Uniden is a global radio brand which produces everything from walkie talkies to marine radios to CB scanners. They are one of the most popular brands for marine radios because of their consistently high quality, durability, and affordable options. Finding the best Uniden marine radio can be tough, and it can be hard to compare them against each other and also against other brands. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you and reviewed several models to help you find the best Uniden marine radio for your needs.
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Best Uniden Marine Radios
Our Uniden marine radio reviews will dive into the pros and cons of each model and help you arrive at a purchasing decision easily.
Uniden MHS75 VHF Handheld Marine Radio Review
The Uniden MHS75 is one of the most popular VHF marine radios on the market because of its great balance of power and price. It offers variable 1 to 2.5 to 5 watts of power while also remaining under $100, a feat that few other quality marine radios can match. The MHS75 is tough and durable, with JIS8 waterproofing providing complete coverage to both still and salt water exposure, as well as up to half an hour of total submersion. It’s a total package kind of marine radio especially given its affordability, which is why it’s the best Uniden marine radio.
You’ll get up to around 8 to 10 miles of range with the Uniden MHS75. The MHS75 has around 12 hours of battery life, though that varies depending on the intensity of your usage and particularly upon the power setting you choose to operate at. 5 watt level will obviously draw more power than if you choose 1 watt, so ensure you’re using the one best suited for your transmission range needs. The MHS75 charges fairly fast which is quite handy in case you have constant use needs.
With the Uniden MHS75 you get access to both USA and International radio channels, so you’ll be able to communicate no matter where your boating adventures take you. You also get access to NOAA weather alerts which will help keep you informed of emergency situations developing. The audio is quite clear and we were satisfied with its overall performance even in the elements.
Throughout our Uniden MHS75 review we were satisfied with its performance and overall quality, especially given its affordable price. It didn’t blow our minds, but we didn’t expect it to given its entry-level nature. The MHS75 is a great choice for those who need a solid beginner marine radio or if you’re on a budget. It’ll get the job done right and won’t break the bank.
Uniden Atlantis 275 VHF Handheld Marine Radio Review
The Uniden Atlantis 275 is a very solid handheld VHF marine radio which offers up to 6 watts of power as well as a large LCD screen which performs fantastically both during the day and at night. It’s designed to be a step-up from the Uniden MHS75, and thus its got improved power, range, and battery life. Surprisingly it’s not that much more expensive, which makes it a great deal for folks looking for that bit of extra performance without breaking the bank. The buttons are easy to use and the added few miles of range can be a game changer depending upon your usage habits.
With IPX8 waterproofing, strong durable casing, and a large antenna, the Atlantis 275 is a versatile marine radio. You can use it in the US and Canada and throughout the world, as it has access to most VHF marine radio channels. You also get NOAA Weather notifications standard. The Uniden Atlantis 275 is quite small even though it’s high performance, which is convenient if you need to stow this away easily when you’re not using it.
With variable 1, 2.5, and 6 watt power options, you can choose your power level as needed. You can expect a maximum range of around 12 miles, a bit higher than the 10 you might expect from the MHS75. That said, because of its slightly higher power and range as well as its compact frame, the Atlantis 275 has a slightly smaller battery life of around 10 hours. That said, this should be more than enough for most folks to use it as their emergency or occasional marine radio.
The Uniden Atlantis 275 offers a mild step up in power and range for only a few more bucks. Because its still quite affordable, our overall Uniden Atlantis 275 review found it to be a solid option, especially if you need those extra miles or want a big and clear LCD screen.
Uniden MHS335BT VHF Handheld Marine Radio Review
The Uniden MHS335BT takes a unique approach to the VHF marine radio game, offering Bluetooth technology which makes it stand out from the crowd. Not only does the MHS335BT have Bluetooth, it also has built-in GPS, DSC integration, and an application you can interact with on your iPhone or Android. This explains the MHS335BT’s high price tag, which is only worth it if you think you will use the Bluetooth and GPS features. That said, if you will the Uniden MHS335BT marine radio is a great choice which can be an all-in-one solution for your marine communication and GPS needs!
The MHS335BT comes with a sturdy build backed up by IPX8 waterproofing, submersion safely for up to 30 minutes, and drop-proofing. It’s got all the standard VHF marine radio features like NOAA weather alerts and variable power levels from 1 to 2.5 to 6 watts, as well as up to 12 hours of battery life. You also get a bevy of accessories like a belt clip, wrist strap, and other items with this bundle.
What you’re really paying for when you get the Uniden MHS335BT is its unique Bluetooth and powerful GPS features. By connecting the MHS335BT to your phone, you can contact other Bluetooth-enabled marine radios in an emergency and also use it to modify settings. The built-in GPS works all around the globe, and adapts to your local zones settings and weather areas. You can reliability plot out your position and direction with the GPS compass, which is handy if you are often deep out at sea.
The Uniden MHS335BT is a big step up in terms of price and features from the other Uniden marine radios on this list, but that’s what it’s meant to do. Our Uniden MHS335BT review found it to be pretty impressive overall and we definitely recommend it if you’re going to use the Bluetooth and GPS features regularly and/or don’t already have a separate GPS or Fish Finder.
Uniden Marine Radio Reviews FAQ
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about Uniden marine radios so that you can better understand and use your VHF marine radio.
How far can Uniden marine radios work?
Though it varies by model, you can expect your Uniden marine radio with 5 watts of power to work up to around 10 miles of open water. With higher power you can get some added miles on there, while operating on 1 or 2.5 watts will lower your range.
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Are Uniden marine radios good?
Uniden marine radios are high quality and offer great value. They are backed up by Uniden’s generous multi-year warranty.
What is the battery life for Uniden marine radios?
Most Uniden marine radios can last up to 10-12 hours, with some variance. The Uniden MHS75 has battery life of around 10 hours while the Uniden Atlantis 275 for example has up to 12 hours. The watt power level you use will also impact the battery life of your device.
