The 9 Best Handheld Marine radios (2023 reviews)

The latest cobra vhf marine radio is an absolute beast in terms of its features, and rightfully takes the top spot with ease. It features 6 watts of power for longer range communications, full access to noaa weather channels and alarm tones for emergencies, jis7/ipx7 rated submersible, tri-watch, memory channels and burp. It comes with all you need, including a charger, stand, optional alkaline battery holder, too. It is backlit and has an easy-to-read orange display for higher visibility in all conditions.

The case allows you to operate all the controls and you can receive and transmit just fine. The clip also opens very wide making it easy to pull off connected to a pants pocket or jacket pocket. It is great for fishing out on a boat. It is very simple, it turns on very quickly and its there when you need it. The speaker is good as radio checks come in loud and clear.

Why We Like This:

Terrain will greatly effect your max distance
Great rechargable handheld vhf radio and features for the cost
Included car charger is very convenient

Best For Marine VHF Radio: Uniden Handheld Marine Radio

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Next on the list, we've got yet another radio that manages to win our hearts. It's the uniden handheld marine radio and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient radio you can buy. The Atlantis 155’s submersible, floating handheld design allows you to stay secure and connected while having fun on the water. It comes with its compact size so it’s never far away when you need to stay in touch the most. It comes with the largest LCD screen in its class 25mm (h) x 40mm (w), and paper white backlight display for day time, and red backlight display for night time, and it’s the radio you won’t leave shore without.

It comes with a dc power supply. It doesn't include an AC charger, but it's meant for use on your boat, so the standard car charger is great. It's just the right size to strap to a life-jacket and fits nicely in the hand. The battery charge lasts for several days.

Why We Like This:

Reception is clear & conversation is clear
Delivers what they promise

Best For Small boats: Standard FM Radio

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The standard fm radio should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. It is common for handheld VHF radios charging terminals on the radio itself to develop a thin oxidized layer from corrosion and exposure to the elements. It works well, holds a great charge. It is used for marine band transmission. The HX210 has good volume control with separate up and down buttons. The battery holds its charge long too. It does require recharging frequently. It is a marine band VHF radio with FM broadcast capability.

Why We Like This:

Great simple radio for general use
Turns on whenever it gets wet, and won't charge anymore
Good investment for long term

Best For The money: Retevis current Channel

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The retevis current channel's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This RT55 marine radio has an earphone jack, and the earphone jack is on the top of the walkie. The antenna of the Retevis RT55 radio microphone is VX7R 3.5mm single needle. It has 88 channels and it can use the channel. The 11 adjustable squelch provide you with clearer, secure conversations with no interference. The higher your antenna, and the higher level of power increases your ability to be heard/hear the Coast Guard.

The antenna of the RT55 marine radio is flexible rubber. These radios operate LOS Line of Sight, and there is usually good signal propagation over the water. The Noaa weather alert will instantly update weather information and alert you when there is severe weather near.

Why We Like This:

Keeping you with most up-to-date marine activities
Receives all marine radio channels, including all usa, canada, and international marine channels
Rugged and durable two way radios meet the military standard
Easy to retrieve from the sea

Best For hunting: Cobra Handheld Marine Radio

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The cobra handheld marine radio should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. It’s designed for boating. It will work the speed at which your traveling is relevant to the speed of the radio transmission the same concept whether you are in a supersonic jet or a moped. This radio is small, with a large, readable screen that can fit in a pocket. It allows AAC style batteries additionally works really well as a radio. It will keep your cell phone safe and dry while communicating loud and clear.

This model does come with a drop in charger that has mounting holes for securing the charger inside the cabin of a boat. It is great to hear what is happening around you so the students can be prepared. Come in clear and the two methods of charging make this a very useable compact handheld.

Why We Like This:

Beat range and sound quality out there
Connects to phone great, can receive calls etc
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best Small Radio: Standard Handheld Marine Radio

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The standard handheld marine radio is capable of outshining several other radio featured in this list in overall features in its price range. This radio featured here is a comfortable, natural fit in your hand with its slim construction. It features smooth and easy. The High resolution dot matrix display makes navigating the radios many features smooth and easy. It includes frequent and repetitive speaking and listening over the course of 3-4 ship movements of about 1 to 2 hours each. They have to have the buoyancy to float.

Why We Like This:

Operates on either 1watt for short distances or 5 watt for long range
Great vhf's with long lasting battery
Marine and 40 commercial lmr vhf (dealer programmable) channel capability

Best For kayak: Icom Handheld Marine Radio

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The icom handheld marine radio is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily purpose. It is the world’s first handheld to possess the power of ais. It features, the m94d is perfect for small boats and leisure craft looking to stay safe and informed on the ocean. It is thick, almost twice the thickness of normal vhf radios. It does have a screen that shows targets and range on target screen can be adjusted out to 6 miles. It is easy to program the mmsi too. It includes weather bands and it is hands down a quality unit. It is being charged, and it only has a battery life of 9 hours.

It is a great, powerful radio icom is about the best there is a check with icom to see if the battery pack is available and maybe a cigarette lighter adapter or invertor would help. You are in the right place, this unit has the typical VHF weather RECEIVE channels.

Why We Like This:

Shows the range, speed, and name of ais target
Sets off a light after being dropped in the water
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For Use: Retevis Handheld Marine Radio

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Best part: retevis handheld marine radio costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The Retevis RM01 handheld marine radio is two-way transmission receiver supplied with ac 110 vac & 12vdc power charger modules, cable and rechargeable batteries. It will perform well in sea water. It can float on the water until you catch it. It can be used in the united states, canada and international waters.

This model is equipped with USA/ International/ Canadian channels plus ten (10 ) NOAA Weather Alert Channels. The light does not turn green when the Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio is fully charged. It is much safer to use than a cell phone. It is suitable for use in harsh environments at sea.

Why We Like This:

Smaller than most other handheld vhf radios and slightly lighter in weight
Three (3) watt two-way marine radio with weather channels and 110vac/12vdc rechargeable batteries
Use for hunting and has excellent range

Best For long Range communications: Standard Horizon Handheld Marine Radio

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If your boat sinks or you fall overboard this radio is capable of broadcasting you GPS location to others. It is easy to operate menu system with a large (1.7’’ x 1.7’’) full-dot matrix display. It includes a built in fm broacast band receiver, during times when radio communication is not necessary, relax with some music on the fm radio broadcast bands. It includes both the 12v and shore power chargers.

The radio uses a standard SMA antenna connector so it would be theoretically possible. The LCD display fades if the radio is left in direct sunlight.

Why We Like This: