Which small radio should you buy?
The world is full of ways to listen to music, radio shows and podcasts these days. But when there’s no Wi-Fi signal available, you might be glad to have a more traditional way of listening. With a small radio in your home or car, you can tune into music, talk shows or traffic and weather reports at any time. So, what’s the best small radio to pick up?
Types of small radio
Radio stations operate on different sound frequencies, or amplitudes. The frequency they use affects how far the signal travels and the quality of sound that arrives through your speaker. The main types of radio waves are:
Small radio features
There are lots of extra features you can look for beyond access to your favorite radio stations.
best small radios to buy
[ Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio ]
For those who don’t want complicated controls or additional functionalities, the large dial of this high-quality radio is easy to use. It can be powered with an AC adapter or AA batteries and has a headphone jack for private listening.
[ Prunis J-160 Portable Retro Transistor Radio ]
Built with a fashionable retro look, this radio has a wireless Bluetooth speaker so you don’t need to be limited to its AM/FM and shortwave channels. Tablets and smartphones connect easily with its intuitive design features.
[ Fuhongyuan Portable Pocket Radio ]
With excellent signal reception, this AM/FM radio can be used anywhere. It provides high-quality and high-volume sound either through the speaker or by using headphones.
This long-lasting radio has excellent energy efficiency. Its four AA batteries let it last up to 55 hours or you can use an adapter to plug it in. The sturdy rectangular design keeps the radio steady on any surface, making it ideal for a boat trip.
[ Nextron Portable CD Player and Radio Boombox ]
Portable and stylish, this AM/FM radio with a stereo sound system lets you listen to the radio while cooking, cleaning, in the garden or enjoying a picnic. You can use the headphone jack or take advantage of the Bluetooth connection for wireless headphones.
[ ByronStatics Vintage Portable Radio ]
This inexpensive, quirky retro radio is perfect for lovers of ’50s fashion. You can power it with an electrical outlet or batteries, and the manually adjustable knob makes it easy to scan for stations.
[ Flyoukki Portable Headset Radio ]
This headset comes with an FM-only radio built in, so you don’t have to worry about separate radio and in-ear listening devices. The headphones are noise-reducing and the automatic search and store feature means you can find and save your favorite stations at the touch of a button.
[ Vondior Portable Pocket Radio ]
A great choice for people looking for a handheld, pocket-sized and long-lasting radio. It can pick up AM and FM stations and offers users a break from modern technology with its traditional functionality.
This compact portable radio has excellent sound quality. It’s built to be robust and has a long antenna that provides superior reception. Powered by a battery or power cable, it can be used at home or outdoors.
[ Emerson SmartSet Alarm Clock Radio ]
Enjoy the dual functionality of a digital alarm clock and an AM/FM radio in this compact but sturdy device. You can even set the radio’s alarm so you wake up to your favorite station.
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Lauren Farrell writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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