Living is simple in the summertime, and having solid communication when on the water will assist with guaranteeing that your days are protected and effortless. A marine radio is a crucial piece of safety equipment for each boat, and you have choices with regards to picking the best marine radio for your conditions – and a great deal of inquiries to respond to.
Do you really want a proper mount radio, or will a handheld model be a superior decision? How significant is GPS? Are marine radios waterproof? Luckily, our group is here to show you your choices with regards to radio styles and includes, and to assist you with deciding the best marine radio for you. Also check out the amazing review about the Best Surf Fishing Rods for the Money.
Our Top Picks
- Lightweight unit has every one of the elements you want
- USB charging
- Quality gadgets
- It incorporates climate data channels as well
- It has a result force of 25 Watts
- The radio has a JIS-8 water-safe rating
- Both 1W and 25W sending settings are compatible with this radio
- Triple Watch Plus, which allows you to check Channel 16 and Channel 9 or one or more
- Compatible with Cox, spectrum and Xfinity
- Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
- Not Compatible with Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2
Assuming there is an emergency and you want to utilize the radio here are significant subtleties to tell the USCG. State unmistakably the idea of the emergency, the quantity of individuals on board the vessel, the name of the vessel, and above all where you are found. Assuming the radio is appropriately arrangement pushing the pain transmission can consequently send the specific area of the boat. Many individuals don’t set this up anyway and need to peruse GPS arrange from the fish locater, handheld GPS, or in any event, utilizing a wireless. It is in every case great to have an arrangement set up with different ways of finding support. A Personal Locator Beacon or an EPIRB is another excellent way to get help in an emergency.
We’ll go through the finest marine radios, why you’d want one, how to use one, what to look for, and how they function in this guide. I’ll be producing some of the most well-known handheld and fixed-mount VHF marine radios.
9 Best Vhf Marine Radio of 2022 – Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
EDITORS CHOICE | ICOM 94D VHF Radio with AIS
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
EDITORS CHOICE | Standard Horizon Explorer GPS Fixed Mount Marine Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
EDITORS CHOICE | Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
EDITORS CHOICE | Lowrance Link-6 DSC Marine VHF Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
EDITORS CHOICE | Uniden MHS335BT VHF Marine Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
EDITORS CHOICE | Uniden Fixed Mount Marine Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK | Standard Horizon HX870 Handheld VHF Marine Radio
| 8.7
| Check on Amazon |
TOP CHOICE | Cobra MRF45D Class D Fixed Mount Marine Radio
| 9.5
| Check on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK | ICOM M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio
| 8.7
| Check on Amazon |
Best Marine Radio Vhf and Speakers With Stereo Bluetooth 2022
1.ICOM 94D VHF Radio with AIS

Specifications:
- Brand: Icom
- Number of Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required
- Item Weight: 2.21 Pounds
The replacement to the well-known 93D, beforehand one of the most amazing VHF radios, ICOM’s most recent handheld unit blows everyone’s mind with the 94D. This is the primary handheld VHF radio with an implicit AIS collector.
A sea cruising reinforcement or portable unit, an essential waterway choice just as an incredible trench sack VHF, the 94D does what its archetype did and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
With tri-watch, DSC and AIS, MOB button and the glimmering component, safety and genuine serenity are improved.
It’s not difficult to utilize and has the appropriate elements and assistants to make marine exercises more secure. There’s an explanation both kayakers and mariners have been applauding this VHF.
Our Verdict:
There’s consistently talk between more seasoned mariners and more up to date mariners about the ideals of a graph plotter. The old fashioned remark, “wouldn’t you be able to peruse a guide” doesn’t generally mirror the difficulty of exploring in mist or with such a lot of boat traffic.
The 94D adds a worked on route framework, one that decent units have had for quite a while. We think this greatly works on the devices of safety for boaters in waterways and in interesting climate.
An AIS will show the area of different ships around, and simultaneously uncover your situation to them (yet on AIS “B”), which business vessels can overlook.
With a 1500mW speaker that is clear, even after a dunk in the beverage because of the Aqua Quake and Float and Flash capacities and a directional control cushion for simple route, the 94D is easy to understand and dependable.
This is the freshest and conceivably the best handheld VHF marine radio accessible. The cost mirrors that. Also check out the amazing article about the Best Boat Anchors Reviews for 2022.
2.Standard Horizon Explorer GPS Fixed Mount Marine Radio

Specifications:
- Brand : Standard
- Are Batteries Included: Yes
- Item Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 6 inches
The underlying GPS receiver in the Standard Horizon GX1800G maritime radios sets it apart. This allows Digital Selective Calling (DSC) trouble transmissions to be issued without the need to connect the radio to a second device with GPS. It also has a secondary beneficiary who receives DSC calls. This is a conservative radio with a top-to-bottom creep of only 3.3. White or dark shading options are available. It has an IPX8 underwater rating, which means it’s waterproof for 30 minutes at 1.5 meters.
