Best AM/FM radio: Brilliant AM/FM solutions for radio lovers
Contributing Editor
The best AM/FM radio gives you more control over your station options. If you love listening to radio, and you want to be able to browse multiple frequencies, an AM/FM radio is an affordable and easy-to-use solution for everyday entertainment.
Though AM radio is increasingly becoming less common among radio companies, there are still plenty of fantastic products out there to ensure you can enjoy your audio in style.
The biggest challenge for today’s radio fans is tracking down a device that’s both affordable and packed with the essential features you need.
Today, we’re going to be listing some of our favorite AM/FM radio products, chosen for their ease of use, exceptional performance, and sound quality.
Our picks for the best AM/FM radio are:
1. Byron Statics portable AM/FM (best vintage)
If you’re looking for a portable AM/FM radio with a touch of nostalgia included, the Byron Statics radio could be the product for you. This easy-to-use personal AM/FM radio is ideal for any room of the house, with a convenient handle for portability.
There’s also battery operation, so you don’t have to plug into the outlet unless you want to.
The Byron Statics AM/FM radio comes with easy-to-use tuning knobs, so you can browse through different receptions without having to figure out any smartphone apps or buttons. There’s a headphone jack for private listening and a telescopic antenna for improving signal quality.
Features include:
- Easy-to-use AM/FM radio
- Convenient headphone jack or speaker option
- Vintage design with tuning knobs
- Carry handle for portability
- AC or battery power
- Large dial display
- Extending antenna
- Static-free frequency
Perhaps the most appealing part of this Byron Statics radio is its unique appearance. A compelling vintage design ensures you can spruce up the aesthetic of any room in a matter of seconds.
Combined with exceptional ease of use, this radio could make a fantastic gift for someone in your life with a love of radio who doesn’t want too many bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Beautiful vintage design
- Easy to use tuning knobs
- Decent sound quality without static
- Suitable for AC or battery power
- Adjustable antenna
Cons:
- Plastic components can chip over time
- No advanced features
The Byron Statics portable is designed for its portability, meaning you can move the radio from room to room with ease!
2. PRUNUS J-401 AM/FM radio (best with shortwave)
This handheld AM/FM radio from PRUNUS is one of the most versatile on the market today. Small and lightweight, the device can travel with you on any adventure. It comes with a durable lanyard for easy portability.
Unlike most AM/FM radios, the PRUNUS J.401 also has many additional functions, like shortwave radio scanning and storing.
There’s a voice recorder for making notes, an MP3 speaker with a lyric display, and a lock button, so you don’t knock your radio when moving.
The 40.7cm antenna ensures you can improve your reception easily, and you’ll get excellent audio quality thanks to the built-in DSP chip.
The rechargeable battery even lasts for up to 10 hours.
Features include:
- Convenient handheld size with lanyard
- AM/FM radio streaming
- Shortwave radio scan and store
- MP3 speaker with lyric display
- Sleep timer
- Locking button
- Voice recording
- 10 hours of rechargeable battery life
- Extendable 40.7cm antenna
- DSP chip for sound quality
- Aux and TF card support
A high-quality speaker with a bass diaphragm delivers good sound in any environment. When you’re done browsing through radio channels, you can also connect other devices for streaming music with the TF card and AUX-in support features.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- SW, AM and FM radio
- Voice recording feature
- 10 hours of battery life
- Easy to maintain great signal
Cons:
- Not as durable as some portable radios
- Screen is a little small
The PRUNUS includes an MP3 speaker with a lyric display, making it one of the most versatile AM/FM radios on the market today.
3. Victrola Retro Wood AM/FM radio (best retro)
An attractive option for those searching for an eye-catching AM/FM radio, the Victrola Retro Wood system combines practicality and style.
This AM/FM radio tuner is a delight to look at, with a stunning wooden surround to help improve audio resonance and a vintage-style grill to bring character to any home.
The timeless AM/FM radio with Bluetooth offers crisp sound reproduction and wide-range connectivity for all kinds of music playback.
