Best Portable Radios

The present-day portable radio comprises an extensive set of features which makes your task to narrow down the search for selecting the best one quite tedious. 

Simply go through our elaborative buyer’s guide for making a perfect choice that suits your radio needs unequivocally.

Size

A portable radio is usually smaller in size so that it can be easily carried while traveling or simply moving around.  Depending on the purpose you would like to use the radio for, you would determine the size of your radio. 

If you intend to keep a radio at a fixed place in your home or elsewhere, go for a radio with a carry handle which is a little bigger as it would produce better sound quality. 

It would also cater to a larger audience by producing more sound. Also, the larger radio comes with more advanced features and they require more batteries too.

However, if you want to carry it around, you would want a smaller one that fits into your pockets easily. This one perfectly suits your needs if you intend to listen to the radio alone. It produces less sound and comes with fewer features. It also takes up less battery power. 

Therefore choose the size of the radio that matches the purpose you want it to achieve by using it.  

Power Source

The portable radio is generally powered by batteries with a smaller one needing 2 AA batteries and the larger radio needs 4 of them. There are some models available that are powered via a power cord. Again, it zeroes down to how you want to use a radio. 

If you intend to use the radio while traveling or outdoors, you must choose the one that is powered by batteries as you can always carry an extra set of batteries in case the existing ones run out.

If you intend to use the radio in your home or at a fixed location where a power source is nearby, you can choose the one powered by a power cord. Some models have internal chargeable batteries. 

Another point to consider is the type of battery you are using. Some batteries are expensive and last much longer. They not only promise long hours of non-stop fun but also save you the need of changing your batteries frequently.  

Stability and Robustness

A portable radio is meant for carrying around and used at outdoor locations. They are exposed to external environmental factors like water, bumps, and rough handling. This requires them to be strong enough to easily withstand any external jolts. 

Look out for the portable radios built from water-resistant and shockproof material. Also, ensure that added protection does not make them heavy to easily carry around. 

Usually, the portable radios from the branded company are made with good quality sturdy material that would keep the radio stable and robust in the rugged conditions.

DAB Compatibility

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and it allows for better bandwidth usage than regular AM or FM spectrum. A DAB compatible radio provides higher sound quality radio stations.

Give preference to portable radios that are DAB compatible as it provides detailed and consistent sound without any crackling sound normally associated with AM or FM stations.

Speakers and Sound Quality

Good sound quality is the essential prerequisite for any portable radio to serve its intended purpose. The sound quality of the portable radio depends on the size of the speaker, the quality, and the ability of the radio to read the sound signals. 

The portable radio scores over the smartphone in picking up AM FM signals from miles away using their telescopic antenna and thus ensuring good sound quality. 

If you want your radio to serve a larger audience, choose the one with a larger size of the speaker as it produces more and better quality of sound. 

On the other hand, if you want to listen to the radio by putting on your headphones, choose the one with a smaller speaker size.

A mono speaker comprises only one channel while stereo support includes two channels for better and clear sound quality. Prefer stereo speakers over mono speakers.

The reputed brands usually employ high-quality speakers which produce excellent sound quality with their smaller sizes. Choose the radio which does not compromise on the quality of sound.

Controls

A simple radio comes with a lesser number of controls while the complicated ones feature more number of controls. Choose the one that suits your needs and ease of usage. 

The simple radios with the minimal controls of a power button, volume control, and a tuning scroll are the most commonly used by the yesteryear generation. They are long-lasting and require much less battery power.

The advanced radios feature more advanced level controls. They consume more battery power and offer more options to explore.

For example, an LCD screen for viewing the information you need presets for programming the radio and switches for shifting through the modes with AM FM radios are handy features to use. 

There are many other good-to-have features like alarm and torch in some radios. Choose the portable radio which features more usable controls that serve your needs.

Portability

The presence of a carrying handle determines the extension of the portability feature of the radios.

 The smaller size radios that you would like to use outdoors or during traveling, do not possess a carrying handle. They are meant to easily fit in the pockets or easy to pack in a bag. 

Some of them even have headphone connection or earphones included that allows easy accessibility on the go. The bigger size portable radios come with a carrying handle that allows you to easily move them from one place to another. 

Depending on your usage, you may decide if you prefer carrying a handle or not.

Headphones vs Speakers

The size of your portable radio and your intended usage usually determine whether you would like to use headphones or listen to it using speakers.  

If you are likely to use it outdoors for solitary listening in an external environment when wind or other noise might interfere with your listening, you would like to listen to the radio through your headphones. It is preferred in situations when you need to keep minimal noise.

If you have a larger portable size radio for serving a larger audience, you are likely to use speakers to produce clear and high-quality sound. 

Even in outdoor locations while traveling with your family or friends, the larger size speakers serve your purpose.

Some portable radios feature both speakers and headphone jacks. It is the most preferred choice as you can easily switch from one mode to another depending on the situation.

Available Presets

The simpler portable radios don’t have many options while the advanced ones feature many useful presets for added convenience and functionality. 

The presets allow you to tune into your favorite radio station instantly by pressing a button without any need for manually tuning. 

Although using the presets does not require much technical acumen, however, if you find them cumbersome then choose the radio that features a lesser number of presets.

On the other hand, if you are tech-savvy, you can work with a radio with a larger number of presets for keeping your radio in tune. 

Purpose

The purpose of your using a portable radio determines its features for you to consider before purchasing it. The different sets of activities spell different features you would like to have on your portable radio. 

For example, in case you would like to do any rigorous outdoor activity like hiking or backpacking then a pocket-sized radio that easily slips into your pocket or can be easily carried over your shoulder or packed with your bag; is preferred. 

However, if you are going for a picnic on a beach with family or friends, then portable radio with larger speaker rules over the others.

If you are occupied with activities like gardening or cooking, where your hands are likely to get dirty, use a portable radio with a carrying handle.

Thus, your purpose eventually determines the design of your portable radio. 

Antenna

The antenna captures a wide range of audio signals and picks up radio stations even in the remote locations for playing high-quality sound. 

This feature allows the portable radio to score over the smartphones who rely on good internet connection or headphones to act as an antenna to capture radio stations. 

A good and strong antenna with large extension captures good levels of signals and it is preferred over others. 

Additional Features

A portable radio comes packed with a large number of additional features. Check out the presence of these features in a radio. Some of them may be very handy for you. 

• Rollcage is prepared from durable plastic material that absorbs shocks in outdoor portable radios.
• LED screen allows you to view important information and helps in operating the radio effortlessly. It also displays the time.
• The flashlight is a very handy feature, especially in outdoor or low visibility conditions.
• Alarm Clock wakes you up on time and proves to be another handy feature.

In addition to these, other features include a USB port, Bluetooth, Weather Radio, Telescopic Antenna, Belt Clip, Carry straps, etc.