The Standard Horizon GX1850G, which features NMEA2000 organization, is a comparable model that the most majority will not use. As a result, for many people, this less expensive device is the better option. The GX1800 without the G is a similar product that does not include the underlying GPS receiver and costs roughly $40 less.
Our Verdict:
It is a truly smart thought to have a radio with an implicit presentation that shows the planned constantly. Most skippers realize how to get the GPS position out of the essential route unit and may even show the directions on that gadget. Nonetheless, in case of an emergency having numerous ways of getting the position quickly is significant.
These units are RAM4 viable, which means they are equipped for being associated with a RAM4 far off receiver. This implies that you can have mouthpieces at two unique areas on the boat without having two radios. Customarily radio calls from inside the taxi are missed when outside on the deck. The second handheld amplifier additionally has sound speakers. Route highlights of the unit incorporate Man Overboard MOB activity and enter, save, and explore to waypoints utilizing the compass.
3.Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: STANDARD HORIZON
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
- Item Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 2 inches
This Standard Horizon will serve you well whether you use it as essential maritime VHF or to commend a good equipment. Standard Horizon’s main goal cry is “Nothing takes to water like Standard Horizon.” SH is a 50-year-old company that sells a multi-component, all-purpose VHF.
Our Verdict:
The HX890 might very well replace your cell phone due to its rugged design and convenience, which includes a simple-to-read LCD screen and a configurable operating system.. All things considered, perhaps not, however with FM radio beneficiary, route helps, standard DSC, man over the edge highlight (MOB) – to give some examples you can rapidly see the reason why this VHF costs a small piece more than different units. Yet, it’s great and you’ll have this for a few nautical years. Furthermore the battery working season of around 11 hours ain’t excessively decrepit
4.Lowrance Link-6 DSC Marine VHF Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: Lowrance
- Model Name: 000-15688-001
- Item Dimensions: 16 x 11.44 x 5.42 inches
Lowrance makes two VHF fixed mount Marine Radios the Link-6 and Link-9. The Link-6 doesn’t have an inherent GPS yet can be wired to the route unit to offer DSC usefulness. Key highlights of the Link-6 incorporate a four-button hand receiver, 16 devoted channels, numerous sweep modes, and flush or section mount establishment. In the contacts list up to 50 names with MMSI numbers can be put away.
Our Verdict:
The Lowrance Link-9 accompanies an underlying GPS collector. It can likewise get GPS position information from a SMA connector, NMEA-500 for Chart plotter GPS, and NMEA 2000 for the organization radio wire association. The form in AIS beneficiary data can be shown on the radio’s screen or overlayed on a multifunction show’s route or radar screen. The Link-9 additionally has a MOB capacity to explore back to an individual or item in the water.
5.Uniden MHS335BT VHF Marine Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: Uniden
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Item Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 2.5 inches
This handheld marine radio comes as close as you can get to pressing in all that a decent unit can do into a convenient gadget. Beginning with the Bluetooth fit capacities that give you additional communication (utilizing the cell phone application) and including GPS (waypoint fit), this convenient VHF gives generally your nautical necessities in a durable development.
Our Verdict:
Add the spotlight, compass, insidious battery and the biggest screen in its group (greater occasion than the Atlantis 155) and you get an item that can do significantly more than different items. It likewise has NMEA 0183 result so it will speak with different contraptions ready. Greater than the M93D, it’s not as convenient, but rather it can do somewhat more.
6.Uniden Fixed Mount Marine Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: Uniden
- Item Dimensions: 5 x 6.6 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 3.85 Pounds
This Uniden 435 supplanted the exceptionally well known Uniden UM415. It has a result force of 25 Watts. It doesn’t have a GPS collector however it very well may be wired to a GPS gadget or GPS radio wire.
The UM415 is available in black or white and is an incredible value in terms of fixed-mount marine radios. When pushing the pain button, DSC can be set up to provide vessel and location data.
The radio has a JIS-8 water-safe rating, which means it may be submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. Both 1W and 25W sending settings are compatible with this radio. A flip cover protects the forward-looking complete class D DSC button.
Our Verdict:
This radio has a few wonderful features, such as Triple Watch Plus, which allows you to check Channel 16 and Channel 9 or one or more other specially selected channels. The SAME climate-ready architecture is incredibly beneficial and precise, and it includes tide reports. The amplifier’s Quik Command One-Touch Ch 16/9 channel selections make switching to emergency channels a breeze. The mouthpiece also allows you to select the channels and sweep.
