10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio is a solid choice for boaters needing reliable communication and navigation features. It includes integrated AIS and GPS receivers, which is a big plus for safety and situational awareness on the water. The radio covers the essential VHF frequency range (156-174 MHz) and supports 8 channels, which is enough for common marine communications, though some might prefer more channels for flexibility. It is water resistant, suitable for marine conditions but may not be fully waterproof for extreme exposure.

The unit weighs around 5.5 pounds and measures 18 x 10 x 6 inches, so it’s somewhat bulky compared to smaller handheld models, meaning it’s more suited for mounting on a boat rather than carrying around. The inclusion of a removable fist mic and mounting accessories adds convenience. The interface appears straightforward, with a suncover to help visibility in bright conditions.

If you need a radio with a wider channel selection, full waterproofing, or detailed battery info, this model might fall short. It remains a dependable option for those prioritizing AIS integration and solid build quality for fixed installation rather than handheld use.

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a versatile and robust choice for marine communication. One of its standout features is the 6-watt power output, which allows for customizable communication ranges, making it suitable for both short and long-distance use. The radio supports USA, Canada, and international channels, providing broad coverage for various regions. However, it does not seem to support Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which is a significant safety feature in marine radios.

The radio is submersible and has a floating design, ensuring it can be easily retrieved if dropped in water. Additionally, it comes with a noise-cancelling microphone to ensure clear communication even in noisy environments. Its backlit LCD display is designed for high visibility, which is essential for use in different lighting conditions at sea.

The NOAA weather and emergency radio feature is a great addition, providing 24-hour updates on weather conditions and emergencies, which is crucial for safety. The radio has a compact size and is lightweight at 9.6 ounces, making it easy to carry and handle. The included battery saver mode and the lithium polymer battery provide a decent battery life. In summary, the Cobra MR HH350 FLT is an excellent choice for recreational boaters who need reliable communication and weather updates, but professionals who require DSC might need to look for alternatives.

The Icom M94D VHF Marine Radio stands out in the marine VHF radio category due to its solid feature set, making it a reliable choice for boaters and marine enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the AIS receiver, which allows users to receive important vessel traffic information, enhancing safety on the water. The inclusion of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is another significant advantage, enabling quick distress signal calling when needed. Its waterproof rating ensures durability, and the radio even floats, automatically flashing to help locate it if dropped overboard – a thoughtful touch for safety-minded sailors.

In terms of usability, the M94D comes with a dimmable back-lit screen that is easy to read in various lighting conditions, which is especially useful for nighttime navigation. The AquaQuake feature is also a plus, as it helps keep the audio quality clear by draining any water from the speaker grill.

The Icom M94D is particularly suited for recreational boaters or fishermen who prioritize safety features and reliable communication without needing to go too deep into the technical spectrum. Its combination of useful features and solid performance makes it a commendable choice in the marine VHF radio market.