You can easily browse through AM/FM radio stations with a knob that doubles up as a tuner, volume control, and power button. There’s also the option to adjust bass and treble to customize your listening experience too.
This radio is sure to make the right impact anywhere in your home.
Features include:
- AM/FM radio tuning
- Bluetooth wireless streaming
- Wooden surround and durable grill
- Unique vintage design
- Excellent sound quality with bass and treble adjustments
- Easy controls
- High-quality and long-lasting design
- Available with a matching record player
- Compact enough for most homes
A beautiful radio with a solid sound quality, this little device is a great choice for all kinds of homes.
Finding stations can be a little tricky if you don’t have the best signal to begin with. There’s also no extendable antenna, but you can connect to Bluetooth for more audio options.
Pros:
- Attractive retro design
- Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming
- AM/FM radio tuning with easy controls
- Decent sound quality with good acoustics
- Durable design
Cons:
- A little small for some users
- No extendable antenna
Bring a vintage style to your house with the Victoria Retro Wood. This radio not only has Bluetooth wireless streaming but is also a delight to look at.
4. VONDIOR portable AM/FM radio (best for NOAA)
If you’re looking for the smallest AM/FM radio to take with you on outdoor adventures, VONDIOR could have the perfect solution. This personal AM/FM radio is designed to deliver excellent audio in any situation.
The portable device is powered by two AA batteries. These have enough energy to operate for days at a time before you need to replace the power.
With excellent reception, you’ll be able to find the AM and FM stations you want to listen to, even when you’re not in the best environment. This handheld radio also comes with NOAA crystal-clear weather broadcasts for peace of mind in emergency situations.
Features include:
- Portable pocket-sized design
- AM/FM radio access
- Constant NOAA radio access
- AA battery power with days of life
- Excellent sound quality
- Great frequency and signal
- Extendable aerial included
- Durable design to stand the test of time
- Headphone socket for private listening
- 3-year warranty
If you want a radio to similarly prepare you for emergency situations and give you AM/FM channel access, the VONDIOR pocket radio could be the perfect choice.
This compact and durable device comes with all the features you need to listen to the channels you love, as well as emergency NOAA weather stations, and is wonderfully easy to use, too.
Pros:
- Compact and portable for travel
- Excellent battery power
- Good durability for all situations
- Emergency NOAA weather reporting
- Extendable antenna
Cons:
- Needs the antenna constantly extending for the best reception
The VONDIOR is made for outdoor situations. If you enjoy camping and nature, this is the radio for you!
5. Eton-Elite Executive (Best Portable)
If you’re looking for a personal AM/FM radio you can take with you on trips, the Eton-Elite Executive could be the ultimate choice. The vegan leather casing and craftsman stitching increase the portability of this radio, making it ideal for traveling.
Featuring an international radio receiver, the Executive receives every radio wavelength. Whether you want to listen to FM, AM (MW), LW, or shortwave radio, this device has you covered.
The best part is that it features automatic and manual tuning for your convenience.
With 700 station presets you’ll never fall short on entertainment choices. You can save as many as 100 stations for each frequency band (AM, FM, and shortwave).
As if that’s not enough, the radio’s clock and sleep timer functions make it ideal for use as a bedside alarm clock. Therefore, you can say goodbye to your phone’s radiation while sleeping.
Features include:
- Durable vegan leather casing
- International radio receiver
- Automatic and manual tuning
- Longwave capabilities
- Single side
- RDS data system
- Up to 700 presets
- Battery powered radio
- Clock and sleep timer functions
Whether you’re traveling, camping, or just relaxing at home, the Eton-Elite Executive is designed to keep you entertained. With its longwave capabilities and durable casing, this radio ensures that you have access to a wide range of international and local radio stations no matter where you are.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Can receive international radio stations
- A wide range of station presets
- Automatic and manual tuning
- Can be used as an alarm clock
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other portable options
6. Sangean PR-D5BK portable (best with alarm function)
Created by the popular audio company Sangean, the PR-D5BK radio is a lightweight and appealing product for radio fans. This high-performance radio has a 200mm Ferrite AM bar for boosting antenna reception.
