Garmin Unveils Advanced All-in-One Signal VHF Marine Radios for Enhanced Maritime Communication

Garmin, a leader in marine electronics, has recently launched its cutting-edge Signal VHF series, including the VHF 400 and VHF 220 marine radios. These innovative devices are designed to elevate safety and connectivity on the water, integrating essential communication and navigation tools into a compact, user-friendly format. The Signal VHF radios boast an industry-first 3.5-inch edge-to-edge color touchscreen, providing a clear and intuitive interface for mariners. The premium VHF 400 model further enhances situational awareness with its integrated Class B AIS transponder, automatically sharing crucial vessel information with nearby AIS-equipped craft.

Garmin's New Marine Radios Enhance Safety and Communication at Sea

On May 27, Garmin unveiled its latest innovations in marine communication: the Signal VHF 400 and VHF 220 radios. These all-in-one units are engineered to provide boaters with unparalleled connectivity and an acute understanding of their aquatic environment. Susan Lyman, Garmin's Vice President of Global Consumer Sales & Marketing, emphasized the new radios' performance and reliability, highlighting their modern design and advanced software capabilities crucial for offshore communication.

The Signal VHF series offers robust features for clear and dependable communication. Automated squelch and adaptive noise cancellation ensure superior audio clarity by filtering out background noise during transmissions. A convenient VHF playback function automatically records up to three minutes of audio from active channels, with the ability to monitor three channels simultaneously. Advanced watch modes allow captains to listen to six channels at once. For emergencies, a distress button utilizes Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling) to transmit critical information to responders and nearby vessels, and users can easily make DSC calls from the AIS plotter screen. The included fist mic, featuring a powerful built-in speaker (95 dBA at 0.5 meters) and adaptive noise cancellation, ensures audio can be heard over engine, wave, and wind noise. Installation is streamlined, especially with the VHF 400, which handles VHF, DSC, and AIS communication through a single antenna and includes an integrated GPS antenna/receiver, diagnostic tools, and support for 12 and 24 V electrical systems.

For enhanced control, the new Garmin Signal RM 100 remote station allows mariners to manage the VHF 400 or VHF 220 from a secondary helm or flybridge via the Garmin Marine Network. This remote station also facilitates intercom communication between connected units and features a matching 3.5-inch color display and fist mic.

The Signal VHF radios seamlessly integrate with Garmin chartplotters through NMEA 2000, Garmin Marine Network 1.0, and Garmin BlueNet. They also support connections to loudhailers for onboard announcements and external speakers for VHF audio at alternative locations. Additionally, NMEA 2000 connectivity provides AIS, DSC, GPS, and external heading sensor data. Configuration, MMSI programming, and over-the-air software updates are simplified with the ActiveCaptain smartphone app via built-in Wi-Fi.

The Garmin Signal VHF 220 is priced at $999.99, and the Garmin Signal RM 100 at $699.99, both available from June 1, 2026. The Garmin Signal VHF 400, priced at $1,499.99, will be released at a later date. More information can be found on garmin.com/marine.

Garmin's commitment to advancing marine technology is evident in these new offerings. The Signal VHF radios represent a significant step forward in integrating communication, navigation, and safety features into compact, reliable units. Boaters can now navigate with greater confidence, knowing they have advanced tools at their disposal for staying connected and aware, even in challenging offshore conditions. This product launch underscores the importance of continuous innovation in marine electronics to enhance the overall boating experience and ensure peace of mind for mariners globally.