A dimmer and adjustable LCD contrast settings are available on the LCD display. When boating in low-light or night settings, the dimmer comes in handy. When driving boats in the nighttime, I have to put objects over specific radios in order to retain my night vision.
There is an UM385 minimized adaptation of this radio that isn’t sub and just has a JIS4 sprinkle safe rating. This will work assuming that the radio is mounted inside a lodge however ought not be utilized outside.
7.Standard Horizon HX870 Handheld VHF Marine Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: STANDARD HORIZON
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
Like its large VHF sibling, Standard Horizon’s HX870 is a handheld radio numerous mariners depend on. It makes a solid showing and is adequately adaptable to work like an augmentation with GPS chart plotters. For broadened beach front boating this radio can nearly supplant the more remarkable fixed VHF models because of its sending power and choice for AA batteries.
Our Verdict:
It has Size and: 2.44″ x 5.43″ x 1.69″ (without radio wire),Weight: 2 pounds
It drifts and is absolutely waterproof (JIS8/IPX8), Underlying GPS so DSC can work without chart plotter
8.Cobra MRF45D Class D Fixed Mount Marine Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: Cobra
- Number of Channels: 40
- Item Weight: 1814 Grams
The Cobra radio is extremely minimal with regards to fixed-mount radios. Notwithstanding, it’s anything but a rough as different radios however would function admirably in an inside climate. The waterproof rating for the unit is JIS7 waterproof, which implies that it is inundation safe however not sub. It says submarine on the façade of the unit yet actually that isn’t right.
The mouthpiece is extraordinary and uses clamor dropping innovation to guarantee your active communications aren’t rambled out by the breeze or motor commotion. It is DSC viable with the standard one-contact trouble button situated on the front board and it will send your communications in either 1W or 25W power setups.
Our Verdict:
Besides, it gets the run of the mill 10 NOAA climate channels with discernible tempest alarms and the standard worldwide inclusion plot with 3 channel maps. This unit from Cobra uses Dual-watch innovation that permits you to screen channel 16 and one more channel fitting your personal preference all the while
9.ICOM M25 21 Handheld VHF Radio

Specifications:
- Brand: Icom
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Item Weight: 1 Pounds
This little, lightweight unit has every one of the elements you want, including tri-watch, float and glimmer, USB charging, water tremor to vibrate water out. There aren’t every one of the fancy odds and ends of better quality gadgets however the cost of this VHF makes it a unit you should purchase if all else fails. ICOM makes great items and their help is great as well.
Our Verdict:
It incorporates climate data channels as well. For the relaxed cruiser or as an excess VHF or trench sack radio this is a decent decision as it doesn’t occupy a lot of room yet does a very steady employment when required.
What are the various kinds of marine radios?
There are two fundamental kinds of marine radios: fixed mount and handheld. A decent mount radio incorporates a base station with a screen and a different corded mouthpiece. This sort of radio is wired straightforwardly to your boat’s dissemination circuit or battery and ought to be mounted in an area where it’s not difficult to access and simple to see the screen, however which doesn’t meddle with your perspective on different frameworks. Your proper marine radio will likewise require a receiving wire, which ought to be mounted at the most elevated area conceivable, away from electrical equipment; see our marine frill for VHF receiving wires and different things.
A handheld marine radio is one single piece and looks more like a walkie talkie. Like a mounted radio, it works on the VHF band, yet it has a receiving wire inherent.
Concluding which style is the best marine radio for you will rely upon your boat, your area, and different variables. Mounted radios require more power and can’t be moved around the boat; they additionally need a different receiving wire for compelling significant distance communication. When introduced accurately, notwithstanding, a proper mount radio has fantastic reach – fundamental in an emergency circumstance in the untamed water. Handheld radios are convenient, however they have a battery that should be kept charged and will be unable to send a transmission very to the extent a decent mount radio. All things considered, a handheld radio is conveyed with you and can be a lifeline. Search for a radio that is water safe and ready to drift so that it’s not difficult to track down can in any case be utilized assuming it winds up in the water – with or without you. This kind of radio isn’t reliant upon power from your boat’s battery, and it can likewise better pinpoint your definite area through GPS and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) assuming you is isolated from your boat. Also check the amazing review about the Best Handheld GPS of 2022 for Every Adventure.
Do I want a VHF radio for my boat?
Sporting vessels less than 20 meters long are not needed to have VHF marine radio in numerous spaces. That being said practically all boats that movement seaward have a VHF marine radio. This is a significant communication apparatus to chat with different boaters nearby. This permits anglers to say how their day is going. It is likewise ordinarily used to give wind, wave and climate forecasts in adjacent regions. Indeed, even vessels as little as a kayak ought to have handheld marine radio with then when on the sea.