8 of the best radio headphones to keep you listening on the move
With a set of the best radio headphones, you can access the channels you love in no time. AM/FM headset radio headphones are an excellent tool for music lovers.
Headphones are a common accessory for music and radio lovers. They ensure you can comfortably tune into your favorite channels, without disturbing the people around you.
The right set of headphones can instantly transport you into a new world, whether you’re driving to work, taking the train, or sitting in the office.
Most headphones work by giving you a way to listen to the music collection or radio app you already have on your laptop, tablet, phone, or computer.
There are a handful of alternative products out there offering an all-in-one experience.
The best radio headphones aren’t just headsets you use to listen to the radio. These unique devices come with technology built-in, so you can tune into AM/FM frequencies on the go.
With a set of radio headphones, there’s no need for a separate device to help you skip through channels. That means less tech to carry with you on the move.
If you’re keen to shut off from the digital world for a while, you can grab your AM/FM radio headphones and leave your smartphone at home.
Just make sure you have enough battery for your journey and you’re ready to go.
Here are some of the best radio headphones available right now:
- Honeywell Hi-Visibility (best high visibility)
- Mpow AM/FM (best multi-use)
- PROTEAR AM/FM (best with saved stations)
- 3M 90541-80025T (best with audio assist)
- PROTEAR Bluetooth rechargeable (best rechargeable)
- SAS Safety 6108 digital (best with clock)
- Ear Defender Original (best comfort)
- Honeywell Sync (best lightweight)
1. Honeywell Hi-Visibility (best high visibility)
The Howard Leight by Honeywell Hi-Visibility headphones feature a combination of sponge and plastic to deliver a comfortable and lightweight listening experience.
With digital AM/FM tuning, you’ll have no problem searching for the channels that suit you.
There’s an LCD display which automatically searches for the radio stations you love, and a volume memory setting too.
Intended for people on construction sites who don’t want to take their smartphones with them into dangerous environments, the Hi-Visibility headphones come with neon green earcups.
This improves visibility when you’re working at night or in low light conditions.
Features include:
- Lightweight plastic design
- Digital AM/FM radio headphones
- High visibility design
- Ear protection and comfort
- Easy to use performance
- Removable and replaceable ear cushions
- Powered by 2 AA batteries
- 3.5 mm aux input
- Noise reduction built-in
With noise reduction technology included to cut out external distractions, the Honeywell Hi-Visibility headphones work with 2 AA batteries, so you don’t have to remember to charge them.
These AM/FM headset radio headphones are great for construction sites, easy to use, and come with removable ear cushions too.
The radio quality can be a little spotty in places, depending on where you work.
One slight issue is that the headband may be too small for some people.
Pros:
- High visibility design for safety
- AM/FM radio functionality built-in
- Powered by 2 AA batteries
- Noise reduction included for construction sites
- Removeable and replaceable ear cushions
Cons:
- A little spotty with radio reception
- Slightly small headband
2. Mpow AM/FM (best multi-use)
AM FM radio headphones don’t have to be expensive to be effective.
These imported headphones from Mpow combine comfortable and reliable safety muffs with convenient Bluetooth streaming, a 3.5mm input, and AM/FM functionality.
These ear protection headphones ensure that you can tune into your favorite stations wherever you go.
The built-in antenna provides excellent sound quality and strong reception, supported by a control panel.
An included microphone means you can answer calls easily, without having to hold onto your phone.
Although a little clunky in places, the adjustable and portable radio headphones from Mpow come with a thick layer of padding to keep you comfortable.
Features include:
- FM/AM radio performance
- Bluetooth music streaming
- Noise reduction built-in
- Adjustable design with plenty of padding
- 3.5mm input
- Convenient tuning button
- Simple AAA battery performance
- Suitable for all kinds of jobs
Perfect for machine working, reading, mowing the lawn, or shooting, these multi-use Mpow AM/FM headphones come with hands-free Bluetooth streaming, and an easy 3 AAA battery power option.
Battery power means you don’t need to worry about recharging your device before you use them each day.
Unfortunately, these headphones may feel a little too tight for some people, and the noise cancelling isn’t ideal.
Pros:
- FM/AM radio performance
- Bluetooth streaming option
- Noise reduction included
- Adjustable design with padding included
- Convenient AAA battery replacement
Cons:
- Too tight for some users
- Not the best at noise reduction
3. PROTEAR AM/FM (best with saved stations)
PROTEAR is one of the better-known brands available for people in search of AM/FM headset radio headphones.
These noise-reduction and hearing protection headphones from PROTEAR come in a range of color options.
Suitable for snow blowing, construction, mowing and more, these headphones can reduce noise by up to 25 decibels, while delivering music through your favorite AM/FM radio stations.
The auto scanning feature and manual modes mean that you can track down stations quickly, and there’s the option to save presets too.
Save up to 8 FM and 8 AM stations to memory so you can find what you want to listen to as quickly as possible.
