Handheld VHF Radio: Which ICOM Model Is Right for You?

A handheld VHF radio is one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment aboard any sailing boat. Whether you're crossing the Channel, racing inshore, or cruising local waters, a reliable handheld provides direct, waterproof, battery-backed communication when you need it most.

ICOM is one of the leading manufacturers of marine radios, and their current line-up includes a solid range of handheld VHF radios designed for different users and scenarios. In this guide, we break down five key ICOM models to help you find the right one for your boat, crew, or tender.

Why Choose a Handheld VHF Radio?

Even if you have a fixed VHF radio on board, a handheld unit provides redundancy and mobility. You can take it in the cockpit, up the mast, into the tender, or ashore. In an emergency, it gives you a waterproof, battery-powered lifeline independent of the main power system.

When choosing a handheld VHF radio, the key differentiators are:

• Power output

• Battery life and charging

• Waterproof rating

• Buoyancy and float features

• Ease of use

• Advanced features like DSC, AIS, or ATEX certification

ICOM Handheld VHF Radio Range: Model-by-Model Comparison

Let’s look at five ICOM handheld VHF radios and see how they stack up.

ICOM IC-M25EURO VHF Radio: Lightweight and Floating

The IC-M25EURO handheld VHF radio is ICOM’s most compact and lightweight floating handheld, weighing just 220g. It’s ideal for occasional use, racing, or throwing in a grab bag. It uses a standard USB charging port, so it's easy to charge from a phone power bank or solar panel.

• Output Power: 5W

• Waterproof rating: IPX7

• Buoyant with flashing red LED

• USB charging

• Simple operation, large LCD

Best for: Dinghy sailors, tender use, backup comms, or anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-use floating handheld with good range.

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ICOM IC-M37E VHF Radio: Big Battery, Simple Controls

The IC-M37E handheld VHF radio strikes a balance between robustness and simplicity. It’s a bit larger and heavier than the M25 but delivers solid performance with a bigger speaker and longer battery life.

• Output Power: 6W

• Waterproof rating: IP57

• Float’n Flash with AquaQuake™ draining

• Built-in 2350mAh Li-ion battery

• Large keypad for gloved use

Best for: Coastal cruisers and club racers who want a tough, high-volume floating radio with longer runtime.

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ICOM IC-M73EURO VHF Radio: Professional Performance

The IC-M73EURO handheld VHF radio is a professional-grade handheld with a rugged aluminium chassis and superior audio output. While it doesn't float, it offers 6W output and excellent water resistance, making it suitable for tough environments.

• Output Power: 6W

• Waterproof rating: IPX8 (1.5m for 30 mins)

• Built-in voice recorder

• High-grade audio – 700mW speaker

• Long battery life: up to 18 hours

Best for: Skippers and crew who need a highly durable, high-performance radio and don’t require floating capability.

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ICOM IC-M85E VHF Radio: Commercial-Grade and ATEX Option

The IC-M85E handheld VHF radio is designed for professional and commercial marine environments. It offers both marine and LMR (private) channels and is available in an ATEX-certified version for explosive environments such as fuel docks or engine rooms.

• Output Power: 5W

• Waterproof rating: IP67

• Compact and lightweight

• ATEX version available

• Alarm/emergency functions

Best for: Commercial users, superyacht crews, or anyone needing ATEX certification or dual marine/business channel functionality.

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ICOM IC-M94DE VHF Radio: Integrated AIS Receiver

The IC-M94DE handheld VHF radio is the world’s first handheld VHF with a built-in AIS receiver. It overlays nearby AIS targets on the screen, giving a significant safety advantage when in busy traffic or reduced visibility.

• Output Power: 6W

• Waterproof rating: IPX7

• Integrated AIS receiver

• DSC (Class H) with dedicated distress button

• Float’n Flash with MOB alarm

Best for: Offshore cruisers, short-handed sailors, or anyone who wants the safety of AIS in a portable, waterproof unit.

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Which Handheld VHF Radio is Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary by use-case:

Application	Recommended Model	Key Benefit
Lightweight & portable	IC-M25EURO	USB charging and simple operation
Club racing & day cruising	IC-M37E	Big battery and strong audio
Durable & high-performance	IC-M73EURO	Rugged chassis and IPX8 waterproofing
Commercial / ATEX use	IC-M85E	Dual-band with ATEX option
Safety with AIS	IC-M94DE	Built-in AIS and DSC distress functionality

Final Thoughts about Handheld VHF radios

Whether you’re equipping your grab bag, upgrading crew comms, or building redundancy into your safety setup, a handheld VHF radio remains a must-have on any boat.

ICOM’s range covers everything from entry-level floating models to high-spec units with AIS and DSC. Before choosing, consider how and where you'll use the radio: Does it need to float? Will it be exposed to heavy use? Do you need integrated AIS?

Browse Our Range of Handheld VHF Radios

At Upffront, we stock a curated selection of ICOM handheld VHF radios to suit a range of boats and use-cases. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or explore our range and keep an eye out as we continue expanding the collection by clicking below:

HANDHELD VHF RADIOS

¹Footnote:

• DSC (Digital Selective Calling): A distress alert system that allows you to send a digital mayday signal with GPS position at the push of a button.

• AIS (Automatic Identification System): Receives position and identification data from nearby vessels, helping you track traffic and improve situational awareness.

• ATEX: Certification for use in explosive or hazardous environments, such as fuel docks or engine rooms. Required in some commercial applications.