5 Best Marine Handheld Radios Reviews

Handheld marine radios are a huge contributor to your overall safety when out at sea. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, keeping communication lines open is vital during an emergency. 

To best achieve this, however, you need to make the right choice. 

There are numerous handheld marine radios on the market at the moment, so it's understandable if you're feeling a little lost. Don't worry, that's what we're here for.

In this guide, we'll take you through our top five picks for the best handheld marine radios, including their standout features and their pros and cons. By the end, you'll feel more confident than ever in making the right purchase. You might even learn a couple of things along the way. 

We've also included a breakdown of what you should be looking for when browsing the market. Enough introduction, let's jump in!

	EDITOR'S CHOICE
	ICOM IC-M25	Midland Arctic	ICOM IC-M37	ICOM IC-M94DE	Cobra HH600
Frequency	156-162MHz	156-162MHz	156-163MHz	156-162MHz	156-163MHz
Power	5W	5W	6W	6W	6W
Size	56.6 x 134.2 x 30.5mm	63 x 119 x 35mm	59.7 × 140.5 × 38.7mm	60.9 × 145.8 × 43.8 mm	131 × 72 × 47 mm
Weight	220g	240g	293g	357 g	329g
Waterproof Rating	IPX7	IP67	IPX7	IPX7	IPX8
Battery Life	Up to 11 Hours	Up to 4 Hours	Up to 12 Hours	Up to 10 Hours	Up to 16 Hours
Warranty	12 Months	12 Months	12 Months	12 Months	24 Months
Floating	Float'n Flash	N/A	Float'n Flash	Float’n Flash	Float’n Flash
Dual Watch	Dual/Tri-watch	Dual/Tri-watch	Dual/Tri-watch	Dual Watch/Tri‑Watch	Dual/Tri-watch
	VIEW PRODUCT	VIEW PRODUCT	VIEW PRODUCT	VIEW PRODUCT	VIEW PRODUCT

1. ICOM IC-M25 - Best for Features

Style meets functionality with Icom's IC-M25 buoyant marine VHF radio. Its design is slim and streamlined without compromising on any features, including an extraordinarily lightweight body coming in at just 220g. 

In addition to being able to float, the IC-M25 will also begin to flash when accidentally dropped in water, so you'll never have to worry about losing track of where it is.

You also never need to worry about running out of power. The IC-M25 comes with a handy USB connector so it can be charged through a variety of devices. The LCD display is large despite the compact body of the radio, measuring at just 30.5mm. In fact, the screen is 30% larger than the previous Icom release. The buttons are curved for easy use and with a total battery life of eleven hours, this radio was built to last. 

2. Midland Arctic - Best Value

If you're looking for something a little more affordable, Midland Arctic have you covered. Midland Arctic Marine Band Handheld Transceiver – A rugged, waterproof two-way radio designed for reliable communication on marine and outdoor adventures, featuring clear audio, multiple channels/p>

3. ICOM IC-M37 - Best for Ease of Use

With six watts of output power, the Icom IC-M37 packs a punch. The overall design is simple and comfortable to hold, which makes it one of the most user-friendly options on the market right now. This makes it ideal for both professional and hobby use alike. A simple yet effective interface is a benefit to all, regardless of your intentions! Better yet, the 700mW audio output allows for clear communication in even the loudest environments.

One of the more unique features of the Icom IC-M37 is its channel history. The last five channels you have used are stored within the device, so you can easily return to them whenever you need to. The radio can survive being submerged as deep as one metre for up to thirty minutes. Don't worry too much though, as thanks to the patented AquaQuake water draining function the radio can actively undo any waterlogging from the speaker grills. 

4. ICOM IC-M94DE - Best for Search & Rescue

The Icom IC-M94DE is a high-end, feature-rich handheld marine transceiver designed for safety and communication on the water. It combines VHF radio, DSC distress calling, and an integrated AIS receiver—allowing users to see nearby vessel traffic directly on the screen. With built-in GPS, float-and-flash recovery, and rugged waterproof construction, it offers reliable communication and enhanced situational awareness for both recreational and professional marine use.

