The 9 Best Submersible VHF 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. The clip also opens very wide making it easy to pull off connected to a pants pocket or jacket pocket.

It is backlit and has an easy-to-read orange display for higher visibility in all conditions. The speaker is good as radio checks come in loud and clear. 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 case allows you to operate all the controls and you can receive and transmit just fine.

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 VHF Radio: Standard Horizon Submersible VHF Radio

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Next on the list, we've got yet another radio that manages to win our hearts. It's the standard horizon submersible vhf radio and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient radio you can buy. It provides excellent ergonomics and also it is proud to introduce the brand new hx890 high end floating class h dsc vhf/gps. It will work as a standard VHF radio.

The GPS function in this radio (the best in class in MHO) is to transmit GPS position coordinates signal for emergency ops/ USCG, to locate YOU in an emergency situation. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the equivalent Cobra hh600, icom M94D, or Uniden MHS335BT. The battery life is very good, and lasts over 24 hrs with limited use.

Why We Like This:

Easy to see in the dark
Works a+ 100% and easy to use
Gps and waypoints are also good and pretty easy
Navigation and waypoints are easy to establish

Best For hunting: Uniden Submersible VHF Radio

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The uniden submersible vhf radio's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. It is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. It provides the um435 with distress call position information. It comes equipped with a tone to clear water from the speaker cavity when the radio has been submerged, meaning this radio will be ready when you need it the most. Its Completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather and the waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to the information and communication that keeps you safe at Sea. An appropriately sized switching power supply is required to connect this to an AC source. It comes with a dc power cord and mounting hardware and bracket. It works very well and it is of a size that fits almost anywhere for installation.

Why We Like This:

Low end transceiver does the job
Minimum impedance of 4 ohms & minimum power handling of 10 watts
Good sound, clear and also worked really well still even in -5 to

Best For kayak: Standard Submersible VHF Radio

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Standard has been making great radio for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. This is a marine radio intended for use on navigable waters. It features smooth and easy and it is an extremely compact 5w floating handheld vhf. Reception is clear, squelch and volume are quick and crisp, and there is a clip plus lanyard to put on your life jacket or belt. It is also used, with slightly different regulation, on rivers and lakes.

This radio spectrum is highly protected and regulated as it's used not just for communications but also emergency purposes by marine vessels. It is easy to see, nice and big, and the contrast levels are very good. The HX300 also has a removeable battery where the HX210 has an integrated battery. More makers need to be doing USB charging.

Why We Like This:

Best charging design of all marine only radios
Perfect alternative for a vhf radio
Lift bottom of battery door up
Small, portable, and has excellent battery life

Best For The money: Uniden prior Radio

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The uniden prior radio's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. If you're going to be using it actively (often during the day) you will probably want a more fully featured radio. It is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. It comes with a dc power cord and mounting hardware and bracket. The Completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather and the waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to the information and communication that keeps you safe at Sea. On the plus side the unit looks good, is affordable, and feels very rugged. It fits almost anywhere for installation. There is a place to hook up a speaker.

Why We Like This:

Good sound, clear and also worked really well still even in -5 to
Low end transceiver does the job
Minimum impedance of 4 ohms & minimum power handling of 10 watts

Best For Handheld VHF Unit: Standard Horizon FM broadcast band

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The standard horizon fm broadcast band might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year. This radio will continue to be used by visiting friends and family. It features a compact case design and it is easy to operate menu system. It will receive fm broadcast bands between 76 mhz to 108 mhz. It has a 600 yard to one mile range in thick woods. It has an expanded receiver allowing the user to tune in to their favorite fm radio station.

The Compact, ergonomic case design is a result of the new internal, large capacity 1850 mAh Lithium Ion battery technology. It does have a clip that can place on a belt loop. This gives the radio a much smaller case design yet light enough to float face up if dropped in the water.

Why We Like This:

Good size for a handheld radio
12 vdc and 110vac charging cables and charging cradle included
High resolution dot matrix lcd display
Excellent hand held vhf marine radio

Best For Marine Use of any size boat: Cobra Submersible VHF Radio

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The cobra submersible vhf radio should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. Whether its short range or long distance, the selectable 3-watt vhf options can reach a wide range of distances with quality connection. This radio comes with the capability to operate in usa, canada and other international destinations. It is built with an orange core that makes it easy to see while floating and retrieve if it gets dropped overboard. It comes with only a small wrist strap.

The sound quality is quite good and the unit is very easy to charge from a cigarette lighter. The rechargeable batteries it comes with are decent. This radio is very clear and easily understood even in the high winds when volume is high.

Why We Like This:

Instant access to national hazards and weather information, 24 hours a day
Great radio and compact, perfect for pwcs, kayaks etc
You will feel confident in your communication no matter the destination

Best Quality Product: Yaesu Submersible VHF Radio

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention yaesu submersible vhf radio for daily purpose. The DSC DISTRESS function when activated transmits a digital MAYDAY including vessel identification, Latitude / Longitude and time (with GPS connected), to facilitate prompt response. It has to have an mmsi number or it will beep every 10 minutes. The new one is easier to use, excellent reception and transmission. It features smooth and easy to add to that it is easy to operate menu system. The high resolution dot matrix display makes navigating the radios smooth and easy to add to that it is easy to operate. It allows DSC calls to be received even when listening to communications.

Why We Like This:

Programmable scan, priority scan, and dual watch
Replaces older eclipse+ and eclipse dsc models
Additional calls that can be made are individual, urgency, safety, position report and send
Easy to install and looks great

Best For noisy situations: Retevis Submersible VHF Radio

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The RMR21 ship to shore radio is designed to be heard in even the noisiest environments with high power supplied to the internal speaker. This radio comes with several nice built-in features such as direct access to NOAA weather radio, adjustable TX power levels, IP67 waterproof and submersible up to 3 feet, screen flashes red when radio contacts water, 8 screen background colors and more. It reduces the noise to about 20 db. This radio also floats when dropped in the water and has a beacon light while immersed in water.

This marine radio allows operation on any of the three different channel maps established for these areas. It comes with a very comprehensive guide to use if you're unfamiliar working with handheld radios.

Why We Like This:

Multi-color backlighting, weather (noaa), immediate channel 16, noise reduction, and tx power adjustment
Instant access to national hazards and weather information, 24 hours a day
Good marine band handheld radio, solid performance, good features