Best Handheld Marine Two-Way Radios of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Handheld Marine Two-Way Radios are essential communication tools for anyone who spends time on the water. Whether you're a professional sailor, a fisherman, or just enjoy boating as a hobby, these radios provide a reliable means of communication in case of emergencies or when you need to stay in touch with other boats or shore-based personnel. They are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and offer features such as waterproofing, long battery life, and easy-to-use controls. Some models even come equipped with GPS and Bluetooth capabilities. With a range of up to several miles, these handheld radios ensure that you can always stay connected while on the water.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio Cover #TOP 1
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Cover #TOP 2
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld VHF Marine Radio
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Cover #TOP 3
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld VHF Marine Radio
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Handheld Marine Two-Way Radios

#TOP 1

Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio

MR HH350 FLT
Grey
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio Cover
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a must-have for marine adventurers who want a reliable communication device for safety on the water. It features a noise-cancelling microphone that blocks background noise, 6 watt VHF for short- and long-range communication, backlit and easy-to-read orange display, and floats in water for easy retrieval. It also has maximum coverage with USA, Canada, and International channels and built-in NOAA Weather radio channel for 24-hour updates on weather conditions and emergencies.

What We Like
Blocks background noise for clearer conversations
Customizable wattage for short- and long-range communication
Easy-to-read backlit display for higher visibility in all conditions
Floats in water for easy retrieval
Built-in NOAA Weather radio channel for 24-hour updates on weather conditions and emergencies
#TOP 2

Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld VHF Marine Radio

ATLANTIS 155
Atlantis 155
Standard
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Cover
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

The Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld VHF Marine Radio is a submersible, floating radio with a large, backlit screen and access to all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, as well as NOAA weather alerts. Its compact size and rechargeable batteries make it convenient to use and its waterproof design ensures it will function even after being submerged. The radio also includes a 3-year warranty.

What We Like
Submersible and floating design
Large, backlit screen
Access to all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, as well as NOAA weather alerts
Compact size and rechargeable batteries
Comes with a 3-year warranty
#TOP 3

Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld VHF Marine Radio

Atlantis 275
Atlantis 275
No Size
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Cover
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts

The Uniden Atlantis 275 is a submersible floating handheld VHF marine radio that comes with 6 watts of power, an emergency strobe light, and a built-in flashlight feature. This compact radio includes the largest LCD screen in its class, with a paper white backlight display for daytime and red backlight display for nighttime. It is waterproof to IPX8/JIS8 standards and receives all marine radio channels, including all USA, Canada, and international VHF channels, and all NOAA weather channels and alerts. The radio comes with a built-in Lion battery pack, AC & DC charging cables, and charging cradle.

What We Like
Compact size and submersible floating design make it easy to carry and use on the go.
Largest LCD screen in its class with a paper white backlight display for daytime and red backlight display for nighttime provides easy readability.
Waterproof to IPX8/JIS8 standards and receives all marine radio channels, including all USA, Canada, and international VHF channels, and all NOAA weather channels and alerts.
#TOP 4

Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld VHF Marine Radio

MHS75
MHS75
One Size
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld VHF Marine Radio Cover
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio, Submersible, Selectable 1/2.5/5 Watt Transmit Power. All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels - Color Black

The Uniden MHS75 VHF Handheld Marine Radio has a JIS8 waterproof rating, is submersible for up to 30 minutes at five feet, and features a floating design. It has a 1/2.5/5 watt switchable transmission power, covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, comes preprogrammed with NOAA weather channels, and has instant channel 16/9/triple watch mode.

What We Like
Waterproof and submersible design
1/2.5/5 watt switchable transmission power to conserve battery life
Covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels
#TOP 5

Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue

STH-HX890NB
Navy Blue
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue Cover
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue - Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Two Way Radio

The Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue is a versatile marine two-way radio with a submersible IPX8 construction that floats. It features a 6W transmit power output, 700mW loud audio, and noise-canceling function for both TX/RX audio. The built-in 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver, MOB feature, and waypoint and route navigation make it easy to operate. The radio also has a group monitor function, dual watch, and triple watch scanning. It comes with a 3-year waterproof warranty and all necessary accessories.

What We Like
Versatile marine two-way radio
Submersible IPX8 construction that floats
Built-in 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver
#TOP 6

Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio

FA9230A
Black
Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio Cover
Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio, Marine Two-Way Radios, Floating IP67 Waterproof, NOAA Weather Alert, Ship to Shore Radio for Boats (1 Pack)

The Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio is a small and sturdy two-way radio that is waterproof with a strong body shell that can withstand harsh environments at sea. It comes with 88 channel choices, a weather channel, and weather alert to help you get weather information in advance and ensure your safety. Additionally, it has dual watch/tri-watch, which can connect to shore timely and smoothly while facing unexpected situations. You can easily operate and set the functions through a few buttons without using a computer.

