10 Best VHF Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable handheld VHF radio for marine use. It offers flexible power output options (1, 3, and 6 watts) which helps you communicate effectively whether you’re close to shore or further out on the water. Its waterproof, submersible design means you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it falls overboard, plus it floats and has an easy-to-see orange display that stays visible in different lighting conditions. The noise-cancelling microphone is a helpful feature that improves call clarity in windy or noisy environments. While it supports USA, Canada, and international channels, the total number of channels is limited to three channel maps rather than a large channel count, which might restrict some users looking for broader frequency options.

It does not have GPS integration, so location tracking or emergency positioning services are not built in. Another plus is the built-in NOAA weather and emergency alerts, which keep you informed about changing conditions on the water—a critical safety feature. The unit is reasonably lightweight and compact for handheld use, making it comfortable to carry on long trips. It uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which tends to offer good endurance.

This radio is best suited for boaters or marine adventurers who want a rugged, easy-to-use device with essential safety features, but it may be less ideal if you need advanced navigation or a very wide channel selection.

The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio offers valuable features for boaters needing reliable communication on the water. It includes integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) and GPS receivers, which help with navigation and tracking nearby vessels — a plus for safety. The radio operates within the standard 156-174 MHz VHF frequency range and supports 8 channels, which is fewer compared to many VHF radios that often have 16 or more channels for wider communication options.

It has a water resistance rating of IP67, meaning it can handle being briefly submerged in water, making it suitable for marine environments. Weighing about 5.5 pounds and measuring 18 by 10 by 6 inches, it’s somewhat bulky but comes with useful mounting kits and a suncover to protect the display from glare. The maximum talking range is listed as 23 miles, which is typical for VHF radios under ideal conditions.

This radio represents a solid choice if you want integrated GPS and AIS with decent waterproofing. However, if you need more channels or a lighter device, you might want to consider other options.

The Uniden UM385 is a solid choice if you're looking for a fixed-mount VHF marine radio designed for boating safety and communication. It offers a strong 25-watt power output, which helps ensure clear communication up to about 40 miles under good conditions—this is reliable enough for most coastal and offshore use. It supports all USA, international, and Canadian marine channels, giving you access to a wide range of frequencies, and has 40 channels to choose from.

One of its standout features is the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) with a distress button, which can send your location quickly in emergencies, adding an important safety layer. The triple watch feature lets you monitor multiple channels simultaneously, which is practical while on the move. The radio is IPX4 waterproof, meaning it can handle splashes and rain but is not fully submersible, so it’s best suited for protected use rather than heavy immersion. With a weight of about 3.5 pounds and compact size, it’s easy to install on a boat without taking too much space or adding bulk.

The user interface is straightforward with a rugged handheld mic, designed to be operated easily from the helm, which is helpful for safety and convenience. The UM385 provides dependable marine radio performance with good power, channel coverage, and safety features, making it ideal for boaters who want solid communication and emergency options without too much complexity.