The 27 best vhf marine radio brands
Icom, Standard Horizon and Uniden lead our ranking of 27 vhf marine radio brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Vhf Marine Radio brands, ranked
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1
Icom
Icom America is a leading creator and manufacturer of two-way radios for various industries, including amateur radio, avionics, land mobile radio, and marine radio. The company has been providing new solutions to fulfill the communication demands of its consumers for over 40 years. They provide the most comprehensive variety of voice communication solutions for indoor and outdoor use. Their product line includes entry-level to elevated communication devices for individuals, corporations, governments, and military groups worldwide. Government agencies and enterprises in over 150 countries use their products. Two-way radios are used in various industries, including avionics, amateur radio, land mobile radio, marine radio, and fire/emergency services.
Website: icomamerica.com |Brands like Icom
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon makes marine electronic gadgets for boaters all over the world. Equipping your boats with marine electronics will ensure your time at sea is safe and enjoyable by keeping track of fuel consumption and location through GPS trackers to reduce any chance of accidents and getting lost. Standard Horizon has used its advanced technology to create excellent products like handheld and fixed VHF, loud hailers, and GPS chart plotters.
Website: standardhorizon.com |Brands like Standard Horizon
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
Uniden
Uniden is a world pioneer in developing goods that make life easier, more convenient, and safer. Uniden has been improving people's lives since it was created over 40 years ago, with products ranging from home security to mobile communications. They are proud of their employees and feel everyone deserves a job where they may fulfill their full potential while still having fun. Cordless and portable phones, digital video surveillance, home and intelligent smoke alarms, child safety goods, remote controls, and other items are available.
Website: uniden.com |Brands like Uniden
Popularity 3.8/10
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4
Cobra
Cobra is where all golf lovers go to get their handy craft tools. The company started back in 1973. Thomas Crow is the founder of this brand who had a love for golf and had played in the tournaments a few times. Thomas wanted to give the advantage of sound equipment to the lovers of the game so that they could have a winning chance at the game with much less effort. Cobra now manufactures clubs and accessories one needs in a round of golf.
Website: cobragolf.com |Brands like Cobra
Popularity 3.2/10
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5
West Marine
West Marine had its first shop opened in 1975 in Palo alto, CA. As the name gives an idea about the company, it manufactures and deals in marine electronics and gears. It provides a massive variety of products in the marine category ranging from engine parts to safety gears and cleaning products. It has more than 240 stores in 38 states. It relies on quality standards and customer service efficiency and reached this place.
Website: westmarine.com |Brands like West Marine
Popularity 3.1/10
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6
Garmin
Garmin provides premium-quality goods and services that you may use to monitor people's athletic and fitness pursuits. Athletes use their gadgets, for instance, running, swimming, or cycling, to gather real-time performance data. On Garmin's online platform, the data is then shared with other users, allowing them to compete against one another. Additionally, ts goods are made for various athletes, including triathletes, cyclists, runners, and swimmers.
Website: garmin.com |Brands like Garmin
Popularity 2.5/10
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7
Yaesu
Yaesu is a company that is well versed in crafting top-quality ham radios. Communication ties the world together, and for several years Yaesu has been focusing on developing some of the highest quality communications equipment. The attention to detail and the consistent effort put into the research and development sector make Yaesu one of the leading brands in communication. Amplifiers, Receivers, and Transceivers are some of the company's specialties. Yaesu constantly works on increasing its brand products.
Website: yaesu.com |Brands like Yaesu
Popularity 2.0/10
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8
Raytheon
Raytheon is a combination of solutions for the defense, aviation and aerospace sectors of our world. An assembly of the brightest minds from around the world. With satellite systems, fuel innovations and much more than just simple fixer-uppers, Raytheon wants to lead humanity to greater distances. As a research and development project, Raytheon is working on sustainable flight fuels by switching to superconductors. It is science fiction, but here and real.
