In this review we feature our top picks for the best portable radios of 2020 that deliver really good sound performance and have a wide FM and AM frequency range for you to tune in to many radio stations on the go. These radios are designed to be portable and feature a compact and lightweight design for you to carry it around – they also come with nice handles and an antenna for you to adjust the frequency reach. They are capable of bringing in a wide variety of radio stations without any static noise and have good receiving range; some of these radios are also battery-powered which allows you to change the radio batteries immediately without having to wait for the radio to recharge via an AC power outlet – they are also suitable for emergencies where there is no power to the building. If you are looking for a compact radio to listen to your favorite music and station channels, here are some of the best portable radios that you should definitely check out.
#1 Best Overall: Panasonic RF-2400 AM/FM Portable Radio
The Panasonic RF-2400 AM/FM Radio is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers stellar sound performance with a good frequency range. The radio is equipped with an analogue tuner with a frequency range of FM 87 to 108 MHz with a 50kHz step and AM 520 to 1730kHz with a 9/10 kHz step range. It also comes with a 10cm speaker and a ferrite antenna for clear sound transmission and high quality sound performance. The audio system has a power output of 770mW max and runs on battery (4 AA batteries) or a 230V AC. The auxiliary power cord is removable which makes transporting this radio much more convenient. It also comes with a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for you to plug in your headphone or earphones if required. The radio has a dimension of 234mm x 122mm x 82mm and comes with a nice handle at the top for easy transport. If you are looking for one of the best portable radios that delivers superb sound performance and can receive a wide variety of AM and FM stations, the Panasonic RF-2400 is a great choice.
The sound performance of the Panasonic RF-2400 is really clear and pristine. The radio produces a decent amount of bass on AM channels with crisp highs and detailed vocals in both the AM and FM station channels. Listening to music from our favorite radio stations with this radio was a really enjoyable experience, with clear vocals, nice beats and a good amount of midrange and treble. News reporting and DJ talk shows sounded really clean and crisp throughout. You really get the feel that you are listening to a high quality stereo speaker with the RF-2400. The radio has plenty of volume and you can really crank up the sound on the radio speaker without getting much distortion. It’s the perfect piece of radio equipment to have if you just want to listen to old-fashioned music or oldies while doing work outdoors or in the garage. You also get a particular vintage feel with the Panasonic RF-2400 which adds to the overall vibe and listening experience. It’s a portable radio that delivers quality sound performance and really shines in the sound department.
The Panasonic RF-2400 has very good sensitivity and can easily pull in FM radio stations with crystal clear sound reproduction. The audio reproduction on the FM stations sounds full-range and very crisp; you will need to pull up the antenna for weaker stations to get better signal and sound transmission. The AM sensitivity is almost just as good as the FM sensitivity and this radio receives the AM signals really well without any issues. The one advantage that the RF-2400 has over other portable radios is that it can be both battery and AC powered. This means that you can avoid the need to plug in power cords into the radio to power it on. The radio is powered by 4 AA batteries and you simply need to replace them when the battery power runs out; you can also use the included A/C cord if you do not want to use the batteries. The controls are simple to use and the carrying handle makes taking this radio around really convenient. The RF-2400 is essentially a really old-school type of radio without any Bluetooth, CD player or alarm features and if you want a radio to listen to your favorite music radio stations, the RF-2400 will certainly do the job really well.
The Verdict? We have no doubt that the Panasonic RF-2400 is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers really good sound quality. The AM and FM sensitivity on the RF-2400 is really good and it can pick up radio stations from 50 to 100 miles away without any issues. The quality of the signal becomes more apparent when you take the RF-2400 on hiking trips around the mountainside – the signal transmission remains clear and you can hear the radio stations without any static interference or noise. The sound quality from the RF-2400 is great, with decent bass output from the AM stations and distinct clear notes. Listening to oldies and folk music on the RF-2400 was a really enjoyable listening experience and feels as though you are listening to a high quality stereo speaker. We also liked the fact that the RF-2400 can be powered by either 4 AA batteries or A/C power which means that you can take the radio around with you without the need to long power cords. It’s well and truly one of the best portable radios you can find and is definitely worth checking out.
