Whether you look for a more modern style that includes numerous features found on most electronics today or something that can serve in the direst of situations and provide life-saving information, you need a guide to help you navigate the different options available to you.
Contents
- Best Portable Radio 2019
- 1. Sangean PR-D18GR – Best Portable Radio
- 2. Sony ICF-F10 AM FM Portable Transistor Radio
- 3. Avantree 3-in-1 FM Portable Radio with Bluetooth
- 4. Sony ICFP26 Portable Radio AM FM
- 5. C Crane CC Skywave AM FM Travel Portable Radio
- 6. Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Portable Radio
- 7. Sangean H201 AM FM Weather Digital Portable Radio with Waterproof Protection
- 8. Grace Digital Mondo+ Wireless and Internet Portable Radio with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 9. Tecsun PL-380 AM FM Small Size Radio
- 10. Sangean HDR-14 AM FM HD Portable Radio (Updated 2018)
- 11. Sony ICF-506 Analog Tuning Portable AM FM Radio with Powerful Mono Speaker
- 12. Milwaukee M12 2590-20 Cordless Job-Site Outdoor Portable Radio (No Battery Included)
- 13. Panasonic RF-2400D AM FM Radio Analog Tuner
- 14. Sangean WR-16 AM FM Wooden Analog Radio w/ Bluetooth and USB Charging
- Best Portable Radio – Buyer’s Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Portable Radio 2019
When trying to figure out which portable radio is the best for you, it is easy to get confused by the jargon and random specs. That is why we have put together a short list of the 5 best portable radios, highlighting what each one does best.
Image | Product | Price |
---|---|---|
Sangean PR-D18 Digital Portable Radio
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Sony ICF-F10 Transistor Portable Radio
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Avantree SP850 Portable Bluetooth Radio
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
C Crane Travel Portable Radio
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Kaito KA500 Emergency Portable Radio
| CHECK ON AMAZON |
Then we provide the Top 10 portable radios and a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can figure out which portable radio is right for you.
The data collected in the article are relevant for 2020. The article will be supplemented and corrected as soon as the new information appears.
1. Sangean PR-D18GR – Best Portable Radio
The Sangean PR-D18GR is not for everyone but it quite possibly could be as this portable radio comes with a little bit of most features that you look for. This attempt to find a balance and best all-around value have led the Sangean PR-D18GR to be our best portable radio.
Great Reception and Options
The Sangean PR-D18GR has a decent AM and excellent FM radio reception. Moreover, this portable radio includes DSP chip which has definitely improved many recent AM FM portable radios to new performance levels at low cost. For instance, aside from 10 memory channels and a backlit LCD display, this portable radio also features a rubberized border to help keep it in place and absorb any shocks.
On top of that, the Sangean PR-D18GR also features a digital tuner for precise tuning as well as a convenient auto-seek feature to help find the clearest channels quickly. Finally, this easy to use portable radio also features a fairly robust clock that has 2 different alarms.
- Has a rubber bumper
- Is a less expensive portable radio
- Has 10 memory presets and 2 alarm clocks
- Comes in 5 different styles
- Has a backlit LCD display
- Is easy to use
- Has digital tuning with an auto-seek
- Provides solid reception
- Not the best battery life
- Circuitry not durable
2. Sony ICF-F10 AM FM Portable Transistor Radio
Radio Reception and Battery
On top of that, it has the best battery life on our list at 200 hours and comes with a heavy-duty, telescopic ferrite antenna to provide excellent reception. While the Sony ICF-F10 comes with a 3.5 mm Aux headphone jack, it also provides some of the best sound quality on our list with a 3 ¾” speaker. Even better, this portable radio AM FM can equalize the signal for either high or low balanced audio.
- Is easy to use
- Comes with a carry strap
- Has a classic design
- Comes with a ferrite telescopic antenna
- Has a built-in 3 ¾” speaker
- More durable than most
- Has a 3.5 mm output jack
- Includes high and low balance
- Has a battery life of 200 hours
- Is a more expensive portable radio
- A larger portable radio
3. Avantree 3-in-1 FM Portable Radio with Bluetooth
The Avantree is an impressive portable radio in many respects, but not necessarily the ones you would expect definitively placing the Avantree in a target market aimed more for a younger audience. On top of that, we declare as the best portable radio with Bluetooth out of all the models we saw.
Excellent Digital Features
Specifically, the Avantree SP850 3-in-1 provides so many different connections, formats, and features that it can be a bit easy to overlook the fact that this portable radio with Bluetooth does not play AM radio stations. This will definitely give you something to think about, but the FM digital tuner still offers great reception while the ability to use Bluetooth, a USB port or an SD card is just icing on the cake.
- Has a rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Is a less expensive portable radio
- Has an LED display with digital tuning
- Can read an SD card
- Has Bluetooth connectivity and 3.5 mm aux input/output jack
- Comes with USB port
- Can play MP3, WMA, and WAV files
- Has a shorter battery life
- Not the easiest to use
4. Sony ICFP26 Portable Radio AM FM
Great for the FM
For one, the portable radio has compatible rechargeable battery packs which are only made more efficient through the use of integrated circuits. On top of that, the circuitry of the Sony ICFP26 is superior in a number of other respects providing it with some of the best reception quality that we saw. With a compact profile and a convenient carrying strap, this portable radio for FM reception favors quality over quantity.
- Has great reception
- Is a less expensive portable radio
- Has a 3.5 mm aux output jack
- Is easy to use
- Has a carrying strap
- Provides an exceptional battery life plus accept battery packs
- More portable than most
- Have integrated circuits
- Alignment is iffy
- Volume is low
5. C Crane CC Skywave AM FM Travel Portable Radio
It ensures that their products achieve a standard too high for most other companies to reach. The C.crane CC Skywave made our pick for the best portable radio for AM reception that we reviewed.
Great for the AM
The C.crane CC Skywave is perhaps the aptest product for this brand primarily due to the fact that it includes a wide variety of different bandwidths not normally included with portable radios many of which are simply relevant for specialized fields or, more likely, hobbyists.
For example, on top of the AM/FM and even the NOAA channels which are common enough, the C.crane CC Skywave goes the extra mile to include shortwave and air band channels as well even if you are unlikely to make direct use of the information. Even better, this is a completely digital portable radio providing great tuning precision as well as 400 memory presets. Finally, this is by far one of the portable radio we saw for listening to talk radio and other AM radio stations.
- Has a great AM reception
- Provides NOAA and shortwave channels
- Has airband channels
- It has 400 memory presets
- Has a lighted LCD display with digital tuning
- Provides a battery life of 60 hours
- Has a ½ W built-in speaker
- A more compact portable radio
- Is a more expensive portable radio
- Not the easiest to use
6. Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Portable Radio
Excellent Charging Functions
For one, this is one of the few portable radios we saw that came with a light though this model’s light is a bit underpowered.
There are 5 different ways to power this portable radio including a manual crank and an included solar cell to ensure that you will always have access to information in an emergency scenario. While the Kaito KA500 is incredibly handy on its own, it actually has a USB out port that will allow it to charge your USB compliant smart devices as well.
- Has a rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Provides NOAA channels and power crank
- Includes a reading lamp and solar cell
- Has a USB port
- Is easy to use
- Has shortwave channels
- Is a less expensive portable radio
- The largest portable radio reviewed
- Shortwave reception is poor
7. Sangean H201 AM FM Weather Digital Portable Radio with Waterproof Protection
Great for the Beach
Granted, there is a bit more they could do to increase the body’s durability, but in terms of the general environment, the Sangean H201 has it covered. For example, this is the only portable radio for the beach we saw which is JIS7 waterproof rated for use in official marine settings.
Still better, you do not even have to worry about losing the Sangean H201 in the water as it floats though it is fully submersible. Finally, the LED flashlight and emergency siren make this a great portable radio to signal someone on land.
- Has 20 memory presets
- Is a JIS7 waterproof portable radio
- Has digital tuning
- Provides NOAA channels
- Will float on water
- Provides an LED flashlight and an LCD display
- Has emergency siren
- Is easy to use
- This is a more expensive portable radio
- Is a larger portable radio
8. Grace Digital Mondo+ Wireless and Internet Portable Radio with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Grace Digital Mondo+ is definitely another portable radio that is truly stretching the definition of that term as this is far more of an integrated internet device than it is a traditional radio.
Sound Quality
That said, the Grace Digital Mondo+ is arguably one of the more impressive products we saw. It was the only one, which could connect via Wi-Fi, while also including Bluetooth and USB. The use of this portable radio may have been a bit more complicated but the sheer number of internet radio stations.
It also compatible cast apps means you will never be without a genuinely good option. Just to dunk on the competition, this portable internet radio also provides the best sound quality on our list.
- Has 30000 internet radio stations
- Connects via Bluetooth
- Also connects via Wi-Fi
- Has a 3 ½” color display
- Comes with a remote control
- Includes an alarm clock
- Great app compatibility
- Includes a 3” woofer and 1” tweeter
- Has a USB port
- Is a more expensive portable radio
- Not the easiest to use
9. Tecsun PL-380 AM FM Small Size Radio
Though it may not be skewed quite so much towards emergency situations exclusively, it still offers plenty of options for outdoor use like longwave and shortwave channels the former of which is great if you are sailing or flying.
All-Around Value
The Tecsun pl-380 also provides by far the most memory presets with 550, though the absence of NOAA channels is fairly conspicuous. Still, the Tecsun pl-380 does have decent speakers for its size and also offers the precision of digital tuning for an all-around good experience. Finally, this portable radio for camping can make sure you are up with the dawn by using the included alarm clock.
- Has digital tuning
- Is a less expensive portable radio
- Has longwave channels
- It has shortwave channels
- Includes thin-film speakers
- Has a USB charging port
- Is a more compact portable radio
- Includes 550 memory presets
- Provides an alarm clock
- Not the easiest to use
- Poor reception indoors
10. Sangean HDR-14 AM FM HD Portable Radio (Updated 2018)
Still, we end our list with a Sangean that for all intents and purposes is a traditional portable radio with some HD technology to provide a much better experience.
Multicast and HD Radio
For example, the Sangean HDR-14 may only receive AM/FM channels, but it can expand its antenna with an HD FM antenna. This will allow the Sangean HDR-14 to display whatever associated program data the radio station sends out with the signal.
Most importantly, this portable HD radio is also exceptionally clear as it can use automatic multicast re-configuration to clean up the signal amid the noise. Finally, the Sangean HDR-14 also provides 2 different alarms with 3 different types of alarm to choose from.
- Has digital tuning
- Is a more compact portable radio
- Has a backlit LCD display
- It has 2 alarm clocks
- Can support an HD antenna
- Has 40 memory presets
- Provides 3 alarm types
- Includes Program Associated Data
- Provides Automatic Multicast Re-Configuration
- Is a more expensive portable radio
- AM reception is subpar
11. Sony ICF-506 Analog Tuning Portable AM FM Radio with Powerful Mono Speaker
Conclusion
Tuning indicators aren’t hard to view either, so you won’t have to strain your eyes when attempting to change stations. There’s no turning button though, and stations are switched with a dial. For those with a preference for this, the ICF-506 with keeping you entertained until you’re tired of music. And when that’s finished, the battery indicator will let you know when to charge it for the next time it’s used.
- The mono speaker is large and emits a surprisingly good sound quality
- The tuning frequency numbers are easy to see
- Has a battery indicator that shows when power is low
- Turing and volume dials aren’t sensitive, making radio stations and sounds stay in place when brushed against
- Tuning cannot be done with a button; must be manually turned with the dial
- Poor headphone stereo quality
12. Milwaukee M12 2590-20 Cordless Job-Site Outdoor Portable Radio (No Battery Included)
- Tough and built to last; doesn’t succumb to damage easily
- Dual choices for power (AC or battery)
- Controls are simple enough to not require reading of an instruction manual
- Has a slot to store an MP3 player; protects it from water damage
- When tuning, the buttons can only be used linearly; no option to scroll back (single buttons for presets)
13. Panasonic RF-2400D AM FM Radio Analog Tuner
Overall
The primary advantage here is how long of a range the radio itself has; if you need something that will pick up stations that you have had trouble getting with other radios, try this one. It’s likely to find their signal, no matter if you’re in the city or close to the boondocks.
- The large dial and fonts on the front make the product ideal for people who vision problems
- Picks up radio stations from a long range in both urban and rural settings
- Doesn’t drain batteries too fast
- The AC cord has no storage area or coiling hook
- Could be a bit frustrating to find radio stations, especially for people who don’t use the radio frequently
14. Sangean WR-16 AM FM Wooden Analog Radio w/ Bluetooth and USB Charging
Recommendation
There’s a USB slot in the back that can be used to change any device that allows it, and beautiful wood grain finished that covers the metal parts. Need Bluetooth? You’re covered with this product and pairing with your TV is as quick as changing a cable channel.
- A USB port is included that can charge smartphones and MP3 players
- Near perfect tuning that doesn’t output fuzz in the background of music
- The wood grain is cheap and feels heavy/durable
- The unit is Bluetooth ready
- Big and legible control signals on the front
- The USB port is in the back, which could be annoying when attempting to use the changer
Best Portable Radio – Buyer’s Guide
When judging a portable radio, it is quite often a good idea to figure out what you actually want to listen to since a number of manufacturers will advertise features you may or may not use.
Reception
Even further, the reception of your portable radio will be a vital consideration regardless of the reason you have one. Those who wish to use their portable radio for listening to music will be just as reliant on the AM FM portable radio’s ability to pick up a clear signal as those who are using it specifically for updates when the power goes out or on a trip to the great outdoors regardless the length of time they intend to be there.
Antenna
This consideration can be more or less important depending on where you are using your AM FM portable radio. For instance, if you have a portable radio so you do not have to worry about smartphone service coverage areas when you are hiking. But still want the ability to keep track of potential major events or weather patterns, you are likely going to want to opt for a portable radio with a telescoping antenna so as to best receive the errant transmissions.
Conversely, a telescopic antenna is a bit simple in terms of how it receives a signal with little to no differentiation. As such, those types of antennae are prone to picking up interference from a variety of other devices that generate strong electromagnetic fields. In the wilds, this is not much of an issue. But in a more densely populated area like a city, this can make the reception a bit inconsistent. In this case, you will likely prefer a component-based antenna which naturally filters out competing signals that are not radio waves.
Circuitry
Most of the different AM FM portable radios do not provide too terribly information concerning their circuitry one way or the other. This will still play an important role in terms of how well the radio can pick up radio waves. The primary component that will influence the radio wave reception is the transistor.
The best radio transistors are manufactured in Japan. And any radio that is either manufactured in Japan or uses Japanese transistors is liable to make it a point to advertise that fact. Similarly, some AM FM portable radios have specific chips soldered onto their circuit boards for either the explicit purpose of boosting the antenna’s reception or by providing a more advanced filter to distinguish, which electrical signals are radio waves and which are merely interference.
Power
The difference between the two batteries hinges more on the amount of power the batteries can provide and the current that they can push. Basically, the AA battery will be able to power a device longer and push a greater current than the AAA. Of course, AAA batteries are smaller that means you can often fit more of them in the device.
