10 Best Handheld Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT is a solid choice for a dependable handheld VHF radio designed for marine use. It offers a strong 6-watt power output with the flexibility to switch between 1, 3, and 6 watts, helping balance battery conservation with reaching farther distances when needed. Its rechargeable lithium polymer battery tends to hold a good charge, and its waterproof, submersible design allows the radio to handle being dropped in water, making it very practical for boating. The radio also floats and comes in bright white with an orange backlit display, which improves visibility in low-light or rough conditions and helps you spot it if it falls overboard.

Channel selection includes coverage for the USA, Canada, and international marine channels, making it versatile for various locations. The noise-cancelling microphone enhances call clarity by reducing background sounds, a useful feature on noisy boats. Additionally, the built-in NOAA weather and emergency alerts keep you informed of changing conditions, boosting safety.

Measuring about 10 inches tall and weighing just under 10 ounces, it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. This radio is well-suited for recreational boaters who want a rugged, easy-to-use device with good power, clear audio, and important safety features.

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is a solid choice for those needing a reliable handheld VHF radio, especially for marine environments. Its standout feature is the built-in GPS, allowing users to see their coordinates on screen and send location information during DSC calls, which is crucial for safety at sea. The Bluetooth capability also lets you make calls directly from the radio, keeping your phone safe and dry. With a maximum power output of 6 watts, it provides good coverage, enabling communication over distances of up to 15 miles, and access to emergency channels adds peace of mind.

This radio excels in usability with features like the rewind-say-again function, ensuring you can replay missed messages, and the burp feature that helps clear water from the speaker, enhancing audio clarity. It also comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including various chargers, a battery pack, and a belt clip, making it ready to use right out of the box.

There are some downsides to consider. While it is designed to be submersible and has a waterproof rating, prolonged exposure to water can still be a concern for some users, especially in extreme conditions. The radio's size and weight, while manageable at 11.6 ounces, may not suit everyone looking for a compact device. The battery life is decent, but heavy usage of features like Bluetooth and GPS can drain it faster. The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is ideal for boaters looking for a feature-rich VHF radio that combines safety, usability, and convenience, but users should be mindful of its weight and potential battery life limitations when using advanced features.

The Icom M94D VHF Marine Radio is designed for those who need reliable communication on the water, making it ideal for boaters and sailors. One of its standout features is the built-in AIS Receiver, which helps users receive vessel traffic information and enhances safety with Distress Signal Calling (DSC). The radio is waterproof and can float, ensuring that it remains functional if accidentally dropped into the water. Additionally, the AquaQuake function effectively drains water from the device, helping maintain audio clarity, which is a significant advantage in wet conditions.

Power-wise, the M94D offers 6 watts of output, which is good for reaching other vessels within a range of approximately 5 kilometers. However, it's important to note that the device uses AAA batteries, and while it provides around 10 hours of operating time, some users may prefer a rechargeable option for convenience.

The radio's size and weight (2.2 pounds and compact dimensions) make it portable and easy to handle, and its back-lit display is easy to read in various lighting conditions. With four channels available, it offers basic communication options, although more experienced users might find this limiting compared to models with greater channel selection. The noise cancellation feature is a nice touch that improves audio quality, but it may not be sufficient for all environments.