#2 Best Value: TIVDIO V-111 AM/FM Portable Radio
The TIVDIO V-111 is an old-school battery operated radio and one of the best portable radios that deliver exceptional value for money. It is a battery powered radio with AM and FM frequency configurations (AM: 520 to 1710kHz and FM1: 50 to 88 MHz, FM2: 87-108MHz) that provide great sensitivity to pull in a wide variety of radio stations on the go. It is the perfect travel radio set that also doubles as a 12-hour alarm clock. The radio is equipped with automatic radio station search and 60 radio station presets which make it easy to switch between your favorite radio stations. The V-111 is also equipped with digital back-light with sleep timer for up to 90 minutes. The entire radio weighs a mere 0.33lbs and has a really compact and small design for easy portability. We liked the fact that it also comes with a nice lock switch to prevent accidental changing of radio stations while transporting the radio in your pocket or while outdoors. It also comes with nice earbuds which allow you to listen to FM stereo privately. Overall, the TIVDIO V-111 is one of the best portable radios that delivers great value for money and we highly recommend them.
The sound performance of the TIVDIO V-111 is really good considering its small and compact size. The entire radio is basically pocket size which makes it very convenient to bring around with you on the go. The sound quality that we got from the TIVDIO radio was really clear, with nice vocals and decent highs. The radio lacks bass output due to its small size but makes up for it in terms of sound clarity. We really enjoyed listening to oldies and rock music with the TIVDIO radio and the sound quality is pristine. The reception that we got with this radio was good and we did not experience any static noise or interference while using this radio. It also comes with a built-in antenna which helps with range and bring in the AM/FM local channels without any issues. The volume on the TIVDIO portable radio is decent and you can crank the volume up to maximum levels with minimal distortion. If you are looking for a radio that will deliver decent sound performance in a compact and portable design, the TIVDIO is a really good choice.
The TIVDIO radio offers a myriad of functions which is surprising consider how small it actually is. The digital controls are simple and intuitive to use and makes tuning the radio a really smooth experience. The portable radio comes with FM and AM automatic search functions which allow you to tune into your favorite radio stations in no time. The radio also has 60 presents with 20 on each band which allow you to tune right into your favorite FM/AM station. It also comes with a built-in LED backlight which enables you to use the radio controls in dark environments or during night-time. The radio itself is powered by two AA batteries which allow you to operate the radio even when the power in the house is out – it’s the ideal radio to have in the event of hurricanes, storms, and blizzards or for emergency use. The manufacturers also provide a set of earbuds for private stereo listening which is a nice added touch. The entire radio weighs a mere 0.33lbs and is pocket size which means that you can take the portable radio around without any hassle.
The Verdict? The TIVDIO V-111 is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers exceptional value for money. The sound quality that you get with this radio is very good, with crisp highs, detailed midranges and nice treble response. While the radio speaker lacks bass response, it makes up for it with crystal clear vocal performances. You can hear DJs and radio stations with great clarity and the antenna helps to improve the overall sound clarity. The radio also features a 12-hour alarm clock and has a built-in bright LED backlight for you to operate the radio under dim light conditions. It is powered by two AA batteries which is perfect for portability; it also allows you to use the radio when the power in the house is out or during weather emergencies. The TIVDIO radio is also built with digital signal processing technology which improves the radio receiver sensitivity. The entire package comes with the portable radio, one lanyard and a set of earbuds of private listening. If you are looking for one of the best portable radios for causal music listening and convenience, the TIVDIO V-111 is definitely a great choice.
#3 Most Portable: Sony ICFP26 Portable AM/FM Radio
The Sony ICFP26 is one of the most compact and best portable radios you can find that runs on 2 AA batteries. It’s a highly efficient battery powered portable radio that delivers pretty good sound performance considering its small and compact size. It comes with a built-in speaker and headphone jack for private FM listening. The radio comes with a telescoping antenna which allows you to easily adjust the length of the antenna according to sensitivity required by the FM/AM station. The Sony radio also comes with a carrying strap for added convenience which makes it very convenient to bring around with you. We also liked the LED tuning indicator and LED battery status indicator which is really helpful to adjust the radio settings on the go. The radio has a dimension of 4.69” x 2.74” x 1.5” and is pocket-sized which makes it easily to carry around. If you are looking for one of the best portable radios that deliver really good sound quality and performance, the Sony ICFP26 is definitely the radio you should check out.
We were quite surprised at the sound quality of the Sony ICFP26. Despite is small size and compact design, the radio is capable of producing really clean and crystal clear sound from its built-in speakers. The radio is capable of receiving AM and FM signals well and you can easily tune into a variety of music stations with clear signal and music transmission. The ICFP26 also comes with a built-in headphone jack which allows for private FM music listening with good audio quality. The bass response that you get with the ICFP26 is decent but nothing to shout home about. DJ stations and morning news sound really clear through the Sony ICFP26 – you get really crisp sound performance that comes across as smooth and well defined. We liked the fact that the FM telescope antenna is 14” long which helps to enhance the overall FM signal. We would say that the overall sound performance of the Sony ICFP26 is decent and much better when compared with other portable FM/AM radios.
