Best Shortwave Radios

Review & Comparison, Last Update July 15, 2024
Can't live without music? Want to be aware of the latest news even when being miles away from home? What about having an alarm and flashlight for the emergencies handy? If that sounds like something that you'd want, then one of these shortwave radios is what you really need. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Modulation
Frequency range
Control
Power supply
Features
Accessories
Warranty
 
PROS

Thanks to PLL synthesized digital dual conversion receiver, high sensitivity, and hand frequency tuning, you can find the desired wave fairly quickly.

CONS

User manual isn't very clear.

OUR VERDICT

The Tecsun PL-880 radio features excellent quality build, easy control, convenient settings, as well as built-in functions such as sleep timer and alarm clock. Furthermore, thanks to the single side band, it is able to receive both short and long wave signals, making it perfectably suitable for use within cities and up to several thousands of miles away. 

detailed parameters
Type

Portable/Tabletop

Modulation

AM, FM, LW, and SW with SSB

Frequency range

FM: 64-108 MHz 

SW: 1.7-29.9 MHz 

AM: 0.52-1.71 MHz 

LW: 0.1-0.51 MHz

Control

LCD screen with mechanical keypad, Three rotary knobs

Power supply

Rechargeable Li-ion 3.7V  battery

Features

Alarm (24 hour), Sleep timer (0-120 minutes)

Accessories

Rechargeable battery, Stereo earphones, Carrying pouch

Warranty

30 days

PROS

Basting generous memory capacity, the radio allows you to store up to 400 channels which can be easily changed with a handy rotary knob.

CONS

Sound quality isn't the best.

OUR VERDICT

The C.Crane CC Skywave is an universal radio for listening to AM, FM, and shortwaves, including airwaves, that will let you stay aware of what's happening in the nearest airpors as well as what is happening directly on board in the cockpit. Its small size and convenient hand strap make it a great travel companion. 

detailed parameters
Type

Portable/Tabletop

Modulation

AM, FM, WX, AIR, SW

Frequency range

FM: 87.5-108 MHz

AM: 0.52-1.71 MHz

WX: Channels 1-7

AIR: 118-137 MHz

SW: 2.3-26.1 MHz

Control

LCD screen with mechanical keypad, 1 rotary knob, Rotary volume knob

Power supply

2 х AA batteries, or optional AC adapter

Features

Clock with 12/24 hour format, Alarm, Sleep timer, 400 memory presets

Accessories

Earbuds, Carry case, Fold-out backstand

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This radio includes a solar panel with a patented design, thanks to which it will be charged on sunny days. On the underside of the solar panel, there is a reading lamp with 5 LEDs that rotates 180 degrees, allowing you to tilt it in the direction you want.

CONS

The on/off switch in the back is rather tiny.

OUR VERDICT

The Kaito KA500 is a radio station that instantly notifies you of emergencies and natural disasters. All weather channels are preprogrammed and numbered from 1 to 7 so that you can instantly switch between them. The device can be charged in several ways; it has a flashlight, SOS alerts, and a top carrying handle.

detailed parameters
Type

Portable/Tabletop

Modulation

AM (MW), FM, Weather Band, SW1, SW2

Frequency range

FM: 88-108 MHz

AM (MW): 530-1710 KHz

Weather Band: 7 weather band from NOAA

SW1: 3.20-8.00 MHz

SW2: 9.00-22.00 MHz

Control

Frequency mark display, 5 rotary controls

Power supply

Rechargeable battery (can be charged by the optional AC adapter, hand cranking, solar panel, or a USB power source), 3 x AA batteries

Features

Real time alert, Single mono speaker, Patented flip-up 180-degree adjustable solar panel, USB mobile phone charger, LED flashlight, Red LED SOS beacon light, 5-LED reading lamp, Earphone jack

Accessories

Rechargeable battery, Carry strap

Warranty

Limited

PROS

In case of a severe weather warning, the radio will automatically emit a loud SOS signal (116 dB) that lasts 9 seconds while the red light flashes. This way, you will never miss it even in your sleep. The model is certified by the National Weather Service. The kit includes a compass that will not let you get lost.

CONS

The tuning is somewhat touchy.

OUR VERDICT

The Eoxsmile HO-CR1009 radio station will keep you constantly up to date. Now you will know exactly when a tornado, tsunami, wildfire, hurricane, or blizzard is coming. On a battery with a full charge, the radio will operate up to 13 hours when playing FM radio. Due to the telescopic antenna, the reception range of various radio stations is increased. They can be listened to both in normal mode and with headphones.

detailed parameters
Type

Portable/Tabletop

Modulation

AM, FM, Weather Band, SW

Frequency range

AM: 520-1710 KHz

FM: 88-108 MHz

Weather Band: 7 weather band from NOAA

SW: 7-19.00 MHz

Control

Frequency mark display, 4 rotary controls, Mechanical buttons

Power supply

5000 mAh rechargeable battery (can be charged by solar, hand cranking, power plug 5V/2A, or a USB source), 3 x AAA batteries

Features

SOS alarms, 3W LED flashlight, 2.5W reading lamp with 2 adjustable brightness levels, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB port, Flipping-up solar panel, Dustproof, Shatterproof, IPX6 waterproof body

Accessories

Rechargeable battery, Compass, Hand strap, Micro USB cable, Hang buckle

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Thanks to a TF memory card slot, this receiver can be used not only as a radio but as an mp3 player as well. Just insert a memory card with your favorite music tracks and enjoy.