What We Like
Waterproof with a strong body shell
88 channel choices and weather channel
Dual watch/tri-watch for timely connections to shore
#TOP 7

Standard Horizon HX210 Handheld VHF

STH-HX210
Black
Standard Horizon HX210 Handheld VHF Cover
Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld VHF

The Standard Horizon HX210 Handheld VHF is a compact and waterproof marine radio that has a built-in emergency strobe light, oversized dot matrix display, and an easy-to-use menu system. It can receive all USA, International, and Canadian channels, as well as FM and weather radio bands. The radio also features programmable function keys, a speaker mic jack, and comes with a high-capacity Li-Ion battery and charging cables.

What We Like
Compact and waterproof design
Built-in emergency strobe light
Easy-to-use menu system
Can receive FM and weather radio bands
Comes with high-capacity Li-Ion battery and charging cables
#TOP 8

Cobra MR HH150 FLT Handheld VHF Radio

MRHH150FLT
Black
Cobra MR HH150 FLT Handheld VHF Radio Cover
Cobra Marine Radio - MR HH150 FLT - 3 Watt, Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip

The Cobra MR HH150 FLT Handheld VHF Radio is an ideal radio for marine use. It floats, is waterproof, and has a long range communication capability. This radio is designed to withstand the elements and is submersible to an industry standard JIS7. The selectable 3-Watt VHF options can reach a wide range of distances with quality connection. It also comes with the capability to operate in the USA, Canada, and other international destinations. Additionally, this radio provides instant access to National All Hazard and Weather Information, which allows you to stay up-to-date with incoming weather threats or important news.

What We Like
Floating design for easy retrieval if dropped overboard
Waterproof and submersible, avoiding frequent battery purchases
Long range communication capability
International use capability
Instant access to National All Hazard and Weather Information
#TOP 9

Retevis RM01 Marine Two-Way Radios

FA9230AX2
Black
Retevis RM01 Marine Two-Way Radios Cover
Retevis RM01 Ship to Shore Radio Handheld, Marine Walkie Talkies Waterproof, Floating, NOAA Weather Alert, Marine Two-Way Radios (2 Pack)

Retevis Marine Radio is a professional handheld device designed for boats and ships. It is waterproof and can float in the water in case it drops. It features a weather channel and weather alert that can provide you with weather information in advance to ensure the safety of personal and vessels. The LCD display and multi-functional keypad make it easy and convenient to use. You can set different functions through a few buttons. It is compatible with 5 AAA Ni-MH batteries that are included and can meet your needs for long time offshore operations. The search channels feature allows you to find conversations in progress, and you have instant access to channel 16 for emergency situations. It is ideal for ships, fishing vessels, cargo boats, yachts, and more.

What We Like
Waterproof and floating
Weather channel and alert
Long battery life
#TOP 10

Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS

MRHH600FLTGPSBT
Grey
Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Cover
Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, GPS, Bluetooth, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, Memory Scan, Grey

The Cobra Floating VHF Radio is a reliable marine two-way radio that offers a range of features to keep you connected while on the water. With Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, you can make calls directly from the radio and see your GPS coordinates on the backlit LCD display. The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, ensuring you never miss important information. The radio operates on channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts, with access to NOAA weather channels and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies. The burp feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill, improving speaker performance, while weather alerts warn you in real-time if threatening weather is nearby. The Cobra Floating VHF Radio comes with everything you need, including a drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner's manual, spring-loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.

What We Like
Bluetooth and GPS capabilities
Operates on channels in the US, Canada, and internationally
Rewind-say-again feature
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are hand held marine radios good?

Today's handheld radios can save time searching for boating friends, ease communications in port, and keep you apprised of threatening weather conditions. Most important, in the case of an emergency, some can continuously broadcast an SOS complete with your GPS coordinates beginning at the touch of a button.

2. Do you need a Licence for a handheld VHF radio?

You must have a separate Ship Portable Radio Licence for each hand held VHF DSC radio. This is because each individual radio is given a separate identity. ... So, it cannot be covered by a normal Ship Radio Licence, as this does not impose any territorial restrictions.

Editor's Notes

During our handheld marine two-way radio research, we found 24 handheld marine two-way radio products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,538 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handheld marine two-way radios list. We found that most customers choose handheld marine two-way radios with an average price of $118.24.

The handheld marine two-way radios are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handheld marine two-way radios, including Cobra, Uniden, STANDARD HORIZON, Retevis, Standard Motor Products. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.