We liked the fact that the Sony ICFP26 comes equipped with 2 AA batteries which delivers a good length of playtime (around 60 to 100 hours depending on the volume) without the need to recharge the radio on the go. The quality of the acoustic drivers is immediately apparent straight out of the box – the radio produces smoother voicing and more detailed sound on FM music radio stations. The built-in IC produces a more pleasing tonal quality and detail that really adds to the overall listening experience. The 3.5mm headphone jack on the ICFP26 works really well and delivers good sound quality to both sides of the earbuds which is great for private FM listening. We also liked the fact that it comes with a battery monitor LED which indicates when the battery power is running low. The AM/OFF/FM side switch on the right side works pretty well to adjust the station frequency – you simply have to click upward once for AM and click up one more time for FM stations. The P26 radio also comes with a nice thick and soft strap which you can attach to the radio and carry in while travelling.
The Verdict? The Sony ICFP26 is easily one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers really good sound quality in a compact setup. The entire radio has a dimension of just 4.69” x 2.74” x 1.50” which is really compact. The sound performance of the P26 radio is decent, with crisp highs and nice vocal clarity – you will be able to hear news and DJ stations with pristine clarity without any static interference. It also allows you alternate between AM and FM stations with the side switch. The telescope antenna extends to up to 14” and folds back in nicely while on the go. The radio also comes with a headphone jack which provides right and left listening when connected to a set of earbuds. The entire radio is battery powered and relies on 2 x AA batteries for power – it has quite an energy efficient circuitry design which lasts for 60 to 100 hours of playtime. It also comes with an LED tuning indicator and battery status indicator to show the battery levels. Overall, it’s a fuss-free radio that delivers sound performance on point and is one of the best portable radios you can find with very good AM and FM radio sensitivity.
#4 Best Analog Tuned Radio: Sony ICF-506 Analog FM/AM Portable Radio
The Sony ICF-506 is a typical old-school style analog radio that works really well and delivers superb sound performance with a compact design. It is designed with a built-in powerful mono speaker for larger sound output and also comes with a built-in carry handle for easy portability. It’s one of the best portable radios that comes with integrated analog tuning for you to listen to AM/FM radio stations. The radio works with 3 AA batteries or you can plug it into an electrical outlet with the provided AC adapter. For a portable radio that is designed primarily to be monophonic, the ICF-506 produces really good sound quality on both the AM and FM bands; the built-in amplifier and speaker is optimized for music reproduction and it really shows in the clarity of the sound. If you are looking for one of the best portable radios with an old-school style analog design, the Sony ICF-506 is definitely the one you should get.
The sound performance of the Sony ICF-506 was really good for a monophonic radio. It produces great sound with very good sensitivity; it has a wide analog tuning range which allows you to reach a wide variety of music stations. The sound is mono but it feels rich and deep, with very detailed sound and crisp vocals. The ICF-506 drivers use 5Ws of power which is quite a lot of power for a radio of such a compact size; the sound quality is really good from a 4” speaker and really packs a punch. We also liked the fact that the radio has a relatively large loudspeaker and good amplifier to drive the speaker, giving really sweet and crisp sounding radio music. The radio also incorporates a digital sound processing (DSP) chip for tuning both FM and AM radio stations. Listening to country folk and oldies with this radio brought back memories decades ago when most people used to tune into their favorite radio stations to get the best music. The analog feature of the ICF-506 is both unique and stylish in an old-school sense.
The Sony ICF-506 has a nice and sleek design; it is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry around with you while travelling or on the go. The radio comes with a physical analog tuner at the side which you can turn to adjust the AM/FM radio station frequencies. The volume knob is also conveniently located at the side which you can turn to adjust the volume output. The radio also has a physical switch you can use to turn on the radio and set the frequency to either AM or FM. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack which you can use for private listening with earbuds or a headphone. The portable radio comes with a nice fold-down handle design which makes it easy to carry around; it has an FM extendable antenna which you can use to increase the radio sensitivity range. It also comes with an AC cord for use with main power outlets. The radio requires three AA batteries (not included) for power and makes it really portable to bring around without the AC adapter. The battery life that you get with this radio is a nice 30 hours or so depending on the volume level on the loudspeaker. The controls are smooth and easy to operate and it works straight out of the box.
