Tested on the Water: The 8 Best Handheld VHF Radios for 2025

The best handheld VHF radio isn't just for chat; today's units are vital safety tools with GPS & DSC. Here are our hands-on picks

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Searching for the best handheld VHF radio? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve personally tested these models on the water to bring you an expert, hands-on guide.

The most notable shift in Handheld VHFs is their transition from basic communication tools to full-fledged safety devices. Today’s top units boast features like built-in GPS, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for one-touch distress alerts, exceptional battery life (some lasting for days on standby), and superior waterproofing.

Below, you’ll find our top picks, from the all-in-one Standard Horizon HX890E to the ultra-compact Standard Horizon HX40E. We break down the specifications, battery life, and key reasons to buy/avoid each to help you make the perfect choice.

(A quick note: Check your local regulations; a license may be required to operate a VHF radio in the UK, USA, and other territories.)

At a glance

Best handheld VHF marine radio – hands-on test

Standard Horizon HX890E VHF – Best handheld VHF on test

Reasons to buy: Easy-to-read screen | Fully waterproof design | High-capacity battery with a rapid charger | DSC and GPS functionality

Reasons to avoid: Higher price and bulkier/heavier design than a basic model

Standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF marine radio review

Always ensure you can connect ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore with the Standard Horizon’s HX890. With features like a large screen, built-in GPS receiver and DSC capability, it’s easy to see why it would be a front-runner. The handheld radio floats with a highly visible strobe light activated when in the water and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating.

It comes with an additional battery tray, which can use 5 x AAA standard disposable or rechargeable batteries, in addition to the set’s main rechargeable battery.

Icom M37E handheld VHF – Runner up overall handheld VHF marine radio

Reasons to buy: Easy-to-read screen | Impressive battery life | Very robust, no-nonsense casing | Versatile charging options

Reasons to avoid: Not a DSC/GPS-equipped model

Icom IC37 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review

This handheld VHF unit is a real workhorse. It is designed for both leisure and the commercial market, so you know that the features will stand up against other models.

The Icom M37E handheld VHF comes as standard with an additional battery tray which takes 3 AAA batteries.

Charging is versatile and whilst it uses a drop-in cradle, the cradle cable is USB, so you can plug this into any power supply, 12v, 240v or portable power bank.

It has the now familiar Icom Float’n’Flash system which means it is buoyant, floating on its back and the screen automatically flashes when dunked so it’s easy to find should you drop it in the water.

Whilst it might not have all the bells and whistles of some higher spec’d models, what it does do, is perform exceptionally well at the essential core functions.

Icom IC-M25Euro – Best value handheld VHF on test

Reasons to buy: Impressive battery life | USB connector | Good value for money

Reason to avoid: Not fully waterproof | Doesn’t have a GPS feature

Icom M25 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review

If you’re searching for a lightweight low-spec VHF Handheld radio that you can store in your pocket, this is the one for you.

Despite not being fully waterproof, the float and flash system works well that if you do drop it in the water it’ll carry on functioning with the bonus that you’ll be able to retrieve it easily.

My favourite feature has to be the convenient USB charging port.

Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT Floating VHF – Best Bluetooth VHF radio

Reasons to buy: Good waterproofing | Can pair with your phone via Bluetooth

Reasons to avoid: Other VHFs offer better battery life

I have been using the Conra HH500 VHF Handheld Marine Radio for the past six years. As Tech Editor here at Yachting World, I’ve tried a VHF marine radio or two, but what I like about the Cobra is that the Bluetooth connectivity with a mobile phone allows waterproof mobile phone calls.

A great feature on this handheld VHF, seen top right on the unit keypad is the rewind-say-again button, which allows you to quickly re-listen to the previous transmission as the unit records the last 20 seconds.

It charges via a drop-in holster/cradle, which has two cable options, one for 12v and the other for 240v charging. The Cobra HH500 also comes with an additional battery tray that takes 5 x AA batteries.

ICOM IC-M94DE radio – First ever handheld VHF with built in AIS

Reasons to buy: Built-in AIS | DSC/GPS | Easy-to-read screen

Reasons to avoid: Shorter battery life | Noticeably heavier than lower specified models | No 12v cable as standard

Icom M94DE VHF Marine Radio review

The Icom IC-M94DE is the flagship model from Icom and is chock-full of features – two of those key features are its DSC and AIS functions. It is the first handheld VHF radio to offer AIS functionality too so this is a rare beast indeed at the moment.

