2025 Best Handheld VHF Marine Radio
Whether you are kayaking near the coast or cruising offshore, a reliable handheld VHF marine radio is your most critical piece of safety gear. In 2025, the market has shifted toward devices that do more than just transmit voice—modern radios now float, track your GPS location, and even identify other ships via AIS.
This guide breaks down the best handheld VHF marine radios of 2025, categorized by use case, to help you find the perfect model for your vessel and budget.
Quick Summary: Our Top 3 Picks
| Category | Model | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall | Standard Horizon HX890 | Perfect balance of price, GPS/DSC features, and ease of use. |
| Best Premium | Icom IC-M94D | The ultimate safety tool with built-in AIS receiver and DSC. |
| Best Budget | Standard Horizon HX210 | affordable, floating, and reliable without complex menus. |
1. Best Overall Handheld VHF: Standard Horizon HX890
If you want a radio that does it all without breaking the bank, the Standard Horizon HX890 remains the gold standard in 2025. It is a Class H DSC (Digital Selective Calling) radio, meaning it has a built-in GPS receiver. If you press the distress button, it broadcasts your precise location to rescue services.
- Key Features: Floating (IPX8 waterproof), built-in GPS, DSC calling, FM radio receiver.
- Battery Life: Excellent (approx. 11+ hours).
- Verdict: This is the best “bang for your buck” radio. It includes features usually reserved for radios twice the price.
2. Best Premium & Offshore Radio: Icom IC-M94D
For offshore sailors or solo adventurers, the Icom IC-M94D is a technological marvel. It was the first handheld VHF to offer an integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver. This allows you to see the traffic around you directly on the radio’s screen—a massive safety advantage in fog or heavy traffic.
- Key Features: AIS Receiver, GPS, DSC, “Float’n Flash” (activates a strobe light when it hits water).
- Pros: Knowing the name and course of a ship bearing down on you is priceless.
- Cons: Larger and heavier than basic models; premium price tag.
3. Best for Smartphone Integration: Cobra MR HH600
The Cobra MR HH600 solves a common problem: missing phone calls while the engine is roaring. It features Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with your smartphone, allowing you to answer phone calls using the waterproof handheld radio as a handset.
- Key Features: Bluetooth calling, “Rewind-Say-Again” (records the last 20 seconds of incoming audio), GPS, and DSC.
- Verdict: Ideal for coastal boaters and weekend warriors who need to stay connected to shore.
4. Best Budget Floating Radio: Standard Horizon HX210
You don’t always need GPS or AIS. If you are on a tender, jet ski, or kayak and just need reliable communication, the Standard Horizon HX210 is the king of the entry-level category. It is compact, floats, and is incredibly simple to operate.
- Key Features: High-capacity 1850 mAh Lithium-ion battery, IPX7 waterproof, water-activated emergency light.
- Verdict: A solid, no-nonsense workhorse. It lacks DSC/GPS, so it’s best for close-range communication where a standalone PLB or EPIRB is carried separately.
5. Most Compact & Lightweight: Icom IC-M25
The Icom M25 (often called “Euro” or “Marine Blue”) is famous for its slim design. It is one of the lightest floating radios on the market.
- Key Features: USB charging (Micro-B), “AquaQuake” draining function (vibrates to clear water from the speaker), 11-hour battery life.
- Verdict: The USB charging is a game-changer—you can charge it with the same power bank you use for your phone.
Buying Guide: What Matters in 2025?
When shopping for a marine radio, look beyond the brand name. Here are the specs that actually matter:
1. Buoyancy (Floating vs. Submersible)
In 2025, there is no excuse to buy a handheld that sinks. Look for “Floating” capabilities. Most top models also include a water-activated strobe light, making them easy to spot if dropped overboard at night.
2. DSC and GPS (Digital Selective Calling)
- Without DSC: You must verbally say “Mayday” and hope someone hears you.
- With DSC: You press a red button, and the radio digitally blasts a distress signal with your exact GPS coordinates to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels. Recommendation: If you go more than 2 miles offshore, get a radio with DSC/GPS (like the HX890 or M94D).
3. Battery Life & Charging
Lithium-ion is the standard. However, pay attention to the charger.
- Cradle Chargers: Reliable but require a 12V or 110V installation.
- USB Chargers: (Like on the Icom M25) Great for portability but check if the port is waterproof.
4. Power Output (Watts)
Most handhelds switch between 1W, 2.5W, and 6W.
- 1W: Saves battery; use this for talking to your buddy in the next boat.
- 6W: Maximum power; use this for distress calls or long-range contact (typically 3-5 miles line-of-sight).
Conclusion
For most boaters, the Standard Horizon HX890 is the winning choice for 2025, offering professional-grade safety features (GPS/DSC) at a recreational price point. However, if budget is tight, the Standard Horizon HX210 offers legendary reliability for basic communication.