The Verdict? The Sony ICF-506 is one of the best portable radio you can find with a really good analog tuning function and sound performance. The 4” speakers use 5Ws of power to deliver very good sound quality with crisp highs, detailed vocals and some bass response. Morning news stations and DJ mixes can be heard with pristine clarity with both the AM and FM frequency setup. Despite its relatively simple and clean design, the ICF-506 performs better than most compact radios we have tested. It also comes with digital sound processing chip for tuning both FM and AM radio stations. You can also power the Sony ICF-506 radio with three AA batteries or use the AC power cord; this setup makes it ideal for emergency use during power outages or under severe weather conditions. The FM and AM sensitivity is really good and we did not experience any static while tuning in to the radio stations; it also comes with an extendable antenna to increase the sensitivity of the audio transmission. We also liked the built-in carry handle for easy portability and the overall clean design of the ICF-506 with the analog and volume tuners. It’s one of the best portable radios you can find that really delivers great value for money and we highly recommend them.
#5 Best Pocket Radio: C Crane CC Pocket AM/FM Pocket Portable Radio
The CC Pocket AM/FM radio is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers great sound and functionality in a pocket size design. The CC Pocket radio delivers pretty good sensitivity and a wide selection of radio stations for its compact size, and also comes with 5 one-touch memory presets for you to store your favorite music stations. It comes with a built in speaker which can be used with the included earbuds for private FM listening. We liked the fact that the radio also comes with useful features such as backlight screen, sleep timer, alarm functions and a removable belt clip. The radio runs on 2 AA batteries and is pretty much very easy to use while travelling or on the go. The stereo/mono speaker allows you to listen to the radio via the built-in speaker while using the earbuds as an antenna for the FM and NOAA weather bands. It is also capable of NOAA weather radio with alert functions which is really useful in the event of a power outage or weather emergency. Overall, the CC Pocket AM/FM radio is one of the best portable radios you can find and we highly recommend them.
The sound quality of the CC Pocket portable radio is very good – it produces crystal clear sound and can go much louder than we anticipated. The AM and FM reception is good and it produces clear very crisp vocal performances – you can hear the news and radio talk shows without any static interference or distortion at high volumes. The sound quality that you get from the C Crane radio is sharp, clear and pristine, and you can hear the details in the music with no issues at all. The bass response from the radio is decent but nothing to shout home about. The headset that comes with the radio is great for private listening and also doubles as an antenna to increase the radio sensitivity. You can crank up the volume on the CC Pocket radio to maximum volume and it will produce little distortion which is nice. In terms of sound performance, we felt that the CC Pocket radio sounded much better than most pocket radios we have tested and definitely delivers very clear sound that feels satisfying to listen to.
Where the CC Pocket radio really shines is the multitude of built-in features that it has. The radio has a built-in 12 hour AM/PM clock with a backlight and a sleep timer with 15, 30, 60 and 90 minute settings which is great if you like to fall asleep at night while listening to radio. The backlight comes on automatically whenever you change station or frequency tune which is great for dark environments or outdoor spaces with poor lighting – the backlight automatically switches off after 10 seconds. The LCD panel displays the battery strength and indicates the time and station as well as the reception strength which is pretty neat. The radio also comes with an FM antenna extension for pulling in weak stations if required. We also liked the fact that the radio comes with a nice lock switch on the side which prevents accidental switching of stations or switching AM/FM bands while listening. The entire radio has a nice rubber coated design on the sides and on the buttons which makes it feel like a solid piece of audio equipment.
The Verdict? The CC Pocket radio is hands down one of the best portable radios you can find in a small and compact design that delivers good sound performance and comes with many built-in features. It has a built-in alarm, backlight screen and a sleep timer which is great if you want to sleep while listening to radio. It features AM/FM and NOAA weather bands with alert which is great for use in case of emergencies or power outages. We also liked the fact that the stereo/mono speaker switch allows you to listen to the radio via the built-in speaker while using the earbuds as an antenna for FM/AM stations. It delivers around 75 hours of playtime and runs on 2 AA batteries. The portable radio also displays the battery meter, signal meter, stereo FM reception indicator; it also gives you the option of disabling the display screen to save battery and improve the AM radio reception. Switching on the NOAA weather radio with alert automatically disables the AM/FM stations while activated. Overall, it’s a really versatile and one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers pristine sound clarity and we highly recommend them.
