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10 Best Shortwave Radios 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable - Shortwave Radio Battery Powered or Plug in Wall for Home Outdoor, Strong Reception, Large Dial Easy to Use, Digital Time Display, Transistor Antenna, Seniors Small Gfit
The DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable is a versatile radio with several strengths, making it suitable for both home and outdoor use. It offers a wide range of frequency coverage, including AM, FM, and shortwave bands, which allows you to tune into a variety of broadcasts. The large speaker ensures clear and loud sound, enhancing your listening experience whether you're enjoying music, news, or talk shows. The high and low tone selection further customizes your audio experience, and the earphone jack allows for private listening sessions without disturbing others.
Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,417
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods
Portability
Most important from
2160 reviews
#2
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise, Suitable for Camping, Emergency
The Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio offers a comprehensive range of frequency coverage, including NOAA, AM, FM, and SW bands, making it versatile for various listening preferences, including emergency weather alerts. The dual tuning methods (manual and digital) provide flexibility, although the manual tuning may require some patience. With a built-in 4000mAh rechargeable battery, supplemented by hand-crank and solar charging options, this radio is well-suited for outdoor and emergency use.
Rating
9.6
Antenna
Additional Features
Most important from
493 reviews
#3
CHOYONG LC90 Portable Digital Internet Radio AM/FM, WiFi,4G,Longwave & Shortwave Radio with SSB Single Side Band Reception Supports Bluetooth, TF Card Multi-Band Smart All World Radios
The CHOYONG LC90 is a versatile portable radio that covers a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, shortwave, longwave, and 4G internet streaming. This broad frequency coverage makes it suitable for listeners who want access to both traditional radio bands and online stations worldwide. Its reception sensitivity and stable signal are strong points, helping users catch distant or weak stations more easily. The radio offers multiple tuning options, including manual, internet streaming via Wi-Fi or 4G SIM, and voice search, which adds convenience for finding stations quickly.
Rating
9.4
Frequency Coverage
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods
Most important from
30 reviews
Top 10 Best Shortwave Radios 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable - Shortwave Radio Battery Powered or Plug in Wall for Home Outdoor, Strong Reception, Large Dial Easy to Use, Digital Time Display, Transistor Antenna, Seniors Small Gfit
DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable - Shortwave Radio Battery Powered or Plug in Wall for Home Outdoor, Strong Reception, Large Dial Easy to Use, Digital Time Display, Transistor Antenna, Seniors Small Gfit
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, shortwave
Tuning Methods: analog dials
Portability: portable
Antenna: long-range transistor
Additional Features: earphone jack, LCD display, tone selection
Chosen by 1417 this week
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise, Suitable for Camping, Emergency
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise, Suitable for Camping, Emergency
Frequency Coverage: NOAA, AM, FM, SW
Tuning Methods: manual, digital
Portability: 3.15 x 2 x 5.02 inches
Additional Features: Bluetooth, USB/TF slot, 7 sounds
CHOYONG LC90 Portable Digital Internet Radio AM/FM, WiFi,4G,Longwave & Shortwave Radio with SSB Single Side Band Reception Supports Bluetooth, TF Card Multi-Band Smart All World Radios
CHOYONG LC90 Portable Digital Internet Radio AM/FM, WiFi,4G,Longwave & Shortwave Radio with SSB Single Side Band Reception Supports Bluetooth, TF Card Multi-Band Smart All World Radios
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, shortwave, longwave, 4G streaming
Sensitivity: strong reception sensitivity
Tuning Methods: manual, Wi-Fi/4G streaming, voice search
Portability: rechargeable 5000mAh battery, compact size
Additional Features: Bluetooth, TF card slot, backlit keyboard
Eton Quest Hand Crank NOAA Weather Radio, All Band Emergency Radio, AM/FM Shortwave Storm Radio, Bluetooth, Ambient Light, Phone Charger, RDS, Solar, Flashlight, Camping, Hiking
Eton Quest Hand Crank NOAA Weather Radio, All Band Emergency Radio, AM/FM Shortwave Storm Radio, Bluetooth, Ambient Light, Phone Charger, RDS, Solar, Flashlight, Camping, Hiking
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA weather
Sensitivity: Enhanced by digital tuner
Selectivity: Enhanced by digital tuner
Tuning Methods: Digital tuning, RDS
Portability: Compact size, 2.33 pounds
Additional Features: Flashlight, light panel, solar, hand crank
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Up to 20% off
Eton Elite Field Radio with AM/FM, Shortwave, RDS, Bluetooth, Digital Tuning, Treble/Bass Control, 50 Memory Stations, External Antenna, Rich LCD Display, Retro Tabletop Design
Eton Elite Field Radio with AM/FM, Shortwave, RDS, Bluetooth, Digital Tuning, Treble/Bass Control, 50 Memory Stations, External Antenna, Rich LCD Display, Retro Tabletop Design
Frequency Coverage: AM/FM and Shortwave
Tuning Methods: RF gain control, treble/bass
Portability: 5.25 pounds, 12.4 x 6.5 x 3
Antenna: External connections, FM telescopic
Additional Features: Bluetooth, 50 memory stations, alarm
Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver
Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, SSB
Sensitivity: Enhanced by DSP technology
Selectivity: Enhanced by DSP technology
Portability: Compact, lightweight (7.4 ounces)
Antenna: External antenna input
Additional Features: Alarm clock, sleep timer, 850 presets
