What is the Standard Horizon HX320?
The Standard Horizon HX320 is a 6-watt, floating, handheld marine VHF radio with built-in Bluetooth and USB Type-C charging. It carries all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, NOAA weather with weather alert, and an FM broadcast receiver for music and local news.
It's IPX7 submersible, floats if it goes overboard, and a water-activated strobe light starts flashing the moment it hits the water — even when the radio is turned off. The built-in 2100 mAh battery is rated for about 17 hours per charge.
At a glance
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Product Page by Kristin Wood, a two-way radio consultant @ Tech Wholesale | Last Updated: October 2026
Technical Specifications
What's Included
- Standard Horizon HX320 radio
- SRA-19B VHF marine antenna
- SBH-49 charging cradle
- SAD-27 USB AC adapter (wall plug)
- USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable
- CLIP-22 belt clip
- Hand strap
- Owner's manual
HX320 Key Features
Water safety
Floats if dropped overboard
Drop it over the side and it bobs back to the surface, so you can grab it instead of watching it sink.
Water-activated strobe light
A white light blinks automatically when the radio touches water — even if it's powered off — and shuts off about 15 seconds after you pull it out. You can also turn it on steady with the STRB soft key.
IPX7 submersible
Rated to survive submersion at 3.3 feet (1 meter) for 30 minutes, as long as the rubber caps cover both the accessory jack and the USB charging jack.
Bluetooth & USB charging
Built-in Bluetooth
Pair the optional SSM-BT10 headset and talk without a cord. Key up with the button on the headset, or turn on VOX for fully hands-free transmitting.
USB Type-C charging
Charge from the included wall adapter, the drop-in cradle, or another USB source that puts out 5V/1A. Standard Horizon notes not every third-party charger is guaranteed to work.
17-hour battery life
The built-in 2100 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated for about 17 hours at high power with Bluetooth off — enough for a full day on the water.
Power & range
Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output
Use full 6 watts when you need distance, or drop to 2.5W or 1W for short-range calls and longer battery life.
Automatic low power on bridge channels
The radio drops to 1 watt on channels 13 and 67, where regulations limit power, so you stay compliant without thinking about it.
5+ mile line-of-sight range
Standard Horizon rates handheld marine radios at more than 5 miles line of sight. Real-world range depends mostly on antenna height.
Channels, weather & FM
All USA, International & Canadian channels
Switch channel groups in the menu when you cross into Canadian or international waters.
Instant channel 16
A dedicated 16/S key jumps straight to the distress and hailing channel from anywhere. Press and hold to recall your sub channel.
NOAA weather + weather alert
Tune NOAA weather channels and get a loud alert when NOAA broadcasts a severe weather warning — even while you're on another channel, scanning, or listening to FM radio.
FM broadcast receiver
Listen to local FM radio for music, news, and the game. Save favorite stations for quick recall.
Scanning & monitoring
Memory and priority scan
Scan only the channels you care about, or have the radio check channel 16 while it scans your list.
Dual and Triple Watch
Monitor your working channel plus channel 16 (Dual Watch), or add your sub channel as well (Triple Watch).
10 preset channels
Save your go-to channels — marina, fishing buddies, bridge tenders — for one-touch access.
Display & controls
Large channel display
Big, bold channel numbers on a high-resolution dot matrix LCD, with adjustable backlight and contrast for full sun or night.
Programmable soft keys
Three soft keys can be assigned to the functions you use most, like power level, scan, Dual Watch, presets, or strobe.
Keypad lock
Lock the keypad so a bump in your PFD pocket doesn't change your channel. PTT and volume still work while locked.
Compatible Accessories for the Standard Horizon HX320
Bluetooth Headset
SSM-BT10 — Bluetooth Headset
Wireless headset made for the HX320's built-in Bluetooth. Talk hands-free with no cord to snag while you're handling lines or paddling.
Speaker Microphones
SSM-21A — Submersible Speaker Microphone with Earphone Jack
Clip it to your shoulder or PFD and keep the radio protected in a pocket. Pairs with the SEP-10A earphone for private listening.
MH-73A4B — Submersible Speaker Microphone
A compact, submersible speaker mic for easy push-to-talk without unclipping the radio.
CMP460 — Submersible Speaker Microphone
Another submersible speaker mic option for wet decks and open boats.
SSM-17H — Speaker Microphone
A compact speaker mic for drier conditions, like the helm or a covered cabin.
Headsets & Earpieces
SSM-64A — VOX Headset
Voice-activated wired headset for hands-free talking — handy when you're docking or anchoring.
SSM-517A — Earpiece Microphone
Keeps radio traffic in your ear when you're in a loud engine room or a busy marina.
SEP-10A — Earphone for SSM-21A
Plugs into the SSM-21A speaker mic for private listening.
Chargers
SBH-49 — Charging Cradle
The same drop-in cradle that ships with the HX320. A great spare to keep on the boat and at home. Cable and adapter sold separately.
SAD-27 — USB AC Adapter
Replacement wall adapter for USB charging.
Antennas, Mounting & Carry
SRA-19B — VHF Marine Antenna
Replacement for the antenna that comes with the radio.
CN-3 — Antenna Adapter (SMA to BNC)
Connects the HX320 to an external VHF antenna for more range — a smart backup if your fixed-mount radio goes down.