The primary difference between whether a device uses AA batteries or AAA batteries. It will be more about its current consumption. While this may seem a minor difference, this can actually spell important effects in regards to the reception of the portable radio as the device with more energy to use on hand can often better power the transistors used in receiving the radio wave signal.
Memory
Some people simply want something playing in the background to serve as a sort of white noise, while others are more discerning and particular about what their portable radio plays. For the latter group, the ability to quickly navigate the different radio stations might be a feature worth devoting additional money and complexity towards. This is where a portable radio’s memory would come into play.
Essentially, the memory of radio is almost without exclusion used to keep track of your favorite radio stations. It also necessarily requires the radio to have a bit more advanced of a user interface, which decreases its ease of use. In fact, portable radios with programmable stations will almost always use a digital tuning station as opposed to the analog roller dial.
Ease of Use
One of the primary reasons someone would likely choose an older form of technology over the more advanced options available today is the ease of use. Thankfully, portable radios have a tendency to be far easier to use than most other types of technology today. However, this generally is due to a lack of more advanced features that would require a more complex user interface.
This dichotomy is so pronounced that is can be seen as almost an inverse proportion. Essentially, the more advanced a device is and the more features it offers, the more complex the user interface. As such, the easiest AM FM portable radios to use are also, unfortunately, the most simple with the fewest number of features. In this case, the intended purpose of the portable radio will generally determine whether you prefer it to be easier to use or more feature-laden.
Audio
When you are relying on a product roughly the size of a paperweight to listen to music on, you should expect some technological limitations when it comes to the audio quality. Portable radios are often able to utilize a couple of playback methods some of which can far surpass others. Of course, that may not actually be your primary concern when selecting a portable radio and can potentially be seen simply as an area where you can trim the fat and the price of your purchase.
Speaker
With a product that is a little bigger than your hand, the laws of physics will ultimately confine your options with a radio in terms of what you can expect from a built-in speaker. Without the ability to provide a wide, deep cone, the speaker on a portable radio will only be able to provide so well of sound quality. Aside from the fact that most radios only have a single speaker. Which necessitates the use of a mono fidelity, the smaller speaker will also severely limit a radio’s ability to replicate bass. Thankfully, most AM FM portable radios also have an alternative method of playback. That can potentially offer excellent sound quality in stereo depending on the portable radio. And your willingness to spend more money to purchase quality peripherals.
Headphones
You would think that even at this point in technological advancement people seeking a classic style of technology would still demand a headphone jack so they could enjoy listening to their music without disturbing those around them. Thankfully, manufacturers of portable radios pretty much ubiquitously feel the same. Almost all of the products in this market provide you an aux 3.5 mm jack to listen to the radio with headphones.
Fidelity
Since most portable radios are not really designed for impressive playback quality. The fidelity of their speakers is generally preordained. Mono playback fidelity is the standard especially considering the speakers themselves are rarely more powerful than a handful or two watts. That said, headphones definitely offer the opportunity to provide a better playback fidelity than the constraints of acoustic physics allows with the embedded speaker. In this case, you will still not be able to achieve surround sound quality. But you can comfortably expect to find stereo though even this quality is actually a bit uncommon for a product of which one of the primary seller features is its simplicity.
Size
No discussion about portable radios would be complete without examining how well that moniker applies to the actual product. More impressive sound systems are intended to be large and take up an entire entertainment system. AM FM portable radios have the opposite requirement. Instead, they must provide the maximum amount of value in the most compact size they can. That said, with the need for a receiver and generally a speaker as well, the size limitations of radio often run up against the laws of physics and miniaturization.
The most portable radios come in a fairly similar profile package. There are a few measurements that stand out, which can truly differentiate the products from one another. For instance, the thickness on the AM FM pocket radio will have the widest range of divergence. While you are ideally looking for an AM FM pocket radio that is no more than 1” thick. You can find AM FM pocket radios that are as little as ½” thick. Similarly to thickness, the width of a pocket radio can also vary a bit more than the height. While the difference in size may seem small, your pockets will notice the difference between a pocket radio that is only 2 ½” wide compare to a pocket radio that is 3”+ wide.
