Our Top 6 Handheld VHF Radios

By West Marine Staff, Last updated: 6/3/2026

The top 6 VHF radios covered by this article

Whether you’re calling in coordinates, alerting the Coast Guard, or checking in with other vessels, having a dependable handheld VHF radio is crucial for communication on the water. Here are our top picks for every boating need. Click the images for full specifications.

For an affordable, floating option: Standard Horizon HX210 Floating Handheld VHF Radio — $99.99
For ultra-compact portability: Standard Horizon HX40 Ultra Compact 6W Handheld VHF Radio — $119.99
For long battery life and floating capability: ICOM M37 Floating 6 Watt Handheld VHF Radio — $299.99
For rugged durability and submersible design: ICOM M73 Submersible Handheld VHF Radio
For professional-grade features: Standard Horizon HX400 Handheld VHF Radio — $199.99
For top-tier safety features: ICOM M94D AIS/GPS/DSC Marine Handheld Radio — $399.95
Handheld VHF Radio FAQs
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Standard Horizon HX210 Floating Handheld VHF Radio — $99.99

About the HX210: The HX210 is a budget-friendly choice for boaters who need a reliable, floating handheld VHF radio. Fully waterproof with a large, easy-to-read display. If dropped in the water, it floats and flashes, making it easy to retrieve even in low-light conditions.

What makes it stand out: The best value floating VHF in our lineup. The float-and-flash feature is an important safety advantage at a very accessible price point.

What customers are saying: “Great Buy! Enjoyed using it last weekend for our trip to Block Island with a few friends. Radio worked great, clear voices. No static! Yes, I would recommend to a friend.” — Matt, Warwick, Rhode Island

Standard Horizon HX40 Ultra Compact 6W Handheld VHF Radio — $119.99

About the HX40: Designed for boaters who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. Six watts of output power in a lightweight, pocket-sized design that fits easily in a life jacket pocket.

What makes it stand out: One of the smallest 6-watt VHF radios available. Ideal for personal watercraft, kayakers, sailboat crew, and anyone who needs capable communication in the most compact form factor.

What customers are saying: “This is a great little radio. I use it for our team’s safety on the Formula 18 Catamaran. Due to its size it fits nicely in my life jacket. We get pretty wet, and a capsize is always a possibility. Should a crew member get separated from the boat, the radio can be a life saver. Excellent transmission and battery life, and I like the nicely done user interface. Highly recommended!” — Uli, Detroit, Michigan

ICOM M37 Floating 6 Watt Handheld VHF Radio — $299.99

About the M37: Combines 6-watt output with buoyancy. Includes ICOM’s AquaQuake™ water-clearing technology that vibrates water from the speaker, and an ergonomic grip for secure handling in wet conditions.

What makes it stand out: The AquaQuake feature is a standout — when the radio is retrieved from the water, you press a button and it clears the speaker so the radio works immediately. Long battery life makes it the right choice for extended trips.

What customers are saying: “The other night, I dropped my M37 in the water and were it not for their ‘Float ’n Flash’ capability, I might have lost it. After fishing it out, the AquaQuake feature cleared the water out of the speaker so I was able to use it right away. I love my M37!” — Nick Macrino, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

ICOM M73 Submersible Handheld VHF Radio

About the M73: Built for demanding conditions. The M73 is fully submersible, delivers 6 watts of transmission power, and features a loud 700mW audio output for clear communication over engine noise and background noise.

What makes it stand out: Rugged construction, loud speaker, and long battery life make this the right choice for serious boaters who use a VHF radio in harsh conditions every day.

What customers are saying: “The ICOM M73 works great. I use this in place of the base station on my boat — very loud, I can hear it even when my engines are hauling. I also use it on my jet ski, clipped to the front of my vest. It takes a pounding of salt water from the waves. After riding I just throw it in a sink full of fresh water, shake it off, and it’s good to go.” — Kenneth Sams, Virginia Beach

Standard Horizon HX400 Handheld VHF Radio — $199.99

About the HX400: Packed with features for professional and advanced users, including a built-in noise-canceling microphone, a voice scrambler for secure communication, and 40 programmable Land Mobile Radio channels. Supplied with a 2,400mAh lithium-ion battery rated for approximately 17 hours of use.

What makes it stand out: The combination of commercial-grade construction, built-in voice scrambler, noise-canceling mic, and the longest battery life in this roundup makes it the best choice for professional captains, charter operators, and serious users who need more than a recreational radio provides.