#6 Best sound quality: Sangean PR-D15 FM/AM Portable Radio
The Sangean PR-D15 is one of the best portable radios available on the market that delivers really nice and crisp sound performance with a good amount of volume. It delivers excellent audio performance with its built-in stereo speakers with bass and treble tone controls which allow you to adjust the sound quality on the go. It is fitted with dual 2.5” stereo speakers which provide nice stereo separation and very good sound quality in a portable package. It also comes with a 3.5mm auxiliary input which you can use to connect your iPhone, iPod or other mp3 player; it also features a 3.5mm headphone output jack for private listening use. The PR-D15 has an easy-to-read LCD screen which shows the station ID, time and even the song name and artist which is really cool. The LCD screen is backlit for visibility under dim light conditions and it comes with side panel controls and inputs which make it easy to listen to your favorite music tunes. Overall, we have no doubt that the Sangean PR-D15 is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers impressive sound quality and comes highly recommended.
The sound performance of the PR-D15 is exceptionally clear and detailed, with crisp treble ranges and very nice bass response. Listening to the PR-D15 sounds like listening to a high quality stereo speaker. It also comes with bass and treble tone controls which allow you to adjust the radio output sound performance according to your preferences. The bass output from the PR-D15 is rich and clear and complements the music really well. The level of detail and clarity from the PR-D15 radio is really good at any volume level and it maintains that consistent sound quality and detailed frequency response. We liked the fact that the radio comes with a DSP tuning system which provides precise and clear FM reception; it also features a 200mm ferrite AM antenna bar which provides really good AM sensitivity and connection. You can really crank up the volume on the PR-D15 close to maximum volume and it will produce little to no distortion; it also does not have any distortion or static noise for AM reception. We liked the ability to fine tune the frequency to 1kHz increments in AM and 0.01 MHz increments in FM mode to find the best frequency ranges for sound clarity.
The PR-D15 radio is built on the chasis of Sangean’s popular PR-D5. It features a nice LCD screen which shows the station ID, time, song name and even the artist. It comes with a DSP tuning system for clear FM reception and a 200mm ferrite AM antenna bar which allows strong AM reception. It operates on 6 rechargeable NIMH or standard “C” size Alkaline batteries which should be purchased separately. The radio also comes with a nice folding carrying handle, with bass and treble controls. The radio also has a built-in alarm with a wake-up system buzzer and snooze timer. It is capable of automatic station seeking and DSP tuning with 1kHz steps. We also liked the 10 memory presents (5 for FM and 5 for AM) and the radio broadcast data system with text on the LCD display. The portable radio also comes with a nice 3.5mm headphone jack which allows you to enjoy listening to your favorite radio stations on the go. It also comes with standard AC power supply which you can use to power the radio apart from the batteries.
The Verdict? When we tested the Sangean PR-D15, we were totally blown away by how good this portable radio sounded straight out of the box. It produces really crisp sound with decent stereo separation, plenty of volume and even has nice crisp bass response. We liked the fact that the radio comes with bass and treble controls which you can use to adjust the music settings according to your preferences. It also comes with 10 memory presets with an auto-station seek and DSP tuning system with fine tuning in 1kHz steps. It also comes with a folding carrying handle which makes carrying the radio really easy. The PR-D15 radio is also equipped with an alarm and buzzer with sleep and snooze timer which is great if you want to listen to the radio before sleeping. It also supports a 3.5mm auxiliary connection from your iPod or iPhone and a 3.5mm headphone output jack for private FM listening. On the whole, we are pretty sure that the Sangean PR-D15 is one of the best portable radios you can find in terms of sound quality and functionality and we highly recommend them.
#7 Best Weather Radio: RunningSnail AM/FM NOAA Portable Radio
The RunningSnail Weather Radio is one of the best portable radios you can find for use in emergency situations and comes equipped with a flashlight, reading lamp and 2000mAh power bank. It supports both AM/FM radio stations as well as NOAA weather alert radio which is ideal in areas with hurricanes and severe weather storms. It comes with a table lamp and a 1W LED flashlight which can be used in emergency situations to light up dim or dark areas and keep your room lit in the event of a power outage. The portable radio is also equipped with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery which provides up to 12 hours of light or 4 to 6 hours of radio time. The radio has an SOS alarm with flashing red light to get attention. We liked the fact that you can charge the radio in a variety of ways including hand crank (manual charging), solar charging, micro USB cable or via 3 AAA batteries. If you are looking for one of the best portable radios for NOAA weather stations and for power outages, the RunningSnail radio is definitely the one you should get.
The audio quality of the RunningSnail radio is decent. It supports both AM and FM radio frequencies via analog tuning and has good sensitivity to major radio stations. The radio was able to pull in a lot of radio stations including the morning news and radio talk shows as well as some music stations. The music quality of this radio is good but nothing to shout home about – music sounded crisp and clear through the radio speaker. You can really hear the dialogue and music notes through the radio with reasonable detail; we did not experience any static interference while using the radio. It also comes with a telescope antenna which you can extend to increase the sensitivity on the AM reception. We did manage to pick up some music radio stations with nice oldies and classic music which sounded pretty clear and well defined. The bass response on the radio is decent but nothing special; where this radio truly shines is in the clarity of the dialogue and vocal performances which you can hear clearly. You can crank up the volume on the RunningSnail radio up to maximum and it will produce little to no distortion which is great.
The RunningSnail has a pretty durable and nice design on the exterior with analog tuning buttons. The analog tuning is a little primitive but works really well in pulling in a wide variety of radio stations. It serves primarily as an AM/FM NOAA weather radio with an SOS alarm. We particularly liked the multi-power source capability which allows you to power the radio via hand crank, USB charging or via 3 AAA batteries. You can also hook up another USB device such as your smartphone to the radio and charge it using the handcrank function in the event of a power outage. The radio bands worked perfectly well and we could receive AM/FM stations as well as the local weather station without any static noise. The radio comes with a nice 2000mAh rechargeable battery which provides 12 hours of light or 4 to 6 hours of radio time. The LED reading light and flashlight is bright enough to provide decent lighting in dark environments especially during power outages. The antenna is nice and compact and can be extended to enhance the reception if required. It’s the ideal radio to have in the event of emergencies and extreme weather conditions for NOAA weather stations.
The Verdict? The RunningSnail weather radio is one of the best portable radios you can find that is ideal for weather emergencies and in situations such as power outages. It produces decent sound quality and can pull in a wide variety of FM/AM stations as well as NOAA weather stations. We liked the fact that this portable radio supports multiple charging sources including hand crank for manual charging, solar charging, Micro USB charging as well as 3 AAA batteries. You can also use the radio to charge USB port devices including smartphones via the hand crank function. The radio also comes with a table lamp and LED flashlight which is bright enough to light up your room in the event of a power outage. The NOAA weather alert radio works well and can pull in weather alerts from the local station without any issues or static interference. Overall, the RunningSnail radio has decent sound quality and is one of the best portable radios for emergency weather use with versatile functions and a really durable design.
#8 Most Versatile: Avantree 3-in-1 Portable FM Radio
The Avantree Portable FM Radio is one of the best portable radios you can find with a built-in Bluetooth speaker, SD card player, LED display and rechargeable battery. The radio is Bluetooth compatible and allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphones or tablet devices to the radio; you can also store and play music directly from the Micro SD card. The Avantree radio also features auto and manual search to pull in radio stations and can save station presets at the touch of a button. You can also connect the USB cable as an antenna to enhance the sound signal in enclosed spaces. The sound quality from the Avantree radio is pretty good and comes with six equalizer modes for natural, rock, pop, jazz, classic and soft music tones. It has a really portable and lightweight design with a dimension of 130mm x 32mm x 66mm, and comes with hand straps for you to take it with you while travelling. If you are looking for one of the best portable radio with a multitude of functions and Bluetooth streaming, the Avantree FM portable radio is definitely the one you should check out.
The sound quality of the Avantree radio is surprisingly good and clear for a compact radio of this size. It has a frequency range of 90 Hz to 18 kHz and delivers nice full-range sound performance. The FM frequency range on this radio is from 87MHz o 108Mhz and pulls in a wide variety of music radio stations in the local area. It also comes with nice headphone and auxiliary jacks which comes in handy for private FM music listening. The sound performance that we got from the Avantree radio was crystal clear, with nice crisp highs and treble ranges. The midrange is a little subtle but nevertheless present; the bass response is decent but nothing to shout home about due to the radio’s small size. The sound is not stereo but feels really crisp and detailed, with well-defined vocals and crisp dialogue. Listening to music stations and instrumental music with the Avantree radio was a really enjoyable listening experience; you can hear the notes in the music with distinct clarity without any static interference. The volume on the Avantree radio gets pretty loud although it may start to distort closer to maximum volume levels.
In terms of design, the Avantree is a clear winner in terms of portability. The radio has a nice volume knob at the side which also doubles as a power switch. The volume control is sensitive enough for you to turn down the radio for quiet listening without disturbing others around you – the sound quality feels good and consistent at any volume level and remains clear. The radio has a high quality build with a nice rubberized texture that feels nice and solid; it gives the radio a pretty durable feel. The portable radio also comes with a clear and easy to read digital display which indicates the FM frequency. The radio uses a rechargeable li-ion battery which can be recharged easily by plugging it to an electrical wall outlet. You can also store your favorite radio stations in the memory presets and the radio does not lose memory when the battery is removed. The LED display also displays the name of the song when playing music through the micro SD card which is a nice added touch. The radio also comes equipped with a nice carrying strap at the side which makes it convenient to take around with you while travelling.
The Verdict? The Avantree FM radio is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers pretty good sound quality and impressive volume in a small and compact setup. We particularly liked the radio and Bluetooth speaker combination which makes it very versatile – you can listen to both FM radio stations or stream music directly from your smartphone to the radio speaker. The micro SD card functionality is also an added plus. The rechargeable battery works well and can deliver between 6 to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge depending on your volume settings. The radio is also relatively easy to setup and the FM stations came in nice and clean. The sound is crisp and crystal clear, with great vocal clarity and decent mid tones. The sound can get pretty loud if you crank up the radio to maximum volume although we did hear some distortion at close to maximum volumes. The entire package comes with the Avantree FM radio, micro USB charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable and an instruction manual for easy reference. It’s one of the best portable radios we have tested that delivers very good value for money and we highly recommend them.
#9 Best Design: Rolton W405 Portable FM Radio
The Rolton W405 is one of the best portable radios you can find with a really stunning and sleek design. It is a mini USB portable FM-only radio that delivers nice stereo music sound with an elegant exterior shell. The speaker comes equipped with a built-in amplifier that delivers good sound quality. The radio has a dimension of 4.84” x 1.26” x 2.64” which means that you can literally take this radio around with you in your pocket or while travelling. The radio supports TF card or USB connection, as well as a standard 3.5mm auxiliary jack for earphones. It also comes equipped with a nice LED screen display which is easy to read and useful. The radio has an FM radio frequency from 88 MHz to 108 Mhz and you can choose your favorite local radio station with clear FM signal. The Rolton portable radio comes with a replaceable 1500 mAh li-ion battery and even an emergency flashlight function which comes in handy if there is a power outage. If you are looking for a fuss-free portable radio with a stylish design, the Rolton W405 is definitely one of the best portable radios that deserves a closer look.
The sound performance of the Rolton W405 is surprisingly good for such a compact and small radio. It produces very full and solid sound performance and can pull in a wide variety of radio stations without any issues or static interference. Listening to local radio stations with the Rolton W405 was very enjoyable, with crisp highs, nice midrange and decent bass output. You can really hear the vocal performances and news channels with pristine clarity – the radio also has plenty of volume and you can crank up the volume dial without hearing much distortion from the radio speaker. We listened to oldies and classical music from the local radio stations with the W405 radio and we thoroughly enjoyed bringing this radio around the workplace. Instrumental performances sounded detailed and crisp with nice treble ranges. You can also adjust the volume down for workplace listening and it will perform just as well with the same level of consistency and detail. Overall, the sound performance of the Rolton W405 is very good and we did not experience any static while pulling in music from the local radio stations.
The Rolton W405 has a nice and stylish design that fits in easily into your pocket. It has a small LED light that turns on when you turn the radio on. The radio reception is very good and pulls in FM-only radio stations without any issues; you can also set the radio to memorize station presets and tune in to your favorite radio stations on a press of a button. The radio comes with a multitude of functions including USB/TF card support, auxiliary inputs and an LED screen. It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1500 mAh that delivers a good 4 hours of radio playtime depending on the volume settings. The entire radio is designed to be lightweight and weighs only a mere 128 grams. The emergency flashlight function that comes with the radio is also handy under dim light conditions or during power outages. The radio uses a 1.5” speaker driver and a passive radiator to pump out clean and detailed sound performance. The entire package comes with the portable radio, one user manual, USB cable and a radio strap.
The Verdict? The Rolton W405 is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers superb sound performance in a small and compact design. It is an FM only radio that delivers pretty good sound quality and has a small size of 4.84” x 1.26” x 2.64”. The radio mp3 music player supports TF card and USB connect, as well as a standard 3.5mm jack for connectivity to your smartphone or tablet devices. The radio also features a large LED screen display which is easy to read and shows you the FM frequency tuning. The radio has a FM frequency range from 88 MHz to 108 MHz and you can choose your local radio stations with clear FM signal. The radio also comes with an emergency flashlight, 1500 mAh li-ion battery and a user manual for easy reference. Overall, it’s a really sleek and well-designed portable radio that delivers quality sound performance in a compact package and we highly recommend them.
#10 Best Multi-Function Radio: Kaito KA500 AM/FM NOAA Portable Radio
The Kaito KA500 is one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers a comprehensive suite of functionality including AM/FM/SW/NOAA weather radio alerts and a 6-way powered design. The radio comes with built-in hand crank generator, solar panels, compartment for 3 AA batteries, 5V USB inputs, 5V AC/DC inputs with a wall power adapter and a built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack. It provide a comprehensive coverage of AM and FM stations with 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels. You can listen to a great variety of local stations on the Kaito radio including sports, radio talk-shows, entertainment and news stations. It also works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output for charging mobile devices such as smartphones and other devices. It also comes with a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED SOS beacon light. The portable radio is also equipped with a telescopic antenna that extends up to 14.5” for high sensitivity reception. Overall, the Kaito KA500 is definitely one of the most versatile and multi-functional portable radio we have tested and highly recommend them if you are looking for one of the best portable radios for emergency or weather use.
The sound quality and reception of the Kaito KA500 is really good – it picks up the local radio, weather and AM radio station bands without any static interference or noise. The sound quality that you get from the Kaito KA500 is very clear, with crisp vocals, detailed midrange tones and some bass response, although nothing really to shout home about. We liked the fact that you can tune into a wide variety of radio stations with the Kaito KA500 without getting any noise in the audio output. We listened to country folk, jazz, classical and oldies with the KA500 radio and thoroughly enjoyed every single bit of it. The sound quality is nothing exceptional but still very good for a radio of this size. The vocals sounded crisp and clear and news-room dialogue was detailed and pristine. Listening to the KA500 is like listening to a good stereo speaker without the stereo separation. You can also crank up the volume on the KA500 to high volumes and it will play music smoothly without any to very little distortion, something which we consider is a really good plus point. The radio also works nicely in bringing in 24/7 weather forecasts and NOAA weather channels for alerts and updates during extreme weather conditions. Overall, the sound performance and clarity that you get with the KA500 radio is top-notch.
The Kaito KA500 provides a multitude of functions that really come in handy during weather emergencies. It has a comprehensive broadcast coverage that includes FM, AM radio stations, SW1, SW2 and national weather channels with real time alerts. The radio uses analog tuning with a good level of sensitivity and uses a 3” dynamic speaker to deliver crisp and loud sound performance. You can power this radio 6-ways, including by 3 AA batteries (purchased separately), hand-crank dynamo generator, solar panel, NiMH rechargeable battery pack, 5V mini USB or through the AC/DC adapter charger (purchased separately). It also comes with various safety features such as a USB mobile charger for both iOS and Android devices, LED flashlight, red LED SOS beacon light and a 5-LED reading lamp. The reading lamp is able to light up a dim area and provide lighting in the event of a power outage. We also liked the fact that you can charge your mobile devices through the radio using the hand-crank function, although we this method of charging was expectedly quite slow. The entire radio is made of strong and water-resistant ABS material for added durability, and is suitable for both indoors or home or workplace use.
The Verdict? The Kaito KA500 is one of the best portable radios you can find that provides a great deal of versatility and functionality especially in extreme weather conditions. It provides comprehensive coverage of AM/FM channels, and comes with pre-programmed NOAA weather stations for the latest weather updates and alerts. It also doubles as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in DC 5V USB output for charging mobile devices. The radio comes with a telescopic antenna that extends up to 14.5” for high sensitivity reception; it also features an LED signal strength indicator which shows you the station signal strength. The built-in radio speaker delivers crystal clear and loud music performance; we thoroughly enjoyed listening to oldies and folk music with this portable radio. The radio can be powered 6-ways and supports 3 AA batteries, solar panel charging as well as a hand crank generator for power outages. It is a really durable radio made of water-resistant ABS material. Overall, we have no doubt that the Kaito KA500 is a solid weather radio and one of the best portable radios you can find that delivers quality sound performance and are definitely worth checking out.