If you’re a boater and are worried about your safety, using a VHF radio while on the water might be one of the ideal jobs.
Because in the event of emergencies on the water, you may need to connect with other boaters or your coast guard to receive help, and the only way of connecting them is using a VHF radio.
On this review page, we have managed well-researched content where you’re going to see some of the best handheld VHF Radios for boats.
The products that we have selected for this review got massive popularity to the most users and are currently ranking on the market in a better position. To get the best one from the list, you need to read the entire content until the end!
Note: As we know, VHF radio comes in different colours, sizes, features, benefits. So you should keep your eyes open on them when checking their parts, and only should pick one that will meet your actual needs!
Our selected radios are fully waterproof, user-friendly, well-designed, lightweight. Some of them offer some unique features!
Best Handheld VHF Radio For Boat
1. Retevis RA26 Marine Radio
As our number one pick, we feel proud to select this one on our list because Retevis is a brand that concentrates on wireless technology. They are providing one of the on-demand services to the market!
Retevis RA26 Marine VHF Radio is a Dual and Triple-watch supported device. Having the three maritime channel frequency groups will ensure you’ll benefit from more than 88 channels.
A total number of 88 international channels can be used in maritime locations worldwide. But are you worrying about violating your area lows? Don’t worry because When you reach the corresponding sea area, all you need to do is change the related frequency group.
One of the unique features of this specific device is it has a vibration drainage mechanism. What this function will do is it will remove moisture in the speaker and will also ensure you get a better sound quality!
The device is 100% floating and IP67 waterproof. Suppose the device is dropped in one meter of water for half an hour, you can dry it, and the device will start to work fine itself!
The LCD screen will automatically adjust the display’s brightness, so you’ll never need to set it manually. Although the device offers a 1500 mAh Li-ion battery, it can provide up to 11 hours of run time!
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Retevis
- Colour: Black
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 220 Grams
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
Pros:
- Strong and sturdy
- Long battery life
- Live Weather Alert and Update
- Keyboard lock system
- Vibration drainage Mechanism
Cons:
- Only a 1500 mAh battery powers the device
2. Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio
The Uniden Atlantis 155 is a compact-sized VHF radio with all the features needed for a radio.
The screen of the device is a little bit larger compared to others at this price point. The audio quality is clear, and the range is remarkable. For boat-to-boat communications, the radio will be able to cover up to 5-10 miles.
If you’re a lazy guy and do not want to charge your device, again and again, you have a piece of good news, the bratty will last a few days, but the limitation is you only have to monitor channel 16. If you transmit the radio frequently, the battery life will not last long!
Due to its large screen size, you can easily see and read channel numbers and icons. It has user-selectable while a backlight for the day and orange light for the night.
This handy device floats and is rated submersible to 4.9 feet for up to 25-30 minutes. It has a tone to clear water from its speaker cavity when the device has been submerged!
Note: this one comes with a 3 watts transmit power and 950mAh battery, so if you compare this one from the previous model, you’ll feel a lot of difference. But compared to the price range, nothing is terrible!
The Retevis RA26 is competitively more expensive than the Uniden Atlantis 155. So if you have a wise budget, try the Retevis RA26 and for a low budget, pick this model!
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Uniden
- Colour: Atlantis 155
- Dimensions: 1.44 x 2.5 x 5.38 inches
- International Protection Rating: IPX8
Pros:
- It receives all marine channels
- Affordable price range
- Rechargeable battery
- User-selectable transmit power
- The large display makes it easy to watch all your essential information
Cons:
- Cheap belt clip
3. Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio
If you’re a fisherman or a person who spends the most time on the seawater, you might know that keeping a handheld VHF radio as a backup is essential if you primarily use a fixed mount marine radio, and this is where this model comes in!
If you’re currently using a fixed mount radio on your boat, we’ll suggest this as a backup option, although you can use it for your primary safety.
The battery life will last for a long time if you transmit the power at a low power label.
No matter where you use the device, it will work well because it will allow the operation of channels in the USA, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts.
You’ll have the option of selecting low transmit power for short communication and high transmit power such as 6 watts for long communications.
