Before the advent of the internet and CD players, radios were popular! For some of us, this accessory is still very useful today. Maybe you like to listen to the FM radio during your meals, your creative activities, or crafts … Like a TV channel, the radio is waiting for you at a fixed time to broadcast your favorite program.
We have written this comparison to help you choose this almost essential tool! Read our advice and browse our selection to find the best radio for your kitchen, bathroom, garage or for your camping holiday!
Buying Guide – How to choose your FM radio for you?
The radio is a high-tech tool. It cannot be chosen at random and requires the study of certain criteria before purchase.
- Radio waves
What if you didn’t settle for FM waves? If your new job has both small and large waves, you will be able to take advantage of this valuable information tool halfway around the world. Namely, some radio stations are able to receive radio channels streaming on the Internet.
- The sound quality
Admittedly, the radio is not designed to match the best performing soundbars in terms of sound quality. However, you must study this criterion. Be careful, the higher the sound quality, the more expensive the station will be. To have excellent audio quality, you will have to turn to high-end radios.
- Storage capacity
This criterion will determine the number of stations that the radio can store. Most models store about ten stations in memory, enough capacity if you want to listen to a few radio broadcasts or music. For enthusiasts who know how to use the airwaves for various purposes, some stations are able to keep up to 500 stations in memory!
- A waterproof radio station?
When we talk about radio, we do not think about the level of waterproofing! However, some models are resistant to water splashes to be able to accompany you in the bathroom. It’s up to you to see if waterproofing is an essential feature for your use.
- Utilization facility
The fewer settings the radio offers, the easier it will be to use. Nevertheless, I advise you to opt for a digital tuner which will allow you to choose your stations with more precision. A good radio station must be able to keep a frequency with maximum precision. For your comfort, choose models with a handle. This will allow you to move around with your new high-tech tool. Finally, I advise you to opt for a radio with two power options. At home, you will connect it to the mains so as not to waste the batteries. These will allow you to listen to your favorite radio stations while camping, fishing, or in the garden.
Namely, some radios incorporate a rechargeable battery. Don’t forget to inquire about the autonomy offered.
- The dimensions
This criterion is decisive in terms of practicality and aesthetics. If you plan to transport your radio regularly, prefer a model with compact dimensions. On the other hand, if this high-tech device also plays a decorative role in the house, do not pay attention to the dimensions! For your vintage decor, some manufacturers offer large old-fashioned radios with large buttons and a needle to select the frequency. Enough to create a very original decorative atmosphere!
- Automation
Some radios have a timer that will allow you to provide automatic switching on at any time of the day. You can use this function as an alarm clock. The timer function can also be useful. It will prevent you from moving to turn off the station.
Our selection of the 8 best FM radio
1. PRUNUS J-725C: The portable FM radio station with a rechargeable battery
Very compact, this FM radio station measures 135 x 66 x 28 mm. In addition, it weighs only 192g. In other words, you can easily take it with you everywhere. Its small silver strap will be practical for transport, but it will also allow you to hang the station wherever you want.
Equipped with a powerful rechargeable battery, this portable FM radio has an excellent autonomy of more than 30 hours. Its USB charging cable will allow you to supply it with energy from a computer or a wall outlet when its battery is flat.
Compatible with the FM frequency band (87.5-108MHz), this radio promises excellent reception capacity. No matter where you are, you will be able to listen to local radio stations with very good listening quality.
Plus, you won’t have to search for stations manually. One-click will allow you to scan all available stations. You will be able to memorize 99!
In terms of sound quality, this device looks convincing. Its built-in speaker will give you perfectly clear sound. Its 3.5 mm headphone jack will allow you to use headphones or external speakers.
This functional radio has built-in clock and alarm options. In addition, it has LED lighting that will allow it to play the role of flashlight when needed. Another interesting feature: the micro SD card reader which will allow you to listen to saved audio files. You can also plug in a USB 4 key.
Powerful and modern, this sophisticated device has a luminous charge indicator. A red light will mean the battery is dead. A green light will let you know that the charge is complete.
With this compact and lightweight set, you will be able to listen to radio and music anywhere and anytime without worrying about the battery which guarantees excellent battery life!
Related: Best Portable AM/FM Digital Radio
This second radio also displays compact dimensions to allow you to take it everywhere! Lightweight, it will slip easily into your backpack. Modern, it offers an LCD display and adjustable backlighting. You will adjust it according to the ambient light for easier handling.
You will enjoy digital-quality radio on Dab and FM frequencies. Equipped with a rechargeable battery, this radio can also be connected to the mains when you are at home. A USB cable will allow you to recharge the battery.
