10 Best VHF Radios 2025 in the United States

The Uniden UM385 is a solid choice if you're looking for a fixed-mount VHF marine radio designed for boating safety and communication. It offers a strong 25-watt power output, which helps ensure clear communication up to about 40 miles under good conditions—this is reliable enough for most coastal and offshore use. It supports all USA, international, and Canadian marine channels, giving you access to a wide range of frequencies, and has 40 channels to choose from.

One of its standout features is the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) with a distress button, which can send your location quickly in emergencies, adding an important safety layer. The triple watch feature lets you monitor multiple channels simultaneously, which is practical while on the move. The radio is IPX4 waterproof, meaning it can handle splashes and rain but is not fully submersible, so it’s best suited for protected use rather than heavy immersion. With a weight of about 3.5 pounds and compact size, it’s easy to install on a boat without taking too much space or adding bulk.

The user interface is straightforward with a rugged handheld mic, designed to be operated easily from the helm, which is helpful for safety and convenience. The UM385 provides dependable marine radio performance with good power, channel coverage, and safety features, making it ideal for boaters who want solid communication and emergency options without too much complexity.

The Icom M94d VHF Marine Radio is designed with several impressive features tailored for marine environments. It offers 6W RF power output, providing clear communication over a maximum range of 5 kilometers. The radio includes DSC for distress signal calling and an AIS receiver, enhancing safety by providing access to vessel traffic information. With a waterproof rating and AquaQuake draining function, it is reliable in wet conditions and even floats and flashes if dropped in water.

The inclusion of a simplified navigation system and a dimmable, back-lit display ensures easy readability in various lighting conditions. The radio also has noise cancellation for clearer audio output and an audio output of 1500mW, making it suitable for noisy marine settings. It is relatively lightweight at 2.2 pounds and compact with dimensions of 2.4 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches, which makes it portable and easy to handle.

The device operates for up to 10 hours on one AAA battery, which might require frequent battery changes for extended use. Additionally, it lacks built-in GPS integration, which could be a downside for users needing precise location tracking. This marine radio is ideal for boaters seeking reliable communication and safety features but may not suit those looking for extensive GPS functionality.