The 10 Best Pocket Radios
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in November of 2018. If you're growing weary of always interrupting your morning workout routines with constant checks of your smartphone just to get the latest news updates, try slipping one of these handy pocket radios into your jogging pants instead. We've included a wide variety of options that offer strong AM and FM signals, multiple memory functions, and a durable construction for withstanding drops and impacts. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Sangean DT-800
2. C. Crane Weather
3. Prunus Anjan Portable
Editor's Notes
December 09, 2020:
For this update we had to replace several models that were experiencing stock issues, and in their place we've added some distinct radios in order to make sure everyone can find the best option for their particular needs.
For instance, those who are specifically interested in a radio to accompany them during camping or hiking trips might be interested in the Eton FRX2. It features a built in LED flashlight and the ability to receive NOAA weather broadcasts, both of which are camp-friendly features on their own, but most importantly it can be charged by cranking the built-in lever. Of course it's always ideal to utilize the integrated battery first, and this secondary charging system does add some bulk, but it's good to know that if you're way out in the middle of nowhere on a backpacking trip you'll still have access to tunes even when all of your batteries and power packs have died.
The Greadio Retro Pocket on the other hand was added purely due to its uncommon look, and it definitely leans more towards novelty than practicality. Of course it doesn't have modern features like station presets or automatic scanning, but that's sort of the whole point. This radio makes a great gift for vintage style enthusiasts who will appreciate tuning in their favorite stations with the large rotating dial.
We also added the Sangean DT-160, which is on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to novelty versus practicality. This small white radio may not be particularly eye-catching, but it's super reliable, and it offers a ton of features that make for a smoother user experience when compared to other bare-bones choices. It has presets, a stereo-mono switch, a backlit display, a sleep timer, and the list goes on. This makes it a very versatile device, and while it definitely isn't the cheapest model you can get it's not exorbitantly expensive either, so it's probably worth it if you're an avid listener who's going to be using their radio everyday.
Even if you came to this article looking for a dedicated pocket radio don't immediately discount the Grtdhx MP3 Player, as its built in FM receiver runs with the best of them when it comes to signal reception. This option is definitely worth considering for those who already have a large library of audio files, and it also offers a few rare abilities such as radio recording. However, if you're only ever going to use the FM radio function it's probably not the best choice. All of its extra functions and its detailed color screen make it so that it can't provide nearly the same battery life as options that only have a tuner and a simple LCD, if they even have a display at all.
November 13, 2018:
Added the Sangean DT-800 for its ability to accept all NOAA stations as well as its dynamic boost feature for audio clarity. Also included the Prunus Anjan due to its copper core antenna and digital signal processing functionality for improved reception. The Tecsun 4-in-1 is extremely versatile and capable of scanning international broadcasts.
4. Sangean DT-160
5. Eton FRX2
6. Sangean HDR-14
7. Sony Transistor
8. GRTDHX MP3 Player
9. Jesson Digital
10. Greadio Retro Pocket
After graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 with a bachelors in Literature and Creative Writing, Brendon Hannaford moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy and television. Beyond writing, he’s always had a passionate interest in the clever engineering found in consumer electronics and machinery, with an eclectic interest that spans diverse categories such as photography equipment, musical instruments, and automotive technology. When not writing and researching for Ezvid Wiki, Brendon spends his time performing sketch comedy and tinkering with his motorcycle.