9 of the best portable AM FM radio options on the market
The best portable AM FM radio can quickly become one of your favorite accessories. With a small portable AM FM radio, you’re ready to listen to a range of channels wherever you go.
Offering a reliable source of entertainment in any environment, compact radios had withstood changing trends throughout the decades.
Even in a world where you can listen to music through an app on your smartphone, many people would prefer to take a portable radio with them on a camping or hiking trip.
Effective portable radios give you dozens of channels to choose from, whether you’re browsing on AM or FM frequencies. These compact devices can also feature extra-durable components so that they continue to work perfectly, even when exposed to the elements.
Of course, with so many portable AM FM radio reviews out there, it’s challenging to know which products are best for your needs.
If you’re struggling to make the perfect purchase, we’re here to help. Here’s a selection of the best-selling portable devices on the market today.
What is the best portable AM FM radio?
- Powerbear portable (best budget)
- Jazmm AM/FM (best 2-tone)
- Sony ICFP26 (best pocket)
- Dreamsky Portable (best ease of use)
- Retekess TR604 (best dial)
- SEMIER retro (best vintage)
- PRUNUS J-288 (best with multiple audio options)
- BTECH MPR-AF1 (best with headphones)
- Gracioso weather alert (best emergency)
1. Powerbear portable (best budget radio)
Available in a range of three colors, the Powerbear portable radio is one of the most affordable compact radios we’ve seen.
Tiny enough to fit in your pocket or backpack, this small portable AM FM radio combines easy functionality with convenience.
You don’t even need to find a place to charge your device after each use, as the radio runs on 2 AA batteries.
Simply flick the switch to jump between AM and FM channels whenever you choose. There’s also a built-in headphone port so you can listen to your music privately when you’re on the move.
A long-range antenna will keep you connected to local stations for longer, and the sturdy dials make it easy to browse through frequencies.
Features include:
- AM/ FM radio switch
- Compact and portable size
- Battery-powered for easy functionality
- High-quality speaker
- Headphone jack for private listening
- Long-range transistor performance
- Extendable antenna
- Easy to find a range of channels
A convenient way to take your favorite music stations wherever you go, this handheld radio offers excellent value.
Although there are some limitations with the sound clarity, many channels will come through crisp and clear.
It’s a shame that there aren’t any options to “favorite” stations you like with presets. And the plastic body does feel a little fragile.
Pros:
- Headphone jack or speaker listening
- Long-range transistor performance with extendable antenna
- AM/FM access at the flip of a switch
- Battery-powered for ease of use
- Selection of color options
Cons:
- No Preset options
- Plastic body feels a little fragile
2. Jazmm AM/FM portable radio (best with 2 tone modes)
When you’re looking for the best portable AM FM radios, it’s important to search for something that offers the right range of features with exceptional ease of use.
The Jazmm AM/FM radio comes with a classical FM/AM analogue tuner, which makes finding the channels you love as easy as possible. There’s also the option to switch between high/low tone modes to alter your sound experience.
Choose between charging your radio with an electrical outlet or using batteries when you’re taking your device with you on the move.
There’s also the option to switch between private listening with a headphone jack or listening with friends through the high-quality speaker.
A 12-month warranty offers peace of mind wherever you might go with your radio.
Features include:
- Convenient FM/AM analogue tuner
- Long antenna to improve signal performance
- Two different tone modes
- Two power source options to choose from
- Headphone jack and speaker
- 12 month warranty
- Portable lightweight design with handle
- Easy functionality
Though this isn’t the most advanced portable AM/FM radio available, it comes with all the features you need to stay tuned to your favorite shows on the move.
Whether you’re comfortable with technology or not, you’ll have no problem getting this device up and running. Just keep in mind that the battery compartment can be a little fiddly.
Pros:
- Easy to use for people from any background
- 12-month warranty for peace of mind
- Two power options: outlet and battery
- Lightweight portable design with handle
- Two tone modes
Cons:
- The battery compartment is quite fiddly
3. Sony ICFP26 (best pocket radio)
Reliable and convenient, the Sony ICFP26 will fit into your backpack or pocket with no problem when you’re planning your next adventure.
