10 Best VHF Radios 2026 in the United States

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.

The Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS is a robust marine VHF radio with several notable features. It offers a power output suitable for marine communications and has a speaking range of up to 36 miles, which is impressive for many maritime needs. The radio includes 10 channels, covering a frequency range of 156.050 MHz to 163.275 MHz, including weather channels, making it versatile for various communication needs on the water.

The Raymarine E70517 VHF radio is a compact and solid choice for marine communication, especially if you're looking for a unit with built-in GPS. It weighs about 5 pounds and has a small form factor, making it fairly easy to install on most boats. One of its strong points is the GPS integration, which is useful for location tracking and enhanced safety at sea. It also offers wireless functionality and supports connections for a second station, which adds flexibility for larger vessels or multiple users.