Are you trying to find floating 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 floating 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 18 hours of research and did 70 floating 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 floating vhf radios you can buy today
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 noising 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.
![Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31rWoLjz3rL.jpg "The 8 Best floating vhf radios of %currentyear% 48")
- Box Content: HX210 Handheld VHF, Antenna, AC/DC Rapid charger cradle, Documentation | 3-year Waterproof Warranty.
- HX210 Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes). Built in FM Broadcast band receiver
- HX210 Features Compact Case Design. Water Activated Emergency Strobe light. Oversized full dot matrix display. E20 Easy to Operate Menu System
- 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.
- 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
- Blue trim M25 handheld vhf
- Floats, flashes when in water
- 5/1Watt, 11 hour Battery life
- Charges from 5V USB socket
- The Uniden MHS338BT is a rugged handheld Marine radio that is rated IPX8 submersible and designed to float. Water activated emergency strobe light and flashlight. Drop-in charging cradle and Li-ion rechargeable battery. Automatic Backlight Switching, white for daylight, amber for night. Integrated GPS, NOAA weather alerts and FM radio, it’s easy to stay connected and alert.
- Full 6 WATT TRANSMIT POWER- Transmits at full power to ensure maximum range. High/LO power level select lets you boost the transmitter power from 1.0W to 2.5W to 6.0W for added transmission distance. GPS (Favorite Position mode). Lets you save your current position as well as manually enter other positions. You can save positions into a directory to return to them as desired.
- BLUETOOTH WIRELESSS - It is also Bluetooth-capable so you can use Uniden's smartphone app (iOS and Android) to set up the radio and to text message other VHF text message capable radios. You can also enter other information such as DSC directory information.
- WATER ACTIVATED EMERGENCY STROBE LIGHT & MOB - Strobe light and distress feature automatically activates when in water. MOB (Man Overboard). Lets you lock onto the current position when a Man Overboard situation occurs. Water-activated automatic MOB is also featured.
- EASY-TO-READ, BACKLIT LCD SCREEN - Large, orange backlit LCD screen displays easy-to-read text messages. Backlight Level (Off + 8 steps). Noise Canceling for both received and transmitted audio. Compass Display. Lets you determine the way you want the radio to display your course - by showing your course and direction or by showing location on a northsouth-east-west display. Automatically auto-plots to a received DSC distress call.
- This radio complies with International Class D DSC standards for handheld GPS/VHF marine transceivers. Dual and Triple Watch operation. These different watch modes let you monitor up to two Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels and one weather channel along with one regular marine channel.
- The Atlantis 275 comes with 6 Watts of Big-Ocean Power in a compact Submersible Floating Handheld VHF Marine Radio, and even includes an Emergency Strobe Light and built-in Flashlight Feature.
- 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.
- Built to throw in your pocket or tuck away on deck, its compact size is never far away when you need to stay in touch the most.
- It Floats, meets the toughest Waterproof standards IPX8 / JIS8, and even clears its speaker of water after being submerged. 6 Watt Transmit Power, with User selectable 6W, 2.5W, or 1W Transmit power.
- 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.
- Includes Built-in Lion battery pack, AC & DC charging cables, and charging cradle. 3 Year Warranty and Full 3 year Waterproof Warranty.
