10 Best VHF Radios 2025 in the United States

The Ray90 VHF and AIS700 Bundle from Raymarine is a solid choice for boaters needing reliable communication and safety features. It includes a VHF radio with 16 channels, which covers basic marine communication well but may feel limited if you need more channel options. The product is submersible with an IP66 waterproof rating, so it can handle harsh marine environments and splashes without worry. It weighs about 4.4 pounds and measures roughly 14 by 6 by 6 inches, making it a bit heavier and larger than some handheld models, so it’s best suited for fixed mounting on boats rather than portable use.

This bundle also includes AIS700, adding GPS integration and vessel tracking, which enhances safety and situational awareness on the water. Raymarine is known for marine-focused designs that usually balance ease of use with functionality. If you need a dependable fixed VHF radio with AIS and good waterproofing for marine use, this bundle fits well, especially for boaters valuing integrated GPS and AIS features.

The Simrad RS40-B VHF radio offers valuable features for boaters needing reliable communication on the water. It includes integrated AIS (Automatic Identification System) and GPS receivers, which help with navigation and tracking nearby vessels — a plus for safety. The radio operates within the standard 156-174 MHz VHF frequency range and supports 8 channels, which is fewer compared to many VHF radios that often have 16 or more channels for wider communication options.

It has a water resistance rating of IP67, meaning it can handle being briefly submerged in water, making it suitable for marine environments. Weighing about 5.5 pounds and measuring 18 by 10 by 6 inches, it’s somewhat bulky but comes with useful mounting kits and a suncover to protect the display from glare. The maximum talking range is listed as 23 miles, which is typical for VHF radios under ideal conditions.

This radio represents a solid choice if you want integrated GPS and AIS with decent waterproofing. However, if you need more channels or a lighter device, you might want to consider other options.

The Standard Horizon GX2410GPS is a solid choice if you're looking for a fixed mount VHF radio that combines reliable communication with built-in GPS and AIS features. It comes with a clear 3.5-inch color display and uses button controls, which keeps things straightforward to operate. Its size and weight (about 5 pounds and compact dimensions) make it suitable for panel or dashboard mounting on boats.

The unit supports NMEA2000 connectivity, allowing it to integrate well with other marine electronics. It’s weather resistant, making it durable enough to handle typical marine environments, so it is best used in sheltered or covered settings. The product includes useful extras like a dust cover, mounting bracket, and a three-year warranty, giving you some peace of mind.

This radio is suited for boaters who want a dependable, fixed installation with GPS and AIS capabilities but might want to verify its waterproof level depending on their specific needs.