Marine Communications specialist, Fox Morgan takes a hands-on look at some of the best handheld VHF marine radios on the market.
This article was first published July 2022 and was price and fact-checked by Fox Morgan for accuracy on 3rd September 2023
Significant improvements in a number of areas in recent years have seen the best handheld VHF marine radio move from being purely portable communications devices to something altogether more useful.
As technology has shrunk, battery life improved and screens become clearer, handheld VHFs can now offer many of the safety features that used to be available only on fixed marine radios. Features now often include frequency scanning; weather reports; GPS integration; and an ability to automatically send distress signals.
Fox Morgan testing Cobra HH500 handheld VHF marine radio
Waterproofing has increased too with many of the best handheld marine radios now able to float for sustained periods of time without any damage to the internal electrics. Many of these floating handheld VHFs also offer some form of automatically activated strobe to help you find it in the dark if it has been dropped in the water.
Of course, as is the case with any handheld, mobile, battery-powered device there are trade-offs to consider. The more feature-rich the handheld marine radio, the bigger it will be, the more screen real estate it will need to display options and thus the more prone it is to increased battery drain.
Smaller units might well offer fewer features but may counter this through increased battery life – even with a smaller battery – or better convenience or value.
Don’t forget: if you don’t have one already, you’ll need to obtain a licence to operate a VHF radio in the UK and USA and various other territories.
At a glance
Icom IC-M25Euro – Best value – Buy Now
Standard Horizon HX890E – Best on test – Buy Now
Icom M37E – Best for battery life – Buy Now
Best handheld VHF marine radio – hands-on test
Icom IC-M25Euro handheld marine radio
Best value handheld VHF marine radio
Specifications
• Battery life: 29 hours on standby monitoring VTS CH12
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 225g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
Reasons to buy: This radio has an impressive battery life and USB connector. Plus, it’s good value for money.
Reason to avoid: It isn’t fully waterproof and unlike others on this list, it doesn’t have a GPS feature.
Icom M25 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review
If you’re searching for a lightweight low-spec VHF Handheld radio that you can store in your pocket, this is the one for you. Despite not being fully waterproof, the float and flash system works well that if you do drop it in the water it’ll carry on functioning with the bonus that you’ll be able to retrieve it easily.
My favourite feature has to be the convenient USB charging port.
Buy Icom – M25Euro from Amazon UK
Buy Icom – M25Euro from Gael Force Marine
With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.
Standard Horizon HX890E VHF handheld marine radio
Best joint overall handheld VHF marine radio
Specifications
• Battery life: 27 hours on standby monitoring VTS ch12
• Waterproofing: IPX8
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 310g
• DSC: Yes – Class D
• GPS: Yes
Reasons to buy: The easy-to-read screen and fully waterproof design make this marine radio a top choice. It also has a high-capacity battery with a rapid charger, DSC and GPS functionality.
Reasons to avoid: The higher price and the bulkier/heavier design than a basic model could be a drawback for some.
Standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF marine radio review
Always ensure you can connect ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore with the Standard Horizon’s HX890. With features like a large screen, built-in GPS receiver and DSC capability, it’s easy to see why it would be a front-runner. The handheld radio floats with a highly visible strobe light activated when in the water and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating.
It comes with an additional battery tray, which can use 5 x AAA standard disposable or rechargeable batteries, in addition to the set’s main rechargeable battery.
Buy Standard Horizon HX890E VHF on Amazon UK
Buy Standard Horizon HX890E on Gael Force Marine
Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT Handheld Floating VHF Radio
Best VHF marine radio for Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
Specifications
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 272g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
Reasons to buy: As well as being waterproof, you can also pair it with your phone via Bluetooth.
Reasons to avoid: Some other VHFs offer better battery life.
I have been using the Conra HH500 VHF Handheld Marine Radio for the past six years. As Tech Editor here at Yachting World, I’ve tried a VHF marine radio or two, but what I like about the Cobra is that the Bluetooth connectivity with a mobile phone allows waterproof mobile phone calls.
A great feature on this handheld VHF, seen top right on the unit keypad is the rewind-say-again button, which allows you to quickly re-listen to the previous transmission as the unit records the last 20 seconds.
It charges via a drop-in holster/cradle, which has two cable options, one for 12v and the other for 240v charging. The Cobra HH500 also comes with an additional battery tray that takes 5 x AA batteries.
ICOM IC-M94DE handheld marine radio
First ever handheld VHF with built in AIS
Specifications
• Battery life: 16 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel)
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 367g
• DSC: Yes
• GPS: Yes
• AIS: yes
Reasons to buy: Along with built-in AIS, it has a DSC/GPS and features an easy-to-read screen.
Reasons to avoid: The masses of functions result in a shorter battery life. It is noticeably heavier than lower specified models, and it doesn’t come with 12v cable as standard.
