Are you trying to find boat vhf radios among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling boat vhf radios on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 14 hours of research and did 59 boat vhf radios tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best boat vhf radios you can buy today
- Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
- With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert—the UM385 brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
- The UM385 rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit easily from the wheel while keeping your focus on the waters ahead.
- Waterproof Radio – Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splashing water.
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - Includes Distress Button, Position Send and Request. Gives you the ability to press one button to call for help during an emergency. Full Class D DSC capability. High performance transceiver ensures clear communication and
- The Atlantis 155’s submersible, Floating Handheld design allows you to stay secure and connected while having fun on the water.
- With the Largest LCD screen in its class 25mm (h) x 40mm (w), and Paper White Backlight display for Day Time, and Red Backlight display for Night Time, it’s the radio you won’t leave shore without.
- When every inch of space count, you still want the important features that will keep you safe at sea. The Atlantis 155 doesn’t sacrifice big features to keep its profile small.
- It Floats, meets the toughest Waterproof standards IPX8 / JIS8, and even clears its speaker of water after being submerged. And with its compact size it’s never far away when you need to stay in touch the most.
- Receives all Marine Radio Channels, including all USA, Canada, and International Marine VHF channels (includes the new 4-digit channels and Canadian “B” channels) and receives all NOAA Weather Channels and Alerts
- NiMH Rechargeable 4xAAA, 950mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries and DC charging cable included. 3 Watt Transmit Power with user selectable 3W or 1W Transmit power. 3 Year Warranty.
- COVERS ALL FREQUENTLY NEEDED TOPICS: Spelling Alphabet, Channel Usage, Emergency Calls, Safety Calls, Hi/Low Power Choice, Best Practices for Clear Communication, Radio Checks, Weather Radio, and Squelch. A portable, handheld cheat sheet for all boats.
- EASY TO USE AT THE MARINE VHF RADIO: Find answers to most-often asked nautical questions without needing to open the guide; bright colors make it easy to locate; type sized for effortless reading
- CONVENIENT SIZED BOAT TOOL KIT: Small enough to hold in one hand while holding the mic in the other; large enough to easily find and read; folds flat for easy storage near the radio.
- QUICKLY FIND NEEDED INFO: Bright and clear headings make it a snap to find the desired section while on the radio
- LONG-LASTING: Ultra-tough waterproof material resists tearing and crumpling; no-glare coating resists discoloration from sunscreen, petroleum products and other chemicals; may be wiped clean when dirty
- Noise-Cancelling Microphone - When embarking on a marine adventure, you need a fixed-mount marine radio for communication and safety. Our noise-cancelling microphone blocks background noise for crystal clear conversations.
- 6 Watt VHF – This radio provides the ability to customize your conversations when there are days you spend on the water further from shore. Select between 1, 3 and 6 watts for short- and long-range communication.
- Backlit plus Floats - This radio is backlit and has an easy-to-read orange display for higher visibility in all conditions. The orange core floating design also makes it easier to retrieve your radio if dropped overboard.
- USA, Canada & International Channels – Maximum coverage wherever you go. This VHF marine radio allows operation on any of the three different channel maps established for these areas.
- NOAA Weather & Emergency Radio - Be prepared and never surprised when it comes to changes on the water. Get 24-hour updates on threatening weather conditions, emergencies, and incoming hazards with built-in NOAA Weather radio channel.
- Great Product
- Submersible, rugged, reliable—say Hello to the Mariner’s most faithful companion.
- Completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather and the waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to the information and communication that keeps you safe at Sea.
- All USA/International/Canadian Marine channels, including the new 4-Digit, and the Canadian “b” channels.
- 3 year water protection warranty
- Memory channel scan, Triple/Dual watch, 1 Watt/25 Watt transmit power, digital selective calling and position send and request
- Affordable Ultra Compact Class D Fixed Mount VHF Radio. Meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling). Replaces older Eclipse+ and Eclipse DSC Models
- Radio controls on the Microphone. E2O Easy to Operate Icon/Menu System. Oversized Full dot matrix display (31 mm x 55 mm). Built in Separate Receiver for CH70 (Receiving DSC Calls)
- DSC test call and Auto DSC channel change selection. GPS position and Time Shown on a Full-dot Matrix Display when Connected to a GPS Receiver. NMEA In and Output Connections to a Compatible GPS Chart Plotter
- Programmable soft keys. Automatically poll the GPS position of up to 4 ships using DSC. Submersible IPX8 waterproof rating (1.5M or 4.92 feet for 30 minutes)
- All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels. Preset key used to recall up to 10 favorite channels. NOAA weather channel selection with Weather Alert. Programmable Scan, Priority Scan, and Dual Watch
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE – This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for short and long range communication.
