The best satellite radio: 9 options to keep you tuned in
Contributing Editor
The best satellite radio give you a new radio experience to explore. Satellite radio isn’t a new concept. It’s been popular among drivers for decades, helping them to tune into various forms of entertainment on the road.
While there are plenty of other ways to access entertainment on the move right now, satellite radio remains a strong contender, particularly for those who want access to a wider selection of channels.
If you’re still keen to get your hands on the best satellite radio for both your home and your car, then you’re in the right place.
Today, we’re sharing a list of the best portable satellite radios around, to help you tune in to anything you like.
1. Sirius XM SXPL1H1 Onyx (best home kit)
The Sirius XM home kit ensures that you can enjoy satellite radio from SiriusXM anywhere in your home, including through your home stereo.
You can also take this device with you on the move.
There’s a full color display, featuring channel logos and album art, and a remote control for moving through your available channels.
You get 3 months of all-access service free with your subscription, and you can listen to more than 300 channels through the app.
The Onyx Plus comes with advanced music features like TuneScan and TuneStart, which help you to find the content you love.
You can also pause, and rewind live radio if you miss something important.
Features include:
- Full home satellite radio kit
- Color display with album art
- Remote control access
- 3 months of access to music
- Advanced music features like TuneScan
- Sirius XM for over 300 channels
- 20 smart favorite channel options
- Pause, rewind, and replay
- Portable satellite radio for home and on the go
This is easily one of the most comprehensive satellite radio kits around for your home, and it’s brimming with amazing features to discover.
With more than 300 channels, you’ll have no problem finding the right entertainment.
The wires that come with the radio aren’t great, and you might struggle to get it set up initially, but the initially stress is worth it in the long-term.
Pros:
- Full home satellite radio kit
- 3 months of music access
- Remote control
- Pause, rewind, and replay
- Sirius XM supports over 300 channels
Cons:
- Flimsy wiring
- Difficult to initially set up
2. SiriusXM SXER1V1 Onyx EZR (best for DIY installation)
Designed for a quick and simple installation experience, this version of the SiriusXM home satellite radio ensures that you can listen to more than 300 channels in the app or 150 channels in your car.
There’s 3 months of free access to all of the SiriusXM services with an activation fee required to get you started.
For helping you find the right channels fast, you also get 10 favorite channels too.
Equipped with instructions to help you connect to your home stereo fast, this Onyx satellite radio will ensure that you can enjoy more of the ad-free radio you love.
The control system is also very easy to use, with big tactile buttons.
Features include:
- 150 channels in the car or 300 at home
- 3 months of service for free
- Advanced features like TuneMix
- Screen split mode
- Simple DIY installation
- Convenient ad-free music experience
- 10 saved favorite channels
- Convenient easy-to-use buttons
With access to quick subscriptions for all kinds of satellite radio, the SiriusXM SXER1H1 satellite radio is one of the leading solutions on the market.
This device is easy to set up and use, with a split-screen mode to help you search through channels.
You may need a separate antenna at home to access this solution, however. The activation fee may be a pain for some.
Pros:
- Ad-free radio on up to 300+ channels
- Easy DIY installation at home
- 10 pre-set channel favorite options
- Screen split mode
- Easy to use buttons
Cons:
- Activation fee required
- Requires a separate antenna at home
3. Eton Elite Satellit 750 (best portable)
Offering access to entertainment on every wavelength, the Eton Elite Satellit is one of the most advanced portable satellite radios on the market.
You can access SSB, VHF, SW, LW, AM and FM radio on the same system, with a 360-degree rotating antenna to help you get the highest quality of sound.
There’s even digital signal processing technology to eliminate interference.
You can program this device with up to 1,000 channels and create customizable frequencies where you can tune into your favorite songs with ease.
Connect to your devices using the line input system and broadcast your content to other products too.
There’s even a dual alarm clock function.
Features of this satellite radio include:
- Satellit 750 broadcasts on every wavelength
- 360-degree rotating antenna
- Excellent signal with DSP technology
- Memory for up to 1,000 channels
- In-out connections for other devices
- Dual alarm clock function
- Owner’s manual to get you started
- Strong and sensitive for access to all channels
If you’re looking to get your hands on breaking news as it happens, or you want direct access to some of the best channels in the world, the Eton Elite Satellit has you covered.
This product might be a little out of budget for some shoppers. Another point worth noting is that it can be quite difficult to set up for beginners, but there are guides to help.
Pros:
- Broadcasts on every wavelength
- Direct access to news and financial info
- Access channels from all over the world
- Excellent rotating antenna
- Dual alarm clock function
Cons:
- Tough to set up for beginners
- Quite expensive
4. SiriusXM All-Access bundle (best bundle)
The SiriusXM All-Access bundle combines the SiriusXM Onyx EZR and the TTR2 internet radio for a full solution for music on the go.
