10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS radio is designed for marine enthusiasts who require reliable communication on the water. One of its notable strengths is the impressive talking range of up to 36 miles, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore use. The inclusion of 10 channels allows users to easily switch between communications, which is a plus for busy maritime environments. The radio operates on VHF frequencies between 156.050 MHz to 163.275 MHz, which includes important weather channels, enhancing safety during navigation.

The anti-glare display is another commendable feature, ensuring that users can read the screen in various lighting conditions, a vital aspect when out at sea. Furthermore, the unit is designed to be water-resistant, offering peace of mind for those frequently exposed to water.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the radio is described as water-resistant, it may not be fully waterproof, which could be a concern in heavy rain or extreme conditions. The size and weight, at 5.3 pounds, might make it less portable than smaller handheld models, which could be a factor for users looking for a compact communication device.

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a versatile and robust choice for marine communication. One of its standout features is the 6-watt power output, which allows for customizable communication ranges, making it suitable for both short and long-distance use. The radio supports USA, Canada, and international channels, providing broad coverage for various regions. However, it does not seem to support Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which is a significant safety feature in marine radios.

The radio is submersible and has a floating design, ensuring it can be easily retrieved if dropped in water. Additionally, it comes with a noise-cancelling microphone to ensure clear communication even in noisy environments. Its backlit LCD display is designed for high visibility, which is essential for use in different lighting conditions at sea.

The NOAA weather and emergency radio feature is a great addition, providing 24-hour updates on weather conditions and emergencies, which is crucial for safety. The radio has a compact size and is lightweight at 9.6 ounces, making it easy to carry and handle. The included battery saver mode and the lithium polymer battery provide a decent battery life. In summary, the Cobra MR HH350 FLT is an excellent choice for recreational boaters who need reliable communication and weather updates, but professionals who require DSC might need to look for alternatives.

The Retevis RA27 is a solid choice for boaters looking for a fixed-mount marine VHF radio with good safety and communication features. It offers a powerful 13.8-volt output and covers all international, US, and Canadian marine channels (88 in total), making it versatile for most water areas. The standout safety feature is the DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alarm, which can automatically send your location to nearby vessels or coastguards in emergencies, adding peace of mind on the water. Built-in GPS lets you manually enter or share your coordinates, and it can connect with other GPS devices, enhancing navigation and safety. It also features NOAA weather alerts that keep you updated on severe weather threats, which is very useful for boaters who need to stay informed quickly.

The radio is IP67 rated for waterproofing, meaning it can handle water immersion and rough marine conditions, an important feature for durability. Its size is fairly compact and lightweight (around 2.8 pounds), and the dot matrix LED display is clear and user-friendly, making operation straightforward even for those who are not tech experts. Installation is easy with the included bracket. It uses one lithium-ion battery that should offer decent life for typical use, although specific battery duration details are not emphasized. The maximum range is about 11 kilometers, but actual range may vary depending on environmental conditions and antenna setup, which is typical for marine radios.

The price and customer ratings suggest that it delivers good value, especially with a 2-year support warranty. The Retevis RA27 is well suited for recreational boaters or small commercial vessels that want reliable communication, GPS integration, and emergency features in a waterproof and easy-to-use package.