You can set up up to five pre-set radio stations for your AM and FM channels and access a full PLL synthesized tuning system for better reception and stereo audio.
As a battery-powered AM/FM radio, the Sangean ensures you can take your music with you wherever you go.
The back-lit screen includes all the information you need to know about the channels you’re browsing, and you get a battery power indicator, too. Tuning is quick and simple with a digital system; you always get amazing audio performance.
Features include:
- 10 station presets (5 AM/5 FM)
- Easy-to-read LCD display
- Digital tuning system
- Excellent stereo audio performance
- Station auto seeking
- Stereo/mono switch
- Station automatic seeking
- 200mm AM antenna bar
- Alarm by radio or HWS
As the ultimate AM/FM radio companion, the battery powered Sangean radio comes with everything you need to enjoy your favorite audio. You can even use this device as an alarm system thanks to an easy-to-read LCD screen with a backlight.
There’s also a station auto-seeking service to help you find the channels you want.
Pros:
- Convenient digital tuning system
- Alarm by radio or HWS
- 200mm ferrite AM antenna bar
- Up to 10 presets in total
- Excellent audio performance
Cons:
- Not the best appearance
- Difficult to swap batteries
With the Sangean, you can set up up to five pre-set radio stations for your AM and FM channels.
7. Ryobi P746 One+ (best for durability)
The Ryobi P746 radio is an AM/FM stereo system with a dual-power solution, so you can always ensure you have access to the radio channels you need whenever you like.
The hybrid power source option means you can plug your device straight into the wall or use rechargeable batteries for music on the move. The Ryobi plays AM/FM radio channels. It also allows you to connect your smartphone.
The Ryobi P746 is excellent for versatility, with the option to plug extra stereo speakers in with the added aux-out function. The extra durable design of the speaker, combined with the helpful carrying handle, also ensures you can take your Ryobi offering wherever life takes you.
Features include:
- Battery or wall power options
- Ryobi durable materials throughout
- Device charging with USB port
- AM/FM radio access
- Built-in audio equalizer
- Support for plugging in extra speakers
- 18V Ryobi lithium-ion battery
- Portable handle included
Aside from being ultra-durable and reliable, the Ryobi P7846 One+ also allows you to adjust audio elements with a bass and treble equalizer system. You’ll even be able to charge your portable devices thanks to the provided USB charging ports.
Pros:
- Battery or wall powered
- Equalizer built-in for bass and treble control
- Device charging feature
- AM/FM radio and MP3 access
- Durable materials
Cons:
- No Bluetooth
- Not the best volume
The Ryobi P746 has the option to plug in extra speakers with the added aux-out function, meaning volume will never be a problem.
8. Eton FRX2 hand turbine (best power options)
Want to make sure you’re always prepared to listen to your favorite radio channels? Eton has you covered. This AM/FM handheld radio with a hand crank ensures you can power up your radio with the turbine if you don’t have batteries.
There’s also a solar power option available too. With an LED flashlight to light up your evenings and a mini-USB cable for at-home charging, this radio has it all.
Created by one of the most reliable companies in emergency radio development, the Eton FRX2 is a versatile AM/FM radio with a glow-in-the-dark locator to help you find your device whenever you need it.
There’s also access to NOAA radio channels when you need to check in on emergency weather reports. As a bonus, the fully charged radio can power up your smartphone with the USB port section.
Features include:
- Charging cable
- Solar power and hand crank
- NOAA weather radio alerts
- AM/FM radio bands
- 3-LED flashlight
- Headphone output
- Glow in the dark locator
- Phone charging
Small, compact, and ready for anything, the Eton FRX2 is an excellent little device, durable enough to withstand all kinds of adventures.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any waterproofing or dustproofing included as part of the build, so you will need to be careful about how you protect your device when on the move.