This amazing bundle ensures that you have all the best ways to enjoy Sirius satellite radio at your fingertips, with a leading programming package that allows you to access both satellite and streaming services.
The Onyx EZR satellite system comes with a vehicle kit so you can take it with you on the move.
There’s also the option to stream in your home on the TTR2 internet radio. This solution comes with an easy-to-read 3.2” display, where you can read information about albums and artists.
The TTR2 radio, on the other hand, is great for in the home.
Features include:
- All-access subscription package
- 150+ channels and streaming services
- Access to satellite radio in your home and car
- 3.2-inch high-resolution display
- 10 channel favorite settings
- Subscription sold separately
- 3 months of free service
- Easy installation
If you’re looking for the full satellite radio experience wherever you go, SiriusXM has you covered with this comprehensive bundle.
You can easily set up the system in your home and car, and even save your favorite channels for easy access later.
Remember, there is a setup fee which can make this investment more expensive. If you have a problem with one device, you need to send both of them back, so keep that in mind.
Pros:
- 150 channels and streaming services
- Access to satellite radio at home and in the car
- 3 months of free service
- Easy installation with 10 pre-set favorites
- High-resolution display
Cons:
- Setup fee required
- You’ll need to return both items if you have a problem with one
5. PIONEER AirWare XM2Go (best mini radio)
If you want a convenient portable satellite radio that can deliver a wide range of signals fast, the Pioneer AirWare XM2Go could be just the product for you.
There’s also an integrated XM tuner to provide live XM listening when docked in your car.
Although this device may seem a little clunky at first glance, it’s surprisingly compact and easy to use.
The illuminated display will show you your station and artist information, while the rechargeable battery gives you up to five hours of power.
You can also store up to 30 user-programmable channel presets for easy access and tune into over 150 crystal-clear digital channels.
Features include:
- Portable satellite radio with more than 150 channels
- Large screen to show your music information
- Remote control
- Stores up to five hours of broadcasts
- XM access
- Headphone jack
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
Whether you’re listening to satellite radio on the move with the included headphone jack, or mounting this device in your car, you’ll have plenty of entertainment options to choose from.
One of the most effective mini satellite radios around, the Delphi MyFi is excellent if you want to listen to something on the move without relying on Sirius XM.
There are also rechargeable battery including, providing up to 5 hours of play on a single charge.
There are occasions when the device may freeze for no reason. The battery can also drain quite quickly.
Pros:
- LCD backlit display with extra information
- Stores up to five hours of broadcasts
- Remote control included
- Portable design
- Headphone jack for use on the move
- Over 150 channels to explore
Cons:
- Batteries can drain quite quickly
- Small buttons
6. SiriusXM SXWB1AZV1 (best vehicle kit)
For portable satellite radio, you need a kit that’s going to work perfectly on the road. The SiriusXM SXWB1AZV1 kit is ideal for that purpose.
This high-performance system comes with exclusive 360L technology that combines streaming and satellite content.
You can get personalized access to the channels that are best for you. The system even comes with 3 months of subscription for free.
Listeners can speak into the microphone to search for channels with their voice, create Pandora stations, and get real-time updates on sports and finances.
There’s also access to Bluetooth so you can stream directly from your phone too.
Features include:
- 360L listening technology
- 3 months of all-access service for free
- Advanced features like voice search
- Real-time updates and news feeds
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
- Recommendations for you
- Pause, replay, and rewind
- Alerts and extra channels
With voice search, tuning, and discovery, managing your satellite radio on the move couldn’t be simpler.
You can pause and rewind live radio, and even add extra channels to your dashboard based on your preferences.
You will need to pay for both your set-up and subscription. This satellite radio also doesn’t come with the TuneMix feature for creating your own channel.
Pros:
- Voice search for ease of use
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- 3 months of access for free
- Pause, rewind, and replay music live
- Alerts built-in as standard
Cons:
- Setup and subscription costs
- No TuneMix feature
7. SiriusXM Commander Touch (best touch screen)
Perfect for those in search of a more modern listening experience, the SiriusXM Commander Touch streaming service is one of the most impressive options on the market.
Ready to plug into your dashboard, this solution is exclusively for use in your car, and it comes with a convenient touch screen display.
You’ll get three months of satellite streaming for free when you first activate the system.
The SiriusXM Commander Touch comes with a full-color display where you can check out album art, channel logos, and program information.
There’s also the option to easily rewind, pause, and replay music on live radio, and you can automatically start songs from the beginning too.
