The 16 best marine radio brands
Icom, Boss and GME lead our ranking of 16 marine radio brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Marine Radio brands, ranked
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1
Icom
Icom makes fixed-mount and handheld marine VHF radios, including DSC models for boats and commercial vessels.
Website: icomamerica.com |Brands like Icom
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Boss
Clean carpets attract uninvited guests. Boss Systems are not just the regular carpet cleaning services that you usually find at the end of the streets. Their advanced equipment and tools allow them to clean the carpets using steam services, restore water damages, or even get rid of pet stains that leave your tiles and rugs unimpressive. Boss Systems also provides furniture upholstery cleaning services and grout cleaning. The right contractors to get your furniture done.
Website: bosscarpetcleaning.com |Brands like Boss
Popularity 7.0/10
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3
GME
GME makes marine VHF radios sold through its marine line, alongside its better-known Australian two-way radios.
Website: gme.net.au |Brands like GME
Popularity 6.8/10
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4
Raymarine
Raymarine makes marine VHF radios that pair with its chartplotters and autopilots for boats.
Website: raymarine.com |Brands like Raymarine
Popularity 6.3/10
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5
Garmin
Garmin makes marine VHF radios, often with GPS and AIS features, alongside its chartplotters and fishfinders.
Website: garmin.com |Brands like Garmin
Popularity 6.2/10
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6
Lowrance
Lowrance is known for fishfinders and chartplotters, and has also sold marine VHF radios under the Navico group.
Website: lowrance.com |Brands like Lowrance
Popularity 4.0/10
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7
Cobra
Cobra makes marine VHF radios, including handheld and fixed models, alongside its CB and consumer radios.
Website: cobragolf.com |Brands like Cobra
Popularity 3.9/10
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8
Kenwood
Kenwood is known for amateur radio gear and has made marine VHF radios, though its marine line is less prominent.
Website: kenwood.com |Brands like Kenwood
Popularity 3.9/10
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9
Fusion
Bariatric Fusion is a nutraceutical business specializing in the research, manufacture, and marketing of bariatric-specific supplements that are safe and inexpensive. Their products are developed in collaboration with doctors that specialize in bariatric surgery. The brand's goods are designed to...
Website: bariatricfusion.com |Brands like Fusion
Popularity 3.8/10
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10
FURUNO
FURUNO makes marine VHF radios as well as radar, chartplotters, and navigation electronics for commercial and recreational boats.
Website: furuno.com |Brands like FURUNO
Popularity 3.8/10
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11
Jensen
Jensen Tools is a prominent provider of tools and consumable supplies for the field service, electronics manufacturing, assembly/test, and repair businesses. They provide various products, such as hand tools, torque wrenches, test instruments, electronic measuring tools, and much more. From...
Website: jensentools.com |Brands like Jensen
Popularity 1.5/10
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12
ProSpec
Since 1986, ProSpec Electronics has been a marine audio supplier to boat builders. These goods consist of speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, amplifying devices for maritime sources, and other accessories. Today, ProSpec Electronics produces and sells some of the most well-known marine...
Website: prospecelectronics.com |Brands like ProSpec
Popularity 1.5/10
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13
Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon makes fixed-mount and handheld marine VHF radios, with DSC and GPS models for boats.
Website: standardhorizon.com |Brands like Standard Horizon
Popularity 1.0/10
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14
Uniden
Uniden makes marine VHF radios, including handheld and fixed models, alongside its CB and consumer radios.
Website: uniden.com |Brands like Uniden
Popularity 1.0/10
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15
Maxxima
Maxxima has been a luxury lighting company in the field for over 40 years and is in a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They cater to all the lighting needs you have exclusively with LED products. With several recessed, outdoor,...
Website: maxximastyle.com |Brands like Maxxima
Popularity 1.0/10
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16
Enrock Marine
Marine products are very hard to manufacture and require high skills. Enrock Marine has mastered the skill of manufacturing high-quality marine products, making them one of the most popular brands in the marine industry. All products are made with high-quality...
