The Best AM/FM Radios
With modern music streaming services, podcasts, and TV talk shows, it can be easy to forget about the good old-fashioned radio. However, this technology is still alive and well after more than 100 years of use. If you prefer to get your tunes and pop culture hot takes from on-air personalities, you’ll need an AM/FM radio to keep you entertained. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down the best ones on the market to help you cut down on shopping time and find the one that’s best for all your needs.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best AM/FM radios, we considered style, onboard controls, functionality, and price. For example, if you want a well-rounded radio with classic style, minimal controls, and easy portability, the Panasonic portable AM/FM radio is a great all-around option. If you want something a bit more vintage-inspired, the Sangean WR-11SE AM/FM tabletop radio features a stylish walnut exterior and a full-range speaker for top-notch aesthetics and performance. Read on to see all our top picks and find the radio that’s best for you.
Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio
Simple and sweet
Panasonic is known for its wide range of tech devices from TVs to audio gear, but this radio tends to slide under the radar of most shoppers. It may not be the most glamorous item that Panasonic sells, but it proves to be a great option for those on the market for a new radio. It features a stylish silver look with large, bright dials for easy tuning. It can also be powered by batteries or an AC adaptor, so it’s great for jamming out at home or on the go. It even has a headphone jack for private listening. While its features may be fairly bare-bones, it comes with reliable circuitry and the longstanding reputation that Panasonic has built over many years of manufacturing.
Pros:
- Large, bright dial
- Auto frequency control for stable tuning
- Powered by batteries or AC adaptor
- Comes with a headphone jack
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
Sangean WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio
Vintage flair
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want a radio that brings the best of yesteryear to your ears, this classy design from Sangean has all the vintage charm you could want. It features a walnut veneer finish, perfect for capturing that 70s aesthetic without the antique radio circuitry. It also has a full-range speaker, deep bass response, an enlarged speaker magnet, and an acoustically-tuned cabinet to give you the best sound quality available. With looks this good and sound quality that’s even better, this radio is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Classy, vintage look
- Walnut veneer finish
- Auxiliary input for phone or MP3 sources
- Acoustically-tuned cabinet
- Full-range speaker
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
Greadio Portable Shortwave Radio
Take it with you
Finding good music on the air shouldn’t be complicated, and neither should your radio. If you’re looking for a straightforward style with simple controls, this radio from Greadio has you covered. With a built-in handle and intuitive layout, this ultra-portable design is great for taking on the bus, on the job, or wherever you want it. It has large knobs, easy-to-see dials, and straightforward functionality that makes tuning into your favorite station a breeze. If you want a classic-looking, no-hassle radio, it doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Pros:
- Large LCD screen
- Portable, handheld design
- Straightforward controls
- Telescoping antenna
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- Its lightweight design is great for portability but feels cheaply made given the price
Sony ICF-P27 Portable Radio
Pocket-sized power
Radio reigned supreme before smartphones and mp3 players, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that’s overly bulky. With this compact radio from Sony, you can get quality AM and FM signals in a pocket-sized package. With a built-in carrying strap, AA battery-powered design, and a concealable antenna, this radio was built for people who are always on the move. Whether you plug in headphones or let it pump out sound for the world to hear, this tiny radio is convenient for taking almost anywhere.
Pros:
- Sleek, pocket-sized design
- Built-in carrying strap
- Powered with just two AA batteries
- LED tuning indicator
Cons:
- The sound quality isn’t great
Jazmm AM/FM Portable Radio
Don't break the bank
You typically get what you pay for with most things in life, but this affordable radio from Jazmm proves that a low price tag doesn’t equal low quality. With two different tone modes on hand, this radio can push out a variety of different sounds to fit your preferences. It also has a longer antenna than most of the competition for a better, more reliable reception. Even though it has fairly basic controls, this straightforward radio comes at a great price. For this kind of quality, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain on the market.
Pros:
- Great price
- Two different tone modes
- Longer antenna for better reception
- Metal mesh to protect the speaker
Cons:
- The Tuner knob can be hard to adjust and fine-tune
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all AM/FM radios have antennas?
Yes, although some may have an internal antenna that makes it look like they don’t have one. All radios require an antenna to receive a wireless radio signal, and the placement and length of that antenna can greatly affect the resulting radio signal. AM and FM signals sometimes require different antenna specs, but the AM/FM radio does it all with one device.
Is FM better than AM radio?
Traditionally, FM is considered to be better due to its better sound quality, higher bandwidth, and resistance to noise interference. For these reasons, FM is more popular than AM radio in most places. AM radio used to be the more popular option, but most broadcasters started phasing out of AM and journeying into FM during the 1970s.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.