Pros:
- Solar power and hand crank
- LED flashlight
- Glow in the dark locator
- Ideal during power outages
- Charging point for your mobile devices
- Weather alert channels
Cons:
- No ruggedization
The Eton has a hand crank function, meaning forgetting batteries will never let you down.
9. ClearClick Classic Vintage Retro Style (Best Home Radio)
Finally, if you want a simple, effective, and attractive AM/FM radio to keep in your home, the ClearClick Classic AM/FM radio is an excellent choice. This high-performance radio has a simple but appealing design to suit your home.
There’s a set of easy-to-use controls, including knobs for adjusting your frequency, volume, and more.
You can even connect your phone or another device to this system, thanks to the AUX input included. It’s easy to see why this ClearClick Classic radio is a top choice among many audio enthusiasts.
During our review, we found the handmade wooden exterior to be incredibly charming, and the sound quality was surprisingly impressive for such a small device.
Don’t let this radio’s wooden casing deceive you. It packs some of the best modern features you can think of. For instance, it’s Bluetooth-enabled and has a USB port for charging your phone.
Moreover, its built-in 5W speaker delivers great sound quality and volume for its size.
Features include:
- Classic vintage design
- High-quality wooden casing
- AUX input for connecting devices
- Easy-to-use control knobs
- Bluetooth and USB-enabled
- AM/FM digital tuner
- Built-in 5W speaker
It’s worth mentioning that this radio comes with an authentic-style radio backlit LED display. This feature allows you to read the numbers on your dial, even in a dark room. The best part is that the display lights up even in USB and Bluetooth modes.
Pros:
- Beautiful and stylish design
- High-quality sound performance
- Multiple connectivity options
- Easy-to-use controls
- Bright backlit display
Cons:
- Limited features compared to other radios on the market
If you’re looking for that vintage retro style that adds a touch of sophistication to your home, the ClearClick Classic AM/FM radio is an excellent choice. With its great sound quality and multiple connectivity options, this radio offers a fantastic audio experience for any music lover.
How to choose the best AM/FM radio
Choosing the best AM/FM radio is different for everyone. The right choice for your needs will depend on what you’re looking for.
Do you need a portable AM/FM radio you can take with you on camping trips and adventures? Are you looking for a personal AM/FM radio in your bedroom or something designed specifically for the living room?
With so many different styles available on the market today, it’s important to consider your needs carefully before making this all-important investment.
Here are some things to think about:
Portability
Will you be keeping your AM/FM radio tuner in your home, or do you need it to be portable? A battery-operated AM/FM radio will be easier to take with you on the move.
You may also need something with a handle or lanyard.
Functionality
Aside from AM/FM radio signals, what else can you access with your new radio? Do you want a Bluetooth AM/FM radio that allows you to stream your own content?
Are you looking for something with NOAA weather alerts and easy-to-use emergency features?
Or do you need a device that will help you access radio talk shows?
Ease of use
The best radios are easy to set up and use whenever you need them. Look for a radio with a simple set of controls. Something with a clear and straightforward screen where you can track things like frequencies and battery power is often a good choice.
Design
There are various points to consider when it comes to design. If you’re looking for a handheld AM/FM radio, you’ll need something compact and sleek but durable enough to withstand the outdoors.
An indoor radio’s design will usually focus more on aesthetics.
Sound quality
Probably the most important feature of any AM/FM radio, sound quality dictates how much you’ll enjoy listening to your device. Read through AM/FM radio reviews for an insight into sound performance.
Options to adjust your EQ are often helpful if you’re picky about sound performance.
Other features
Many popular AM/FM radios come with a range of additional features for convenience, like an automatic tuning service or pre-set channels to help you find your favorite channels. You can also access things like flashlights on emergency radios.
When it comes to choosing the best AM/FM radio, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Fortunately, with so many amazing options to choose from, you shouldn’t have too much trouble tracking down the right technology.
Don’t forget to check out our wide range of other radio reviews to help you find the perfect system for your needs.
For those who need their radios wherever they go, here are our recommendations for the Top 10 Portable Radios and the Best Batteries to pair them with.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