Weight
There is a fair range of weight between different products. This difference often does not provide any indication of its potential features. As such, there is little to no reason to consider AM FM portable radio that is on the heavier side as being more capable than one. That is lighter though the heavier portable radio may be made out of more durable materials.
Channels
Therefore, the reception of a portable radio is arguably the most important factor. That is affected by too many variables to boil down here. Instead, the types of channels are often grouped for the particular use, which will help provide a clear guide for deciding on which portable radio is right for you.
NOAA
Outside of the standard FM/AM frequencies, the next set of channels that are common and also incredibly useful are the NOAA channels. The NOAA, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is basically in charge of alerting the public to potentially dangerous weather.
On top of that, the NOAA channels are often better equipped to handle the actual weather itself. It will regularly continue playing even when FM/AM signals have been blocked. It is worth noting that these channels are more for large regions and will generally not provide the type of specified information that your local public broadcast might. For example, both will likely mention major interstate closures, but the NOAA is unlikely to mention smaller, local street closures something your local public broadcast channel almost certainly will.
Airband
This is the frequency range used for pilots and air traffic controllers. It should be seen more as an interesting oddity than anything else. The only obvious exception to this rule is if you happen to fly all the time say you are a pilot or even a busy businessman you may want these channels to be able to plan for potential issues as most of the chatter will be focused on the present conditions.
Most importantly, the pilots and traffic controllers will often discuss ancillary issues as well that may still be important for a passenger, like if there is a holdup in luggage processing or some other problem. Therefore, you are not allowed to communicate along these channels. You can only listen in something that is all the more difficult thanks to a code that the pilots and controllers use.
Shortwave
Shortwave radio is basically anything lower than AM frequencies which definitely place this feature in a bit of an odd situation. It also ensures that there is no lack of benefit. Specifically, shortwave radio signals can be reflected off of the atmosphere providing a length of transmission that can technically span continents.
These signals are commonly used for emergency broadcasts, especially when the potential disaster will affect a large area. That said, shortwave radio does technically include large swathes of the AM spectrum. This feature can increase the reception for those specific channels which do happen to be some of the more difficult to pick up at any distance. There is also something of a hobbyist community that enjoys listening to the official broadcasts various governing agencies send along these bandwidths.
Longwave
This is pretty much an outdated type of radio transmission that is all but extinct in the United States. Though it still has a somewhat surprising life in Europe with Eastern Europe, in particular, providing a majority of the world’s longwave radio stations. That said, there are potentially other reasons to have a longwave radio. This is relegated primarily to navigation purposes with either marine or aircraft.
As such, if you are located in Europe, have plans to travel there, or will fly or boat long distances, then a longwave receiver is not a bad idea. If none of those conditions apply, then there is actually a good chance that you will not even be able to use this function as there will be no longwave transmissions close enough to matter. The only exception to this is a somewhat “underground” longwave community in the Americas that provides an “old school” feel.
See this short video to know “How AM FM Radio Works”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small radio to buy?
Stick with the Sangean PR-D18GR is you want something that you could fit into your vehicle or truck without it taking up too much space. Carrying it around won’t cause you much trouble either, and can alternatively be placed quickly in luggage if you want a radio to take with you while traveling.
Are transistor radios still made?
Of course. You could probably find a transistor radio easier than most other electronic listening products. They are commonly found at local retailers, specialty shops, and online. However, if you want the best in terms of quality and durability, you should stick to what’s shown on the internet.
What is the difference between radio and transistor?
In short, transistor and radio differ in the way they transmit the signal to a device. However, most modern radios feature transistors in their interior. If you want a transistor radio specifically, it is possible to find them. They are usually much smaller than your average radio, with some brands being able to fit in your pocket better than some smartphones!
Can you still buy transistor radios?
