10 Best Handheld Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT handheld VHF radio is a solid choice for anyone looking to stay connected while on the water. With a power output of up to 6 watts, it offers flexible communication options for both short and long-range use, making it suitable whether you're close to shore or out on the open water. The noise-cancelling microphone is a notable strength, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly even in windy conditions, which is essential for safety and effective communication.

One of the standout features of this radio is its floating design, which makes it easy to retrieve if accidentally dropped in the water. The backlit display adds to its usability, providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the integration of NOAA weather channels is a valuable asset, keeping you informed about weather changes that can affect your outing.

While it has a decent battery life, some users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently if they use the radio extensively. The product is water-resistant but not fully submersible, which could be a disadvantage for those who require a radio that can withstand fully submerged conditions. At a weight of 9.6 ounces and compact dimensions, it's portable, but for those with larger hands, the interface might feel a bit cramped. With 16 channels covering USA, Canada, and international waters, the Cobra MR HH350 FLT provides maximum coverage for marine communication. This radio is well-suited for recreational boaters and anyone seeking reliable communication while enjoying water activities.

The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is a solid choice for those needing a reliable handheld VHF radio, especially for marine environments. Its standout feature is the built-in GPS, allowing users to see their coordinates on screen and send location information during DSC calls, which is crucial for safety at sea. The Bluetooth capability also lets you make calls directly from the radio, keeping your phone safe and dry. With a maximum power output of 6 watts, it provides good coverage, enabling communication over distances of up to 15 miles, and access to emergency channels adds peace of mind.

This radio excels in usability with features like the rewind-say-again function, ensuring you can replay missed messages, and the burp feature that helps clear water from the speaker, enhancing audio clarity. It also comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including various chargers, a battery pack, and a belt clip, making it ready to use right out of the box.

There are some downsides to consider. While it is designed to be submersible and has a waterproof rating, prolonged exposure to water can still be a concern for some users, especially in extreme conditions. The radio's size and weight, while manageable at 11.6 ounces, may not suit everyone looking for a compact device. The battery life is decent, but heavy usage of features like Bluetooth and GPS can drain it faster. The Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS is ideal for boaters looking for a feature-rich VHF radio that combines safety, usability, and convenience, but users should be mindful of its weight and potential battery life limitations when using advanced features.

The Standard Horizon HX210 is a robust handheld VHF radio, suitable for marine use. One of its main strengths is the IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, making it highly reliable in wet conditions. The device also floats, which is a crucial feature for users on the water. Its power output is adjustable, offering 6W, 2.5W, and 1W options, allowing flexibility depending on your communication needs. With a maximum talking range of 5 miles, it provides solid coverage for most marine environments.

The high-capacity 1850 mAh lithium-ion battery ensures long battery life, and the included rapid charger helps in quickly recharging the device, which is convenient for extended outings. The HX210 includes all USA, International, and Canadian channels, plus it receives FM radio bands, adding to its versatility. The large dot matrix LCD display and easy-to-operate menu system make it user-friendly, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Additional features like the programmable function keys, water-activated emergency strobe light, and built-in FM receiver enhance its functionality.

However, one potential drawback is its size and weight (1.57 x 2.36 x 5.2 inches and 1 pound), which might be slightly bulky for some users. Also, while the device does have a speaker mic jack, some users might find the speaker quality less than perfect in noisy environments. In conclusion, the HX210 is an excellent choice for marine enthusiasts who need a reliable and feature-rich VHF radio with strong waterproof capabilities and good battery life.