10 Best VHF Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable handheld VHF radio for marine use. It offers flexible power output options (1, 3, and 6 watts) which helps you communicate effectively whether you’re close to shore or further out on the water. Its waterproof, submersible design means you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it falls overboard, plus it floats and has an easy-to-see orange display that stays visible in different lighting conditions. The noise-cancelling microphone is a helpful feature that improves call clarity in windy or noisy environments. While it supports USA, Canada, and international channels, the total number of channels is limited to three channel maps rather than a large channel count, which might restrict some users looking for broader frequency options.

It does not have GPS integration, so location tracking or emergency positioning services are not built in. Another plus is the built-in NOAA weather and emergency alerts, which keep you informed about changing conditions on the water—a critical safety feature. The unit is reasonably lightweight and compact for handheld use, making it comfortable to carry on long trips. It uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which tends to offer good endurance.

This radio is best suited for boaters or marine adventurers who want a rugged, easy-to-use device with essential safety features, but it may be less ideal if you need advanced navigation or a very wide channel selection.

The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio offers valuable features for boaters needing reliable communication on the water. It includes integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) and GPS receivers, which help with navigation and tracking nearby vessels — a plus for safety. The radio operates within the standard 156-174 MHz VHF frequency range and supports 8 channels, which is fewer compared to many VHF radios that often have 16 or more channels for wider communication options.

It has a water resistance rating of IP67, meaning it can handle being briefly submerged in water, making it suitable for marine environments. Weighing about 5.5 pounds and measuring 18 by 10 by 6 inches, it’s somewhat bulky but comes with useful mounting kits and a suncover to protect the display from glare. The maximum talking range is listed as 23 miles, which is typical for VHF radios under ideal conditions.

This radio represents a solid choice if you want integrated GPS and AIS with decent waterproofing. However, if you need more channels or a lighter device, you might want to consider other options.

The Standard Horizon GX2410GPS is a solid choice if you're looking for a fixed mount VHF radio that combines reliable communication with built-in GPS and AIS features. It comes with a clear 3.5-inch color display and uses button controls, which keeps things straightforward to operate. Its size and weight (about 5 pounds and compact dimensions) make it suitable for panel or dashboard mounting on boats.

The unit supports NMEA2000 connectivity, allowing it to integrate well with other marine electronics. It’s weather resistant, making it durable enough to handle typical marine environments, so it is best used in sheltered or covered settings. The product includes useful extras like a dust cover, mounting bracket, and a three-year warranty, giving you some peace of mind.

This radio is suited for boaters who want a dependable, fixed installation with GPS and AIS capabilities but might want to verify its waterproof level depending on their specific needs.