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Handheld Vhf Marine Radio Comparison - July 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.9Exceptional
2
Best Value
9.6Exceptional
3
9.5Excellent
4
9.3Excellent
5
9.1Excellent
6
9.0Excellent
7
8.7Very Good
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Model

Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, White
Model
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts
Model
STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr
Model
Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf
Model
Cobra Marine Radio - MR HH150 FLT - 3 Watt, Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip
Model
Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, GPS, Bluetooth, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, Memory Scan, Grey
Model
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

Brand

COBRA
Brand
Uniden
Brand
STANDARD HORIZON
Brand
Standard Motor Products
Brand
Cobra
Brand
Cobra
Brand
Uniden

Reviews

5,576 reviews
Reviews
650 reviews
Reviews
470 reviews
Reviews
2,402 reviews
Reviews
332 reviews
Reviews
288 reviews
Reviews
2,546 reviews

Features

Simple to use

8.6
Simple to use
9.8
Simple to use
8.9
Simple to use
9.1
Simple to use
9.4
Simple to use
8.9
Simple to use
8.9

Battery duration

9.4
Battery duration
9.6
Battery duration
9.3
Battery duration
9.1
Battery duration
8.6
Battery duration
8.6
Battery duration
8.1

Water tight

9.9
Water tight
9.3
Water tight
9.1
Water tight
9.8
Water tight
9.1
Water tight
8.6
Water tight
8.9

Worth the money

9.1
Worth the money
9.6
Worth the money
9.1
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
9.1
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
8.1

Audio quality

9.3
Audio quality
9.9
Audio quality
9.1
Audio quality
9.1
Audio quality
9.1
Audio quality
8.6
Audio quality
8.6

Tech Specs

product dimensions

10.3 x 8.2 x 3.1 inches
product dimensions
9.6 x 6.6 x 2.9 inches
product dimensions
10 x 8 x 4 inches
product dimensions
1.57 x 2.36 x 5.2 inches 1 Pounds
product dimensions
1.5 x 2.7 x 4.5 inches
product dimensions
5.71 x 2.83 x 1.87 inches
product dimensions
1.44 x 2.5 x 5.38 inches

batteries

1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. included
batteries
1 AA batteries required. included
batteries
1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
batteries
1 Lithium Ion batteries required. included
batteries
5 AAA batteries required. included
batteries
1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. included
batteries
1 AA batteries required. included

item weight

9.9 ounces
item weight
1.5 pounds
item weight
2 pounds
item weight
-
item weight
8 ounces
item weight
11.6 ounces
item weight
1.04 pounds

customer reviews

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2, 788 ratings 4.5 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 325 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 235 ratings 4.5 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
-
customer reviews
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 166 ratings 4.5 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 144 ratings 4.2 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1, 273 ratings 4.3 out of 5 stars

color

White
color
Atlantis 275
color
-
color
-
color
Black
color
-
color
Atlantis 155

whats in the box

Radio, User manual
whats in the box
Radio, charging station
whats in the box
-
whats in the box
-
whats in the box
Marine Radio
whats in the box
-
whats in the box
Radio, charging cable

other display features

Wireless
other display features
Wireless
other display features
-
other display features
-
other display features
Wireless
other display features
-
other display features
Wireless

special features

Weather Resistant, Submersible, Noise Reduction
special features
Waterproof
special features
-
special features
-
special features
Submersible, Floating
special features
-
special features
Waterproof

department

Mens
department
Unisex Adult
department
-
department
-
department
-
department
unisex-adult
department
Unisex Adult

Review

Review Review Review Review Review Review
-

Available On

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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.9
    1
    COBRA

    Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, White

    9.9 Water tight
    9.4 Battery Duration
    9.3 audio quality

    Why we love it

    Maximum Coverage VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in US, Canada, and internationally.
    Safety First Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to emergency situations.
    Sea Ready Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard.
  • 9.6
    2
    Uniden
    19% Off

    Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts

    9.9 audio quality
    9.8 Simple to use
    9.6 Battery Duration

    Why we love it

    Compact and easy to carry.
    Excellent audio clarity.
    Offers long battery life.
  • 9.5
    3
    STANDARD HORIZON

    STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr

    9.3 Battery Duration
    9.1 Water tight
    9.1 worth the money

    Why we love it

    Durable and waterproof design.
    Excellent battery life.
    Built-in GPS for navigation.

Handheld Vhf Marine Radio Buyer's Guide

Written by Jim Williams

Intro to Handheld VHF Marine Radios

A handheld VHF marine radio is a compact, lightweight and reliable communication device designed for use on boats and other marine vessels. It is designed to provide reliable two-way communication between vessels, and is also able to access emergency and weather channels. Handheld VHF marine radios are an essential safety device for any boat or marine vessel and can be used to call for help in emergency situations. They can also be used to check weather conditions, receive navigation updates and check in with fellow boaters.

Types of Handheld VHF Marine Radios

Handheld VHF marine radios come in a variety of shapes and sizes and offer a range of features. The most basic models are small, handheld units with a limited range of functions. These are ideal for recreational boaters who only require basic communication and do not need access to emergency or weather channels. At the other end of the spectrum are full-featured, digital models with a range of features such as GPS, digital selective calling and emergency channel access. These models are ideal for professional mariners or anyone who needs a reliable, high-powered radio for their boat or marine vessel.

Features of Handheld VHF Marine Radios

The features of handheld VHF marine radios vary depending on the model. Most models will have a built-in GPS receiver, digital selective calling, emergency channel access and a range of other features. Many models also come with waterproofing, allowing them to be used in wet conditions. Other features to look out for include a built-in antenna, multiple power sources, a backlit LCD display, a voice scrambler and a range of other features.

Range of Handheld VHF Marine Radios

The range of a handheld VHF marine radio is determined by the power of the radio and the type of antenna used. The range of a handheld VHF marine radio can vary from a few miles to several hundred miles. It is important to select a model that has a range suitable for your needs. For example, if you are planning to use the radio for offshore communications, you will need a model with a longer range.

Price of Handheld VHF Marine Radios

The price of handheld VHF marine radios can vary depending on the features and range of the model. Basic models can start from as little as a few hundred dollars, while more advanced models can cost several thousand dollars. It is important to determine what features you need and set a budget before selecting a model. It is also important to make sure you purchase a model that meets the necessary legal requirements for the area in which you plan to use it.

Conclusion

Handheld VHF marine radios are an essential piece of safety equipment for any boat or marine vessel. They are designed to provide reliable two-way communication and can also access emergency and weather channels. There are a variety of models available, so it is important to determine what features you need and set a budget before making a purchase. By doing so, you can ensure you select a model that meets your needs and budget.

Our ranking system

At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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