Best Marine Two-Way Radios of 2026

"I use this radio for my kayak fishing trips and river outings. Battery life is fantastic—I can go two days scanning and transmitting before the indicator drops. It’s lightweight, compact, and packed with features. My only nitpick is the proprietary charging cradle; a USB-C option would make multi-day use easier. Still, for the weekend user, it’s an excellent value."

"We bought this for our boat and it’s been a game-changer for safety and convenience. The weather alert feature is loud, and the Bluetooth works great with our Samsung phone so we can answer calls while the phone stays safely stored. Switching channels is easy, and the radio floats, too. It’s perfect for leisure boating on lakes."

"I picked this up mainly as a safety measure for kayaking along the coast. I was able to hear offshore conversations and weather reports loud and clear. Although I haven’t had to use it in an emergency, it gives me peace of mind knowing communication is available if needed."

"The Uniden UM385 has transformed our boating trips—this radio is seriously tough and dependable, even through rough weather. I love the Triple Watch and DSC features for extra safety, and the NOAA Weather Alerts keep us informed on the water. With so many channels, we’re always connected, and programming favorites is a breeze. Honestly, it’s been a fantastic addition to our boat."

"I just bought another UM385 because my first one lasted about five years. The new unit works flawlessly and was super easy to mount—took just a few minutes. The previous radio did develop a slightly finicky on/off switch after a few years and eventually lost reliable reception, but that didn’t stop me from getting the same model again since I trust it for offshore trips."

"I’m impressed with how compact and simple to install this radio is—clear, loud audio that cuts through engine noise, and I had it running in under half an hour. It’s fantastic that you can connect a GPS unit for emergency coordinates. For the price, it’s an excellent choice for boaters."

"I've used these radios for ocean communications and they never let me down. The bright, large display and the fact that it floats if dropped are game changers. I've bought several for my trips and they always perform reliably."

"As a tour boat operator, I needed something easy to use and dependable. After trying other brands, I found this is by far the most user-friendly and well-built radio. I now use it for both my business and personal boat."

"For backup communication on the road, this radio is strong and clear even over a two-mile distance in hilly terrain. It's great to find a product that actually delivers on its promises."

"I found the sound clarity to be outstanding and the weather channel reception is crystal clear. Adjusting the squelch is simple, and the battery life has been impressive over multiple outings. I especially appreciate how this radio helps me stay informed about the weather for safety. Highly recommended!"

"This is the second HX210 I've purchased—it’s a fantastic value. It charges quickly and has plenty of power for use on the bay. The radio is waterproof, floats, and comes with a three-year warranty. When my first unit had an issue, Standard Horizon was quick to replace it. I'm very happy with both the product and the support."

"The battery lasts for days and once you get the hang of the menu, it's straightforward to use. I use it for long kayak trips and after several uses, the battery still doesn’t need a recharge. Very reliable!"

"I've found this radio to be extremely reliable and tough—we use it every day at work and it handles a lot of abuse without any issues. It's a great product that definitely holds up under pressure."

"The radio is lightweight, waterproof, and floats, which makes it perfect for my needs. I especially appreciate the accurate battery indicator and the fact that it actually holds a charge, unlike my old radios. For this price, it's a solid choice."

"While the radio performs well and feels robust, I did experience a minor inconvenience with the charging system since it requires a cradle, and it would be more convenient if it supported USB. Still, the build quality and battery life are impressive overall."

"I was able to get this radio ready for my ocean kayaking trip in no time—it was super simple to set up after reading the manual and swapping out the included batteries for my own. The triple weather alert function makes me feel much safer on the water, and I love how easily it clips to my PFD. Just be sure to use your own batteries for reliable performance."

"Having used my Uniden Atlantis 155 since 2021, I really appreciate its straightforward controls—I rarely need to consult the manual, and the battery lasts for days. When my original rechargeable batteries finally died, replacing them was easy and inexpensive. As long as you use the right batteries, this radio is a dependable choice."

"The display is large and easy to read and channel selection is a breeze. While the dual/triple watch works well, I did notice the belt clip became weak over time. Still, the radio has served me well for lake sailing, providing clear signal and basic waterproofing."

"I was impressed by how easy this radio was to install and operate. The clear instructions helped a lot, although I didn’t realize at first that a separate antenna is needed—that wasn’t clear from the sales info. This is my first mounted VHF after using handhelds, and I’m happy with how straightforward it is."

"We purchased this radio for our boat and found the sound quality excellent and the setup hassle-free. It’s a compact and waterproof unit, which is perfect for our open boat. If you need boat speakers, I also recommend looking into Boss Marine Audio Systems for good value."

"For the price, this is a solid little radio. It was delivered quickly and the installation took less than 10 minutes. I really like the simple handset, which is great since I have a tremor—it’s hard to press the wrong button. The built-in GPS display is a great bonus. My only minor gripe is the small digit display, but overall, it’s exceeded my expectations."

"I've been thoroughly impressed with the MXT500's powerful 50-watt output, which provides amazing range and very clear communication even in tricky spots. The build is sturdy and professional, and it was incredibly easy to set up—just plug it in and go. The mic audio and display are both excellent. If you want a dependable GMRS radio for your car or base station, this one is definitely worth the investment."

"The Midland MXT575 is a fantastic GMRS mobile radio. The sound quality is superb and the range really surprised me. It feels durable and well-made, making it ideal for off-roading, camping, or staying connected with your group. Setup was a breeze, and it's tough enough for rough use. For anyone needing reliable two-way communication, this is a must-have."

"The Midland MXT500 GMRS radio is a solid purchase. It installs easily and works well with the included antenna, though an upgrade like the MXTA26 can make it even better. I like that it covers NOAA weather and GMRS bands only, and it's easy to program—especially with a computer. Overall, it's a great kit at a reasonable price."

"I've found the Standard Horizon HX891BTBK to be one of the most durable and feature-rich handheld VHF radios I've owned. The power output is excellent, and the built-in GPS is highly accurate for reporting your position. I really appreciate the Bluetooth feature for hands-free use, and the fact that it's waterproof and floats gives me peace of mind when boating. The user interface is clear and easy to use, and the safety features like DSC and NOAA weather alerts are top-notch."

"This is my second purchase of this radio, and I can confidently say it's an excellent product all around."

"While the radio functions well, I do find the range is a bit short with the standard rubber antenna. I also wish there were alternative charging options besides the base. But overall, it works reliably for my needs."

"I’m really impressed by the outstanding battery life of this little radio—it lasted through two full days of sailing with plenty of power left. The reception is crystal clear, even on the lowest transmit setting. It’s easy to use with helpful knobs for squelch and volume, and the compact size fits perfectly in my gear. Just a note: it doesn’t float, so keep it secure when near water."

"As a kayaker, I rely on this radio for both safety and staying in touch with friends out on the water. After five years of use and a few spills in the ocean, it’s still going strong! When my charger stopped working, I found it was easy to fix by adjusting one of the pins—definitely check that before replacing anything. Durability and reliability have made this radio a staple in my kit."

"This radio is a solid piece of hardware—feels great in hand, and the controls are thoughtfully designed. The weather alert function is top-notch; it reliably wakes me up for severe weather warnings. Display and button layout are very user-friendly. I wish the charger was a bit sturdier, but the overall quality and battery longevity more than make up for it."