Tecsun H501 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with SSB Reception, Dual Speakers, & MP3 Player, Matte Black
Tecsun H501 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with SSB Reception, Dual Speakers, & MP3 Player, Matte Black
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, LW, SW, SSB
Tuning Methods: Analog and digital
Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry
Additional Features: MP3 player, micro-SD, alarm clock
Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception
Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, Longwave, Shortwave
Sensitivity: Excellent
Selectivity: Excellent
Tuning Methods: PLL synthesized digital dual conversion
Portability: Compact and lightweight
Additional Features: Selectable filters, sleep timer, alarm clock
#10
7.9 score
C. Crane CC Skywave 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, VHF Aviation Band, Small Battery-Operated Portable Travel Radio with Clock and Alarm
C. Crane CC Skywave 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, VHF Aviation Band, Small Battery-Operated Portable Travel Radio with Clock and Alarm
Frequency Coverage: AM, FM, shortwave, NOAA, VHF
Sensitivity: Strong sensitivity, multiple bandwidths
Selectivity: Enhanced, multiple bandwidths
Tuning Methods: Direct entry, auto-scan, knob
Portability: 6 ounces, compact design
Antenna: Built-In AM, shortwave jack
Additional Features: Clock, alarm, LCD, headphone, stand
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Buying Guide for the Best Shortwave Radios
Choosing the right shortwave radio can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy listening to international broadcasts, amateur radio operators, or emergency communications. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and features that differentiate various models. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a shortwave radio that best suits your listening habits and technical requirements.Frequency CoverageFrequency coverage refers to the range of frequencies that the shortwave radio can receive. This is important because different stations broadcast on different frequencies. Shortwave radios typically cover frequencies from 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz. Some models also include additional bands like AM, FM, and Longwave. If you want to listen to a wide variety of international broadcasts, look for a radio with broad frequency coverage. For casual listening, a basic range might suffice, but for more serious hobbyists, extensive coverage is essential.
SensitivitySensitivity is the radio's ability to pick up weak signals. This is crucial for shortwave radios because many broadcasts come from distant locations and may be weak. Sensitivity is usually measured in microvolts (µV). Radios with lower sensitivity values (e.g., 0.5 µV) can detect weaker signals better than those with higher values (e.g., 1 µV). If you live in an area with a lot of radio interference or want to pick up distant stations, a radio with high sensitivity is important. For general use, moderate sensitivity may be adequate.
SelectivitySelectivity is the radio's ability to separate closely spaced signals. This is important when multiple stations are broadcasting on nearby frequencies. Good selectivity ensures that you can clearly hear the station you want without interference from others. Selectivity is often measured in kilohertz (kHz). Radios with narrower selectivity (e.g., 2 kHz) can better isolate signals than those with wider selectivity (e.g., 6 kHz). If you plan to listen in crowded frequency environments, look for a radio with high selectivity. For less crowded areas, standard selectivity should be sufficient.
Tuning MethodsTuning methods refer to how you change the frequency on the radio. Common methods include analog tuning, digital tuning, and direct frequency entry. Analog tuning uses a dial and is often less precise but can be more engaging for some users. Digital tuning allows for more precise frequency selection and often includes features like memory presets. Direct frequency entry lets you input the exact frequency you want to listen to. If you prefer ease of use and precision, digital tuning or direct frequency entry is ideal. For a more traditional experience, analog tuning might be more enjoyable.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry and use the radio on the go. This is important if you plan to use your shortwave radio while traveling or outdoors. Portable radios are typically smaller, lighter, and battery-operated. Larger, desktop models may offer better performance but are less convenient to move around. If you need a radio for travel or outdoor use, look for a compact, lightweight model with good battery life. For home use, a larger, more powerful radio might be a better choice.
AntennaThe antenna is a crucial component for receiving signals. Shortwave radios can come with built-in antennas, external antennas, or both. Built-in antennas are convenient but may not provide the best reception. External antennas can significantly improve signal quality and range. Some radios allow for the connection of additional external antennas. If you are in an area with weak signals or want to maximize reception, consider a radio that supports external antennas. For casual listening in areas with strong signals, a built-in antenna may be sufficient.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your listening experience and convenience. These may include features like SSB (Single Side Band) for listening to amateur radio operators, synchronous detection for reducing fading and interference, and built-in recording capabilities. Other useful features might include alarm clocks, sleep timers, and backlit displays. Consider what additional features are important to you based on how you plan to use the radio. For example, if you are interested in amateur radio, SSB capability is essential. For general listening, features like a sleep timer or backlit display might be more relevant.