5. Cobra HH600 - Best for Extreme Conditions

The Cobra HH600 is a versatile handheld marine VHF radio designed for safety and convenience at sea. It features built-in GPS and DSC, allowing you to send distress alerts with your exact location, while its floating design, emergency strobe, and flashlight make it easy to recover if dropped overboard. With added Bluetooth connectivity, you can even make and receive phone calls through the radio, keeping your mobile device safe and dry.

What to Consider When Buying a Marine Radio

So, now we've discussed some of our top recommendations, it's time to talk about what you should be looking for in your next purchase. 

There is an enormous variety of marine radios out there, so it can be pretty daunting to make a final decision, whether you're buying your very first or your fifth. Listed below are some questions you should ask yourself before committing to a purchase. 

How easy is it to use?

Ease of use does not always mean a lack of features. Don't write off a radio just because it's described as user-friendly. When you're out at sea or in a similarly difficult climate, navigating your marine radio with absolute ease can be a lifesaver. The importance of this varies depending on how you intend to use your chosen radio. If you're exclusively a hobbyist, then looking for more complex radios may be an option. 

How waterproof is it?

Don't be fooled by the phrase ‘water-resistant’. That can mean a lot of things, from surviving full submersion to only withstanding a couple of splashes. What you really need to pay attention to is the IPX rating. An IPX7 rated radio will survive going beneath the water, but if it possesses an IPX4 rating then it won't handle much more than a light spray. Both of these ratings could be considered water-resistant, but they are vastly different. Don't get caught out. 

How long does the battery last?

This is relevant to both professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you're in an emergency or simply want extended use out of your radio, you need to pay extra attention to how strong its battery life is. Lithium-ion battery-powered marine radios often possess the strongest lives and can last for longer comparatively. If you're concerned that your radio won't last the course, consider looking for one with a replaceable battery. That way you can always keep a spare on hand in case of an emergency. 

How powerful is it?

When we talk about power in the context of marine radios, we aren't talking about battery life. Instead, this relates to its output wattage. Higher power means a larger capacity for clearer, long-distance transmissions, but it isn't always a good thing. The more powerful a device is, the more battery it will consume over time. Consider which is more important to you, extended battery life or extended transmission capabilities. Prioritising one over the other is paramount to finding the right device for you. 

Does it possess noise-cancelling technology?

Using radios to communicate can be tricky at the best of times, but when you're out at sea it's a whole different situation. Noise from the ocean and a lack of signal can make for some choppy transmissions, so noise-cancelling technology can prove enormously helpful. Even if you operate the radio in an indoor location, oil rigs and motor cruisers can produce some significant interference. 

If you know you're going to be working in a noisy environment, try to opt for a radio that promises some Active Noise Cancelling. This can even affect how a signal is received in addition to the audio you send out, so it's beneficial for all parties. 

Are there additional accessories?

Most marine radios will come with a charger and antenna, but some manufacturers include a little extra. If you're a radio hobbyist, it will be in your interest to say how you could build on your purchase further down the line. Some brands get creative with what they offer beyond what you would normally expect, and that's part of the fun of collecting. If you're looking to dive into the world of marine radios for leisure rather than due to professional commitments, accessories can be an enormously fun investment. 

Does it come with a warranty and/or support?

Last on our list of tips, you should look out for what kind of warranty is in place with your purchase. Even the most durable of marine radios can suffer from freak accidents or poor manufacturing from time to time. Knowing that you're covered brings a much-needed peace of mind. Some brands offer years worth of protection as part of their warranty. Others may offer an extended warranty if you pay extra when originally purchasing. It could be worth looking out for these details, just in case something does go wrong further down the line.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Our full guide to handheld marine radios. Any one of our top five choices are ideal for both hobbyists and professionals, but naturally, each has their own individual strengths and weaknesses. 

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Keep in mind all of the points we have made of what to look out for when making your next purchase and you'll be good to go. Whether it's just for fun or all part of the job, there's a marine radio out there for you.