Are you trying to find handheld 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 handheld 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 25 hours of research and did 33 handheld 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 handheld vhf radios you can buy today
- 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 and Full 3 year Waterproof Warranty.
- How can we help? Uniden Customer Support web site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting, Web site: https://uniden.com/pages/support-1 . Contact customer support at email: [email protected] or phone: 1-800-297-1023
- 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.
- 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.
![Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ZySF0i+JL.jpg "The 8 Best handheld vhf radios of %currentyear% 20")
- 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.
- 【Power Output】 High-8W /Medium-5W /Low-2W Power Switchable.
- 【BaoFeng UV5R】 FCC ID: 2AJGM-UV5R, Transmit frequency range: VHF 144-148MHz and UHF 420-450MHz; Receive frequency range: VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz.
- 【Programming Cable】The programmable radio supports Keyboard, PC, and CHIRP programming, The package comes with a CD disk that includes the programming APP, which makes programming easier.
- 【Multi-function radio】128 channels, 50 CTCSS tones, 104 DCS, scan function, busy channel lock-out(BCLO), OFFSET(frequency offset for repeater access), VOX hands-free function, TOT, Squelch Adjustment, LED flashlight and alarm function for emergencies. It has analog and digital intermediate frequencies, option for repeaters achieves long range comminications.
- 【Warranty】30-day hassle-free return and lifetime customer service. Feel free to contact us through the Amazon message if you encounter any issues, our support team is always there to help.
- 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.
- BAOFENG UV5R: BAOFENG UV-5R is compliant with FCC regulations and has passed both part 15B and part 97 tests. Its FCC ID is 2AJGM-UV5R. It can transmit on VHF frequency between 144-148MHz and on UHF frequency between 420-450MHz. It can also receive on VHF frequency between 136-174MHz and on UHF frequency between 400-480MHz.
- CH340 Programming Cable Included: Easily program your BAOFENG UV-5R with the included cable, giving you access to its 128 channels with 105 CTCSS/50 DCS privacy codes to reduce interference from irrelevant signal.
- Long Battery Life: The UV-5R's 1800mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous use, so you can stay connected for longer.
- Compact and Portable: The UV-5R's small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use on the go, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting.
- Wide Compatibility: BAOFENG uv-5r ham radio covers most commonly used frequency range, makes it compatible with many other ham radio handheld such as the BAOFENG bf-f8hp and BAOFENG uv-82 series.
- Multi-function Radio: 128 channels, 50 CTCSS tones, 104 DCS, scan function, TOT, Squelch Adjustment, busy channel lock-out(BCLO), VOX hands-free function, OFFSET(frequency offset for repeater access), LED flashlight, Alarm function for emergencies. It has both analog and digital intermediate frequency, and relay options can be used to achieve remote communication.
- Bluetooth - Keep your phone safe and dry by making calls directly from your radio with added Bluetooth capabilities. Burp feature vibrates water out of the speaker and the noise canceling microphone block background noise for clear communication.
- Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while the noise cancelling microphone blocks background noise for clearer conversations.
- 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.
- 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.
- JIS8 Waterproof Level - Uniden MHS75 VHF Hand Held Radio won't give up no matter how wet it gets. Whitecap splash, gusty spray, tidal wave, whatever, this radio can take it. The Uniden MHS75 2-way Marine Radio is built rugged to take the rigors of being out on the water, day in and day out with a full JIS8 waterproof rating. It also features a floating design, and is submersible for up to 30 minutes at five feet.
- 1 /2.5/5 Watt Switchable - Select between 1, 2.5, and 5 Watts for short- and long-range communication - this is also a convenient way to save a little battery life. In most situations, the 1 Watt transmission power is all you need. If you find yourself far away from other stations and have trouble getting a response, you may need to boost the transmission power from 1 Watt to 2.5 Watts or 5 Watts.
- All USA, International, and Canada Channels - The MHS75 covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, keeping you up-to-date with all the latest marine activity.
- All NOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert - This radio comes preprogrammed with NOAA weather channels. The Emergency/Weather Alert allows it to function as a severe weather warning radio and will also alert you to any local or national emergencies. If the NOAA issues warning while this feature is turned On, the radio sounds an alert tone. You will then hear the emergency/weather broadcast.
- Instant Channel 16/9/Triple Watch - Triple Watch mode monitors channels 16 and 9 for a signal while you listen to the currently selected channel. The marine radio checks channel 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds.
How to choose a good handheld vhf radios
Does the idea of finding a fantastic handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld vhf radios.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld 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 handheld vhf radios.