CONS

Programming features are quite tricky.

OUR VERDICT

The TIVDIO V-115 is a portable radio you can put in a pocket or place on your desktop. It features an adjustable LCD backlight, recorder, and sleep timer (up to 90 minutes). Thanks to a micro USB, you can connect it to your PC for charging. Suitable for stationary and portable use by travelers, homemakers, or workers.

detailed parameters
Type

Portable/Tabletop

Modulation

AM, FM, SW

Frequency range

FM: 87-108 MHz 

AM: 0.52-17.1 MHz (9K), 0.52-17.1 MHz (10K) 

SW: 4.75-21.85 MHz

Control

LCD screen with mechanical keypad

Power supply

1000 mAh rechargeable BL-5C lithium battery, Micro USB interface

Features

100 Radio presets, Sleep timer (up to 90 minutes), Built-in three languages (Chinese, English, Spanish), Slot for TF memory card (Max 32 GB), 3 recording modes (MIC recording, Line-in recording, Radio recording)

Accessories

Rechargeable battery, USB charging cable, Hand strip with bracket

Warranty

30 days

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Tecsun PL880

Less Tuning, More Music

The Tecsun PL880 is a radio you can listen to at home or while traveling, as it is small enough to not take too much room in your backpack and be placed conveniently in a corner of your apartment or house. It's both a shortwave and longwave radio that features single sideband reception. It covers AM and FM frequencies, which allows finding a wider range of stations to enjoy. Thanks to the PLL synthesized digital dual conversion receiver coupled with high sensitivity and hand frequency tuning (with the Fine Tuning knob), finding your favorite ration stations is easy and quick. As a nice bonus, the Tecsun PL880 features a 24-hour alarm clock plus sleep timer (adjustable from 0-120 minutes) that you can use as an alarm clock to wake up to a lovely track in the mornings rather than annoying rings. The radio is powered by one single 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery (included) and comes supplied with a built-in charger. You will also find stereo earphones and a user manual in the package. If you plan to travel somewhere with the radio, an included carrying pouch is at your disposal as well.

To sum up, the Tecsun PL880 is a lightweight and portable radio that's able to transmit both shortwave and longwave signals and cover AM and FM frequencies. It is easily tuned, has an alarm and a sleep timer. Overall, this radio has got all the makings of becoming your favorite regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home kind of person or an enthusiastic traveler.

Review of Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00GJ51NVA

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Audio is great. With an external antenna, sensitivity and selectivity is very good for such a small radio.

Power

For the most part, the build quality is pretty decent. Battery life is long.

Key Specs

It’s multitude of functions are well thought out and accessible through the front panel buttons.

Features

It has a clock with alarm function and sleep timer. The tuning and volume knobs are very smooth and solid with a viscous sort of resistance.
 

C.Crane FBA_SKWV

Listening to or Listening in?

The CC Skywave is a great example of modern multifunctional device. It isn't just a receiver that transmits radio signals but also an alarm clock, a sleep timer, and a weather radio with the alert to keep you informed about weather changes. There's more to that. The aviation/airband makes it possible to get the news from local airports by listening in air traffic controllers. It can be a real help if you are on a holiday, for example, but plan to fly back soon - you'll have an opportunity to be the first who will be informed about probable changes of the flight schedule.

This portable shortwave radio offers excellent AM reception at 2.3-26.1 MHz, which allows it to greatly reduce signal interference. As a result, the sound coming from the radio is absolutely fantastic, especially seeing how small this radio is. With only 4.75” W x 3” H x 1.1” in overall dimensions, it will easily fit in your pant's pocket or any compartment of your bag.

It features 400 memory presets, direct entry keypad, LCD display, clock with 12/24 hour format, sleep timer, rotary volume knob, stereo headphone jack, fold out back stand, battery meter, signal meter, and lock switch. You will also find earbuds and a carry case in the box. The radio runs approximately 60 - 70 hours at moderate volume on 2 AA batteries (not included) or can be powered by an optional AC adapter.

The CC Skywave is an ideal model for hikers and campers. It doesn't take a lot of space but offers a good sound, a good portion of news and even the latest airport data.

Review of C.Crane FBA_SKWV AM, FM, Shortwave, Weather and Airband Portable Travel Radio with Clock and Alarm

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00QMTI6YK

 

Kaito KA500

Good Reception, Timely Alerts

Music, podcasts, or the latest news, a shortwave radio is useful for many things, and you should definitely get one. Why not try the Kaito model? It delivers all the weather/emergency alerts, backed by the power of a solar panel. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

If you’re planning a trip to a remote area, be sure to take this portable radio with you. It will notify you of any drastic weather changes or nearby emergencies. All the weather channels come preprogrammed, and each of the 7 has their own number, so you won’t have to do any guesswork. Yes, this radio is not a substitute for professional emergency alert devices, but it’s always nice to have a backup unit that can also entertain you on the way.

