Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Very high frequency (VHF) is the radio-frequency band from above 30 MHz through 300 MHz. In the Federal Communications Commission’s table of radio spectrum ranges defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the lower boundary is exclusive and the upper boundary is inclusive: 30 MHz itself is excluded, while 300 MHz is included.

Where VHF fits in the radio spectrum

VHF sits between high frequency (HF) and ultra high frequency (UHF). The FCC’s glossary lists the three adjacent bands as follows:

Band Frequency range
HF (high frequency) 3 MHz to 30 MHz
VHF (very high frequency) Above 30 MHz through 300 MHz
UHF (ultra high frequency) Above 300 MHz through 3,000 MHz

The boundary convention matters: the FCC table specifies that lower limits are exclusive and upper limits are inclusive. Thus, 30 MHz belongs to the HF range and 300 MHz belongs to VHF; frequencies above 300 MHz fall into UHF. The FCC also defines VHF as 30–300 MHz in its amateur radio rules. FCC glossary and radio-spectrum ranges; FCC Part 97 definition.

What the range means in practice

VHF is a category of frequencies, not a single frequency and not a guarantee that any particular frequency is available for any use. Broadcasting and other radio services use allocations within portions of the band. Those allocations can differ by service and by ITU region, and national rules and relevant agreements govern what is permitted in a particular place.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio, Waterproof, Noaa Weather Alert, All USA/Intl/Canadian Marine Channels
  • Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
  • With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert—the UM385BK brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
  • The UM385BK rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit easily from the wheel while keeping your focus on the waters ahead.
  • Waterproof Radio – Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splashing water.
  • DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - Includes Distress Button, Position Send and Request. Gives you the ability to press one button to call for help during an emergency. Full Class D DSC capability. High performance transceiver ensures clear communication and

For example, the ITU terrestrial-broadcasting page lists 87.5–108 MHz for sound broadcasting in its displayed regional tables. That is an allocation example within VHF, not the definition or full extent of the VHF band. ITU terrestrial broadcasting frequency allocations.

VHF wavelength

Using the free-space relationship between frequency and wavelength, the VHF range corresponds approximately to wavelengths from 10 metres at 30 MHz to 1 metre at 300 MHz. These are calculated conversions from the band limits, not separate quoted limits from the FCC or ITU.

Best Value
Cobra BlueBound 350 VHF Handheld Marine Radio, Black – 6-Watt, Floats
  • High Visibility Floating Core - The perfect compact VHF radio for marine use on any size vessel, designed with a high-visibility orange floating core for buoyancy and easy retrieval if dropped overboard
  • 6 Watt VHF Power – Switchable between 1/3/6 Watts of power for range demands and battery optimization, use only the amount of power you need for vessels/stations near and far
  • Day/Night Display - Day/Night selectable LCD display for easy viewing and high visibility at any time of day or night, regardless of weather conditions
  • Tri-Watch Mode - Instantly access Channels 9, 16, and any user-specified channel with Tri-Watch, allowing you to monitor multiple channels at once in busy waterways for safety
  • NOAA Weather Alerts - 12 weather channels and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emergency broadcast channel access to stay informed and safe on the water
Rank #4
Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]
  • Box Content: HX210 Handheld VHF, Antenna, AC/DC Rapid charger cradle, Documentation | 3-year Waterproof Warranty.
  • HX210 Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes). Built in FM Broadcast band receiver
  • HX210 Features Compact Case Design. Water Activated Emergency Strobe light. Oversized full dot matrix display. E20 Easy to Operate Menu System
  • All USA, International and Canadian channels. Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output power. Receive WX and FM radio bands 76MHz to 108MHz
  • High resolution dot matrix LCD display. Programmable function keys. Speaker mic Jack. High capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion battery. 3 hour desktop rapid charger. 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables and charging cradle included.
Rank #3
Cobra BlueBound 350 VHF Handheld Marine Radio - White, 6-Watt, Floats
  • High Visibility Floating Core - The perfect compact VHF radio for marine use on any size vessel, designed with a high-visibility orange floating core for buoyancy and easy retrieval if dropped overboard
  • 6 Watt VHF Power – Switchable between 1/3/6 Watts of power for range demands and battery optimization, use only the amount of power you need for vessels/stations near and far
  • Day/Night Display - Day/Night selectable LCD display for easy viewing and high visibility at any time of day or night, regardless of weather conditions
  • Tri-Watch Mode - Instantly access Channels 9, 16, and any user-specified channel with Tri-Watch, allowing you to monitor multiple channels at once in busy waterways for safety
  • NOAA Weather Alerts - 12 weather channels and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emergency broadcast channel access to stay informed and safe on the water
Rank #2
Sale
Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency/Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa/International/Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White
  • Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
  • With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert—the UM385 brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
  • The UM385 rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit easily from the wheel while keeping your focus on the waters ahead.
  • Waterproof Radio – Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splashing water.
  • DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - Includes Distress Button, Position Send and Request. Gives you the ability to press one button to call for help during an emergency. Full Class D DSC capability. High performance transceiver ensures clear communication and

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi