10 Best Marine Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio is a solid choice for boaters needing reliable communication and navigation features. It includes integrated AIS and GPS receivers, which is a big plus for safety and situational awareness on the water. The radio covers the essential VHF frequency range (156-174 MHz) and supports 8 channels, which is enough for common marine communications, though some might prefer more channels for flexibility. It is water resistant, suitable for marine conditions but may not be fully waterproof for extreme exposure.

The Icom M510 is a fixed-mount marine VHF radio designed for boaters who need reliable communication on the water. It covers the standard marine VHF frequency range for transmit and receive, ensuring compatibility with other marine radios. The radio offers 4 channels, which is quite limited compared to many marine radios that provide access to 156 channels, potentially restricting quick channel changes during emergencies or busy marine traffic.

The Ray90 VHF and AIS700 Bundle by Raymarine is designed for marine communication, combining a fixed-mount VHF radio with AIS (Automatic Identification System) capabilities. It offers 16 channels, which is standard for many marine VHF radios, though it may be fewer than some models that provide full access to all marine channels. The radio has an IP66 waterproof rating, meaning it’s well protected against heavy water spray and dust but isn’t fully submersible for long periods. The unit is relatively heavy at about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), so it’s better suited for fixed installation on a boat rather than handheld use.