What customers are saying: “The HX400 has been a great radio. With the addition of the lapel mic, these are a great tool on the ship for our crew.” — Jer, Undisclosed Location

ICOM M94D AIS/GPS/DSC Marine Handheld Radio — $399.95

About the M94D: The most capable handheld VHF in this roundup. Includes AIS receiver, built-in GPS, and DSC functionality. Receives AIS targets from nearby vessels on a built-in display, allowing the radio to function as a standalone collision avoidance and situational awareness tool without requiring connection to a chartplotter.

What makes it stand out: The built-in AIS receiver sets this radio apart from every other handheld in the lineup. For offshore passages, night runs, or any situation where knowing what vessels are nearby matters, the M94D provides a level of safety awareness no other handheld can match.

What customers are saying: “Great VHF for any occasion. I bought this as a backup for my sailboat and found the AIS/GPS vital. It was effortless to set up and the menu is easy to navigate. Testing it with a buddy 6 miles away, it was just as clear as the mounted fixed radio on the boat. I strongly recommend this VHF if you go offshore or on overnight excursions.” — Captscudd

Ready to Buy?

Wherever your boating adventures take you, one of these handheld VHF radios will keep you connected and safe. For additional guidance, visit a West Marine store or use our store finder to locate one near you.

Handheld VHF Radio FAQs

What is a handheld VHF radio and why do I need one?

A handheld VHF radio is a portable communication device operating on Very High Frequency maritime channels. It lets boaters contact other boats, marinas, and the Coast Guard — and is the primary tool for emergency communication on the water. Every boat should carry one as a backup to a fixed-mount radio, and it should be the primary radio on boats too small for a fixed mount.

How does a handheld VHF radio differ from a fixed-mount radio?

Handheld VHF radios are portable and battery-powered, making them convenient and ideal for smaller boats or as a backup. Fixed-mount radios are permanently installed, offer greater power (typically 25 watts vs. 5–6 watts for handhelds), and because their antennas are mounted higher, have significantly longer range — often 20–25 miles vs. 3–8 miles for a handheld.

What range can I expect from a handheld VHF radio?

Range is line-of-sight and varies with conditions, but generally 3–8 miles for a handheld. Antenna height on the receiving end also matters — a handheld communicating with a Coast Guard station on a hilltop or a ship with a high antenna will have significantly more range than handheld-to-handheld at water level.

Are all handheld VHF radios waterproof?

Most current models are waterproof and rated IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes) or higher. Some also float and flash for retrieval if dropped overboard. Always verify the specific waterproof rating of the model you choose — ratings vary significantly.

How long will the battery last on a handheld VHF radio?

Most handhelds last 8–12 hours on a full charge under typical use patterns (transmitting 10%, receiving 10%, standby 80%). The HX400’s 2,400mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for approximately 17 hours. Power-saving modes extend battery life further. Many models accept AA alkaline batteries as an emergency backup when the rechargeable pack is depleted.

What is DSC and do I need it in a handheld VHF radio?

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) allows you to send a digital distress alert including your GPS position to all vessels in range and the Coast Guard with a single button press. It is a valuable safety feature, especially for offshore use — it improves response time dramatically compared to a voice-only Mayday. DSC requires a registered MMSI number to function. Most current handheld models include DSC; the ICOM M94D additionally includes AIS.

What is AIS and why does the M94D’s built-in AIS receiver matter?

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a vessel tracking system that commercial ships and many recreational boats transmit on. A handheld radio with a built-in AIS receiver like the M94D can display nearby vessels — their name, speed, course, and distance — without requiring a chartplotter. For offshore passages and night sailing, knowing that a large ship is three miles away and on a converging course is exactly the kind of situational awareness that prevents collisions.

Do I need a license to operate a handheld VHF radio?

In the US, recreational boaters do not need a license to use a VHF radio domestically. If you’re boating internationally or using DSC features, you should obtain an MMSI number through BoatUS, the US Power Squadron, or the FCC. If traveling to foreign ports, a ship station license from the FCC may be required.

How do I care for my handheld VHF radio?

Rinse with fresh water after every saltwater exposure and dry thoroughly. Charge the battery regularly — don’t let it discharge completely and store for months. Check seals and connector ports for damage periodically. Store in a dry location away from extreme temperatures. Even submersible-rated radios benefit from fresh water rinses after saltwater use to remove salt deposits from seals and buttons.