10 Best Marine Radios 2025 in the United States

The Icom M803 Marine Single Sideband Radio is a fixed type radio, designed for serious marine communication. It offers a high power output of 150 Watts, making it suitable for long-distance communication. The MF/HF frequency bands (0.5-29.99 MHz) provide a wide range of channels, with 830 available, 160 of which are programmable, offering flexibility for various communication needs.

The radio also features an IPX7 waterproof control head, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, which adds peace of mind in harsh marine environments. However, it is relatively heavy at 19 pounds, which might not be ideal for small boats where weight is a consideration. The lack of GPS integration is another drawback, as many modern marine radios include this feature for better navigation and emergency response.

In summary, this radio is best suited for larger vessels and professional mariners who need powerful and reliable communication equipment but might not be the best choice for those looking for more compact or GPS-integrated options.

The Garmin Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 is a fixed marine stereo with an impressive set of features that make it suitable for users seeking high-quality audio on their boats. One of its standout features is the brilliant 4.3” touchscreen LCD, which supports touch swipe commands for an intuitive user experience. This stereo is the world's first to offer built-in Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, making it easier to stream high-quality audio from compatible devices. Additionally, the built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology ensures superior audio quality with custom audio profiles.

The Fusion PartyBus-Network technology allows for stereo grouping, volume control, and power options, enhancing the user experience. It is also rated IPX6 and IPX7 water-resistant, which is essential for marine environments, and comes with True-Marine accreditation and a 3-year limited consumer warranty for added peace of mind. Since this is a fixed stereo, it lacks the portability of handheld marine radios. Furthermore, it doesn't include GPS integration, which could be a drawback for users needing navigation assistance.

The stereo is more focused on audio features and connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Wi-Fi, USB, SiriusXM, and others, offering extensive compatibility with various devices. The item is relatively lightweight at 1.94 pounds with compact dimensions, making installation manageable even in smaller spaces. Its lack of GPS and the fixed type may limit its appeal to users specifically looking for a comprehensive marine radio solution with navigation capabilities.

The Raymarine E70517, Ray73 Marine VHF Radio is a fixed type radio offering a versatile array of features suitable for marine environments. It is quite lightweight at 0.5 kilograms, making it easy to handle and install. With a power output supported by 12 volts DC, it ensures reliable communication over the VHF tuner technology, which operates within a frequency range of 156.000 MHz to 161.425 MHz.

This frequency range is standard and should meet the communication needs for most marine activities. The radio features a maximum talking range of 15 meters, which might be limiting for larger vessels or those needing extensive range communication. However, the inclusion of GPS integration is a significant advantage, enhancing navigation and safety during marine operations. The radio supports 8 channels, providing enough options for most users.

Accessories like the GNSS (GPS) antenna and optional hailing horn add to its functionality. This radio is ideal for everyday marine use, particularly for smaller boats and users looking for an integrated GPS feature.