10 Best Boat Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is a solid choice if you need a dependable handheld VHF radio for boating. It offers up to 6 watts of power, which is good for clear communication over distances up to about 15 miles, making it suitable for both short and longer-range use. With 40 channels available, including instant access to emergency Channel 16 and NOAA weather channels, you can stay informed and connected while on the water. The built-in GPS is a great feature, allowing you to see your exact location on the screen and send it via DSC calls during emergencies, which adds an important safety layer. Bluetooth integration lets you connect your phone, so you can make calls directly from the radio without exposing your phone to water.

The radio is fully waterproof and submersible, meaning it can handle splashes or even accidental drops in the water, which is crucial for marine environments. Its battery pack is rechargeable and comes with multiple charging options, including AC and 12V DC, supporting flexible use during trips. Weighing just over 11 ounces and fairly compact, it’s easy to carry and handle. The noise-cancelling microphone and the “burp” feature that clears water from the speaker grill help maintain clear audio in noisy or wet conditions.

There is no detailed specification of battery life, so if you plan very long outings without access to charging, this might be a point to consider. Also, while the Bluetooth feature is handy, some users might find the menu navigation less intuitive if they’re not used to such radios. This radio suits boaters who want reliable communication, useful safety features, and the convenience of GPS and Bluetooth integration in a compact, waterproof package.

The Uniden UM385 is a solid choice if you need a reliable fixed mount VHF radio for boating. Its 25-watt power output is strong enough to provide clear communication up to around 40 miles, which is useful for most boating situations. It covers 40 channels, including all U.S., international, and Canadian marine channels, so you’ll have plenty of options for contacting other boats or coast stations. It also includes DSC with a distress button, allowing you to quickly send emergency signals and your position, which is a valuable safety feature.

For weather awareness, it has NOAA weather alerts and S.A.M.E. weather alert functionality, helping you stay informed about storms or hazardous conditions while on the water. The radio meets an IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it resists splashes and rain, but it’s not fully submersible, so extra care is needed in heavy wet environments.

This model doesn’t have built-in GPS, which some boaters might miss since GPS integration can automatically send your precise location in emergencies. The unit is fairly compact for a fixed mount radio, but at 3.55 pounds and dimensions of roughly 6 x 5 x 2.6 inches, it’s designed to be installed on your boat with a wired mic for easy use from the helm. The rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit without distraction, which is handy. If you want a dependable, feature-rich marine VHF radio with important safety features and solid channel coverage but don’t need GPS built-in, the Uniden UM385 is a strong option.