What is the Standard Horizon HX380?
The Standard Horizon HX380 is a 5-watt, commercial-grade handheld VHF radio that does two jobs: it carries all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, and it can be programmed with up to 40 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) channels from 134 to 174 MHz with CTCSS and DCS signaling.
That makes it a fit for crews who work both on the water and on the dock, yard, or shore. It's IPX7 submersible, runs on a swappable 1750 mAh lithium-ion battery, and has NOAA weather with weather alert.
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 HX380 radio
- CAT460 flexible antenna
- SBR-41LI 1750 mAh lithium-ion battery
- CD-48 charging cradle
- 110V AC wall charger for the cradle
- E-DC-19A 12V DC charging cable (cigarette lighter plug)
- CLIP-920 heavy-duty belt clip
- Owner's manual
HX380 Key Features
Marine + land mobile
40 programmable LMR channels
A dealer can add up to 40 land mobile channels between 134 and 174 MHz, set wide or narrow, with CTCSS or DCS codes. Your crew can talk on your licensed business channels and on marine channels from one radio.
All USA, International & Canadian marine channels
Switch marine bands from the keypad when you cross into Canadian or international waters. A U, C, or I on the display shows which band you're on.
Programmable channel names
Label channels with up to 12 characters — DOCK, YARD, CREW 2 — so nobody has to memorize channel numbers.
Power & range
Selectable 5W / 1W output
One press of the H/L key switches between full 5 watts for distance and 1 watt for short-range calls and longer battery life.
Automatic low power on channel 13
The radio defaults to 1 watt on the bridge-to-bridge channel. In an emergency or around a blind river bend, the H/L key bumps you back up to high power.
5+ mile line-of-sight range
Standard Horizon rates a 5-watt portable at more than 5 miles line of sight. Real-world range depends mostly on antenna height.
Battery & charging
Swappable 1750 mAh battery
Unlike built-in-battery handhelds, the HX380's battery pops off. Keep a charged spare on the boat and swap it mid-shift.
AA alkaline backup
The optional FBA-40 tray runs the radio on six AA batteries — a smart emergency backup when there's no way to charge.
AC and 12V charging included
The drop-in cradle comes with both a wall charger and a 12V cigarette lighter cable, so you can charge at the shop or on board.
Weather & emergency
Instant channel 16
The 16/9 key jumps straight to the distress and hailing channel from anywhere. Press and hold for channel 9.
NOAA weather + weather alert
Hold the CLR/WX key to jump to NOAA weather, and get a loud beep when NOAA broadcasts a severe weather alert.
Scanning & monitoring
Memory and priority scan
Scan your saved channels, or add a priority channel — 16, 9, or one of your presets — that the radio keeps checking while it scans.
Dual Watch and Tri-Watch
Monitor your working channel plus your priority channel (Dual Watch), or channels 16 and 9 together (Tri-Watch).
10 preset channels
The PRESET key recalls up to 10 favorite channels for one-touch access.
"Last call" scan display
Set the scan display to hold the last channel that received a call, so you can see who called even if you weren't looking at the radio.
Display & controls
Easy-to-Operate controls
A rotary volume knob and dedicated keys for 16/9, power, presets, scan, squelch, and weather — no digging through menus mid-call.
Adjustable backlight
Light the display and keypad on a key press, keep it on continuously, or turn it off. Four brightness levels.
Keypad lock
Hold the H/L key to lock the keypad so a bump on your belt doesn't change your channel. PTT still works.
Compatible Accessories for the Standard Horizon HX380
Speaker Microphones
SSM-14A — Submersible Speaker Microphone
Clip it to your shoulder or rain gear and keep the radio protected on your belt. Built to handle a soaking.
MH-73A4B — Speaker Microphone
A compact speaker mic for easy push-to-talk without unclipping the radio.
MH-57A4B — Mini Speaker Microphone
A smaller, lighter speaker mic for crews who want less bulk on their shoulder.
Headsets & Earpieces
SSM-64A — VOX Headset
Voice-activated headset for hands-free talking — handy when you're docking, anchoring, or handling lines.
SSM-55A — Earpiece Microphone
Keeps radio traffic in your ear in a loud engine room, fish hold, or busy yard.
Batteries
SBR-41LI — 1750 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
The same battery that ships with the HX380. A charged spare means no downtime on long shifts.
FBA-40 — Alkaline Battery Tray
Holds six AA batteries for backup power when charging isn't an option.
Chargers & Power
CD-48 — Charging Cradle
The same drop-in cradle that ships with the HX380. Keep one on the boat and one at the shop.
