Standard Horizon VHF Radios - Handheld

Standard Horizon Handheld VHF Radios: Built for the Water

Standard Horizon has long been recognized as a leader in marine communication, and nowhere is that expertise more evident than in their lineup of handheld VHF radios. With a heritage spanning more than 50 years and the distinction of being the first company ever to launch a handheld DSC radio, Standard Horizon didn't just enter the handheld VHF market — they helped define it.

Floating, Waterproof, and Ready for Anything

One of the most critical features of any serious marine handheld is the ability to survive an accidental drop overboard. Standard Horizon takes this seriously across their lineup. Models like the flagship HX891BT are designed to float if dropped in the water, carry an IPX8 waterproof rating for submersion protection, and are rigorously tested to conform with Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F) — a level of ruggedness rarely found in consumer marine electronics. Even entry-level options like the HX210 maintain a floating design with IPX7 waterproofing, proving that safety doesn't have to be sacrificed for affordability.

Integrated GPS and Class H DSC: Safety When It Matters Most

What truly separates Standard Horizon handhelds from basic communicators is their deeply integrated safety technology. Premium models like the HX891BT and HX890 include a built-in 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver, allowing the radio to transmit a DSC distress call with the vessel's precise position automatically. The Class H DSC functionality enables features like position sharing, waypoint and route navigation, and the advanced Group Monitor (GM) function, which uses DSC Group Position Call to continuously track and display the position of up to nine pre-selected vessels on the radio's compass screen — an invaluable tool for flotilla sailing or coordinated on-water activities.

Feature-Rich Across the Lineup

Standard Horizon handheld VHF radios pack an impressive array of features into compact, ergonomic bodies. Key capabilities found across various models include:

• 6 Watts of selectable transmit power (typically 6W / 2W / 1W) for flexible range management
• Bluetooth wireless operation on top-tier models like the HX891BT, enabling hands-free communication
• Dual scrambler systems (4-code CVS2500A and 32-code FVP-42) for secure on-water communications
• Water-activated SOS strobe light that functions even when the radio is powered off
• NOAA weather channels with weather alert for real-time conditions monitoring
• FM broadcast receiver for entertainment between communication duties
• Oversized full dot-matrix display with switchable day/night modes for clear readability in any light
• Long-life Lithium-Ion batteries with alkaline battery tray backup for extended deployments

A Model for Every Boater

Standard Horizon structures their handheld lineup to serve everyone from the casual weekend cruiser to the serious offshore sailor. The HX891BT sits at the top as a premium Bluetooth-equipped, GPS-integrated communicator. The HX890 delivers nearly identical capability in a proven platform that has earned enthusiastic reviews from the boating press. For budget-conscious boaters who still demand quality, the HX210 delivers full 6-watt transmission power, a floating design, and an easy-to-operate interface — without compromising the safety features that define the Standard Horizon brand.

Whether you're outfitting a dinghy, adding a backup radio to a bluewater passage-maker, or equipping a kayak for coastal exploration, Standard Horizon's handheld VHF radios deliver the communication reliability and safety technology that serious mariners depend on. Explore the full range of Standard Horizon products to find the right fit for your vessel.