- STAY INFORMED – Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather conditions with instant access to 10 NOAA weather channels, 24 hours a day. Weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm notify you of threatening weather nearby.
- SAFETY FIRST – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 and Channel 9 for emergency situations. Use the Dual Watch feature to monitor two channels at once (Channel 16 and one user selected channel).
- VISUAL DISPLAY – Know the strength of an incoming signal with the Signal Strength Meter shown on the large illuminated LCD display. Navigate the various features of this radio easily with the illuminated function keys.
- DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING – Send a distress signal at the touch of a button or exchange position information with other boats, stations, or coast guard. When it comes to safety on the water and in the boat, Cobra has your back.
- [ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS] Frequency: 156-163MHz; Impedance: 50 Ohm; VSWR: Nominally 1.5:1 at 159.5MHz; Gain: 3dBi; Maximum Power Input-watts: 50W;
- [MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS] Height: 110±5 CM/44inch; Termination: PL259; Cable Length/Type: 7m Low loss RG-58U coaxial cable(white); Weight: 375g
- Anti-Corrosion Materials, fiberglass construction, smooth and high gloss finish, long-life use
- 180 degrees adjustable Nylon ratchet mount, sturdy and durable, easy to Install and operate
- Pretuned for all marine band frequencies, increases reception and range of radio; widely used in boat and offshore, motor boat, cruiser, sailboat, yacht, Truck, RV, Cruise Ship,Kayaking,etc.
- Compatible With Cobra,Icom, uniden, Standard Horizon, HYS, Retevis Marine Floating VHF Radio and Marine Fixed Mount Radio; For Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Yaesu/Vertex Standard, Uniden, Wilson, Marantz Handheld or Fixed Mount VHF ham RADIO
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Brown, Kimberly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 89 Pages - 01/25/2015 (Publication Date)
- Jonsson, Mark (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 09/15/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- VHF-Marine Antenna VHF 156-163MHz, 2.5 dBi signal with up to 50W of power; W/16.4ft(5m) RG58 Low Loss Premium Coaxial Cable With PL259;
- VHF whip Boat Antenna Designed for any 156-163MHz device for receivers, 156-163MHz antenna for 156-163MHz device receivers to improve signal in receiving and transmitting.
- Stainless Steel L-bracket&U bolts, it comes with U-bolts which can be used with the attached plate for pole mounting.
- The portable vhf antenna does not come with mast pole mount; it comes with TWO U-bolt which can be used with the attached plate for pole mounting.
- Comes with mount and screws, easy to carry and install, the body of the VHF Marine Antenna makes it highly resilient to your Boat, Yacht etc use
- Frequency Range: VHF 136-174MHz, UHF 400-520MHz; Feature: Strong Magnetic Base Mount; Compatible with: Marine VHF Radio; Amateur Radio; Car Mobile Radio; Ham Radio; FRS GMRS Radio; Two Way Radio; Public Radio Scanner;
- Antenna Cable: 3m / 10 feet RG58/U Cable; Cable Connector: UHF PL259 Male Connector; Accessoried Adapter: SMA Female to UHF SO239 Female Connector Adapter; Antenna Height: 47cm; Weight: 280g; Package List: 1 x Antenna; 1 x SMA Female Connector Adapter (As the Picture Shown)
- Compatible with Marine VHF Two Way Radio: Uniden, Cobra, ICOM, Garmin, Standard Horizon Eclipse Series; Compatible with Amateur Mobile Radio: BTECH, ICOM, Kenwood, Midland, Yaesu, TYT, AnyTone, Radioddity, Cobra, Uniden, President, Galaxy Audio, Pro Trucker, Stryker;
- Compatible with Marine VHF Two-Way Radio: Uniden UM380 UM380BK UM385 UM385BK UM415 UM415BK UM435 UM435BK; Cobra MRF45D MRF57B MRF57W MRF77B MRF77W; Standard Horizon Eclipse Series GX1300 GX1400 GX1400GW GX1400GB GX1600 GX1600B GX1800 GX1800GB GX1800GW GX1800B GX1850 GX1850B GX1850GW GX2000B GX6000; ICOM M330 M330G M506 M605;
- Compatible with Amateur Mobile Radio: BTECH UV-50X2 UV-25X2; ICOM 2300H F6021 A120; Kenwood TM-D710G; Midland MXT275; Yaesu Original FTM-3100R FT-2980R FT-2980; TYT TH-9800 TH-7800; AnyTone AT-5555N AT-588UV AT-6666 AT-D578UV AT-788UV; Radioddity DB25;
- Compact Case Design. Water Activated Emergency Strobe light. Oversized full dot matrix display. E20 Easy to Operate Menu System
- 3-year Waterproof Warranty. Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes). Built in FM Broadcast band receive
- All USA, International and Canadian channels. Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output power. Receive WX and FM radio bands 76MHz to 108MHz
- High resolution dot matrix LCD display. Programmable function keys. Speaker mic Jack.