Website: raytheon.com |Brands like Raytheon
Popularity 1.9/10
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9
FURUNO
FURUNO is an electronics company which provides products, especially for sea travel. FURUNO equipment makes your sea journey easy and safe with its advanced technological equipment. FURUNO offers highly accurate GPS systems, monitoring systems, boats and fishing vessels. FURUNO is...
Website: furuno.com |Brands like FURUNO
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
Entel
The Entel group is a company established to produce mission-critical wireless communication systems. Entel's management and ownership of either the Research or manufacturing functions ensure that perhaps the organization keeps a very well reputation for excellence of development, reliability, and...
Website: entel.co.uk |Brands like Entel
Popularity 1.6/10
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11
Midland
Midland is dedicated to the art of communication. They build radios and walkie-talkies for those who go out in the wild to enjoy a good adventure. The company has been operating for many years, and they have gradually increased the...
Website: midlandusa.com |Brands like Midland
Popularity 1.3/10
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12
GME
For all kinds of radio communication, whether on land or water, GME is here to provide you with the exact products you need. It is an Australian private company and has been in this business for over 60 years. Whether...
Website: gme.net.au |Brands like GME
Popularity 1.3/10
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13
Raymarine
A specialist in marine electronics, Raymarine is currently a globally leading company. Their high-performance marine electronics are available commercially in all marine markets. Following a legacy of over 80 years, their products settle at nothing less than the very best....
Website: raymarine.com |Brands like Raymarine
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Moonraker
Moonraker provides Radio communication products for diverse fields such as Marine and Avionics. They make quality products to ensure that everyone uses radio waves for communication in the best way possible. They have an extensive product portfolio consisting of antenna...
Website: moonrakeronline.com |Brands like Moonraker
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Sirio
Sirio Antenna is an Italian brand that provides top-quality ham radio equipment to its customers. Their products include cable, antenna, bands, WLAN system, and, Wi-Max system. They all are manufactured from premium quality raw materials. They had a collection of...
Website: sirio.store |Brands like Sirio
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Simrad
Simrad, a well-known brand that manufactures marine electronics, was founded in 1946. It ensures that no compromises are made underwater and strives to provide only the best technology-driven, high-performance products to its customers. Their product line includes a vast range...
Website: simrad-yachting.com |Brands like Simrad
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Henry
Francis & Henry is a European apparel company that focuses on necessities for Maternity, Nursing, and the Hospital Bag. It was founded in 2016. Francis & Henry has a variety of pregnant, childbirth, and lactation goods. Their apparel line is...
Website: francisandhenry.com |Brands like Henry
Popularity 0.9/10
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18
Regency
Regency International is the biggest wholesale importer of holiday and home décor. Their goal is to supply their clients with unique yet cheap items that will assist them in meeting their retail objectives. All of their things are sent directly...
Website: regency-rib.com |Brands like Regency
Popularity 0.9/10
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19
Lowrance
Lowrance is a brand that deals in marine electronics. It has been a leader in its business line since it came up with its first consumer sonar device in 1957. Its product list consists of autopilots, gauges, radar, speaker systems,...
Website: lowrance.com |Brands like Lowrance
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
BendixKing
Bendix King Radios is a successful and established company that manufactures and sells land mobile radios. These land mobile radios are of incredible quality. They have excellent performance, great voice quality, and long battery life. On the official website of...
Website: bendixkingradios.com |Brands like BendixKing
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Lafayette
This 21st century is the century of technology. Several instruments are coming into the market, which makes human life easy. Several people are doing innovations to produce the latest technology equipment. Lafayette is one such brand of instruments. Customers will...
Website: lafayetteevaluation.com |Brands like Lafayette
Popularity 0.6/10
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22
JRC
JRC is a communication technology company. JRC has been in this industry for an extended amount of time, and they are well aware of how communication technology can be made the latest. They incorporate modern technologies to make their services...