Yes. Since the mid 20th century, transistor radios have remained one of the most popular forms of communication in the world. This is owed to its relatively cheap production costs, widespread retail, and the role of importance that they play when emergencies such as power outages happen.
What is the best transistor radio?
Overall, the best would be the Sony ICF-506. The controls are simple, the design is compact, and dialing in between stations is precise. Most people that look for such radios value simplicity over complication buttons and turning options, and the ICF-506 manages to keep things simple and intuitive for people to use the radio without unnecessary hassles.
What is the best outdoor radio?
If you’re a hunter or camper, or just a person that likes to spend time outside, the Tecsun pl-380 is your go-to device for communication with your local stations. The sensitive components of the radio are well protected with the thick outer barrier, and even the grill along the speakers is reinforced. Plus, you get a handle little compartment for your additional audio devices. And don’t mind the rain, the exterior is complete water resistant.
Is DAB radio better than FM?
The DAB radio is almost identical to digital television in that the signal relies on an analog signal unless the product features both analog and DAB. The biggest disadvantage to DAB radio is audio quality and signal delay. Frequencies often suffer from sporadic disturbances, especially when the weather is poor. But most of all, DAB services aren’t available in the majority of the Americas and therefore aren’t recommended for people living in the US.
See this article on how to troubleshoot your portable radio reception issues.
Final Thoughts
Still, there are some products which check more boxes than most and for someone just looking for great portable radio, we recommend the Sangean PR-D18GR. It is a less expensive portable radio that offers something for pretty much everyone with an easy to use interface. It has a solid clock system and reasonably broad functionality.
Of course, if you are more interested in the hottest new thing that pushes the limits of the product, then we recommend the Grace Digital Mondo+. While this is certainly not the product for someone looking for a “simple” portable radio. It is surprisingly impressed with the sheer breadth of its functionality. If you do not mind spending more for this model than any other by a good chunk, you will not be disappointed.
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Excellent article and review. I am looking for a small portable for the bathroom, and I may give the Sangean HDR-14 a try. I live in a suburb of Dallas, and I receive several strong FM HD stations and even four strong AM HD stations. I hate to pass up HD if this little radio can pick up several HD stations.
Hi Steve, I hope Sangean HDR-14 will be the good purchase for you!
I’m renovating our storm room and it dawned on me that we don’t have any portable radios to listen to storm updates in case we lose power or our phones stop working. Your lists and pros and cons make my job a whole lot easier now.
Hi Jeff, really thanks for your comment, I hope you could have found the best portable one using my reviews!
I really never thought I would be adult enough to have to prepare for storms and such. I really hate shopping online but they really don’t just have portable radio stores. I also didn’t want to be stuck with one that really doesn’t work.
Hi Richard, thanks for your comment, can I help you to choose the best portable one?
The Avantree SP850 just has a really cool look to it. I don’t even need a portable radio right now but I stumbled upon your page and now I think I’m going to be spending some money online tonight.
Hi Terry! As for me SP850 is the good choice… Did you find something finally?
Welcome again to 10bestportable, there will be more interesting reviews soon.
Bill – great article! I am going to be up on the Great Lakes and am looking to tune in as many AM baseball games across the water as possible. Small/compact is a plus factor, as is the ability to tune to dim stations, etc. I have read good things about the Sony ICFP 26. What do you think. How does that compare to the SP850?
I did not mean the SP850…I meant HDR 14!
-I’m on my second Sony ICF-P26, a sony factory replaced (no charge) due to volume that breaks up from midrange to loud. Guess what, the second one has same defect! Either one did not last year. Again contacted Sony and got psycho-babble in return…”replace battery—Orient position of radio” yada yada. Any thoughts? I use 100% as “pillow companion” to combat sleepless nights. Easy to hold and change stations near my ear. Thanx for help.
Hi we live in Putnam County New York and our radio reception is terrible to say the least. Even the radio in my car does not pick up basic AM FM stations.
I am so confused. What is your recommendation? Thank you