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10 Best Am Fm Radios 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Panasonic Portable AM / FM Radio, Battery Operated Analog Radio, AC Powered, Silver (RF-2400D)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Frequency Range
Portability
Power Source

Most important from
31529 reviews

Frequency Range
The Panasonic portable radio is incredibly reliable for picking up AM and FM signals, even during rough weather conditions.
Portability
It's compact, lightweight, and operates on batteries, making it highly portable and convenient for outdoor activities or travel.
Power Source
This radio has become an essential part of my emergency preparedness kit, giving me peace of mind knowing I can stay informed even if the power goes out.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is surprisingly great for its size, with clear and loud audio and solid reception.
Tuning Mechanism
The analog tuning gives it a classic feel, and it's easy to adjust the station with precision.

The Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio (RF-2400D) stands out as a reliable choice for anyone looking for a straightforward and portable radio experience. One of its key strengths is the high-quality sound it delivers, making it enjoyable to listen to both AM and FM stations. The large dial with a fluorescent pointer is particularly handy, allowing for easy tuning even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the digital tuner with Auto Frequency Control ensures smooth and stable tuning, reducing frustration during use.

Portability is a strong suit for this radio. It can be powered by AC or four AA batteries, making it perfect for camping trips or during power outages. Weighing just 1.52 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to carry around. The option to use headphones provides a private listening experience, which is a nice touch.

This radio is best suited for users looking for a basic, dependable device for listening to AM/FM stations while out and about or during emergencies. Its portability, ease of use, and solid performance make it a great option for casual listeners, but those seeking more advanced features might want to explore other products.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Frequency Range
Portability
Power Source

Most important from
31529 reviews

Frequency Range
The Panasonic portable radio is incredibly reliable for picking up AM and FM signals, even during rough weather conditions.
Portability
It's compact, lightweight, and operates on batteries, making it highly portable and convenient for outdoor activities or travel.
Power Source
This radio has become an essential part of my emergency preparedness kit, giving me peace of mind knowing I can stay informed even if the power goes out.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is surprisingly great for its size, with clear and loud audio and solid reception.
Tuning Mechanism
The analog tuning gives it a classic feel, and it's easy to adjust the station with precision.
#2

Sangean HDR-16 HD Radio/FM-Stereo/AM Portable Radio, Black

Rating
9.7
Portability
Power Source
Sound Quality

Most important from
1351 reviews

Portability
This Sangean HDR-16 is a superb portable radio, versatile enough to be used as a tuner.
Power Source
Battery life is impressive, lasting over 30 hours at a moderate volume.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is astounding for its size, with well-engineered bass and treble controls.
Tuning Mechanism
Programming stations to the presets is incredibly easy – just press and hold until you hear the beep!
Additional Features
Later models offer 20 FM and 20 AM presets, enhancing usability and convenience.

The Sangean HDR-16 HD Radio is a compact and portable option for those who want to enjoy both digital and analog AM/FM stereo reception. It allows you to access additional content such as sports, news, and music without any subscription fees. One of its strong points is the sound quality, enhanced by its HD Radio technology, bass and treble controls, and a built-in antenna.

The radio also comes with a real-time clock, two alarms, snooze, and sleep functions, making it a handy bedside companion. The multi-function display is easy to read, showing information like the current channel, station call sign, and radio text. Portability is another plus, as it can be powered by both AC and batteries, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

With 10 memory presets, you can quickly tune in to your favorite stations. Additional features like auxiliary connectivity and a record output to connect to a stereo receiver or pre-amp add to its versatility. On the downside, its size may not be the most compact compared to other portable radios, and some users might find the digital tuning mechanism slightly complex if they are used to analog dials. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore HD radio content with the flexibility of traditional AM/FM broadcasting.

