The 8 Best Handheld VHF Radios for 2025

The perfect handheld VHF radio is not only for chat; as we speak’s models are very important security instruments with GPS & DSC. Listed below are our hands-on picks

Trying to find the perfect handheld VHF radio? You’ve come to the suitable place. We’ve personally examined these fashions on the water to deliver you an skilled, hands-on information.

Probably the most notable shift in Handheld VHFs is their transition from primary communication instruments to full-fledged security units. At present’s prime models boast options like built-in GPS, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for one-touch misery alerts, distinctive battery life (some lasting for days on standby), and superior waterproofing.

Beneath, you’ll discover our prime picks, from the all-in-one Normal Horizon HX890E to the ultra-compact Normal Horizon HX40E. We break down the specs, battery life, and key causes to purchase/keep away from every that will help you make the right alternative.

(A fast be aware: Verify your native laws; a license could also be required to function a VHF radio within the UK, USA, and different territories.)

At a look

Greatest handheld VHF marine radio – hands-on take a look at

Causes to purchase: Simple-to-read display screen | Totally waterproof design | Excessive-capacity battery with a fast charger | DSC and GPS performance

Causes to keep away from: Increased value and bulkier/heavier design than a primary mannequin

Normal Horizon HX890 handheld VHF marine radio evaluation

At all times guarantee you possibly can join ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore with the Normal Horizon’s HX890. With options like a big display screen, built-in GPS receiver and DSC functionality, it’s simple to see why it will be a front-runner. The hand held radio floats with a extremely seen strobe gentle activated when within the water and is absolutely waterproof with an IPX8 score.

It comes with an extra battery tray, which might use 5 x AAA commonplace disposable or rechargeable batteries, along with the set’s important rechargeable battery.

Icom M37E handheld VHF – Runner up total handheld VHF marine radio

Causes to purchase: Simple-to-read display screen | Spectacular battery life | Very strong, no-nonsense casing | Versatile charging choices

Causes to keep away from: Not a DSC/GPS-equipped mannequin

Icom IC37 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Assessment

This handheld VHF unit is an actual workhorse. It’s designed for each leisure and the business market, so that the options will rise up in opposition to different fashions.

The Icom M37E handheld VHF comes as commonplace with an extra battery tray which takes 3 AAA batteries.

Charging is flexible and while it makes use of a drop-in cradle, the cradle cable is USB, so you possibly can plug this into any energy provide, 12v, 240v or transportable energy financial institution.

It has the now acquainted Icom Float’n’Flash system which implies it’s buoyant, floating on its again and the display screen robotically flashes when dunked so it’s simple to seek out do you have to drop it within the water.

While it may not have all of the bells and whistles of some increased spec’d fashions, what it does do, is carry out exceptionally nicely on the important core features.

Icom IC-M25Euro – Greatest worth handheld VHF on take a look at

Causes to purchase: Spectacular battery life | USB connector | Good worth for cash

Cause to keep away from: Not absolutely waterproof | Doesn’t have a GPS function

Icom M25 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Assessment

For those who’re looking for a light-weight low-spec VHF Handheld radio you could retailer in your pocket, that is the one for you.

Regardless of not being absolutely waterproof, the float and flash system works nicely that should you do drop it within the water it’ll keep on functioning with the bonus that you just’ll have the ability to retrieve it simply.

My favorite function needs to be the handy USB charging port.

Causes to purchase: Good waterproofing | Can pair together with your telephone through Bluetooth

Causes to keep away from: Different VHFs provide higher battery life

I’ve been utilizing the Conra HH500 VHF Handheld Marine Radio for the previous six years. As Tech Editor right here at Yachting World, I’ve tried a VHF marine radio or two, however what I like in regards to the Cobra is that the Bluetooth connectivity with a cell phone permits waterproof cell phone calls.

An ideal function on this handheld VHF, seen prime proper on the unit keypad is the rewind-say-again button, which lets you rapidly re-listen to the earlier transmission because the unit data the final 20 seconds.

It expenses through a drop-in holster/cradle, which has two cable choices, one for 12v and the opposite for 240v charging. The Cobra HH500 additionally comes with an extra battery tray that takes 5 x AA batteries.

