature is a great addition, providing 24-hour updates on weather conditions and emergencies, which is crucial for safety. The radio has a compact size and is lightweight at 9.6 ounces, making it easy to carry and handle. The included battery saver mode and the lithium polymer battery provide a decent battery life. In summary, the Cobra MR HH350 FLT is an excellent choice for recreational boaters who need reliable communication and weather updates, but professionals who require DSC might need to look for alternatives.

The Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS radio is designed for marine enthusiasts who require reliable communication on the water. One of its notable strengths is the impressive talking range of up to 36 miles, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore use. The inclusion of 10 channels allows users to easily switch between communications, which is a plus for busy maritime environments. The radio operates on VHF frequencies between 156.050 MHz to 163.275 MHz, which includes important weather channels, enhancing safety during navigation.

The anti-glare display is another commendable feature, ensuring that users can read the screen in various lighting conditions, a vital aspect when out at sea. Furthermore, the unit is designed to be water-resistant, offering peace of mind for those frequently exposed to water.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the radio is described as water-resistant, it may not be fully waterproof, which could be a concern in heavy rain or extreme conditions. The size and weight, at 5.3 pounds, might make it less portable than smaller handheld models, which could be a factor for users looking for a compact communication device.

This Lowrance VHF Marine Radio offers essential features like DSC (Digital Selective Calling) and AIS-RX, which help with safety and vessel tracking on the water. It operates within the standard VHF frequency range and provides a maximum talking range of about 6 miles, suitable for typical boating needs. The radio includes only 2 channels, which is quite limited compared to many marine radios that often support 25 or more channels; this could restrict communication options in busy waterways. It has a large, clear white dot matrix LCD, making it easier to read information in varying light conditions.

The device weighs 6 pounds and measures 18 x 10 x 6 inches, making it somewhat bulky and heavier than many handheld units, so it might be better suited for fixed installation on a boat rather than handheld use. It is water resistant and may withstand splashes but not submersion, which is important to consider for rough marine environments. The radio runs on 13.6 volts DC, typical for boat power systems. Its beige color and included mounting kits suggest it is designed for integration with existing boat equipment.

This radio is a good fit for boaters looking for a basic, reliable VHF radio with safety features like DSC and AIS reception, though it may not meet the needs of those wanting a lightweight, handheld option or needing many communication channels.