Website: enrockmarine.com |Brands like Enrock Marine
Popularity 1.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icom | icomamerica.com | /icomamericainc | icomamericainc | @icomamericainc | – |
| Boss | bosscarpetcleaning.com | /ForgetTheProfessionalsCallTheExperts | bosssystemscarpet | – | – |
| GME | gme.net.au | /GMEAU | gme_au | – | GME |
| Raymarine | raymarine.com | /FLIR | flir | @flir | – |
| Garmin | garmin.com | /GarminIN | garminindia | @garmin_india | – |
| Lowrance | lowrance.com | /Lowrance | lowrancefishing | – | lowrance |
| Cobra | cobragolf.com | /cobra | cobragolf | @cobragolf | cobragolfvideos |
| Kenwood | kenwood.com | – | – | – | – |
| Fusion | bariatricfusion.com | /BariatricFusion | bariatric_fusion | @BariatricFusion | Bariatric Fusion |
| FURUNO | furuno.com | /FurunoGlobal | furuno_global | @furuno_global | Furuno |
Marine Radio Buying Guide
When it comes to boating and sailing, a reliable communication system is essential for safety and convenience. Marine radios, also known as VHF radios or ship-to-shore radios, are the primary communication device for most boaters. In this buying guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before purchasing a marine radio.
Types of Marine Radios
There are two main types of marine radios: fixed-mount and handheld. Fixed-mount radios are installed permanently on your boat and usually offer more features and better performance than handheld radios. Handheld radios are portable and convenient for short-range communication, but they may not have the range or power of fixed-mount radios.
Fixed-mount radios are also divided into two categories: VHF radios and SSB radios. VHF radios operate in the very high frequency range and have a maximum range of about 25 miles, depending on the height of the antenna and the power of the radio. They are the most common type of marine radio and are required by law on most boats.
SSB radios are more powerful and have a much longer range than VHF radios. They operate in the high-frequency range and can communicate with other SSB radios around the world. However, they are much more expensive than VHF radios and require a larger antenna and a higher power source.
Features to Consider
When choosing a marine radio, there are several features and functions to consider:
Weather Alerts
Many marine radios have built-in weather alerts, which can be useful for keeping track of changing weather conditions. Some radios even have a "smart" alert feature that will only sound an alarm if the radio receives a severe weather warning for your specific location.
DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
DSC is a feature that allows you to send a distress signal, along with your boat's GPS coordinates, to the Coast Guard or other nearby vessels in an emergency. This feature can be a lifesaver in a crisis, but it requires registration and configuration before it can be used.
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
AIS is a navigation safety device that sends and receives vessel information, such as location, speed, and course, to other nearby vessels. This can help prevent collisions and improve safety on the water.
GPS
Many marine radios have built-in GPS receivers, which can be useful for navigation and emergency situations. Some radios can even display your boat's location on a map on the radio's display screen.
NMEA Compatibility
NMEA is a standard for marine electronics communication, and many modern marine radios are compatible with it. This means that you can connect your radio to other NMEA-compatible devices, such as GPS systems and chartplotters, to share data and information.
Power Output
The power output of a marine radio is measured in watts, and it determines how far your radio signal can transmit. Higher power output generally means a better range, but it also requires more power and may drain your boat's battery faster.
Channels
Marine radios have both international and U.S. domestic channels, and it's important to choose a radio that has the channels you need. International channels are used for emergency and distress communication, while domestic channels are used for general communication and information.
Legal Requirements
Marine radios are subject to strict regulations and requirements, and it's important to know the rules before you buy and use one. Here are some of the legal requirements for marine radios:
Licensing
In the U.S., you must have an FCC license to transmit on a marine radio. The license is free and easy to obtain, but you must pass a test to demonstrate your knowledge of radio procedures and regulations.
MMSI Number
A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is a unique identifier assigned to your boat by the FCC. It is used to register your boat's radio equipment and is required to use DSC features.
Distress Procedures
It's important to know the proper distress procedures and protocols for using your marine radio in an emergency situation. The Coast Guard has strict guidelines for emergency communication, and failure to follow them can result in fines or penalties.
Brand and Price
The brand and price of a marine radio can also be important factors to consider. Some of the most popular and well-regarded brands in the marine radio market include ICOM, Standard Horizon, and Uniden. Prices for marine radios can vary widely, from less than $100 for a basic handheld radio to several thousand dollars for a top-of-the-line fixed-mount radio with all the bells and whistles.
Conclusion
Choosing the right marine radio can mean the difference between a safe and enjoyable boating experience and a dangerous or stressful one. Be sure to consider the features, functions, and requirements outlined in this guide before making your purchase, and remember to always follow proper radio procedures and guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
