Standard Horizon
Handheld Floating VHF/GPS/DSC
Best handheld marine radio for safety-conscious boaters and offshore navigators.
Communicate and navigate with confidence using the Standard Horizon HX890, a floating Class H DSC VHF/GPS handheld radio. Designed for marine environments, it offers a powerful 6W transmit output and a loud, noise-canceling speaker for clear audio. Its rugged, submersible IPX8 construction meets military standards for durability. The integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS provides precise positioning, while advanced features like scrambler systems and a water-activated strobe light enhance safety on the water.
$225.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 178
#2 in Marine Radios
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Transmit Power Output
621
/ Selectable / / W
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious boaters needing reliable distress signaling
- Solo sailors or kayakers prone to dropping gear overboard
- Long-distance cruisers requiring dependable, high-quality communication
Who should skip it
- Offshore mariners requiring long-range communication capabilities
- Users seeking a maintenance-free, permanent power solution
- Budget-minded boaters preferring simple, no-frills radio operation
Performance breakdown
Signal Reliability
Six watts of transmit power ensures clear communication across open water.
Durability Standards
Military-grade construction and IPX8 waterproofing handle the harshest marine conditions.
Navigation Precision
Integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS provides highly accurate positioning for safe travel.
Audio Clarity
Noise-canceling technology cuts through wind and engine roar for crisp reception.
Emergency Readiness
Floating design and water-activated strobe offer critical peace of mind offshore.
Operational Endurance
Eleven hours of battery life supports a full day of maritime activity.
Key Specs
Transmit Power Output
Selectable 6/ 2/ 1 W
Audio Output
700mW
Construction
Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F)
Waterproof Rating
Submersible IPX8
GPS
Integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver
Battery Life
11 hours
Battery Type
1800mAh Li-ion
Display
1.7" x 1.7" Full-dot matrix display
Features
- Floating and submersible IPX8 design
- Integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS for navigation
- Selectable 6W transmit power
- Loud 700mW audio with noise canceling
- Rugged construction meets military standards
- Water-activated emergency strobe light
- Easy-to-use menu with large dot-matrix display
- 11-hour battery life for extended use
What customers say
This handheld VHF/GPS/DSC unit is highly regarded as an essential marine safety tool. Customers consistently praise its robust build quality and superior reliability, especially when communication is critical. The integrated GPS and DSC functionality offers significant peace of mind through accurate distress calling capabilities. A standout feature is its floating design, which effectively prevents accidental loss overboard. While the advanced features make the initial menu slightly complex for some, users agree the exceptional functionality justifies the investment. Its performance clearly surpasses less expensive alternatives, cementing its status as a trusted standard for marine safety.
Know before you buy
Yes, the HX890 is designed to float. If it falls into the water, it will remain on the surface, and its high-visibility design makes it easier to spot and retrieve.
The built-in 66-channel WAAS GPS allows the radio to transmit your exact coordinates during a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress call. This ensures that rescue services receive your precise location immediately when you press the emergency button.
The radio features a 700mW speaker equipped with noise-canceling technology. This combination is designed to cut through ambient wind and engine noise to ensure your communications remain intelligible.
Yes, you can toggle between 6W, 2W, and 1W transmit power settings. Using a lower power setting when you are close to your destination or another vessel can significantly extend your battery life beyond the standard 11-hour rating.
An IPX8 rating confirms that the radio is fully submersible in water. It has been tested to withstand immersion at depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it highly reliable for demanding marine environments.
To use the DSC functionality, you must obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and program it into the radio. Once entered, this unique identifier allows the radio to send automated distress signals linked to your vessel's registration.
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$226