- High capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion battery. 3 hour desktop rapid charger. 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables and charging cradle included.
- The STANDARD Horizon GX1800GB VHF radio integrates cutting-edge GPS technology for precise positioning, ensuring reliable communication even in remote areas or challenging conditions.
- With a 25W transmitter, this VHF radio provides clear and powerful communication, essential for maritime safety. It includes features like DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
- The Explorer Series GX1800GB boasts an intuitive interface with a large, easy-to-read display and backlit keys, facilitating operation in low-light conditions or rough seas.
- This VHF radio doubles as a second station for expanded coverage on your boat. It allows for dual-station control, enabling communication from multiple locations
- Engineered for durability and longevity, the GX1800GB features a rugged build that withstands the harsh marine environment. Its IPX8 waterproof rating ensures reliable
- Bluetooth and GPS - Keep your phone safe and dry by making calls directly from your radio with added Bluetooth capabilities. With built-in GPS receiver, see your GPS coordinates on screen and automatically send your exact location with DSC calls.
- Replay Missed Calls – The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noisy conditions to make sure you never miss important information from you boat.
- Maximum Coverage – Allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels, and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.
- Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn you real-time if threatening weather is nearby.
- Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
- IT FLOATS - The perfect radio for marine use of any size boat. Built with an orange core that makes it easy see while floating and retrieve if it gets dropped overboard.
- WATERPROOF - Designed to withstand the elements, this radio is rated submersible to an industry standard JIS7 which gives you 30 minutes of protection at one-meter depth. Equipped with rechargeable batteries, you can avoid purchasing batteries frequently
- LONG RANGE COMMUNICATION - Get your message where you need it to go. Whether its short range or long distance, the selectable 3-Watt VHF options can reach a wide range of distances with quality connection
- INTERNATIONAL USE - Travel with ease, this radio comes with the capability to operate in USA, Canada and other international destinations. You will feel confident in your communication no matter the destination. A must have boat accessory.
- NOAA AND WEATHER ALERTS - Gain instant access to National All Hazard and Weather Information. Be the first to know about incoming weather threats or important news. 24 hours per day, you will have accurate and live information
- Wilson, Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 197 Pages - 06/30/2020 (Publication Date) - Lubber's Guides (Publisher)
- Affordable Ultra Compact Class D Fixed Mount VHF Radio. Meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling). Replaces older Eclipse+ and Eclipse DSC Models Radio controls on the Microphone. E2O Easy to Operate Icon/Menu System. Oversized Full dot matrix display (31 mm x 55 mm). Built in Separate Receiver for CH70 (Receiving DSC Calls) DSC test call and Auto DSC channel change selection. GPS position and Time Shown on a Full-dot Matrix Display when Connected to a GPS Receiver. NMEA In and Output Connections to a Compatible GPS Chart Plotter
How to choose a good boat vhf radios
Does the idea of finding a fantastic boat vhf radios make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in boat vhf radios. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top boat vhf radios products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top boat vhf radios on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top boat vhf radios brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top boat vhf radios based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the boat vhf radios were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good boat vhf radios, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your boat vhf radios.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting boat vhf radios for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our boat vhf radios. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what boat vhf radios should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on boat vhf radios.