There’s even the option to plug in an MP3 cord to connect to your smartphone too.
Features include:
- Noise reduction of up to 25dB
- Powered by two AA batteries
- Digital AM/FM radio tuning
- Easy-to-use LCD display
- AM/FM radio performance with bass boost
- Auto-scanning and manual modes
- 8 AM and 8 FM presets
- MP3 cord input
- Easy-to-use buttons
- Range of colors
The PROTEAR AM/FM radio headphones area easy to use and comfortable.
There’s a set of super-soft ear cushions to block out outside noise, and you can rotate the cups up to 180 degrees.
The LCD display makes it simple to track down channels, and the headband is adjustable too.
The plastic does feel a little flimsy in places, unfortunately, and the sound quality can struggle with some distortion in places.
Pros:
- Noise reduction of up to 25 dB
- AA batteries for power
- Easy and clear LCD display
- Auto-scanning with manual modes
- Pre-set station options – 8 AM and 8 FM
Cons:
- Some distortion in sound quality
- A little flimsy in some places
4. 3M 90541-80025T (best with audio assist)
Another set of radio headphones capable of blocking out excess noise, the 3M AM/FM radio headphones come with a noise reduction rating of up to 24 dB.
Offering both AM and FM radio, these 3M headphones come with a bass boost for extra audio quality, and audio assist technology that helps you get your device set up as quickly as possible.
Audio assist tech talks you through using your headphones, so you don’t have to take the headset off to fiddle with buttons to get set up.
There’s also auto-scanning to assist you with finding the stations that you like too.
Features include:
- Bluetooth streaming
- AM/FM radio
- Clear sound and bass boost
- Audio assist functionality
- Noise reduction rating up to 24dB
- Comfortable and portable
- Easy to use controls
- Up to 50 AM/FM channels
- Super padded ear cushions
Whether you’re listening to your favorite AM/FM channels, the 3M headset is extremely easy to use, with a handy audio assist function and controls you can operate even when wearing gloves.
The comfort isn’t great with these headphones, so you might not be able to wear them for extended periods of time.
The volume also doesn’t go quite as high as some of the alternative radio headphones available today.
Pros:
- Bluetooth streaming
- AM/FM radio functionality with auto-scan
- Audio assist for easy setup
- Noise reduction rating up to 24dB
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Volume is quite low
- Not the most comfortable headphones
5. PROTEAR Bluetooth rechargeable (best rechargeable)
Another set of radio headphones from PROTEAR, these Bluetooth rechargeable headphones are great for people who don’t want to spend a fortune on batteries.
The 25 decibel noise reduction rating means that you can protect yourself against all kinds of noises on the construction site.
Plus, these headphones come with Bluetooth wireless technology for streaming music from your device, or smartphone too.
With AM/FM radio built in, including a channel memory function to save your favorite stations, the PROTEAR Bluetooth headphones have everything you need to stay entertained on the go.
These FM radio headphones wireless headsets even come with a low-profile, comfortable, and lightweight design.
Features include:
- Noise reduction rating of 25dB
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Integrated microphone functionality
- AM/FM radio
- Lightweight low-profile design
- 8 preset options
- Safety protection muffs
- Integrated antenna
- Comfortable padding
- Rechargeable batteries
Designed to block out uncomfortable sounds, the PROTEAR headphones feel amazing, locking the sound in against your ears with thick pads.
There’s no option to adjust the headband, so you might have trouble finding the perfect fit. These headphones also don’t always come with a charging cord.
Pros:
- 25dB of noise reduction
- Bluetooth wireless streaming
- AM/FM radio with channel memory function
- Lightweight low-profile design
- Comfortable ear cushions
Cons:
- No charging cord in some cases
- No adjustable headband
6. SAS Safety 6108 digital (best with clock)
Protect your ears with a set of SAS Safety Corp radio headphones, designed for easy listening wherever you are.
These incredible headphones come with a high-quality radio and MP3 function, as well as an adjustable headband for comfort.
The digital AM/FM radio headphones come with a new improved battery cover for better durability, and the option to set preset channels
With a lightweight and comfortable design, these headphones will block out loud noises, and help you stay entertained on the move.
Compact and convenient, the headphones also fold for storage, and they come with a clock setting to help you manage your schedule.
Features include:
- Preset channels and clock mode
- New improvements to the design
- Flexible antenna
- Adjustable volume
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Safety protection up to 25dB
- MP3 ready
- Padded cups
- Up to 140 hours of radio time available with AA batteries
- Favorite channel settings
With the SAS safety headphones, you can even choose which channels you want to save as pre-sets, so you can find the music you like most as quickly as possible.
These headphones are adjustable, but they may not be as comfortable for some people as other alternatives.
Some aspects of the headphones seem a little flimsy and easily breakable in places.