Website: jrc.co.jp |Brands like JRC
Popularity 0.6/10
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23
Cobra Electronics
All you need for a modern driving experience, Cobra electronics provides it to you. With 50 years of hard work, it is now known to be a world leader in consumer electronics. It deals in radar detectors, professional CB radios,...
Website: cobra.com |Brands like Cobra Electronics
Popularity 0.6/10
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24
Retevis
Hopkins manufactures products related to towing solutions, vehicle cleaning, winter tools, fluid management, protection and convenience, tire safety and emergency, automotive AirCare, auxiliary lighting, safety accessories, etc. Since 1953, it has been in the business and has become number one...
Website: retevis.com |Brands like Retevis
Popularity 0.6/10
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25
Tait
Tait is a trusted and experienced communications company that specializes in developing unique technology to aid workforce communication such as LMR, LTE, Satellite, and Wifi. Their priority is on the safety and efficiency of your organization as they work on...
Website: taitradio.com |Brands like Tait
Popularity 0.6/10
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26
Stabo
Communication is the base on which our globalized planet relies. But it's not an easy thing to accomplish, as history has witnessed. It took years for our species to invent technology that allowed worldwide connections. Stabo strives to carry this...
Website: stabo.de |Brands like Stabo
Popularity 0.6/10
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27
POLMAR
Communication is the basis upon which our world resides. Without it, our harmony, unity, and culture that is now a blend of every influence our lands have seen would fall. Life as we know it would fall. But thanks to...
Website: polmar-radio.com |Brands like POLMAR
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icom | icomamerica.com | /icomamericainc | icomamericainc | @icomamericainc | – |
| Standard Horizon | standardhorizon.com | – | – | – | – |
| Uniden | uniden.com | /UnidenAmerica | – | @Uniden_America | Uniden America |
| Cobra | cobragolf.com | /cobra | cobragolf | @cobragolf | cobragolfvideos |
| West Marine | westmarine.com | – | – | – | – |
| Garmin | garmin.com | /GarminIN | garminindia | @garmin_india | – |
| Yaesu | yaesu.com | – | – | – | – |
| Raytheon | raytheon.com | /RaytheonTechnologies | raytheontechnologies | @raytheontech | – |
| FURUNO | furuno.com | /FurunoGlobal | furuno_global | @furuno_global | Furuno |
| Entel | entel.co.uk | /Entel-UK-733943053377721 | – | @EntelUk | Entel Group |
VHF Marine Radio Buying Guide
Marine communication plays a crucial role in the safety of every vessel in the ocean. As technology advances, VHF marine radios have become a standard tool in the maritime industry. A reliable marine radio makes it possible to communicate with emergency services, other vessels, and coast guards. Choosing the best marine radio for your vessel is a significant decision you have to make.
VHF marine radios are designed to operate in the VHF frequency range of 156.0-162.5MHz. This range is reserved for the marine industry, and VHF marine radios have a range of 20-25 nautical miles. There are two types of marine radios: handheld and fixed-mount. Handheld marine radios are portable and can be used anywhere, while fixed-mount radios are installed in boats and ships for constant communication.
Features to consider before buying a VHF marine radio
When purchasing a VHF marine radio, it’s crucial to consider the features that will suit your vessel’s needs. Some of the crucial features to consider are:
Waterproofing rating
A marine radio is bound to get wet on numerous occasions. Thus it’s crucial to look for a marine radio made of waterproof material. Radios that aren’t waterproof can stop functioning when exposed to water, thus increasing the risk of accidents in the ocean. You should consider purchasing a radio with a waterproof rating of at least IPX7. This means that it can be submerged in water up to a depth of three feet and still function properly.
GPS
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a crucial feature in marine communication, especially when ensuring your boats' safety. It’s essential to buy a VHF marine radio that has GPS installed. This will enable the coast guard and emergency services to locate you in case of an emergency.