Featuring high-quality materials throughout from one of the world’s most popular tech companies, the ICFP26 radio is a delight to use.
You can rest assured that you’ll get high-quality sound, whether you’re using the speaker or headphones.
With a carry strap included to help with portability, this small portable AM FM radio comes with battery-powered performance, so there’s no need to worry about charging.
You also get an LED light to inform you when you’re running low on energy.
Features of the Sony pocket radio include:
- Headphone jack or speaker
- Compact and lightweight design
- Telescopic antenna for frequency boost
- Carry strap for transport
- Battery powered (requires 2 AA batteries)
- LED battery status indicator
- Tuning indicator to help you find the right channels
The Sony ICFP26 can deliver a high quality of sound at a surprising volume despite its small size.
If you’re going on a road trip with friends or need a radio for your next camping weekend, this could be the ideal product for you.
There aren’t any extra durability features like waterproofing or shockproofing. You’ll also go through batteries quite quickly, depending on your music volume.
Pros:
- Easy to keep track of battery life
- Compact design with a strap for carrying
- Telescopic antenna for improved frequencies
- Built-in headphone jack and speaker
- Battery powered
Cons:
- No extra durability features
- Consumes energy fast
4. DreamSky portable AM/FM radio (best ease of use)
Sometimes the best portable AM FM radio is the one that feels easiest to use.
When you want to access your favorite channels fast, you don’t want to fiddle with endless dials and buttons.
For simplicity and convenience, the DreamSky portable offers an excellent product for those who want to access FM and AM signals.
Promising clear loud sound and an excellent reception, this handheld portable radio will track down available channels in no time.
You can choose between using the loudspeaker or headphone port to listen to content, plus there are multiple power options. You can charge your device using your standard home outlets or stick with batteries if you prefer.
The DreamSky portable radio is a fantastic choice for seniors and those who don’t like a lot of tech, features include:
- Simple interface ideal for any radio fan
- Good quality AM/FM radio signals
- Loud high-quality audio
- Portable design with handle
- Extendable antenna to boost reception
- Attractive design (looks good in the home)
- Supports outlet or battery power
- Play time of up to 44 hours
Lasting as long as 44 hours on a full charge, the DreamSky portable doesn’t require a lot of recharging when you want to take it with you on the move. This could even be a handy radio to have on hand for emergency situations.
One slight issue, however, is that it can be difficult to find the right channels with the dial tuners at first.
Pros:
- Easy to use for people of all ages
- Massive 44-hour battery life
- High volume form AM and FM channels
- Portable design with handle
- Works with batteries or outlet power
Cons:
- Sometimes tough to find the right channel
- No advanced features
5. Retekess TR604 (best dial)
If you’re searching for the best portable AM FM radios with a classic analogue dial, then Retekess has some great products to offer.
The Retekess TR604 is an attractive, high-performance radio with a 3.5-inch speaker and the option to switch between high or low tone performance.
Offering precise and easy tuning, the Retekess TR604 will help you sort through channel frequencies fast, whether you’re listening to AM or FM radio.
There’s a loudspeaker for enjoying music with friends, or you can stick with the 3.5mm jack for private listening via headphones.
Easy to operate at home or on the move, this product comes with a convenient easy-to-read dial and comfortable grip knobs.
Features include:
- Extra-large dial for easy viewing
- Tactile knobs for adjusting the frequency
- Loudspeaker or 3.5mm headphone jack
- Portable design with handle
- Option to charge via outlet or use batteries
- Attractive design
- Telescopic antenna
With the option to choose between outlet charging or battery-powered operation, you can easily take your radio with you wherever you go.
This convenient product comes with a telescopic antenna too, ideal for helping you to track down different frequencies.
One slight issue is that the sound quality seems to suffer slightly in AM mode.