Pros:
- MP3 and radio ready
- Lightweight design
- Safety protection up to 25dB
- Up to 140 hours of radio time with batteries
- Clock mode included
Cons:
- Quite flimsy in places
- Not the most comfortable headphones
7. Ear Defender Original (best comfort)
Some of the most well-known defence headphones on the market, the Ear Defender original radio headphones aren’t just suitable for entertainment, they can also protect your ears too.
These headphones come with an MP3 cord, so you can connect your own device to your headphones on the move or listen to AM/FM radio.
There’s also the option to save up to 8 presets, so you can find the channels you love fast.
With comfortable foam cushions and a sleek design, the Ear Defender Original earmuffs have a clock mode built-in when they’re on standby, so you can check the time as you work.
The headset also comes with a 2 year warranty for peace of mind.
Features include:
- LCD low battery indicator
- Easy-to-read screen
- Clock mode on standby
- Up to 16 radio presets
- High reception sensitivity
- Hearing level protection
- 2-way scanner and radio
- 2 year warranty
Convenient and dependable, the Ear Defender original headphones are great for listening to your music on the move, with up to 200 hours of battery power.
You also get volume limited to safe levels, which might be a problem if you want to listen to louder music.
One particular issue with these headphones is that it can be a little tricky to find stations at first.
Pros:
- 2 year warranty
- Easy-to-read screen
- Clock mode on standby
- 16 radio preset options
- Comfortable design
Cons:
- Tricky to find stations
- Not the best for high volumes
8. Honeywell Sync (best lightweight)
The Honeywell radio earmuffs are some of the most lightweight radio headphones to take with you on the move.
For extra comfort, you get a built-in patented airflow solution to help stop your ears from overheating.
You can also enjoy enhanced bass sound, and a padded headband with adjustable forks to suit your head’s size.
This high-performance set of headphones comes with access to AM/FM radio, as well as MP3 functionality so you can plug in your devices.
There’s an LCD display with auto-search functionality, and AM/FM tuning to let you listen to all of your favorite stations.
Snap-in ear cushions allow you to change the pads when they start to get outdated too.
Features include:
- Special lightweight design
- High strength components for durability
- Easy maintenance with changeable pads
- Aux input to connect your devices
- Hi-fidelity stereo radio reception
- LCD display
- AM/FM tuning
- Auto search
- Up to 10 pre-set stations
- Enhanced bass function
Control everything from your volume to the fit of your headphones with an easy set of adjustable components and buttons.
These Honeywell headphones also come with noise reduction of up to 25 decibels to protect your hearing.
You may struggle to get the right volume from these headsets and the sound quality could be a little better.
Pros:
- AM/FM radio headphones
- Up to 10 pre-set stations
- LCD display included
- Easy maintenance
- Good durability and lightweight design
Cons:
- Limited volume
- Not the best sound quality
Choosing the best radio headphones
A set of built in radio headphones allows you to listen to all the channels you love, without compromising on safety.
Your radio headphones are also excellent for blocking out unwanted extra sound – like the noise of the construction site.
Here are some points to consider when making your choice
Sound quality
Everything from the volume to the bass levels on your radio headphones needs to be great, so you can enjoy your music. A set of radio headphones won’t do you much good if you hate listening to them. Look for extra features like bass boost to give you more control over your audio experience.
Ear protection
Because radio headphones are common on job sites, they usually come with a standard level of noise reduction, to protect your ears from exposure to extra decibels. The higher the protection, the more comfortable you’re going to be in noisy environments. Just make sure that the ear protection doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.
Comfort and fit
When conducting our radio headphones reviews, we discovered that some products were a lot easier to wear than others. Extra padding and the option to adjust everything from the headband to the angle of the earcups can make a huge difference to your listening experience. Make sure you feel comfortable wearing the headphones for an extended time.
Design
Aside from being durable and easy to use, your headphones also need to address other factors through design choices. You may, for instance, want your AM FM headset radio headphones to be lightweight, so they don’t weigh you down on the move. The ability to fold your headphones down and store them when you’re on the move is often useful too.
Extra features
Most radio headphones come with extra features to help them stand out from their competitors in the current landscape. Your headphones might have a flexible antenna for capturing more signals, or the ability to save presets so you don’t have to spend forever looking for a channel. A microphone for taking hands-free calls can come in handy.
Connection options
Aside from giving you FM and AM radio frequencies, can your headphones also do things like connect to your smartphone through a cable, or link to your phone with Bluetooth? Some of the more modern models on the market come with extra connection options.
The best radio headphones
Choosing the best radio headphones can feel tough when there are so many built-in radio headphones on the market.
Radio headphones are a fun novelty in the current marketplace, and an excellent choice for people who want to maintain their entertainment options when their phone or computer isn’t available.
If you’re working as an engineer or on a construction site, then you don’t want to put your smartphone at risk by leaving it sitting around as you listen to the radio.
Good luck finding the best radio headphones for your needs. With so many options on the market today, you should have no problem taking your listening experience to the next level wherever you go.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
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