DSC
When buying a VHF marine radio, you should consider one with DSC equipped. DSC stands for Digital Selective Calling. It’s a technology that transmits a distress signal to the coast guard, emergency services, or nearby vessels. This feature makes it possible to receive assistance quickly. A marine radio with DSC also has a unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number) number that acts as a vessel’s identification number when sending distress signals.
Wattage
The wattage of a radio determines the radio's power and how far it can communicate. Most VHF marine radios have a wattage of 1-25 watts. You should note that the higher the wattage, the farther the radio can transmit. However, a powerful radio consumes more power, and in most cases, it requires a separate power source. You should consider your boat's size before purchasing a powerful marine radio.
Privacy features
Most commercially available marine VHF radios support repeater functionality, enabling communication between two handsets, even when located far apart. However, it’s challenging to keep these conversations private. Purchasing a VHF radio with privacy features is crucial. These features will enable encryption of conversations, making them private between you and other authorized users only.
Multiple channels
A VHF marine radio with multiple channels is essential when communicating in a busy area. Multiple channels provide better communication, and it’s easier to listen to different channels simultaneously. You can communicate with other vessels, coast guards, and emergency services on different channels.
Display
Display quality is essential when purchasing a marine radio. You should purchase a radio with an adequately fitted display for better readability. This will ensure that you can read all the essential information displayed with ease. You should also consider the size of the screen, especially when purchasing a fixed-mount marine radio.
Audio quality
Audio quality is essential in marine communication. It’s necessary to purchase a marine radio with good audio quality. A high-quality radio will enable clear communication even in a noisy environment. You should test the radio's audio quality before purchasing it.
Brand warranty and support
Marine radios are an investment in your safety at sea. Make sure that you purchase one from a trusted brand that provides a warranty and technical support. Having manufacturer support in times of need can make a huge difference at sea.
Types of VHF marine radios
VHF marine radios come in two types that are handheld and fixed-mount radio.
Handheld Marine Radios
A handheld marine radio is portable and easy to carry. It’s suitable for small boats and can also serve as a backup radio for fixed-mount marine radios. A handheld marine radio is also water-resistant, although it’s not recommended to submerge it in water for extended periods. They come in two types; waterproof and water-resistant.
Waterproof handheld marine radios are designed to endure water-based environments. They are submergible and can withstand the effects of saltwater, sun, heat, and cold weather. They also come with floating capabilities, making it easy to retrieve lost radios. On the other hand, water-resistant handheld marine radios are designed to withstand splashes of water, such as rain and splashes but can’t be fully submerged in water.
Fixed-Mount Marine Radios
A fixed-mount marine radio is installed in boats and ships. They are bulky and require a dedicated power supply. Fixed-mount marine radios have higher wattages and can transmit communication over long distances. They are available in various sizes with different features such as DSC, GPS, and multiple channels.
The installation of fixed-mount marine radios can be done above or below deck. However, it’s recommended to install it where everyone on board can access it easily. Fixed-mount marine radios are commonly found in commercial boats and tenders.
The cost of marine radios
The cost of a marine radio varies depending on the features it comes with. Handheld marine radios cost much less than fixed-mount marine radios. A high-end, fixed-mount marine radio with numerous features like DSC, GPS, and VHF Marine radio, will cost more than a simple one.
However, the cost of a good marine radio should not be a deterrent when it comes to safety at sea. You can purchase a reasonably priced, high-quality marine radio with essential features such as waterproofing, GPS, and DSC.
Conclusion
Communicating in the ocean is essential to ensure safety. Choosing the right marine radio for your vessel is critical. You should consider the features you require in a radio, such as waterproofing, GPS, DSC, wattage, privacy features, and display. You should also consider the type of radio you need. Handheld marine radios are portable and suitable for small boats, while fixed-mount marine radios are installed in boats and have higher wattages.
The cost of a marine radio varies depending on the features the radio comes with, but a reasonable priced high-quality radio with essential features like waterproofing, GPS, and DSC is important for safety in the ocean. Ultimately, it’s up to you to ensure that everyone onboard is safe while at sea.