Rating
9.7
Portability
Power Source
Sound Quality

Most important from
1351 reviews

Portability
This Sangean HDR-16 is a superb portable radio, versatile enough to be used as a tuner.
Power Source
Battery life is impressive, lasting over 30 hours at a moderate volume.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is astounding for its size, with well-engineered bass and treble controls.
Tuning Mechanism
Programming stations to the presets is incredibly easy – just press and hold until you hear the beep!
Additional Features
Later models offer 20 FM and 20 AM presets, enhancing usability and convenience.
#3

Sangean HDR-19 HD Radio/AM/FM-RDS/Bluetooth/AUX Premium Wooden Cabinet Radio

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Portability
Sound Quality

Most important from
131 reviews

Frequency Range
AM reception was enhanced significantly with an external antenna, making it a good performer for a table radio.
Portability
The compact size means it doesn't take up a lot of space, yet delivers a lot of sound.
Sound Quality
The build quality is first rate, and the speaker can get pretty loud without distorting.
Tuning Mechanism
The signal strength indicator makes it easier to pick up weaker stations.
Additional Features
This radio is simple to use, with intuitive controls and a handy sleep function.

The Sangean HDR-19 is a premium AM/FM radio that brings a stylish retro design and modern features, making it a notable choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. Its HD radio capability enhances sound quality, allowing for clearer reception of AM and FM stations. With 40 station presets, including emergency alerts, users can easily access their favorite channels. The Bluetooth connectivity is a significant plus, enabling streaming from smartphones or other devices, which adds versatility for music lovers.

Portability is somewhat limited since it’s corded electric, but its compact size (10.35"L x 6.06"W x 6.5"H) does make it easy to place on a desk or shelf. The inclusion of a USB port for charging devices is a thoughtful feature, further enhancing its usability. This radio requires batteries for backup, and while they are included, it’s something to keep in mind for uninterrupted use during a power outage.

The sound quality is noteworthy, and the real-time clock with multiple alarm settings provides practical functionality for everyday use. Some might find the tuning mechanism a bit less intuitive compared to simpler radios. The display offers a wealth of information, but this could be overwhelming for those seeking a straightforward listening experience.

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Portability
Sound Quality

Most important from
131 reviews

Frequency Range
AM reception was enhanced significantly with an external antenna, making it a good performer for a table radio.
Portability
The compact size means it doesn't take up a lot of space, yet delivers a lot of sound.
Sound Quality
The build quality is first rate, and the speaker can get pretty loud without distorting.
Tuning Mechanism
The signal strength indicator makes it easier to pick up weaker stations.
Additional Features
This radio is simple to use, with intuitive controls and a handy sleep function.

Buying Guide for the Best Am Fm Radios

When choosing an AM/FM radio, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a portable option for outdoor activities, a high-quality sound system for your home, or a simple device for emergency situations, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an AM/FM radio.
Frequency RangeThe frequency range of an AM/FM radio determines the range of stations you can receive. AM (Amplitude Modulation) typically ranges from 530 to 1700 kHz, while FM (Frequency Modulation) ranges from 88 to 108 MHz. A wider frequency range allows you to access more stations. If you enjoy a variety of radio programs, look for a radio with a broad frequency range. For general use, standard ranges are usually sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the radio around. Portable radios are typically smaller, lighter, and often battery-operated, making them ideal for outdoor activities, travel, or emergency kits. If you need a radio for on-the-go use, choose a compact and lightweight model. For home use, a larger, stationary radio might be more suitable.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial for an enjoyable listening experience. It is influenced by the radio's speaker size, design, and audio technology. Higher-end radios often have better sound quality with clearer audio and richer bass. If you are an audiophile or plan to use the radio for music, prioritize models known for superior sound quality. For casual listening or talk radio, basic sound quality may suffice.
Power SourceThe power source of an AM/FM radio can be batteries, AC power, or a combination of both. Battery-operated radios are great for portability and use during power outages, while AC-powered radios are ideal for continuous use at home. Some radios also offer rechargeable batteries or solar power options. Consider where and how you will use the radio to determine the best power source for your needs.
Tuning MethodTuning methods can be analog or digital. Analog tuning involves manually turning a dial to find stations, which can be less precise but offers a nostalgic feel. Digital tuning allows for more precise station selection and often includes features like preset stations and digital displays. If you prefer ease of use and accuracy, opt for digital tuning. For a classic experience, analog tuning might be more appealing.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your AM/FM radio. These may include Bluetooth connectivity, weather alerts, clock and alarm functions, and auxiliary inputs for external devices. Think about which extra features would be beneficial for your lifestyle. For example, Bluetooth is great for streaming music from your phone, while weather alerts are useful for emergency preparedness.

FAQ