The 9 Best Waterproof Floating 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. Antenna is much longer on this one than the hh350 models, and that bugger is stiff. 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, memory scan and burp. It includes all of the core features like noise canceling microphone, jis7/ipx7 rated submersible, tri-watch, memory channels, memory scan and burp.

This radio provides the ability to customize your conversations when there are days you spend on the water further from shore. It's good value, decent quality and would be great for weekenders who can charge the thing in the car on the way to the boat ramp. The clip also opens very wide making it easy to pull off connected to a pants pocket or jacket pocket.

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 Waterproof Floating 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 uniden waterproof floating vhf 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 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. It comes with a dc power supply.

Why We Like This:

Reception is clear & conversation is clear
Delivers what they promise

Best For VHF Radio: Standard Horizon Waterproof Floating VHF Radio

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate radio. The standard horizon waterproof floating vhf radio is exactly that - it's a simple radio that hits all the right notes. 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 features one you would want in a potable, floating handheld vhf. It is easy to operate a menu system with a large (17 x 17) full-dot matrix display selectable display mode. It has GPS which is very important should you have an emergency on the water.

The battery life is very good, and lasts over 24 hrs with limited use. This radio is waterproof and even floats. It has gps which is very important should you have an emergency on the water. It is designed for ship use.

Why We Like This:

Navigation and waypoints are easy to establish
Voice is clear on both ends in 2 mile conversation
A perfect safety feature for any boater or kayakers

Best For hunting: Standard Waterproof Floating VHF Radio

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Not everyone likes to purchase radio for their daily purpose, but the standard waterproof floating vhf radio would be an anomoly. Marine VHF radio is a worldwide system of two way radio transceivers on ships and watercraft used for bidirectional voice communication from ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore (for example with harbormasters), and in certain circumstances ship-to-aircraft. 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.

This radio spectrum is highly protected and regulated as it's used not just for communications but also emergency purposes by marine vessels. It can be used by the radio to remain the same wherever you go. More makers need to be doing USB charging. It is really easy to set up and offers several options for scanning. It's quick and easy to do so with the HX.

Why We Like This:

Perfect alternative for a vhf radio
Best charging design of all marine only radios
Battery life is greater than four hours

Best For The money: Uniden Handheld Radio

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Best part: uniden handheld radio costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. It comes with 6 watts of big-ocean power in a compact submersible floating handheld vhf marine radio, and even includes an emergency strobe light and built-in flashlight feature. 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. It comes with a charging cradle and needs to be plugged into a wall or car lighter socket. The screen is bright and the battery life is good.

It is easy to use, day or night for the power to go anywhere. It is built to throw in your pocket or tuck away on deck, and its compact size is never far away when you need to stay in touch the most. It includes a built-in lion battery pack, ac & dc charging cables, and charging cradle. The sound quality is clear and emergency channels come in loud and clear. It is great for listening to weather reports at the house too.

Why We Like This:

Good investment for long term
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For kayak: Standard Horizon FM broadcast band

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate radio. The standard horizon fm broadcast band is exactly that - it's a simple radio that hits all the right notes. It is good range for a handheld vhf unit. It will receive FM broadcast bands between 76 mhz to 108 mhz. It can only be used while out on the water or when on the coast and talking to someone out on the water. It has a 600 yard to one mile range in thick woods. It will also play the radio if you want.

It is easy to operate, has all the buttons well placed for on-handed operation.

Why We Like This:

12 vdc and 110vac charging cables and charging cradle included
Great reception and many features, including fm radio
Good sound, very easy to read scree
Built in fm broadcast band receiver

Best With DSC: Retevis current Channel

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The retevis current channel is capable of outshining several other radio featured in this list in overall features in its price range. This RT55 marine radio has an earphone jack, and the earphone jack is on the top of the walkie. It works well for long range. The antenna of the RT55 marine radio is flexible rubber. It has 88 channels and it can use the channel. The Tri-watch allows you to monitor 3 channels at one time, channel 16 and 2 other channels of your choice. The 11 adjustable squelch provide you with clearer, secure conversations with no interference.

The Noaa weather alert will automatically find 10 weather channel to provide you with the latest weather updates and alerts you of severe weather updates in the sea. It is good radio for inland and close to shore fishing. There’s a clip on the back of the radio so you can clip it anywhere you want.

Why We Like This:

Keeping you with most up-to-date marine activities
Easy to retrieve from the sea
Receives all marine radio channels, including all usa, canada, and international marine channels

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

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention cobra waterproof floating vhf radio for daily purpose. It is designed to ipx8 (jis8) standards for water submersion. Whether its short range or long distance, the selectable 3-watt vhf options can reach a wide range of distances with quality connection. It comes with a battery charger, with a cradle. The sound quality is quite good and the unit is very easy to charge from a cigarette lighter.

This radio is very clear and easily understood even in the high winds when the volume is high. It offers a compatible speaker/mic accessory on the cobra website. It is a great small cobra vhf for general use aboard ship or in harbour. It comes with only a small wrist strap.

Why We Like This:

Instant access to national hazards and weather information, 24 hours a day
Produces 1, 3 or 6 watts of output power for near or distant calling
Great radio and compact, perfect for pwcs, kayaks etc

Best For offshore workers: Retevis Waterproof Floating VHF Radio

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The retevis waterproof floating vhf radio is capable of outshining several other radio featured in this list in overall features for the price point. It can meet your needs for long time offshore operations. It can vibrate to remove the moisture in the speaker, ensure clear sound quality. It can help you get weather information in advance and ensure the safety of personal and vessels. It can last for 6 hours in normal use and 24 hours in standby mode. It can be used in the international waters. It is ideal for offshore workers.

Why We Like This: