For people born before the 1990s, portable radios were a standard piece of technology equipment that became part of their everyday lives. Technology has certainly changed, although these devices have lost space for more modern equipment, many people have not given up on the best portable radio with the best sound.
We may just be old-school lovers, but the fact of being able to listen to your favorite station and the music of the moment on the radio from your favorite presenter gives you an unbeatable feeling that only the best portable radio puts at your fingertips.
Hand held radios are also a great device to have in the case of emergencies. If you were ever to lose power and internet connection, a hand held portable radio would give you access to a live broadcast to stay up to date on what is happening in your area.
Today there are many options on the market for hand held radios. These features include: LED displays, rechargeable batteries, internal or telescopic antennas, and other exciting functions. So, faced with so many possibilities, I have come to help you choose the one that best suits you and your needs.
If you’re currently in the market for the best portable radio, you are in the right place: below, you will find the list of the 7 best-selling items, complete with features, reviews, and direct links to purchase.
Our rankings are updated continuously, so you have the best products. These handheld radios are the most highly reviewed by those looking for handheld radios.
The Best Rated Handheld Radios
1. Sony ICFP26 portable AM/FM Radio
This tiny handheld portable AM/FM Sony radio synthesizes and perfects the word functionality. The device’s body develops vertically, with the built-in loudspeaker to be the master to offer a clean sound and an easily audible voice output even at medium volume.
The dimensions are reduced to the bone as well as the functions available. However, this profile seems to have satisfied those users who go straight to the point and do not want too many unnecessary features.
On the left side of the radio there is a headphone port. This is a nice feature that allows you to listen to your radio in private without disturbing anyone around you.
A strap is also included to facilitate transport, perhaps over the shoulder or placed under an umbrella during the hottest hours.
Tuning is manual. A red LED indicator shows you that the station and the signal are perfectly connected. It also features a new LED battery status indicator
Highlighted Features:
- Built-in speaker
- LED tuning indicator
- Very compact and easy to transport
2. Avantree Portable 3-in-1 FM Radio
This Avantree portable radio is a 3-in-1 portable AM/FM radio. The 3-in-1 capability allows you to listen to your favorite music wirelessly from your PC, phone, or tablet. Avantree also offers a micro SD option. If you happen to store music on an SD card you can play through this portable radio.
With the click of a button, this portable radio will auto search for clear signal stations. This is a nice feature to have, so you no longer have to manually search for incoming stations. Additionally, this Avantree radio has the option for preset stations. You are just one click away from your favorite preset station. You have the capability to pre-save up to 10 stations.
If you prefer, you can store your favorite songs on an SD card and then listen to them whenever and wherever you want. You can even significantly improve the quality of the sound you’re listening to with six different equalizer modes, which adapt to the main types of music: natural, rock, pop, classical, jazz, and smooth.
The Avantree SP850 is perfect for taking anywhere with its lightweight, handheld design. To further enhance the experience, it has a handheld strap that makes it especially easy if you are in the habit of practicing physical activities with your radio.
Highlighted Features:
- Auto and manual search
- 3 in 1 radio speaker
- Ultra-portable design
3. Panasonic Portable AM / FM Radio
This Panasonic portable radio is the perfect choice for camping, gatherings, and severe weather or power outages. It’s always a good idea to have back up communication to the outside word if any event were to take place where you are without power or internet service. This portable radio would allow you to get updates on any important news information.
A great feature is that the tuner has a large scale with a fluorescent indicator. This allows you to easily see what station you are on, or what station you would like to tune in next. Additionally, the digital tuner with AFC (auto frequency control) enables fast and easy, stable tuning.
Another great feature is how this portable radio allows you to know precisely when a station was captured at the optimal frequency, you will be able to look at the light bulb above the scale, which will light up red when you’re in the perfect position for the best reception for each station.
Use the AC adapter cord to plug the radio in, or go off the grid and run this Panasonic radio with just 4 AA batteries. Panasonic really outdid themselves on this one. Headphone compatible, boasting a 3.5mm jack. A headphone option will allow you to listen in to your favorite sports team or music in private without disturbing anyone around you.
Highlighted Features:
- Runs on AA-LR6 batteries
- The red LED indicator lights up when you catch a station
- Includes scale with fluorescent indicator
4. PowerBear Portable Radio AM/FM
PowerBear is one of the best ways to listen to your favorite AM/FM stations on the go. This radio design is very sleek and compact, allowing you to take it with you wherever you may end up. It’s so small and handheld that you could slip it in your pants pocket.
Completely battery powered with just 2AA batteries. You wont believe how many hours this radio will last from just 2AA batteries. PowerBear claims this portable radio will last over 800 hours of playing time! That is the longest playback time we have seen from a single battery use. Great for indoor and outdoor emergency use. 800 hours would allow you to completely go off the grid.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Although it is compact in size this PowerBear radio speaker packs a punch. Enjoy your favorite sports team broadcast, talk show, or music station in crystal clear, high quality sound.
A long range transistor comes equipped with this portable radio. Long distance reception will allow you to receive strong station signal from practically anywhere. This makes this radio a great option in case of emergency’s. This portable radio by PowerBear is also backed by a lifetime warranty in the event you run into any issues. Buy with confidence you can always get a replacement radio.
Highlighted Features:
- 800 hours on a single battery
- Lifetime warranty available
- High quality speaker output
5. C. Crane CC Skywave SSB AM/FM, Portable, NOAA Weather
You’re looking at quite possibly one of the smallest, portable multiband radios with SSB. If you’re unfamiliar with the term SSB, it stands for single side band radio. These types of radios are typically used by boats or yachts for communication at sea.
Single Side Band offers efficient and reliability to retrieve long range information when internet, phone, or satellite is not readily available. This makes this C Crane portable radio a great option for emergency situations.
Take advantage of the digitally tuned multiband receiver that offers superior sensitivity and selectivity by multiple bandwidth settings. Enjoy direct frequency entry, and auto scan and store capabilities from 400 memories.
C.Crane offers a nice LCD digital display that offers a 12/24 clock format. Use the alarm system for waking up on time to start your daily routine. A headphone jack comes equipped with this portable radio, allowing for a more private use experience. High quality bud earphones, faux leather radio case, and 23inch portable shortwave reel antenna are all included in the purchase of this radio.
The battery run time is 70 hours of uninterrupted radio broadcasting. Runs on just 2AA batteries (not included). If the batteries run out you always have the AC power adapter option. You can purchase this radio with confidence knowing there is a one year limited warranty included.
Highlighted Features:
- Single Sided Band radio
- Faux carrying case and antenna included
- One year limited warranty
6. PRUNUS J-160 Transistor AM FM Radio Small Portable Retro Radio
Start by enjoying the option of excellent reception. This Prunus portable radio comes equipped with a powerful DSP chip. A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chip makes this radio more sensitive to capture signals from AM/FM/SW stations. These unique circular tuning window with 270° tuning space, greatly improves retro radio accuracy. The copper retractable antenna provides an even stronger signal.
Completely reinvent old times with this retro, jukebox looking portable radio. It certainly is a great conversation starter. Although, you may not want anyone talking when you’re trying to listen to your cool new retro radio haha.
It may look retro in appearance, but this Prunus retro radio has next generation features. Conveniently playback any song of your choice by plugging in your phone with the use of an auxiliary cord, or by connecting with Bluetooth.
Enjoy crystal clear sound from the 3W built in magnetic speaker. This speaker option provides reliable deep bass and smooth treble. There is a non removable built-in rechargeable battery.
Over time this rechargeable battery could save you money, rather than replacing it with disposable batteries all the time. There is also an option to plugin a USB a charge the portable radio with a power bank instead.
Highlighted Features:
- Rechargeable
- Excellent Reception
- Classical design
7. Sony ICF-306 Analog AM/FM Portable Radio
For those looking for a very simple AM/FM handheld radio that only transmits radio frequencies, the Sony ICF-306 handheld radio is a good option. The device is tiny and light, weighing less than 1.1 pounds, ensuring a firm handle for safe transport.
This compact, portable radio is powered by two AA batteries, being an excellent choice to take on camping trips, picnics, or house parties. Or any other event that you may be off the grid and have little to no phone reception.
Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about this portable radio suddenly dying out on you. It offers a battery status LED indicator. This indicator will be green when charged and red when it needs to be charged, so you’ll always know when to charge it next.
Not only is this Sony portable radio compact, it also boasts a built-in carrying handle in the event that you ever need to pack it and bring it on the go with you. There is also a headphone jack port for private listening. Are you in a public setting and your favorite sports team is playing? No problem, just plugin your headphones and tune in without disrupting the public.
Just 2AA batteries are responsible for powering this portable radio. The output power is 100 MW.
Highlighted Features:
- 2 AA batteries
- 7.48 x 2.02 x 3.83 inches dimensions
- Small, compact, and light weight
Purchasing Criteria
It’s important to know what you expect of your portable radio. We have shown you some of the best rated portable radios available on the market today. Now please keep all of these available options and features in mind when choosing the best portable radio.
It can be helpful to compile a list of the most important features that you want to experience from your radio. Take a look below and some of the most important factors to highlight.
See what we highlighted:
- Manufacturer
- Size
- Power supply
- Additional features
- Sound quality
Manufacturer
This is an important criteria, as not all brands work with the same concept of quality. The idea is to choose a manufacturer that offers specific reliability, with a good reputation in the market. You probably know some of the most famous brands, and when in doubt, it’s most likely worth choosing one that you’re familiar with and trust.
This does not mean that lesser-known manufacturers cannot bring quality products. So, if you choose a brand like this, check what it’s specialty is. Those that are dedicated to a single segment usually have better quality products.
Size
Indeed, when looking for the best portable radio, you have already considered models with a compact design. However, even this type of radio can have many differences that can influence portability and usage. In other words, a pocket device, for example, is not the same as a radio with a more significant number of functions.
⦁Handheld pocket radio: Ideal for anyone who wants to listen to the radio anywhere, with headphones and no hassle to carry the device.
⦁Handheld radio with strap: A great option if you don’t mind the dimensions of the radio. With the strap, it’s easier to take your handheld radio anywhere, with more comfort and without the risk of dropping it.
Power supply
For many people, the handheld radio must offer a good range of use. In this sense, there are also differences: some work exclusively with batteries, while others rely on the alternative of a rechargeable battery or even an alternation with an electrical current through a cable that comes with the product.
However, for those who intend to use the radio outside the home and away from energy sources, the ideal is to make sure that the battery will be sufficient for the period in which it will be used. There are models with the autonomy of up to eight hours. If you’re going to use the device for longer, it’s worth investing in a handheld charger, such as power bank.
Additional features
If you want to buy a handheld radio that has more features, the market has several exciting options. It all depends on your expectations and the type of functions you consider relevant in a radio set.
Many manufacturers have invested in models that incorporate memory card slots and a USB port. Thus, you can play your own music independently of radio station programming. That is in addition to performing radio functions, it also acts as a digital media player.
In addition, it is pretty common to find portable radios capable of offering a connection via Bluetooth and even a Wi-Fi connection. Apart from these features, it is worth noting other points that can make a difference in the use of your portable radio.
⦁ Dynamic Bass Boost: On some digital handheld radio models, there is the possibility to boost the bass by pressing this button. To get the most out of this effect, it’s best to have good headphones. If your device has a Bluetooth connection, you can use wireless headphones for more freedom;
⦁ LCD Screen: This is a very common feature in digital devices. On the screen, you can view the station the radio is tuned to and extra information such as volume, time, and, in some cases, even the name of the song or program currently on air;
⦁ Voice Recorder: Some handheld radios feature a recorder function. Although a little more expensive, it can be convenient in some situations. Generally speaking, a USB stick or memory card is required to save the recording.
Sound quality
The advancement of technology has allowed handheld radio devices to achieve much more quality in sound reception and reproduction. Although, not yet on the same level as Hi-Fi radios (short for “high fidelity”) the best handheld radio has much higher quality than those built into smartphones.
Pocket models typically have less than 1 watt of power. The compact ones usually reach 3 watts. If you want the sound to be more precise, you can always choose to wear good headphones. They help to concentrate the sound and provide a more pleasant audio experience.
Final words
In conclusion, the best handheld radio can be a reliable option when you need entertainment or simply to be informed with the latest news broadcast. You need to choose carefully the suitable model depending on your medium-long term needs, depending on the features you will need, and also depending on the financial budget you have.
Choose products from reputable manufacturers so as not to later regret the purchase you made. Also make sure you benefit from the warranty for as long as possible. Last but not least, go with a portable radio option that allows a free return if you are not satisfied with the radio you selected.
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