Icom Handheld VHF Radio Buyers Guide

When it comes to staying connected on the open water, having a reliable handheld VHF radio is essential. Icom, a renowned name in the world of communication, offer a range of high-quality handheld VHF radios that cater to various needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll compare some of the best Icom handheld VHF radios on the market, helping you make an informed decision for your communication needs.

Click on any of the links below to jump to a certain VHF Radio:

Icom IC-M25 Handheld VHF Radio.
Icom IC-M37E Handheld VHF Radio.
Icom IC-M73EURO Handheld VHF Radio.
Icom M73 PLUS Handheld VHF Radio.
Icom IC-M94DE Handheld VHF Radio.

Before we begin, here's a quick comparison:

Icom IC-M25 Floating Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio

Price: £149.95 (as of September 2023).

Key Features:

AquaQuake draining function.
Auto scan function.
IPX7 waterproof construction.
Instant access to Channel 16, or programmable call channel.
LCD auto backlighting.

More Information:

Price wise, this is Icom's entry level handheld VHF radio - but in terms of features, it's anything but entry level. IC-M25 boasts an exceptional 11 hour battery life, plus an array of popular Icom features including favourite channel, dual/tri watch, one-touch tag scanning and a four-step battery life indicator.

Should you drop the handheld VHF radio in the water, there's no need to panic as the radio floats, and once you've retrieved it from the water, the AquaQuake draining function removes water from the speaker grill by emitting a buzzing sound to shake the water free, so you can hear the clear and sharp 550mW audio output.

Icom IC-M37E Floating Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio

Price: £219.95 (as of September 2023).

Key Features:

12 hour + operating time.
6W transmit output power.
IP57 dust and waterproof rating.
Low battery alert function.
Tag and scan favourite channel functions.

More Information:

Targeted at both leisure and commercial users, IC-M37E takes all the superb features round on the IC-M25 and adds an extra hour of battery life (12+ in total), a louder speaker and more transmit power, amongst other features.

The Icom VHF radio is the perfect size, with its large keys and easy-to-grip design that incorporates a large LCD display which displays an array of information including channel numbers and status icons.

Icom IC-M73EURO Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio

Price: £254.99 (as of September 2023).

Key Features:

Compact, ergonomic design.
IPX8 waterproof rating.
Up to 18 hours battery life.
Voice operated transmit capability for hands-free operation.
Wide viewing angle LCD display.

More Information:

A powerful handheld VHF radio with 6 watts transmit power, IPX8 submersion rating and a long battery life that allows for up to 18 hours of operation, under normal conditions. In addition, IC-M37EURO uses a bridge tied load amplifier that doubles the audio output, which is 700mW. As with the two radios already highlighted, M73EURO also features a dual/tri-watch function for monitoring and/or calling channel 16, aquaquake water draining function and favourite channel - amongst other features.

Icom IC-M73 PLUS Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio

Price: £279.95 (as of September 2023).

Key Features:

Active noise-cancelling technology.
Advanced IPX8 waterproofing.
Voice recording function.
Up to 16 hours battery life.
Voice operated transmit capability for hands-free operation.

More Information:

The IC-M73 PLUS sees the addition of two new important features - active noise-cancelling technology and a new voice recording function. With the latter, the VHF radio will automatically save the last incoming call for up to one minute, so you'll never miss an important call. Active noise-cancelling technology reduces background noise by up to 90%, so you will hear and can be heard clearer than ever before. There's also a bass boost function which emphasizes low-pitched sound.

Icom IC-M94DE Floating Waterproof VHF Marine Radio with DSC & AIS Receiver

Price: £319.95 (as of September 2023).

Key Features:

Active noise-cancelling technology.
Class-leading 1500 mW audio output.
IPX7 submersible.
Supports 4-digit channels.
World's first handheld VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver as well as DSC and GPS.

More Information:

M94DE is the world's first VHF handheld radio with an integrated AIS receiver as well as DSC and GPS. The integrated AIS receiver displays vessel traffic information on the LCD display. In addition, M94DE's AIS target call function allows you to easily set up a DSC individual call.

In addition, the handheld VHF radio has class-leading 1500 mW audio output with improved sound clarity, a navigation function that guides you to a specific waypoint (up to 50 can be assigned) and offers up to 10 hours of battery life with its high capacity 2,400 mAh Li-on battery.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right Icom handheld VHF radio depends on your specific needs. The IC-M73 is perfect for marine enthusiasts who require high power and durability, while the IC-M25 offers portability and simplicity for those on the move. If you're looking for one of the best handheld radios money can buy, then look towards the IC-M94DE.

Ultimately, whichever Icom handheld VHF radio you choose, you can trust in the brand's reputation for quality and reliability to keep you connected when it matters most. Evaluate your requirements, consider your environment, and select the radio that best fits your needs for safe and efficient communication in your adventures.