ICOM IC-M94DE radio – First ever handheld VHF with in-built AIS

Causes to purchase: Constructed-in AIS | DSC/GPS | Simple-to-read display screen

Causes to keep away from: Shorter battery life | Noticeably heavier than decrease specified fashions | No 12v cable as commonplace

Icom M94DE VHF Marine Radio evaluation

The Icom IC-M94DE is the flagship mannequin from Icom and is chock-full of options – two of these key options are its DSC and AIS features. It’s the first handheld VHF radio to supply AIS performance too so this can be a uncommon beast certainly in the mean time.

The VHF is buoyant and when it detects water, it robotically flashes the display screen gentle on and off.

The AIS operate is straightforward to entry and switching between various screens is fast and easy.

The M94D contains a waterproof score of IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes) and it affords a battery life on standby of 16 hours (charging in 3 hours). Additionally of be aware is the sizeable display screen, making it simpler to learn than some smaller models.

Causes to purchase: Simple-to-navigate buttons and menu | Compact | Clear show

Causes to keep away from: Not DSC/GPS-equipped | A bit quiet

Normal Horizon HX210 handheld VHF marine radio reviewed

The Normal Horizons rival to the Icom 25E affords an awesome various handheld radio at an excellent value vs weight vs battery life vs operate primary degree.

The HX210 is charged through a cradle and makes use of the traditional two totally different cables for 12v or 240v energy provide.

A helpful function is the FM radio tuner. The waterproof to IPX7 and floats faceup with a small strobe gentle activated on immersion can also be a pleasant contact.

Cobra HH600 DSC – Greatest VHF for telephone connectivity

Causes to purchase: Can pair and use it with a smartphone | Totally waterproof | Nice security options

Causes to keep away from: Different VHFs provide higher battery life and cost choices

The Cobra MR-HH600 is a floating handheld VHF radio with built-in GPS, permitting you to view precise coordinates, and likewise transmit your location. An ideal built-in operate is the flexibility to pair your smartphone through Bluetooth and make telephone calls, all whereas conserving your machine secure and dry in a locker.

Together with others in the marketplace, this radio contains a flashlight with emergency strobe operate.

The HH660 is ready to float and contains a waterproofing commonplace of IPX8. The radio unit is a DSC-equipped VHF permitting you to transmit id and site particulars and has the flexibility to robotically file the final 20 seconds of VHF calls so you possibly can at all times play again what you missed.

It’s GPS-equipped and may present your coordinates, and can also be geared up with a MOB button to permit marking and monitoring of a casualty’s place within the water.

Normal Horizon HX40E Extremely Compact – Greatest VHF for paddlesports

Causes to purchase: Constructed-in FM Radio | Wonderful battery save operate

Causes to keep away from: Regardless of having waterproofing, it’s not absolutely waterproof | No GPS

Do you wrestle to retailer your handheld VHF marine radio? The VHF from Normal Horizon is small – 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05in x 3.74in x 1.3in) – and weighing solely 230g with out the antenna it’s in regards to the dimension of an ordinary pack of playing cards. What which means is it should effortlessly slip into your pocket.

It has an easy-to-navigate menu and may save 10 channels as presets, in addition to having CH16 accessible on the press of a button.

Whereas it’s waterproof, the radio doesn’t float until you go for the SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.

The radio has a battery-save operate to present probably the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, whereas the much less battery-cautious proprietor can benefit from the built-in FM radio.

Incessantly requested query:

How do I get an MMSI for my transportable VHF radio?

Each new piece of VHF radio gear you purchase or purchase ought to be registered with Ofcom within the UK and with the FCC in USA. You also needs to have a licence to function radio gear.

Whenever you register your gear you’ll be assigned a brand new MMSI for every new piece of apparatus. It’s essential to not enter a false quantity in your gear as this can be a prison offence.

Glossary of VHF radio and related tech terminology

AIS – Computerized Identification System

A system that transmits a vessel’s particulars by VHF sign to different receivers inside VHF vary. This consists of the MMSI, vessel identify, velocity, course over floor and generally different information too. Models additionally give a CPA or closest level of method which aids in navigation the place there’s excessive visitors and collision avoidance.