10 Best VHF Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a solid choice for marine communication. Its key strength is the noise-cancelling microphone, which ensures clear conversations by blocking out background noise. This is particularly useful when you are out on the water where wind and engine noise can be disruptive. Another notable feature is its power output flexibility, allowing you to switch between 1, 3, and 6 watts for short- and long-range communication, making it versatile for different water adventures.

The device is also submersible and floats, which is a huge plus for preventing loss overboard, and the backlit orange display is easy to read in various lighting conditions. The radio supports USA, Canada, and international channels, providing broad coverage for communication wherever you go. Additionally, it includes NOAA weather alerts, which are crucial for staying informed about changing weather conditions and emergencies on the water.

On the downside, the radio does not include GPS integration, which could be a valuable feature for navigation and safety. However, its compact size and lightweight design (9.6 ounces) make it highly portable and easy to handle. Battery life is not explicitly detailed, but it includes a battery saver mode which is likely to enhance usage time. The product includes necessary accessories like a dock charger and belt clip. This VHF radio is well-suited for boating enthusiasts who prioritize clear communication, weather updates, and a durable, floating design.

The Ray90 VHF and AIS700 Bundle from Raymarine is a solid choice for boaters needing reliable communication and safety features. It includes a VHF radio with 16 channels, which covers basic marine communication well but may feel limited if you need more channel options. The product is submersible with an IP66 waterproof rating, so it can handle harsh marine environments and splashes without worry. It weighs about 4.4 pounds and measures roughly 14 by 6 by 6 inches, making it a bit heavier and larger than some handheld models, so it’s best suited for fixed mounting on boats rather than portable use.

This bundle also includes AIS700, adding GPS integration and vessel tracking, which enhances safety and situational awareness on the water. Raymarine is known for marine-focused designs that usually balance ease of use with functionality. If you need a dependable fixed VHF radio with AIS and good waterproofing for marine use, this bundle fits well, especially for boaters valuing integrated GPS and AIS features.

The Uniden UM385BK is a solid choice for a fixed-mount marine VHF radio, offering 25 watts of power and 40 channels that cover US, international, and Canadian waters. It’s designed to keep you safe with features like NOAA weather alerts and a built-in distress button that sends your location in emergencies using DSC technology. The radio is waterproof with an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle rain and splashes but isn’t fully submersible. It weighs just over 3 pounds and is fairly compact, making it suitable for most boats without taking up much space.

While it has a rugged mic for easy use at the helm, the display and interface are wireless but not highly detailed in terms of screen size or features, which may affect ease of use for some. The radio relies on your vessel’s power. Its clear communication range extends up to 25 miles, demonstrating reliable performance for general marine communication needs.

This model is well suited for boaters looking for a reliable, weather-resistant marine radio with essential safety features, but those wanting advanced display options or built-in GPS might want to explore other models.