You can read our hands-on test review: Icom M94DE VHF Marine Radio review
The Icom IC-M94DE is the flagship model from Icom and is chock-full of features – two of those key features are its DSC and AIS functions. It is the first handheld VHF radio to offer AIS functionality too so this is a rare beast indeed at the moment.
The VHF is buoyant and when it detects water, it automatically flashes the screen light on and off.
The AIS function is easy to access and switching between alternative screens is quick and effortless.
The M94D features a waterproof rating of IPX7 (1 meter for 30 mins) and it offers a battery life on standby of 16 hours (charging in 3 hours). Also of note is the sizeable screen, making it easier to read than some smaller units.
Buy Icom M94DE from Gael Force Marine
Icom M37E handheld VHF radio
Best joint overall handheld VHF marine radio
Specifications
• Battery life: well over 48 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel)
• Extra battery tray/number and type of batts. Yes/3 x AAA
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 299g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
Reasons to buy: Another VHF marine radio with an easy-to-read screen and impressive battery life. It also has robust, no-nonsense casing and versatile charging options.
Reasons to avoid: Not a DSC/GPS-equipped model.
You can read our hands-on test review: Icom IC37 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review
This handheld VHF unit is a real workhorse. It is designed for both leisure and the commercial market, so you know that the features will stand up against other models.
The Icom M37E handheld VHF comes as standard with an additional battery tray which takes 3 AAA batteries.
Charging is versatile and whilst it uses a drop-in cradle, the cradle cable is USB, so you can plug this into any power supply, 12v, 240v or portable power bank.
It has the now familiar Icom Float’n’Flash system which means it is buoyant, floating on its back and the screen automatically flashes when dunked so it’s easy to find should you drop it in the water.
Whilst it might not have all the bells and whistles of some higher spec’d models, what it does do, is perform exceptionally well at the essential core functions.
Buy Icom M37E from Gael Force Marine
Standard Horizon HX210
Specifications
• Battery life: 29 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel)
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 278g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
• FM radio: yes
Reasons to buy: The easy-to-navigate buttons and menu, neat form factor, and clear display make the Standard Horizon Hx210 a good option.
Reasons to avoid: It unfortunately isn’t a DSC/GPS-equipped model and it’s not the loudest or clearest on test.
The Standard Horizons rival to the Icom 25E offers a great alternative handheld radio at a good price vs weight vs battery life vs function basic level.
You can read our hands-on test review: Standard Horizon HX210 handheld VHF marine radio reviewed
The HX210 is charged via a cradle and uses the conventional two different cables for 12v or 240v power supply.
A useful feature is the FM radio tuner. The waterproof to IPX7 and floats faceup with a small strobe light activated on immersion is also a nice touch.
Buy Standard Horizon HX210 from Amazon UK
Buy Standard Horizon HX210 from Amazon US
Buy Standard Horizon HX210 from Gael Force Marine
Cobra HH600 DSC handheld marine radio
Best handheld VHF marine radio for phone connectivity
Specifications
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Waterproofing: IPX8
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: 329g
• DSC: Yes
• GPS: Yes
Reasons to buy: We like that you can pair and use smartphone through it. It’s also fully waterproof and has great safety features.
Reasons to avoid: Some other VHFs offer better battery life and charge options.
The Cobra MR-HH600 is a floating handheld VHF radio with built-in GPS, allowing you to view exact coordinates, and also transmit your location. A great built-in function is the ability to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth and make phone calls, all while keeping your device safe and dry in a locker.
Along with others on the market, this radio features a flashlight with emergency strobe function.
The HH660 is able to float and features a waterproofing standard of IPX8. The radio unit is a DSC-equipped VHF allowing you to transmit identity and location details and has the ability to automatically record the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always play back what you missed.
It is GPS-equipped and can show your coordinates, and is also equipped with a MOB button to allow marking and tracking of a casualty’s position in the water.
Standard Horizon HX40E Ultra Compact handheld marine radio
Best small form handheld VHF marine radio
Specifications
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: No
• Weight: 230g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
Reasons to buy: The built-in FM Radio, easy to read menu and battery save function make this a great small form handheld VHF marine radio.
Reasons to avoid: Despite having waterproofing, it’s not fully waterproof. There is also no GPS.
Do you struggle to store your handheld VHF marine radio? The VHF from Standard Horizon is small – 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05in x 3.74in x 1.3in) – and weighing only 230g without the antenna it’s about the size of a standard pack of cards. What that means is it will effortlessly slip into your pocket.
It has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button.
While it’s waterproof, the radio doesn’t float unless you opt for the SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.
The radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, while the less battery-cautious owner can take advantage of the built-in FM radio.