Pros:
- Excellent extra-large dial for finding channels
- Tactile knobs make it easy to adjust frequencies
- Loud-speaker or headphone listening
- Attractive portable design with handle
- Outlet or battery-powered
Cons:
- Sound quality struggles in AM mode
6. SEMIER retro portable AM/FM radio (best vintage)
Bring a touch of style to your choice of a leading portable AM FM radio with Bluetooth.
This stunning compact radio might look like a vintage purchase on the surface, but it offers a lot of great modern features underneath.
Aside from access to AM FM radio channels, the radio can also link with your device via Bluetooth so you can play music using online apps.
Offering excellent high-quality sound, this retro portable speaker comes with a loud speaker and the option to listen to your music privately through a 3.5mm headphone jack.
You can also choose whether you want to power your radio using an AC adapter or batteries when you’re on the move.
One of the more eye-catching product in our portable AM FM radio reviews, this item features:
- AM/FM radio tuning
- Portable size with handle
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Loudspeaker and headphone access
- AC powered or DC operated
- Reliable quality with a 12-month warranty
- Convenient tuning dial
- Extendable antenna
This is a great choice for the ultimate portable FM/AM radio if you’re looking for something with a unique aesthetic.
The fashionable finish means that this device will stand out whether you’re at home or on the move.
Plus, alongside the vintage design you get the added benefit of a Bluetooth connection too.
Keep in mind that the volume control is quite sensitive, however, and the radio can heat up with regular use.
Pros:
- Attractive vintage design
- Portable with included handle
- AM/FM radio plus Bluetooth
- Easy to use with tuning dial
- 12 month warranty included
Cons:
- Heats up after regular use
- Volume control is very sensitive
7. PRUNUS J-288 AM FM radio (best with multiple audio options)
These days, there are various options for listening to audio beyond AM and FM radio.
That’s why this PRUNUS radio comes with multiple listening options, including Bluetooth streaming, an aux input, and a TF Card.
You can save your favorite AM and FM channels too, so it’s easier to find them when you’re on the move.
This multi-functional AM FM speaker comes with a built-in 3.5mm aux-in jack so you can listen privately. There’s also a speaker for listening with friends.
Upgraded 4.0 Bluetooth technology makes streaming much easier. You also get a timer so you can set your device to turn itself off after a couple of hours, perfect if you’re using it for help getting to sleep.
Features of this small portable AM FM radio include:
- Extra-long antenna for improved reception
- AM/FM radio and Bluetooth
- TF card and aux-input
- USB flash drive mode
- Speaker or headphone access
- Bluetooth 4.0 streaming
- Sleep timer for automated shutdown
- Easy button activation
- Compact design with wrist strap
- Key lock function
- 6-8 hours of battery life
Although the PRUNUS doesn’t have the best battery life among the portable products that we’ve seen, it should last for around 6-8 hours, depending on the volume you’re playing at.
There’s a bass-enhanced sound quality for better listening and the option to lock the keys on your radio to avoid accidentally pushing them.
The AM reception is quite weak.
Pros:
- Bluetooth streaming included
- AM/FM radio with TF and USB card access
- Sleep timer for automated shut off
- Key-lock function for protection
- Easy to use functionality
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- Weak AM reception
8. BTECH MPR-AF1 (best with headphones)
If you’re looking for a Walkman style portable radio that you can keep in your pocket, the BTECH MPR-AF1 could be the ideal choice for you.
Available in a range of colors, this portable AM FM radio comes with a set of headphones for private listening, and a long-life rechargeable battery.
This compact radio comes with its own internal antenna to help deliver the best frequencies on the move.
More than just a mini AM/FM radio, this product also comes with a range of additional functions, such as a built-in clock, and a space where you can set your preferred channel presets.
To help prevent you from accidentally switching channels, you can also lock your keypad when you’re on the move.
As one of the best small portable AM FM radio options around, the BTECH offers:
- 2 different styles of headphones
- USA-built construction
- Built-in clock and alarm
- Preset channel options
- Internal ferrite bar antenna
- AM/FM radio signals
- Rechargeable long-life battery
- Backlit LCD screen
- Easy-to-use buttons
Searching for channels is quick and easy with the convenient scanning function on the BTECH MPR-AF1.