SHB-110 — Quick Release Holster
A holster made for the HX320 that keeps the radio secure and fast to grab.
SCH-11 — Belt Clip Hanger
A mountable hanger that holds the radio by its belt clip, so it has a home at the helm.
Who Is This Radio For?
The HX320 is built for people who want a floating handheld that charges like their phone and works with a wireless headset.
1. Recreational Boaters
If you've got a fixed-mount radio at the helm, the HX320 is the backup you can grab and take with you — into the dinghy, onto the dock, or up to the bow while anchoring. USB-C charging means one less proprietary charger to keep track of.
2. Kayakers, Paddleboarders, and Small Craft
Paddlers go in the water more than anyone. The HX320 floats, flashes a strobe when it gets wet, and a Bluetooth headset keeps your hands on the paddle. On longer trips, the 17-hour battery and USB charging make it easy to top off from a power bank.
3. Sailors and Anyone Handling Lines
When you're trimming, docking, or anchoring, holding a radio to your face isn't an option. Pair the SSM-BT10 headset and use VOX to talk hands-free with your crew or the marina.
4. Marinas, Yacht Clubs, and Sailing Schools
Dock staff, race committees, and instructors need to talk to boats on the water. The HX320 is simple to hand to new staff or students, and the preset channels keep everyone on the right channel.
Important: Marine VHF radios can only be used on the water. The FCC does not allow marine VHF transmissions on land. If you need radios for a job site, warehouse, or building, see our Find My Radio tool for business radio options.
How Does the HX320 Compare to Similar Radios?
| Standard Horizon HX320 | Standard Horizon HX210 | Standard Horizon HX890 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 6W | 6W | 6W |
| Floats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX8 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | No |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | No | No |
| DSC & Built-in GPS | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Hands-free use & easy charging | Floating, affordable all-rounder | Offshore & emergency position calling |
HX320 vs. HX210
Both float, both have the water-activated strobe, and both put out 6 watts. The HX320 adds built-in Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a bigger 2100 mAh battery. The HX210 ships with a 12V DC cable for the boat's cigarette lighter outlet. If you want hands-free talking or hate carrying another charger, go HX320.
HX320 vs. HX890
The HX890 adds a built-in GPS and DSC, so one button can send a distress call with your exact position to the Coast Guard and nearby DSC-equipped vessels. If you head offshore or boat solo, that's worth the upgrade. For lakes, rivers, and coastal cruising, the HX320 covers what most boaters need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to use the HX320?
Not for most recreational boaters in U.S. waters.
The FCC no longer requires a ship station license for vessels that aren't required to carry a radio. The Coast Guard recommends using your boat's registration number as your call sign.
You may need a license if you travel internationally or boat in Canadian waters.
Can I use the HX320 on land, like at a job site or campground?
No. Marine VHF channels are only for use on the water. The FCC prohibits transmitting on marine VHF from land, and fines can reach $10,000.
If you need radios for use on land, contact our team and we'll point you to the right business radio.
Is the HX320 really waterproof? Will it sink?
It's rated IPX7, meaning it can be submerged at 3.3 feet (1 meter) for 30 minutes. It also floats, so it won't sink if you drop it overboard.
One catch: it's only submersible when the rubber caps are covering both the MIC/SP accessory jack and the USB charging jack. Close both caps after charging or using a speaker mic.
After using it in salt water, rinse it under fresh water and dry it off to keep the buttons and speaker grille in good shape.
What Bluetooth headsets work with the HX320?
Standard Horizon makes the SSM-BT10 Bluetooth headset for the HX320. The owner's manual says it also supports commercially available Bluetooth headsets.
You can transmit by pressing the button on the headset, or turn on VOX for hands-free talking. Keep in mind Bluetooth uses extra power — the 17-hour battery rating is with Bluetooth off.
How do I charge it on the boat?
Plug the included USB Type-C cable into any USB source that supplies 5V/1A, like a boat USB outlet or a 12V USB adapter. You can charge the radio directly or in the cradle.
A full charge takes about 5 hours with the supplied adapter. Standard Horizon notes that not every third-party charger is guaranteed to work.
The cradle and adapter aren't waterproof, so charge in a dry spot.
Can I replace the battery?
The 2100 mAh lithium-polymer battery is built into the radio and isn't designed to be swapped by the user. If it ever needs replacing, it's handled by Standard Horizon's factory service.
To stretch each charge, drop to 1W or 2.5W for short-range calls and turn on battery save in the menu. If you store the radio for a long time, fully charge it first and recharge every six months.
What range can I expect?
Marine VHF is line of sight, so antenna height matters more than wattage. Standard Horizon puts handheld range at more than 5 miles line of sight.
Want more range? The CN-3 adapter connects the HX320 to an external VHF antenna.
Does the HX320 have DSC or GPS?
No. The HX320 is a voice-only radio without DSC distress calling or a built-in GPS. If you want a one-button distress call that sends your position, look at the Standard Horizon HX890.
Why Buy the Standard Horizon HX320 from Tech Wholesale?
- 3-year waterproof warranty — Standard Horizon's full coverage, handled through us.
- 30-day returns — Not the right fit? Send it back.
- Lifetime tech support — Real people answering your questions since 1997.
HX320 Resources and User Guides
- Standard Horizon HX320 Owner's Manual (PDF)
- Find My Radio Tool