A VHF radio is essential safety kit for anything beyond very sheltered inland waters — it’s how you raise the coastguard, get weather and traffic updates, and communicate with other vessels when a mobile phone has no signal. Here’s how to choose between fixed and handheld, and which units we’d recommend.
VHF Radio Comparison
| Radio | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Uniden MHS75 Handheld Submersible VHF Marine Radio | Handheld | £68.99 |
| Cobra MR HH600 FLT BT Floating Handheld VHF Radio | Handheld, floating, Bluetooth | £149.99 |
| Standard Horizon GX1850 Fixed Mount VHF Radio | Fixed mount | £229.99 |
| Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix AIS Fixed Mount VHF Radio | Fixed mount, AIS | £344.99 |
Best Budget Handheld: Uniden MHS75 Handheld Submersible VHF Marine Radio
At £68.99, the Uniden MHS75 Handheld Submersible VHF Marine Radio is a submersible handheld covering all the basics — a sensible backup for any boat, or a primary radio for small tenders and RIBs.
Best Handheld Upgrade: Cobra MR HH600 FLT BT Floating Handheld VHF Radio
The Cobra MR HH600 FLT BT Floating Handheld VHF Radio (£149.99) floats if dropped overboard and adds Bluetooth connectivity for wireless calling and music through the radio — a genuinely useful upgrade over a basic handheld for the same rough price bracket as some fixed units.
Best Fixed Mount: Standard Horizon GX1850 Fixed Mount VHF Radio and Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix AIS Fixed Mount VHF Radio
Fixed mount radios transmit at higher power and connect to a proper external antenna, giving significantly longer range than a handheld. The Standard Horizon GX1850 Fixed Mount VHF Radio (£229.99) covers the essentials, while the Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix AIS Fixed Mount VHF Radio (£344.99) adds a built-in AIS receiver — see other vessels’ positions directly on the radio’s display, genuinely useful in busy UK shipping lanes.
Fixed vs Handheld: Which Do You Need?
- Fixed mount: higher power output (typically 25W vs 5-6W handheld), longer range, connects to a proper masthead antenna — the primary radio for any boat with a helm.
- Handheld: essential backup if the fixed unit fails or you lose power, and the primary option for kayaks, tenders and small craft with no fixed installation.
- AIS receiver: worth having on busier waters or if you cruise near shipping lanes — shows nearby vessel positions directly on the radio.
- Most boats benefit from both — a fixed radio at the helm plus a handheld as backup or for the tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence for a marine VHF radio in the UK?
Yes — you need a Ship Radio Licence for the vessel and a Short Range Certificate (SRC) to operate the radio.
What’s the range of a handheld VHF?
Typically a few miles depending on terrain and antenna height, versus 20+ miles for a fixed mount unit with a properly installed antenna.
Is AIS worth paying extra for?
If you regularly cruise near commercial shipping lanes or in poor visibility, yes — it’s a genuine collision-avoidance aid.
Not sure which VHF setup suits your boat? Our team can advise on fixed vs handheld and antenna requirements — browse the full range in our online shop.