Buy Standard Horizon HX40E on Amazon UK
Buy Standard Horizon HX40E on Amazon US
Buy Standard Horizon HX40E on Gael Force Marine
Cobra MRHH 125 handheld marine radio
Best backup handheld marine radio
Specifications
• Battery life: 9 hours
• Waterproofing: No
• Floating: No
• Weight: 228g
• DSC: No
• GPS: No
Reasons to buy: It runs on rechargeable batteries allowing for spares. The best budget marine radio or a good backup option.
Reasons to avoid: We would recommend using this marine radio as a spare. It has no waterproofing or GPS.
The Cobra HH125 is a compact handheld VHF radio which runs on rechargeable AAA batteries (or standard alkaline type). It is splashproof (JIS4 standard) which is somewhere between rain and a jet of water, so will not be particularly suitable for operation in strong winds or offshore – though it can be purchased with an Aquamate AM3 or AM13 waterproof bag for complete protection.
The display and keypad are backlit for ease of use at night. There is an instant-access Channel 16 button and an autoscan feature for all channels. UK M1 and M2 are programmed. The active channel is clearly displayed.
It weighs 228g and measures 102mm x 62mm x 31mm without the antenna. Battery life with fully charged NiMH cells is around 9 hours at 3W.
It is clearly a budget option and its lack of total waterproofing and other features do probably render it unsuitable for use as a main handheld radio, but as a secondary or spare, with a waterproof bag make this radio a good deal.
Lowrance Link-2 DSC handheld marine radio
Best handheld marine radio for intercom systems
Specifications
• Battery life: 7 hours
• Waterproofing: IPX7
• Floating: Yes
• Weigh: 285g
• DSC: Yes
• GPS: Yes
Reasons to buy: We’d define this marine radio as feature-rich. It has a buddy function and can store up to 300 waypoints.
Reasons to avoid: Not fully waterproof and has a poor battery life.
If you’re into your tech, the Link-2 is a feature-rich. The free-floating handheld VHF radio is Class D DSC compliant, features MOB functionality and has a storage capacity for up to 300 waypoints.
It has a useful intercom system via the Lowrance ‘Get Buddy’ function, which allows other Link-2 radios to receive or send position, bearing and distance at a button push. It stores up to 300 waypoints and 20 ‘buddy’ DSC IDs. It sports a very large screen, and the most used controls are tactile and come easily to hand.
The Link-2 weighs in at 285g, is IPX7 waterproof and can float. It also offers a standby battery time of seven hours.
GME GX 850 handheld marine radio
Best handheld marine radio for the marina
Specifications
• Battery life: Not available
• Waterproofing: IP67
• Floating: Yes
• Weight: Not available
• DSC: Yes
• GPS: Yes
Reasons to buy: Another feature-rich radio with great safety features.
Reasons to avoid: Availability to buy and is geographically limited.
GME’s GX 850 is a DSC handheld VHF with an in-built 48-channel GPS receiver. The radio is waterproof to the IP67 standard. It features a large backlit LCD display, making it easy to read all displayed information, even on a bright sunny day.
Ideal for use at the marina or on board, if either model is accidentally dropped overboard, it will float to the surface with the bright LCD flashing to make location and retrieval easy.
As with many of the other feature-rich radios on the market, a low power setting allows you to cut battery consumption when using the radio at close range.
The GX850’s credentials as a safety device are enhanced by the inclusion of the MOB feature. In the event of an MOB incident, simply press and hold the MOB key to gain an accurate location of the point at which the incident occurred, making search and retrieval faster.
Buy it now on Mr Boats Marine Accessories (Aus)
Glossary of VHF radio and associated tech terminology
AIS – Automatic Identification System
A system that transmits a vessel’s particulars by VHF signal to other receivers within VHF range. This includes the MMSI, vessel name, speed, course over ground and sometimes other info too. Units also give a CPA or closest point of approach which aids in navigation where there’s high traffic and collision avoidance.
Callsign
Unique letter/number vessel identification number issued in the UK by OfCom.
CG66
Coastguard Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme form.
DSC
Digital Selective Calling, using VHF ch70 for automated distress alerts. Requires a unit to be GPS enabled.
Dual watch
A function allowing you to monitor CH16 and one other channel at the same time.
Tri Watch
A function allowing you to monitor two self selected channels plus Ch16.
GMDSS
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
GPS
Global Positioning System.
Mayday
Globally recognised universal Distress signal.
MMSI
9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity provided in the UK by OfCom.
PTT
Press to transmit.
SAR
Search and Rescue.
Securite
Safety signal. Origin French – sécurité – safety.
Simplex
Radio working that uses the same frequency for transmitting and receiving.
Squelch
A radio control that suppresses background interference.
Traffic
Radio messages.
TX
Transmitting.
RX
Receiving.
UKCG
UK Coastguard.
VHF
Very High Frequency.
VTS
Vessel Traffic Services.