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10 Best Emergency Two Way Radios 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts

The Uniden Atlantis 275 is a robust emergency two-way radio designed for marine use. Its most notable strength is its waterproof and floating capability, adhering to the IPX8 submersible standard, making it highly reliable in wet environments. The radio offers a powerful 6-watt output, with adjustable settings for 6W, 2.5W, or 1W, ensuring strong communication over long distances, up to 36 miles under optimal conditions.

The inclusion of an emergency strobe light and built-in flashlight adds to its safety features, making it an excellent choice for emergencies at sea. The large dual-color LCD screen enhances visibility, with a paper white backlight for daytime and a red backlight for nighttime use, ensuring readability in varying light conditions. It covers all USA, International, and Canadian marine VHF channels, including NOAA Weather Channels and alerts, keeping users informed of weather changes. The built-in lithium-ion battery pack, along with AC and DC charging options, ensures long battery life and flexibility in recharging.

However, its compact size and weight of 1.5 pounds make it portable, though it may still feel slightly bulky for some users. Another strength is the 3-year warranty, including a full waterproof warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability. On the downside, some users may find the number of channels (25) limiting compared to other models offering more variety. Potential buyers should consider whether the specific marine-focused features align with their needs. The Uniden Atlantis 275 is particularly well-suited for marine enthusiasts and professionals who require a reliable and durable communication tool for emergency situations on the water.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Range
Communicates clearly and has great distance.
Battery Life
Sound quality is amazing and the battery charges quickly.
Durability
Floating capability is reassuring in case of an overboard fall.
Size and Weight
Very lightweight and easy to use.
#2

Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

The Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio is a solid choice for those needing a reliable communication device while on the water. One of its significant strengths is its durability; it meets the IPX8 waterproof standard, meaning it can be submerged in water and still function. It also floats, which is a crucial feature for marine environments.

The large dual-color screen is useful for both day and night visibility, enhancing its usability in various conditions. With access to all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, as well as NOAA weather alerts, this radio ensures comprehensive coverage and safety alerts, which is essential for emergency situations at sea.

The 10-hour battery life provided by the included rechargeable NiMH batteries is decent, but might require additional batteries for extended use. It offers a respectable range of up to 15 kilometers, making it suitable for most marine activities. The compact size and lightweight design (1.06 pounds) make it convenient to carry and use. Overall, the Uniden Atlantis 155 is robust, user-friendly, and offers essential features for marine safety.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Battery Life
The included batteries may not last long, so it's recommended to replace them with higher quality ones for reliable performance.
Durability
The radio's waterproof feature proved reliable, even after being dropped in the ocean.
Weather Alerts
The triple weather alert feature, which monitors multiple channels every 2 seconds, adds an extra layer of safety.
#3

Uniden MHS338BT Floating, Handheld Marine VHF Radio, 6-Watts, GPS and Bluetooth, Submersible IPX8, Emergency Strobe & Flashlight, NOAA Weather Alerts, FM Radio, Chargeing Cradle & Li-ion Battery.

The Uniden MHS338BT Marine VHF Radio stands out in several key areas essential for emergency two-way radios. Firstly, it offers a strong range with its full 6-watt transmit power, which is ideal for ensuring maximum communication coverage during emergencies. The ability to adjust the power level (1.0W, 2.5W, 6.0W) adds versatility depending on your range needs. The integrated GPS feature is a major asset for location tracking, and the ability to save and manually enter positions can be very useful in marine environments. Moreover, the radio's Bluetooth capability allows for easy setup and text messaging via a smartphone app, enhancing connectivity options.

The device is highly durable, boasting IPX8 submersible rating and the ability to float, making it reliable for use in harsh marine conditions. The emergency strobe light and flashlight that activate upon water contact are critical safety features. The radio's sizeable, backlit LCD screen ensures easy readability both day and night, and its noise-canceling feature improves audio clarity.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The number of available channels (25) might be limiting compared to some other models, depending on your specific needs. Additionally, the product is slightly heavier (10.6 ounces) and moderately sized (1.5 x 2.52 x 4.6 inches), which could impact portability for some users. The inclusion of only one specialized battery might be a limitation for extended use without access to recharging facilities. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Uniden MHS338BT offers a comprehensive set of features, including NOAA weather alerts and compliance with International Class D DSC standards, making it a robust choice for those needing a reliable emergency marine radio.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Range
Users appreciate the strong range and adjustable power levels that cater to different communication needs.
Durability
The radio's durability, with IPX8 submersible rating and floating ability, is seen as essential for harsh marine conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Emergency Two Way Radios

Choosing the right emergency two-way radio can be crucial for ensuring effective communication during critical situations. These devices are essential for staying connected with others when traditional communication methods fail. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting an emergency two-way radio.
RangeRange refers to the maximum distance over which the radio can effectively communicate. This is important because it determines how far apart you can be from others while still maintaining clear communication. Range can vary significantly, from a few miles in urban areas with many obstructions to over 30 miles in open, rural areas. If you need a radio for use in a city or densely wooded area, a shorter range may suffice. However, for outdoor adventures or rural settings, a longer range is essential.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the radio can operate before needing a recharge or battery replacement. This is crucial in emergencies where power sources may be limited. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. Consider how long you might need to use the radio without access to charging facilities. For short-term use, a radio with a shorter battery life may be adequate, but for extended emergencies, opt for one with a longer battery life or the ability to use replaceable batteries.
DurabilityDurability refers to the radio's ability to withstand harsh conditions, such as drops, water exposure, and extreme temperatures. This is important because emergency situations often involve challenging environments. Radios are typically rated with an IP (Ingress Protection) code that indicates their resistance to dust and water. For general use, a basic level of durability may be sufficient, but for outdoor or high-risk environments, look for radios with higher IP ratings and robust construction.
ChannelsChannels are the different frequencies on which the radio can operate. More channels allow for greater flexibility in communication, reducing the likelihood of interference from other users. This is important in crowded areas or during large-scale emergencies. Radios can have anywhere from a few to hundreds of channels. If you need a radio for personal or small group use, fewer channels may be adequate. For larger groups or areas with many radio users, more channels are beneficial.
Privacy CodesPrivacy codes help to minimize interference from other users by filtering out unwanted transmissions on the same channel. This is important for maintaining clear and private communication. Radios can have different numbers of privacy codes, typically ranging from a few dozen to several hundred. If you need secure and interference-free communication, especially in crowded areas, look for radios with a higher number of privacy codes.
Weather AlertsWeather alerts provide notifications about severe weather conditions, which can be crucial during emergencies. This feature is important for staying informed about potential hazards. Some radios can receive NOAA weather alerts and other emergency broadcasts. If you live in an area prone to severe weather or plan to use the radio in outdoor settings, a model with weather alert capabilities is highly beneficial.
Size and WeightSize and weight refer to the physical dimensions and heft of the radio. This is important for portability and ease of use. Radios can range from compact and lightweight to larger and more robust models. If you need a radio for on-the-go use, such as hiking or traveling, a smaller and lighter model is preferable. For stationary use or situations where durability is more important than portability, a larger model may be suitable.

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