The design and compact looks make the device more user-friendly and useful for beginners and professionals. You can access all the NOAA weather channels to get their live weather updates and pieces of information!
It will ensure clear communication during your conversation because it has a noise-cancelling microphone that will block background noise. It comes with all the necessary tools that you’ll need to start the device, such as the charger, AC and DC charger, battery pack, book for learning how to use it, spring-loaded belt clip, antenna, and wrist strap.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Cobra
- Colour: Grey
- Number of Channels: 16
- Dimensions : 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 inches
- Weight: 9.59 Ounces
- Rating: IPX7
Pros:
- Noise-removing microphone for clear communications
- Maximum coverage
- The Tri-watch feature will help you control three channels at once
- Access to NOAA weather updates
- Floating design
Cons:
- You can only charge the device with their provided charging cable
- The sound is not
4. Standard Horizon HX210 Marine Radio
The Standard Horizon HX210 is a super sturdy and robust marine radio with a 3-year waterproof warranty. If the device falls in the water, an emergency strobe light will automatically be activated. This is a great safety feature for this model.
The unique part of this device is its large full dot matrix display. Every vital piece of information will be easily seen.
When picking the best handheld VHF radio for a boat, one thing continuously checks is if the device is lightweight or not. Try to select a lightweight model so that you can carry it in your way.
As ordered, the Standard Horizon HX210 Marine Radio is lightweight because the weight is only 0.9 Pound. The ergonomic case design makes the model compact and easy to use!
It has a built-in FM broadcast band receiver that will allow users to tune in to their preferred FM radio station.
The menu system is quite clear to understand. Anyone with no experience will be able to use it by reading the user manual provided when you buy the device.
Like other models on this list, it also has a selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output power so that you can select your preferred power output based on your current needs.
What you’ll get from the pack is A speaker mic jack, programmable function keys, a high-capacity 1850 mAh Li-ion battery with a 3-hour desktop quick charger, an Antenna, proper documentation, 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables, and a charging cradle!
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: STANDARD HORIZON
- Dimensions : 1.57 x 2.36 x 5.2 inches
- Weight: 0.9 Pounds
- Rating: IPX7
- Frequency Range: 76 – 108 MHz
- Warranty: 3 year
Pros:
- High-resolution dot-matrix LCD display
- Submersible IPX7 waterproof rating
- It can cover up to 5-10 miles at the 6 watts transmit power if your weather has a good condition
- 3-hour desktop quick charger
- Larger capacity 1850 mAh battery
Cons:
- Since the device uses a built-in battery, there is no spare battery for it. You have to charge the battery from time to time.
5. Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Radio
This is another model from the Standard Horizon brand, but this model is more expensive than the HX210. Of course, there are some critical reasons for this, which I will show you later.
It’s an excellent radio for boating safety. The 700mW load audio and noise-removing function will ensure clear communication when contacting other boaters and your cost gourd.
This device is DSC (Digital Selective Calling) supported. In emergencies, you can quickly send a distress alert and message to your cost gourd or others to get help!
The design looks professional, and W2.60″ x H5.43″ x D1.50″ Round Case Design will offer you excellent ergonomics. The selectable display mode is a great feature that will protect your eyes and help you to watch the display clearly at nighttime and daytime.
Due to its 1800mAh battery, your radio will last for up to 11 hours or higher. The menu is easy to understand. It has a waypoint and route navigation.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: STANDARD HORIZON
- Colour: Navy Blue
- Waterproof: IPX8
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Dimensions : 9.88 x 7.36 x 4.09 inches
Pros:
- Group Monitor Function
- Dual Watch and Triple Watch
- Built-in FM Broadcast Radio Receiver
- Micro USB Data jack
- Live NOAA Weather Updates
Cons:
- Expensive
- USB charging is NOT supported
Conclusion:
VHF radio is a device that plays an essential role in the safety of our lives in seawater, the kind of small device that becomes the best friend in the event of an emergency.
At the end of finding the best Best Handheld VHF Radio For the Boat, we’re confident that if you follow the shared list where we mentioned some of the top-rated VHF radios, you’ll be able to select the best one!
Still facing the issue, comment below to ask anything related to VHF radio, will be provided with a good guide based on your needs!