The VHF is buoyant and when it detects water, it automatically flashes the screen light on and off.

The AIS function is easy to access and switching between alternative screens is quick and effortless.

The M94D features a waterproof rating of IPX7 (1 meter for 30 mins) and it offers a battery life on standby of 16 hours (charging in 3 hours). Also of note is the sizeable screen, making it easier to read than some smaller units.

Standard Horizon HX210

Reasons to buy: Easy-to-navigate buttons and menu | Compact | Clear display

Reasons to avoid: Not DSC/GPS-equipped | A bit quiet

Standard Horizon HX210 handheld VHF marine radio reviewed

The Standard Horizons rival to the Icom 25E offers a great alternative handheld radio at a good price vs weight vs battery life vs function basic level.

The HX210 is charged via a cradle and uses the conventional two different cables for 12v or 240v power supply.

A useful feature is the FM radio tuner. The waterproof to IPX7 and floats faceup with a small strobe light activated on immersion is also a nice touch.

Cobra HH600 DSC – Best VHF for phone connectivity

Reasons to buy: Can pair and use it with a smartphone | Fully waterproof | Great safety features

Reasons to avoid: Other VHFs offer better battery life and charge options

The Cobra MR-HH600 is a floating handheld VHF radio with built-in GPS, allowing you to view exact coordinates, and also transmit your location. A great built-in function is the ability to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth and make phone calls, all while keeping your device safe and dry in a locker.

Along with others on the market, this radio features a flashlight with emergency strobe function.

The HH660 is able to float and features a waterproofing standard of IPX8. The radio unit is a DSC-equipped VHF allowing you to transmit identity and location details and has the ability to automatically record the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always play back what you missed.

It is GPS-equipped and can show your coordinates, and is also equipped with a MOB button to allow marking and tracking of a casualty’s position in the water.

Standard Horizon HX40E Ultra Compact – Best VHF for paddlesports

Reasons to buy: Built-in FM Radio | Excellent battery save function

Reasons to avoid: Despite having waterproofing, it’s not fully waterproof | No GPS

Do you struggle to store your handheld VHF marine radio? The VHF from Standard Horizon is small – 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05in x 3.74in x 1.3in) – and weighing only 230g without the antenna it’s about the size of a standard pack of cards. What that means is it will effortlessly slip into your pocket.

It has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button.

While it’s waterproof, the radio doesn’t float unless you opt for the SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.

The radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, while the less battery-cautious owner can take advantage of the built-in FM radio.

Frequently asked question:

How do I get an MMSI for my portable VHF radio?

Every new piece of VHF radio equipment you buy or acquire should be registered with Ofcom in the UK and with the FCC in USA. You should also have a licence to operate radio equipment.

When you register your equipment you will be assigned a new MMSI for each new piece of equipment. You must not input a false number in your equipment as this is a criminal offence.

Glossary of VHF radio and associated tech terminology

AIS – Automatic Identification System

A system that transmits a vessel’s particulars by VHF signal to other receivers within VHF range. This includes the MMSI, vessel name, speed, course over ground and sometimes other info too. Units also give a CPA or closest point of approach which aids in navigation where there’s high traffic and collision avoidance.

Callsign

Unique letter/number vessel identification number issued in the UK by OfCom.

CG66

Coastguard Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme form.

DSC

Digital Selective Calling, using VHF ch70 for automated distress alerts. Requires a unit to be GPS enabled.

Dual watch

A function allowing you to monitor CH16 and one other channel at the same time.

Tri Watch

A function allowing you to monitor two self selected channels plus Ch16.

GMDSS

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

GPS

Global Positioning System.

Mayday

Globally recognised universal Distress signal.

MMSI

9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity provided in the UK by OfCom.

PTT

Press to transmit.

SAR

Search and Rescue.

Securite

Safety signal. Origin French – sécurité – safety.

Simplex

Radio working that uses the same frequency for transmitting and receiving.

Squelch

A radio control that suppresses background interference.

Traffic

Radio messages.

TX

Transmitting.

Receiving.

UKCG

UK Coastguard.

VHF

Very High Frequency.

VTS

Vessel Traffic Services.