Reliable and robust, this high-tech device also has a headphone jack. The alarm function will allow you to wake up every morning to your favorite radio station. On the LCD screen, the time can be displayed in 12 or 24-hour format.
Regarding the storage capacity, this radio can store 20 stations. Unfortunately, users haven’t given their opinion on how easy it is to navigate between them. In view of the control buttons, I think the settings will be easy and quick.
This radio has a more modern design than the previous two. Its dimensions remain compact, but it is adorned with a pretty red color and displays more rounded shapes. Less expensive, it will allow you to receive FM and AM stations.
When turned off, this unit displays the time on its screen. Its alarm function will allow you to wake up every morning to your favorite radio show. You will also benefit from the digital display of the frequency.
Easy to transport, this radio is compact, lightweight, and has a retractable handle. At home, you can plug it into the mains. When walking, 4 type C batteries will allow it to work.
I think the digital frequency display is a great asset because it will allow you to find your station without difficulty. Another interesting element: the time displayed permanently. On the sound quality side, users disagree with each other. Some are fully satisfied while others attest to average quality. On the other hand, all agree on its very attractive design and its very attractive price!
4. The easy-to-use radio station: FM / AM: Panasonic RF-2400
This FM / AM radio tuner integrates digital station search and AFC. The large frequency display, with red LED lighting, offers a pleasant use and a retro touch in a compact design. Equipped with a retractable carrying handle, this station can operate on mains or with batteries.
A headphone output is present and the FM and AM dials are perfectly distinct. Also, benefit from a broadband indicator. Thanks to the new tuner, this station guarantees easy and stable tuning of the frequencies. Its 10cm full-range speaker delivers clear, precise sound.
In addition to its very sober and compact design, this Panasonic radio station is unanimous in terms of ease of use, it is a perfect station for the elderly, who will not be caught off guard in front of digital settings with a small screen difficult to read, here we find the good old bar of yesteryear! In addition, buyers confirm the clarity of sound and correct operation on mains and batteries. In other words, wherever you are, you will always be able to listen to your favorite radio.
Be careful, this radio does not wake up and will not memorize your favorite stations.
5. Philips AE2160 blue and gray FM radio
More imposing than the previous ones, this Philips FM radio has a built-in speaker to guarantee good listening quality, without distortion. It also has a stereo headphone jack so you can listen to your favorite station without disturbing those around you.
At home, this station can be powered by the mains. When you walk, you will power it using batteries not included. With this station, you will capture medium and large waves. A large frequency display will make it easy for you to find your FM station.
The speaker diffuses clear sound for real listening pleasure. The only downside, the station does not have a handle, but its transport is still facilitated by a hollow formed on the back of the device.
6. XHDATA D – 808: The portable digital FM stereo radio with LCD display
This compact and lightweight radio station incorporates a speaker and broadcasts FM / MW / LW and SW stereo sound thanks to a single Air Band RDS. Easily transportable thanks to its strap, it can be hung wherever you want. With good selectivity and high sensitivity, it will follow you everywhere to allow you to listen to all your favorite radios with excellent listening quality.
Its functions combine the programming of the alarm clock, the timer and the volume adjustment. You’ll also get a stereo headphone jack, external antenna, and digital LCD display. On it, you will see the alarm time of your alarm clock, the signal strength level, the time, the date …
With an FM 64-108 MHz frequency, you will be able to listen to all your stations and store more than 500 of them. Several search modes will be accessible. Equipped with a lithium battery, this station will be able to operate autonomously. The supplied USB charging cable will allow you to recharge the battery.
This functional, modern and compact device will be delivered to you with its protective case. Thanks to it, all your indoor or outdoor activities will be done to music!
7. Prunus GR919C: The vintage AM / FM / SW radio with rechargeable battery
This radio station seduces, above all, by its retro look offered by its rounded rectangular shape, its large rotary knobs and its golden color. This resolutely vintage design will offer a real plus to your interior decoration! Although it does not have a carrying strap, this device can be easily moved thanks to its compact dimensions (130 x 70 x 90 mm) and its moderate weight (383 g).
Easy to use, it incorporates a DSP chip which allows it to catch the lowest frequencies. In addition, it has a 270 ° frequency selection dial and a retractable copper antenna that is 21 cm long and guarantees perfectly stable reception.
In addition to its retro design, this radio contains quality components that allow it to guarantee excellent reception. To enjoy it, all you need to do is turn on the device and select the desired frequency band. Then you just have to turn the rotary knob to find your favorite station.
For more comfort, this model offers a soft backlighting. Thus, you can easily use it in the dark without dazzling you.
