You don’t need to spend a bundle of cash to get a first-class handheld VHF radio. A handheld VHF radio is a useful tool for a variety of tasks aboard any boat, be it big or small. On a kayak or skiff, these types of VHF radios serve well as
Top 5 Editorial Picks
Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.
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1
Best Compact Value
A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.
- CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar in a compact package
- A sensible pick when you do not need a chartplotter or SideVü
- Best fit for budget-conscious small-boat anglers
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2
Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder
A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.
- CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar for fish and structure
- Simple setup with a practical 7-inch screen
- Strong value for most general boat anglers
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3
Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade
The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.
- Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland mapping and touchscreen control
- Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar
- A better fit than STRIKER when charts matter
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4
Best Side-Imaging Upgrade
A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.
- MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+
- 9-inch display with touchscreen and keypad control
- Recommended configuration: 9-inch, transducer included
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5
Best Premium Expandable System
A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.
- Active Imaging HD and C-MAP charting
- Wide networking support for integrated electronics
- Ready to expand with ActiveTarget 2 and the Lowrance ecosystem
Handheld VHF Radios
Icom M73 Review
[rwp-review-recap id=”0″] The Icom M73 is a nice handheld VHF radio that has some nice features. It has 6 Watts of transmit power giving folks the longest communication range a handheld can give. It has the best waterproof features and has been tested submersed under water at 4.9 feet for
West Marine VHF 55
[rwp-review-recap id=”0″] The West Marine VHF 55 is a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive handheld marine VHF radio. It weighs in at just under nine ounces and will fit in your hand nicely. The included AC charger will fully charge the 1200 mAH Lithium Ion battery used in this radio in
Uniden MHS550 Review
The Uniden MHS550 is a multi-band marine handheld VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving on the Marine band and the Family Radio Service band. It will also receive on the AM and FM broadcast bands and receive aircraft band traffic as well. The radio body is constructed from die
West Marine VHF 250 Review
The talented West Marine VHF 250 features full marine-band capabilities, plus it can receive signals from the Family radio, AM, FM, and Aircraft bands. It can transmit on the Marine and Family radio channels. Other features include a die-cast metal case and a top-mounted adapter ready to accept an optional
West Marine VHF 150 Review
The West Marine VHF 150 is a smallish lightweight radio housed in a well-armored die-cast metal case. On/off volume and squelch twist knobs are mounted in a concentric shaft on top of the radio. A top-mounted adapter ready to accept an optional speaker or microphone is on top too. Eight
Uniden Voyager Review
The Uniden Voyager is the smallest handheld VHF radio we’ve tested and just about the lightest too. Despite its diminutive size, there is still enough room on the top of this portable radio for an on/off/volume and squelch rotary knob controls, and a jack to accommodate an external speaker or
Uniden MHS450 Review
The Uniden MHS450 is solidly constructed with an aluminum die cast frame partially covered by protective rubber padding. The unit fits well in hand and weighs a tad less than 12 ounces. This Uniden handheld radio ships from the factory with an AC fast charger that will bring an empty
Uniden MHS50
The Uniden MHS50 is by far the least expensive floating marine handheld VHF radio on the market today. Uniden packages and ships this radio in a two-pack priced under $100. The radio is housed in a case that measures 2.5 inches wide by 5.3 inches tall and is 1.4 inches
Uniden MHS350 Review
The Uniden MHS350 has a top-mounted volume and squelch control knobs with a jack to connect an optional external speaker or microphone located alongside. Buy the Uniden MHS350 here. Eight front-mounted pushbuttons control transmitter power selection, channel changing, weather, and scanning. Performance The MHS350 performed well in our testing, earning
Uniden MHS135DSC
The Uniden MHS135DSC is a floating marine handheld VHF radio with a built-in GPS, a 6-watt maximum power output, and front panel SOS strobe light. This marine handheld is this company’s first entry into this unique device combo market. In addition to GPS capability this radio has all the standard
Uniden MHS125 Review
The Uniden MHS125 is the company’s first foray into the floating marine handheld VHF radio market and this radio has all the operational features you’d expect in a handheld. The radio measures approximately 6-inches high, 2.6-inches wide, and 1.8-inches deep. Overall height including the antenna is 12.5-inches. On my scale,
Uniden Atlantis 250 Review
The Uniden Atlantis 250 is the biggest in size, heaviest, and one of the least expensive handhelds weve tested. It features a pair of top-mounted control knobs, one for on/off/volume and the other for squelch. A jack to connect an external speaker or microphone is also located in top. Eight
Standard Horizon Handheld VHFs
Standard Horizon VHF handheld marine radios are available in a wide range of models from basic frill-free units to full-featured high end models with all the bells and whistles. An earlier generation of Standard Horizon handheld marine VHF radios has shown themselves to be reliable and reasonably priced. The newest
Standard Horizon HX851 Preview
The Standard Horizon HX851 is an updated and enhanced handheld VHF radio based on the very popular HX850S, which at the time of its release was the first marine handheld VHF to integrate a GPS receiver. This latest version of the radio adds significant navigation capabilities as well as other
Standard Horizon HX850S Review
The Standard Horizon HX850S is a 6-watt floating marine handheld with a self-contained GPS receiver and full-blown DSC capability. To be able to float the radio combines a large case with a relatively lightweight of 12 ounces. The HX850 comes from the factory with an automatic AC fast charger that
Standard Horizon HX760S Review
The Standard Horizon HX760S marine handheld is a 6-watt floating radio capable of interfacing with a Standard Horizon BH-2 Bluetooth® headset. All this capability is in a radio a tad under 6 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. It weighs only 10.8 ounces. The HX760S ships with an automatic AC
Standard Horizon HX751 Review
The Standard Horizon HX751 is a recent release and updated version of the earlier HX750S radio. It has a maximum power output of 6-watts and is designed to float. That is a great feature for any marine handheld VHF radio to be used aboard a boat. Buy this new Standard
Standard Horizon HX750S Review
The Standard Horizon HX750S is a 6-watt floating marine handheld. To be able to float the radio combines a relatively large case with a total weight of only 10.7 ounces. The HX750S ships with an automatic AC fast charger that requires eight hours to fully charge the 1150 mAH lithium
Standard Horizon HX600S LI Review
The Standard Horizon HX600S LI was the product line leader last year in its original version. This latest version carries the LI designation to signify a new battery type. The supplied AC charger will fill the 1700 mAH lithium ion battery used in this radio in eight hours. You’ll know