Handheld VHF Marine Radio Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

A handheld VHF marine radio is one of the most important pieces of safety gear on any boat. A cell phone can lose signal a few miles offshore, and a call to one number reaches only one person. A VHF call on channel 16 reaches the Coast Guard and every boat nearby that is listening. This guide explains what to look for in a handheld VHF, which features matter most, and which radios we recommend for different kinds of boaters.

Why carry a handheld VHF?

• Emergency calls reach everyone nearby. Channel 16 is monitored by the Coast Guard and by other boaters, so help can come from the closest vessel.
• Weather alerts. Most handhelds receive NOAA weather channels and can sound an alert when a warning is broadcast.
• A backup that goes with you. Even if your boat has a fixed-mount radio, a handheld keeps working if the boat loses power, and it goes with you into a dinghy, kayak or life raft.
• Everyday use. Hailing marinas, bridges and locks, and talking to friends on other boats.

What to look for

• Waterproof rating. Look for at least IPX7, meaning the radio survives being submerged in 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for 30 minutes. IPX8 is rated for deeper or longer submersion.
• It floats. A radio that floats, and ideally flashes a light when it hits the water, is much easier to recover if dropped overboard.
• Transmit power. Most handhelds offer 5 or 6 watts, with low-power settings to save battery for short-range calls. Range is limited mainly by antenna height. Handheld range is usually a few miles boat-to-boat, so it doesn't replace a fixed-mount radio with a tall antenna for offshore boating.
• Battery life. Lithium-ion batteries last longest. Check the rated hours and whether an alkaline battery tray is available as a backup.
• DSC and GPS. A radio with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) and built-in GPS can send a distress alert with your exact position at the press of one button. To use DSC, you need to register for an MMSI number and program it into the radio.
• Weather alert and channel coverage. Make sure the radio covers all USA, Canadian and international marine channels and has NOAA weather alert.
• Easy to use. Big buttons, a clear display and a quick way to jump to channel 16 matter when your hands are wet or the situation is stressful.

Our picks

Best value: Standard Horizon HX210

The Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld VHF is a strong all-around choice for most recreational boaters:

• Floats, and a water-activated emergency strobe turns on if it falls in the water, even when the radio is off
• IPX7 submersible, 6W / 2.5W / 1W transmit power
• All USA, international and Canadian channels, NOAA weather alert, FM radio
• 1850 mAh lithium-ion battery; charging cradle with 12V and 110V cables included
• 3-year waterproof warranty

Easy to carry and easy to use: Icom IC-M25 EVO

The Icom IC-M25 EVO (also in black) is light and slim, a good fit for kayakers, paddleboarders and small-boat owners:

• Float'n Flash: floats, flashes and sounds an alarm if dropped in the water
• Weighs about 8 oz; USB-C charging
• Eco Mode gives up to about 14 hours of operation
• AquaQuake clears water from the speaker; large buttons and textured grip
• IPX7 waterproof, weather alert, dual/tri-watch

Best for offshore safety: Uniden MHS338BT with GPS

The Uniden MHS338BT adds the features that matter most in an emergency far from shore:

• Built-in GPS and Class D DSC, so a distress call can include your position
• Water-activated man-overboard (MOB) distress feature and emergency strobe
• Floats; IPX8 waterproof; 6 watts
• Bluetooth smartphone app for setup and text messaging to other equipped radios
• Flashlight, compass screen and waypoint navigation; alkaline battery tray included

Compact budget option: Uniden MHS75

The Uniden MHS75 is a simple, rugged backup radio: IPX8 submersible, 1/2.5/5W power, NOAA weather alert and up to 12 hours of battery life. Note that it doesn't float, so use a floating strap or keep it clipped on. It comes with a 12V DC charger only.

Commercial and work boats: Standard Horizon HX380

The Standard Horizon HX380 is built commercial-grade, with more than 13 hours of battery life, IPX7 submersion and up to 40 programmable Land Mobile Radio channels for crews and marinas that use them.

Accessories worth adding

• Spare battery or alkaline tray for long days on the water.
• Speaker microphone, such as the Standard Horizon SSM-21A, so you can keep the radio clipped on and talk with the mic at your shoulder.
• Mounting bracket, such as the Standard Horizon SCH-11 hanger bracket, to keep the radio within reach at the helm.
• 12V charging cable to top up the battery from the boat.

Using your radio safely

• Channel 16 is for distress, safety and calling only. Once you reach another boat, move to a working channel.
• In an emergency: on channel 16, say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday", your vessel name, your position, the nature of the emergency and the number of people aboard. On a DSC radio with an MMSI and GPS, press and hold the distress button first.
• Charge before every trip and do a radio check with a friend or marina.
• Keep it on you, clipped to your life jacket or belt, not stowed in a locker.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to use a handheld VHF?
Rules depend on where you boat. In the USA, recreational boaters generally don't need an FCC station license for a VHF radio used in U.S. waters. In Canada, an operator certificate (ROC(M)) is required. Check the current rules from the FCC or Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada before you go.

How far can a handheld VHF reach?
Usually a few miles between boats, depending on antenna height, terrain and conditions. Calls to a Coast Guard station with a tall antenna can reach farther.

Is a handheld enough, or do I need a fixed-mount radio?
For lakes, rivers and near-shore boating, a good handheld may be enough. For offshore boating, a fixed-mount radio with a tall antenna is recommended, with a handheld as a backup and for the life raft.

Where can I buy a handheld VHF marine radio online?
Besafe1st carries Standard Horizon, Icom and Uniden handheld VHF radios and accessories, shipped to the USA and Canada. Orders of $100 or more ship free within the USA.

This guide is general information. Always follow the radio manufacturer's instructions and current radio rules in your area. A VHF radio doesn't replace other required safety equipment such as life jackets, visual distress signals or an EPIRB/PLB for offshore boating.