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10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Icom M510 VHF Fixed Mount Radio with 3.5" TFT LCD Display
The Icom M510 is a fixed-mount marine VHF radio designed for boaters who need reliable communication on the water. It covers the standard marine VHF frequency range for transmit and receive, ensuring compatibility with other marine radios. The radio offers 4 channels, which is quite limited compared to many marine radios that provide access to 156 channels, potentially restricting quick channel changes during emergencies or busy marine traffic.
#2
Simrad 000-14473-001 Vhf, Rs40-b, W/class B Ais, Hailer
The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio is a solid choice for boaters needing reliable communication and navigation features. It includes integrated AIS and GPS receivers, which is a big plus for safety and situational awareness on the water. The radio covers the essential VHF frequency range (156-174 MHz) and supports 8 channels, which is enough for common marine communications, though some might prefer more channels for flexibility. It is water resistant, suitable for marine conditions but may not be fully waterproof for extreme exposure.
#3
Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS, Slate Gray with Amp Yellow Band
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.
Rating
9.1
DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Most important from
14 reviews
Top 10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Icom M510 VHF Fixed Mount Radio with 3.5" TFT LCD Display
Icom M510 VHF Fixed Mount Radio with 3.5" TFT LCD Display
Channel Selection: 4
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Size and Weight: 9.8 x 8.8 x 6.8 in; 4.14 lbs
Display and Interface: 3.5" TFT color display
Chosen by 1136 this week
Simrad 000-14473-001 Vhf, Rs40-b, W/class B Ais, Hailer
Simrad 000-14473-001 Vhf, Rs40-b, W/class B Ais, Hailer
Channel Selection: 8
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Size and Weight: 18 x 10 x 6 inches; 5.51 lbs
Display and Interface: Suncover
Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS, Slate Gray with Amp Yellow Band
Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS, Slate Gray with Amp Yellow Band
Channel Selection: 10
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Size and Weight: 5.3 Pounds, 10.2 x 9 x 6.3
Display and Interface: Anti Glare Screen
FIXED MOUNT VHF/GPS/AIS/NMEA2000
FIXED MOUNT VHF/GPS/AIS/NMEA2000
Waterproof Rating: Weather Resistant
Size and Weight: 6 x 7.1 x 2.6 inches
Display and Interface: 3.5-inch color display, Buttons
Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency/Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa/International/Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White
Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency/Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa/International/Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White
Power Output: 25 watts
Channel Selection: USA/International/Canadian Channels
DSC (Digital Selective Calling): Yes
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Size and Weight: 2.6 x 5 x 6.3 in, 3.6 lbs
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Ray90 VHF and AIS700 Bundle
Ray90 VHF and AIS700 Bundle
Channel Selection: 16 channels
Waterproof Rating: IP66
Size and Weight: 13.78 x 5.91 x 5.91 in, 2 kg
Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios Fixed Mount, Marine Band Radio with Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, High Power, NOAA Weather, International Channels, Scan, Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)
Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios Fixed Mount, Marine Band Radio with Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, High Power, NOAA Weather, International Channels, Scan, Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)
Channel Selection: 88 channels, including 10 NOAA weather
DSC (Digital Selective Calling): Built-in GPS for distress calls, sharing
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Size and Weight: 6.02x5.98x2.64 inches; 2.86 pounds
Display and Interface: Large LCD with dot-matrix display
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Marine Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
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-watt
Channel Selection: USA, Canada, international channels
Waterproof Rating: submersible
Battery Life: decent
Size and Weight: 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 in, 9.6 oz
Display and Interface: backlit LCD display
Icom M94d Vhf Marine Radio W/dsc & Ais
Icom M94d Vhf Marine Radio W/dsc & Ais
Channel Selection: 4
DSC (Digital Selective Calling): 156.525 MHz
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Size and Weight: 2.4 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches
Display and Interface: Dimmable back-lit screen
#10
Garmin 0100209600 VHF 115 Marine Radio
Garmin 0100209600 VHF 115 Marine Radio
Power Output: 36 Mile
Channel Selection: 10
DSC (Digital Selective Calling): Yes
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Size and Weight: 4.6 Pounds, 10.2 x 9 x 6.3
Display and Interface: User-friendly
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Buying Guide for the Best Marine Vhf Radios
Choosing the right marine VHF radio is crucial for ensuring safety and effective communication while out on the water. A VHF radio is an essential tool for boaters, providing a reliable means of communication for both routine and emergency situations. When selecting a marine VHF radio, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and choose a radio that meets your specific requirements.Power OutputPower output determines the range of your VHF radio. It is usually measured in watts. Higher power output means a longer communication range. Marine VHF radios typically offer 1 watt for short-range communication and 25 watts for long-range communication. If you are mostly boating in coastal areas or near shore, a lower power output may suffice. However, for offshore or long-distance communication, a higher power output is recommended.
Channel SelectionMarine VHF radios operate on specific channels designated for different types of communication, such as distress, hailing, and ship-to-ship communication. It's important to choose a radio that supports all the necessary channels, including international channels if you plan to travel outside your home country. Ensure the radio has access to weather channels for receiving important weather updates. The more channels available, the more versatile your communication options will be.
DSC (Digital Selective Calling)DSC is a feature that allows you to send a distress signal with your GPS location to other vessels and rescue authorities at the push of a button. This feature is crucial for safety, as it can significantly speed up rescue operations in an emergency. When choosing a VHF radio, look for one with DSC capability. Ensure it is connected to a GPS device to provide accurate location information.
Waterproof RatingSince marine VHF radios are used in a wet environment, it's important to choose one with a good waterproof rating. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates the level of water resistance. For marine use, an IPX7 rating (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) or higher is recommended. This ensures the radio will continue to function even if it gets wet or is accidentally dropped in water.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially for handheld VHF radios. Longer battery life means you can rely on the radio for extended periods without needing to recharge. Look for radios with rechargeable batteries and consider carrying spare batteries for longer trips. If you are using a fixed-mount radio, ensure it is connected to a reliable power source on your vessel.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of the VHF radio can affect its portability and ease of use. Handheld radios should be lightweight and compact for easy carrying and operation. Fixed-mount radios should fit well in the available space on your vessel's console. Consider how and where you will use the radio to determine the best size and weight for your needs.
Display and InterfaceA clear and easy-to-read display is important for quickly accessing information and operating the radio. Look for a radio with a backlit display for visibility in low light conditions. The interface should be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and buttons that are easy to operate, even with wet or gloved hands. A good display and interface can make a significant difference in the ease of use and overall experience.