Features include:
- AC/DC connector
- Designed for in-car dash system
- Easy-to-use touchscreen controls
- 3 month subscription for free
- All Access package for tons of channels
- Full color display
- Compact controller
- TuneMix to create your own channels
- Aux port connectivity
- Replay, rewind, or pause live radio
With the option to create your own channel with TuneMix, and experiment with playlists, you’ll have access to hundreds of channels and added extras, and an on-demand library just for you.
The cost of set-up and the monthly subscription fees can add up quite quickly. You also can only use this device in your car.
Pros:
- Touch screen functionality for ease of use
- TuneMix to create your own channels
- Pause, replay and rewind live radio
- Compact with full color display
- 3 months of free subscription
Cons:
- Fees for setup and subscription
- Only available for in-car use
8. Garmin inReach Explorer (best handheld)
There are often limitations when it comes to tracking down the best portable satellite radios.
Although you can take many of the best tools into your car and home, it’s tough to find one that you can really access anywhere. That’s not an issue with the Garmin inReach.
This is probably the best satellite radio you can have around for easy and immediate access.
A handheld satellite radio for home, work, and play, this device comes with 100% global coverage, two-way text messaging, and interactive SOS features.
There’s the option to track family and friends, or share your locations, and pair with your mobile device too.
All that, and an IPX7 water resistance rating protects your device.
Features include:
- Global satellite coverage
- Interactive SOS for search and rescue
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- NOAA charts
- Downloadable maps
- Color aerial imagery
- GPS routing
- Digital compass and barometric altimeter
- Hand-held convenience
More than just a way to listen to your favorite channels, the handheld satellite radio from Garmin is all about communication.
Everything from on-screen GPS to a handy set of downloadable maps make this device excellent for an adventurous life.
It can be quite difficult to get support if you have any functionality issues. Remember too there’s a monthly subscription plan to pay for.
Pros:
- Global satellite coverage
- Interactive search and rescue features
- GPS routing, aerial imagery and digital compass
- Handheld portable satellite radio design
- IPX7 waterproofing
Cons:
- Monthly subscription can be quite expensive
- Difficult to setup and get support with issues
9. Sony XAV-AX5500
Sony is well-known for producing high quality products that look and perform flawlessly. The Sony XAV-AX5500 is a perfect example.
This tuner is truly plug-and-play with compatible car stereos and installs easily and discreetly behind the dash for a fully integrated look.
The flush bezel-less touchscreen wakes up right after turning on the ignition, and gives you intuitive control over music, communications, and more.
This device can deliver enhanced screen mirroring and thanks to dual USB ports, you can connect your smartphone and USB device at the same time.
Features include:
- Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
- 6.95″ capacitive touchscreen display
- LCD backlit display for extra information
- Dual USB ports
- Car installation kit
- Remote control
- True plug-and-play
- Pause, rewind and replay up to 60 minutes of live Satellite Radio
One of the most sleek satellite radios on the list, the Sony XAV-AX5500 is excellent if you want something compact that will hide discreetly behind the dash for a fully integrated look.
Additionally, the single interface cable connection to SiriusXM-Ready car stereo simplifies installation.
If you’re going to use your smartphone with this receiver, be sure to check the product information as not all smartphones are compatible.
Pros:
- LCD backlit display with extra information
- Simple installation
- Can connect to multiple devices
- Touchscreen wakes up on ignition
- Car installation kit and remote control included
Cons:
- Limited to in-car use
- Quite expensive
How to choose the best satellite radio
The best satellite radio can come in handy when you’re out hiking, exploring the open roads, or just looking for more versatility in your listening experience. With a portable satellite radio, you can always be tuned in.
It can often be difficult to decide which radio system is the right solution for you, however.
For some people, the best radio will be the one that updates their car’s functionality and gives them more freedom in their morning commute.
For others, satellite radio might be more of a form of communication than entertainment. Before you start splashing your cash, ask yourself:
What functionality do you need
What kind of satellite radio receiver are you looking for? Do you want to communicate with people around the world, or are you hoping for a hand-held device that you can take anywhere you go?
Should your radio be suitable for your home, or come with equipment so you can fit it into your car?
How easy is it to use
A satellite radio can be a little tricky for some people who have never experienced this kind of technology before. If you’re concerned that this solution might be complicated for you, look at radios that have great reviews for being accessible and easy to use.
Expenses
Remember that the cost of your satellite radio goes beyond making that initial purchase. You might need to pay for a monthly subscription to get access to all of the satellite channels that you want. Keep this expense in mind when you’re making this initial purchase, or you could run out of battery fast.
With such a wide range of radio options on the market today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed as you try to pick the best satellite radio.
Fortunately, the tips in this article, and the reviews we’ve included should help to get you on the right track.
Remember to check out our other reviews for more handy guidance on radio products too!
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