This handheld radio can give you convenient way to tune into all of the popular radio stations that you love, with minimal hassle.
There’s even a handy lanyard included to attach your radio to your wrist.
One downside is that it does take quite a while for this product to charge to full power.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use design with backlit screen
- Built-in clock included
- Preset channel options
- AM/FM radio signals
- 2 headphone style options
Cons:
- No advanced features
- Takes a long time to charge
9. Gracioso weather alert radio (best emergency)
If you live an active lifestyle that often has you grappling the great outdoors, then the best portable AM FM radio for you might be one that can withstand a range of environments.
The Gracioso weather alert radio combines easy AM/FM streaming with a host of other features to give you peace of mind on your next adventure.
You get NOAA radio for weather alerts, and a crystal clear reception in a range of environments.
The large digital LCD screen helps you to keep track of time, radio frequency, battery capacity and more.
There’s also the option to power the radio with a hand-crank or solar power if AAA batteries or an outlet aren’t available. The extra power bank in the radio can charge your USB devices, and there’s an extra bright flashlight and SOS alarm included too.
Features include:
- Multiple charging options
- Weather radio with NOAA channels
- Excellent SOS alarm and flashlight
- Large and clear LCD screen
- AM/FM radio streaming
- Hand crank for manual energy
- USB charging function for your smartphone
- Durable design withstands various conditions
With multiple ways to power your radio, you’ll never be left out of the loop. Plus, having the option to charge your smartphone with a different source of power in an emergency is helpful too.
An LED indicator can even help you to keep track of your battery levels.
It can be challenging to get a great reception on some frequencies. When we conducted our review on this product, we also found that it was too easy to press the alarm button accidentally.
Pros:
- AM/FM and NOAA radio
- Various options for charging
- Can power your smartphone on the move
- Excellent SOS alarm and flashlight
- Durable design
Cons:
- Not the best radio signals
- Too easy to press the alarm button
What is the best portable AM FM radio?
Choosing the best portable AM FM radios can be challenging, particularly when there are so many great options to choose from these days.
Whether you’re looking for a compact radio that’s small enough to fit in your pocket or a device that comes with Bluetooth alongside AM/FM streaming, there’s something for everyone.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all option for the best buy portable AM FM radio, considering some of the following factors might help you to make a more educated decision.
Audio options
You already know that you want access to AM/FM radio, but some radios can offer additional options too. Look for things like NOAA weather radio access, Bluetooth streaming, or the option to play your own music using a USB stick or TF card.
Sound quality
The best portable AM FM radios will always deliver a high quality of sound with excellent clarity and volume. Avoid anything that makes it difficult to listen to your favorite channels. Remember to check for a headphone port alongside a speaker so you can listen to music however you choose.
Design
Do you want a radio that you can display proudly in your home or something you keep in your jacket pocket? There are plenty of different choices these days that are lightweight and portable, and attractive. Extra features like a handle or wrist-strap can contribute to portability.
Power source
Some people prefer to choose radios that they can recharge from an outlet at home. You might, however, want to use something that works using battery power instead. Emergency and survival radios come with additional options like solar power and hand-cranks when traditional power isn’t available.
Additional features
Don’t forget to check out the extra features included on your radio. These features might include a handy screen where you can check battery life and frequency options. You might also get a flashlight; an included clock and alarm option, and a telescopic antenna. The more useful the added extras, the more valuable your radio becomes.
Choosing your portable AM FM radio
Only you can decide which is the best portable AM FM radio choice for you. There’s plenty of small portable AM FM radio options out there.
Hopefully, the portable AM FM radio reviews above will give you an excellent place to start your search. If you want a host of listening options, we’d recommend the PRUNUS J-288 with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and access to various other digital devices.
For simple ease of use, stick with the DreamSky portable, making the ideal signals quick and easy. Plus, DreamSky offers the extra benefit of 44-hour battery life.
Good luck finding the right portable radio for your needs, and remember to check out our other reviews for extra guidance.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
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