As for the AM/FM radio stations, you can pick some nice ones even in the mountain area. The sound quality is good and quite enjoyable. Relax in a camp or take a break from a hiking trip and treat yourself to music without totally draining the phone’s battery.

What’s also great about this device is that it can be powered up in more than one way. Pick between an AC/DC adapter (not included), hand cranking, a USB power source, or the patented solar panel.

If you decide on the solar power, know that the underside of the panel features a 5-LED reading lamp that can rotate at 180 degrees. There’s also a handy LED flashlight for nighttime travelers and campers. The unit is small-sized, so it’s extra easy to find the right spot for it. On the flip side, the on/off switch in the back is rather tiny.

All in all, this portable shortwave radio is all-ready for outdoor adventures, giving you music and alerts right on the go.

Review of Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Weather Alert Radio

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001F0MNRM

 

Eoxsmile HO-CR1009

Weather, Music, Fun

Whether you need it for emergency alerts or some fun during a power outage, the Eoxsmile portable shortwave radio is your best friend. Receive real-time weather alerts, listen to your favorite music with earphones, and pick the right power source that will keep the radio going for hours on end.

If you’re traveling in a remote area, getting the weather and emergency alerts is always important. This radio is National Weather Service certified, featuring 7 presets for easy access. If the weather alert is severe, the device will produce a 9-second 116 dB SOS alarm that’s loud enough to wake you up at night. There will also be a flashing red light to draw your attention. And if you feel you’re getting lost, a built-in compass will help you out.

In addition to warning you about the hurricanes, tsunamis, and snowstorms, this radio can function as a regular AM/FM/SW receiver. Brighten up your camping with some music or tune in to sports broadcasts; a real lifesaver when the power goes out and your phone is low on battery. And if your favorite station is out of reach, use the telescopic antenna to catch the signal, even a remote one. Yes, tuning this radio is somewhat touchy, so keep this in mind.

The Eoxsmile offers recharging options for nearly any circumstances. Hand cranking, power plugging, USB, or solar energy; pick what’s best for you and get it going again. On the full charge, the FM radio broadcast will last for up to 13 hours. Note, however, that using the flashlight at the same time will drain the battery faster.

To sum up, the shortwave radio by Eoxsmile is there when you need it, with a powerful antenna, timely alerts, and multiple recharging options.

Review of Eoxsmile HO-CR1009 Emergency Radio with NOAA Weather Alert
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07TSH7ZN5

 

Retekess V115

Little Pigeons Can Carry Great Messages

The TIVDIO V-115 is a handheld shortwave radio. It is one of the smallest options on the market (4.7 x 3.1 x 0.9). To be more precise, this radio can be even put in a men's shirt pocket! So, it can easily become your fellow traveler wherever you go. Yet, despite its tiny size, it offers great functionality. It is equipped with 3.5mm AUX input and USB port, thus you can use it as an mp3 player or a loudspeaker. Also, it features a sleep timer. The only disadvantage is that it doesn't have an alarm function, which is a bit of a shame.

On the positive, the TIVDIO V-115 supports three built-in languages: English, Spanish and Chinese. Also, it features 100 radio presets, adjustable LCD backlight, headphone jack, rechargeable lithium battery (charging adaptor isn't included), and a USB cable. This also means, when it runs out of charge, you'll have two options how to recharge it: either via a phone adaptor if you purchase it additionally or your PC.

We would like to point out that this is a transistor radio with 3 recording modes. With MIC recording, you can record whatever you want to say; line-in recording is useful for recording streaming music; radio recording can save the playing radio station on a micro SD card (not included). The V-115 digital radio offers 3 options of record quality to choose from - simple 64 kbps, 96 kbps, and super 128 kbps.

All in all, the TIVDIO V-115 is a nice multifunctional radio you can use at home or away. It can follow you day-by-day: at work, at home, in your garage, or during a journey. Its frequency range supports AM, FM, and SW to ensure a great variety of waves you can choose.

Review of Retekess V115 Portable Shortwave Transistor Radio AM/FM Stereo with MP3 Player Recorder Support T-Flash Card and Sleep Timer
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01ARN28SQ

 

Infographics

Comparison of Shortwave Radios

What Is a Shortwave Radio?

If you are an active person who prefers hiking and camping to lazy beach holidays, you probably own a flashlight, alarm, SOS device. And so as not to feel isolated from the world where the Internet is not the option, it's also nice to have a device which can provide you with the news and entertainment (radio shows or simple songs). That's exactly where shortwave radios may come in handy. This small hand-sized device can deftly combine all those features in a compact body. Most of the radios broadcast at AM and FM frequencies and can offer up to 400 memory presets you can quickly go through. It won't take much time and efforts to tune to the desired wave thanks to their rotary knobs and single sidebands. Moreover, if you happen to get close to any airport, you can even catch the conversations from the cockpit crew. Does it not sound fantastic? Many models offer several ways of charging. The simplest is, of course, AA batteries you can easily replace anytime you wish.

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Publish Date: 2018-09-14 14:09:52