Equipped with the bluetooth function, this radio can play MP3 audio files saved on a micro SD card and a USB key. Its Aux and bluetooth functions will allow you to use it as a speaker to listen to music stored on your smartphone or computer.
Supplied with an Aux cable, this retro-designed station with modern features incorporates a 3W speaker for deep sound in the bass and clear in the treble. Please note, it does not have a headphone jack. However, it contains a rechargeable battery allowing wireless listening for over 18 hours. When the battery is dead, you can recharge it with the supplied USB cable.
This radio set marketed by the Prunus brand does not only convince by its design. Its modern features allow it to meet the expectations of the most demanding users!
8. Panasonic RF-D10EG:The high-end radio with alarm clock function:
This FM / Dab / Dab + radio station stores 10 radio stations accessible using a rotary selection button. A large backlit LCD screen, a 10 cm speaker and a 5-preset equalizer characterize this modern and powerful high-tech device.
On the screen, you will see your settings and the time. Backlit, it will allow easy reading of information. The direct selection keys will facilitate the use of this set. Equipped with an ergonomic and compact carrying handle, it can be moved as needed.
At home, this radio will be connected to the mains. In the garden or on a walk, it will run on batteries. Thus, you will be free to listen to your favorite radios anywhere and anytime! In terms of sound quality, finishes and design, this Panasonic radio is unanimous!
According to users, getting started is quick and easy, station search easy and sensitivity excellent. The 10 memorized channels will allow you to switch from one radio station to another with a single click! The screen displays large characters for perfect readability, the volume is easily adjusted and the sound played is perfectly audible.
It seems that this radio is able to meet all your requirements!
Obsolete products: may be available on occasions
1. The small portable radio with rechargeable battery Ocean Digital DK23
This portable digital radio station covers FM / Dab / Dab + frequencies. Very compact, it will slip easily into your backpack to follow you in all your outdoor activities. A boat trip, a picnic in the park or at the beach, your new high-tech tool will never leave you!
Equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery, this radio has an autonomy of 7 hours. Delivered with its USB charging cable, it can be plugged into any USB power adapter. Thus, you will leave for 7 hours of non-stop listening.
Modern and practical, this station incorporates the timer function. You will choose the operating time after which the automatic switch-off will be triggered. So you won’t have to get up from your bed or sofa to turn off the music.
In terms of storage capacity, this model is rather convincing with 40 possible memorizations. A multitude of other options are present to facilitate the use of this radio while ensuring your comfort. We find the LED indicator for charging the battery, 4 languages available and a socket to connect headphones.
Regarding sound quality, users say they are satisfied. They also describe this radio station as light and very compact. The only downside is that the handling of changing stations and recording them seems tedious. That’s why I recommend this post to users who don’t change stations often.
2. The high-end Ocean Digital WiFi / Dab / FM Internet radio station
Number 1 on our list of high-end radios, this high-tech device integrates wifi and bluetooth wireless communication modes. It has an ethernet port, a double speaker, an audio output and an Aux jack. Its 2.4-inch color screen will display all the useful configuration information.
To access a large number of radio channels around the world, all you need to do is connect the station to your internet network. The device can store 99 stations! This manipulation and management of these channels is guaranteed to be easy.
While listening, you will see the time in large format on the screen. The menu display offers several languages including French. Best of all, a remote control will allow you to control your new high-tech device from a distance.
The alarm clock function will allow you to leave your smartphone at rest! Every morning you will wake up to your favorite radio station! The timer will give you the possibility of planning the automatic interruption of listening. You will also control the screen brightness remotely.
Regarding the design, users are won over by the wood finishes and the elegant black color. As for the technical characteristics, the sound quality is described as correct and the connection to the wifi easy and fast. Most of the users are happy with their purchase. Please note, this internet radio station is capable of receiving 20,000 stations, which may prolong the search for a particular station.
3. The high-end radio, internet tuner WR03 Dab / Dab + / FM with Bluetooth receiver, Spotify, Optical output to HiFi Ocean Digital
This wifi radio has a large 2.8 inch screen. In addition to the 21,000 radio stations it can offer you, it offers the alarm clock function and the daily weather forecast. Its storage capacity is 250 memorizable stations. A 3.5mm audio jack will allow it to connect with your existing stereo system.
Thanks to this station, you will be able to send high quality audio to your speaker system which will broadcast Dab and FM internet radio. The bluetooth receiver will allow you to listen to music from other bluetooth devices.
Modern and efficient, this internet radio has a compact and elegant design. Unlike the previous model, it will display the music titles broadcast on its screen. Supplied with its power adapter, user manual and remote control, this high-tech device can be controlled remotely.
Users attest to the correct sound quality, but regret a complicated handling.