- How can we help? Uniden’s Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
- HX890 comes packaged with all the accesories including the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, Alkaline battery tray, 110V wall charger, 220V adapter, charging cradle, 12V charger, PC programming cable and belt lip with lanyard
- Whether it's engine noise on a boat, roaring wind or a cresting wave; the portable marine band radio effectively removes background noise and transmits the other party’s voices clearly; ideal for noisy situations such as jet skis; sailing races and surf kayaks
- AI intelligent Noise-Cancelling for crystal clear conversations;Retevis RM21 as a fixed-mount marine radio can recognize human voice and noise through digital signal processing technology;and reduces the noise to about 20 dB
- IP67 waterproof level;Floating; Fallen Overboard Detection; if the radio falls into the water; when the detection button and the charging contact are in the water at the same time; the back of the radio will emit a red light to indicate
- Backlit LCD display; there are 0-7 screen background colour options; you can freely choose the appropriate background color according to the light intensity or the use environment for easier reading and use
- HI/MI/LO Switch and Dual-Band Watch; this radio provides the ability to customize your conversations when there are days you spend on the water further from shore; select between HI; MI or LO for long-range; medium-range and short-range communication
- 10 NOAA weather channels;helps you get the latest weather and a alarm of severe weather; always help be prepared for the unexpected
- Long standby time;rechargeable marine radio comes with a high-capacity 1800mAh Lithium-ion battery; 10 hours of continuous use and up to 60 hours of standby time in battery saving mode
- USA; Canada; International Channels ; maximum coverage wherever you go; this marine radio allows operation on any of the three different channel maps established for these areas
- Marine emergency radios for boats;triple watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9 for a signal while you listen to the currently selected channel; easy to access the emergency channel 16 and call the coast guard for help via 16/C button
- Great Product
- Item Package Dimension: 10.00L x 7.32W x 3.98H inches
- Item Package Weight - 2.18 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - TWO WAY RADIO
- Super waterproof performance; IP67 waterproof; quickly floating on the water surface after falling into the water; please ensure the back cover is tightened and the device is wiped clean of moisture to prevent corrosion
- Fast charge and long service life; RM01 marine radio is compatible with 5 AAA Ni-MH batteries(included); packaged with AC charger and DC charger; make your charge easier and faster; please note don't use them to charge anything else
- Small size and strong body shell;strong salt resistance and corrosion resistance;very suitable for use in harsh environments at sea;such as beach security;fishing boat;sailing club; etc
- More channel choices; RM01 two way radio has 88 channels; which can meet your needs for different channel
- Weather channel and weather alert; can help you get weather information in advance and ensure the safety of personal and vessels
- 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 UM385BK brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
- The UM385BK 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
- HX890 comes packaged with all the accesories including the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, Alkaline battery tray, 110V wall charger, 220V adapter, charging cradle, 12V charger, PC programming cable and belt lip with lanyard
- 6W transmit power output (Selectable 6/ 2/ 1 W) | 700mW Loud Audio and Noise Canceling Function for both TX/RX audio | Submersible IPX8 Construction and it floats
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) ITU-R M.493 Class-H Operation | W2.60’’ x H5.43’’ x D1.50’’ – Round Case Design provides excellent ergonomics
- Built-in Integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver | 11-hour Operating Time with 1800mAh high capacity Li-ion battery | Easy to Operate Menu System with a large (1.7’’ x 1.7’’) Full-dot matrix display | Selectable Display Mode - Day & Night Mode | Waypoint and Route navigation | Group Monitor Function utilising DSC Group Position Call
- MOB (Man over Board) feature | Water Activated Emergency “WHITE” Strobe Light | Two Scrambler Systems built-in – 4-code CVS2500A & 32-code FVP-42 | Versatile Scanning operation (Dual Watch and Triple Watch) | NOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert | FM Broadcast Radio Receiver | Micro USB Data jack for PC programming | 3 Year Waterproof Warranty
- AIS Receiver with Distress Signal Calling (DSC) provides users peace of mind when on the open sea
- Simplified navigation system to access vessel traffic information with back-lit screen that is dimmable for easy readability under any lighting condition
- Floats and automatically flashes even when it is off if it falls into the water
- AquaQuake draining function removes water from the grill, preventing audio degradation
- 6 W RF Output Power and 10 Hours of Operating Time, 1500mW Audio Output
- The new MHS335BT pushes the boundaries of Handheld Marine VHF radio functionality, with Full 6 Watts of Power, Class D Industry Standard DSC, and integrated GPS.
- It floats, meets the toughest waterproof IPX8 standards, clears its speaker of water after a dunking and even includes an integrated flashlight. NOAA Weather Channels – Weather Alert and S.A.M.E. local location alerts.
- The MHS335BT is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. It’s completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather & waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to information & communication that keeps you safe at sea.
- Full Class D Industry Standard DSC - Meets ITU-R M.493-13, 14, IEC 62238, with Integrated GPS Receiver – WAAS, SBAS, and QZSS for worldwide accuracy.
- Bluetooth Wireless – Use smartphone app to set up the radio and text message other VHF text message capable radios. Auto Plot to Distress Call – Built-in compass screen, & Water Activated MOB – Automatically activates Distress feature when in water.
- 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
How to choose a good floating vhf radios
Does the idea of finding a fantastic floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating vhf radios.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting floating 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 floating 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 floating 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 floating vhf radios.