SAD-18B — AC Wall Charger
Replacement wall charger for the CD-48 cradle.
E-DC-19A — 12V DC Cable
Charges from a 12V cigarette lighter outlet on the boat or in the truck.
E-DC-6 — DC Cable (Plug and Wire Only)
For hardwiring the charger to a 12V power source.
Antenna Adapter
CN-3 — Radio-to-Ship's-Antenna Adapter
Connects the HX380 to your boat's external VHF antenna for more range on marine channels.
Who Is This Radio For?
The HX380 is built for working crews whose day doesn't stop at the waterline.
1. Commercial Fishing and Workboat Crews
Deckhands need channel 16 and the boat-to-boat channels, but they also need to reach the dock, the processor, or the truck. With LMR channels programmed in, one radio covers both.
2. Marinas, Ports, and Boatyards
Your dock staff talk to boats on marine channels, and your yard, fuel dock, and office talk on your licensed business channels. The HX380 puts both on the same radio, labeled by name.
3. Ferries, Tour Boats, and Harbor Operations
Crews coordinate with other vessels on marine VHF and with shore staff, ticketing, and security on land mobile. The swappable battery and AA backup keep radios running through long days.
4. Agencies and Work Crews Near the Water
Harbor patrols, utilities, and environmental crews often run VHF land mobile systems and still need marine channels when they're on a boat. The HX380 is type-accepted for both Part 80 (marine) and Part 90 (land mobile).
Important: Marine VHF channels can only be used on the water. Using the HX380 on land is only legal on LMR channels your organization holds an FCC license for. If you just need radios for a job site, warehouse, or building, see our Find My Radio tool for business radio options.
How Does the HX380 Compare to Similar Radios?
| Standard Horizon HX380 | Standard Horizon HX210 | Standard Horizon HX320 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 5W | 6W | 6W |
| Land Mobile (LMR) Channels | Yes, up to 40 | No | No |
| Floats | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Battery | Removable 1750 mAh | Built-in 1850 mAh | Built-in 2100 mAh |
| AA Backup Option | Yes (FBA-40) | No | No |
| Best For | Commercial crews on water and land | Floating, affordable all-rounder | Hands-free use & easy charging |
HX380 vs. HX210
The HX210 floats and has a water-activated strobe, which matters if you're a paddler or recreational boater. The HX380 doesn't float, but it adds land mobile channels, a swappable battery, and an AA backup tray. If your radio has to work for a business on shore too, the HX380 is the one.
HX380 vs. HX320
The HX320 floats, has Bluetooth, and charges over USB-C — great for recreational boaters. But its battery is built in and it's marine-only. For commercial crews who need LMR channels and want to swap batteries mid-shift, go HX380.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to use the HX380?
It depends on which channels you use.
Marine channels: most recreational boaters in U.S. waters don't need a ship station license. You may need one if you travel internationally, boat in Canadian waters, or your vessel is required to carry a radio.
LMR channels: yes. Land mobile channels require an FCC license, and the radio can only be programmed with frequencies your organization is licensed for.
Can I use the HX380 on land?
Only on licensed LMR channels. The FCC prohibits transmitting on marine VHF channels from land, and fines can reach $10,000.
Once your licensed land mobile frequencies are programmed in, you can use those channels on shore — that's the main reason crews choose the HX380.
Who programs the LMR channels?
Standard Horizon says the 40 LMR channels are programmed by a dealer. You'll need your FCC license details — frequencies, wide or narrow, and any CTCSS or DCS codes.
Contact our team with your license info and we'll help you get set up.
Does the HX380 float?
How do I keep it waterproof?
Water resistance only holds when the battery is attached and the cap is in the MIC/SP jack. Don't let it go under with the jack cover off.
After saltwater use, rinse the radio and battery separately under fresh water and dry them off.
Can I replace the battery?
Yes. The SBR-41LI battery slides off with a latch on the bottom of the radio. It replaced the older FNB-V105LI and fits the same radio.
For backup power, the optional FBA-40 tray runs the HX380 on six AA alkaline batteries.
What range can I expect?
VHF is line of sight, so antenna height matters more than wattage. Standard Horizon puts a 5-watt handheld at more than 5 miles line of sight on marine channels.
Want more range on the boat? The CN-3 adapter connects the HX380 to your boat's external antenna.
Does the HX380 have DSC or GPS?
No. The HX380 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 HX380 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.
HX380 Resources and User Guides
- Standard Horizon HX380 Owner's Manual (PDF)
- Find My Radio Tool