Standard Horizon HX890 vs Icom IC-M25
GPS/DSC floating handheld versus the simpler floating spare. This page is not presented as a Cast & Cruise first-party lab head-to-head.
Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon HX890
8.7 Cast & Cruise score
The HX890 is Standard Horizon's high-end floating handheld: 6 watts, IPX8, built-in WAAS GPS, Class H DSC, and a water-activated strobe. It is a better backup radio than a basic float-and-talk handheld, and it is still not a substitute for a fixed-mount 25-watt set.
Best for: Boaters who want a floating handheld with built-in GPS, Class H DSC, and a water-activated strobe as the grab radio
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$269.99 when checked on Amazon for the navy listing
Icom
Icom IC-M25
8.5 Cast & Cruise score
The Icom IC-M25 is a small, floating handheld VHF that keeps the controls and charging setup simple. Its strongest role is as a grab-bag backup or short-range boat-to-boat tool, not as a replacement for a properly installed fixed-mount radio.
Best for: Boaters who want a compact handheld VHF as a backup or short-range communication tool
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$189.99 when checked
Scorecard overlap
| Criterion | Standard Horizon HX890 | Icom IC-M25 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety features | 9.1 | — |
| Audio and ergonomics | 8.6 | — |
| Backup role | 8.8 | — |
| Value | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| Portability | — | 9.2 |
| Backup usefulness | — | 8.8 |
| Charging convenience | — | 8.6 |
| Primary-radio capability | — | 7.0 |