(Part 3) Best portable radios according to redditors

Okay. If you want a slightly larger portable one with lots of utility for camping and long battery life, get this one.

Kaito KA390 Portable AM/FM Shortwave NOAA Weather Radio with LED Flashlight, Color Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DXSZ7Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tbtXAbDJB9GTQ

If you want a small one that doubles as an alarm clock, get this one.

TIVDIO V-111 Portable Shortwave Travel Radio AM/FM Stereo with Clock and Alarm (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186SDYZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MgtXAb217SMTR

If you're worried about buying from a company of which you have never heard, you shouldn't be. You want a radio with DSP, allowing good reception of bad stations, and most of these radios are made with similar chips.

If you are worried about that, just buy one of the Sony ones for $20. They're overpriced and lack virtually any features, but they're at least well made.

Sounds like a little crank up shortwave would have done his morale a lot of good. Heck, if it was me I would finish my chores for the day then put a log in my wood stove and crank up my satellite internet to chat with you guys while my squirrel was cooking..

Actually, now that I think about it, wish one of these guys would do this. For me a survival challenge is making sure I have enough layers for snowshoeing so I don't freeze my ass off. Last week I stayed out too late, took a shitty flashlight so I couldn't see the blaze plates on the trees, and the wind covered my tracks with snow. Had to navigate back in the dark with dying batteries in my GPS and howling snow-blowing wind in my face. That's like 1% of what those guys do.

I've used the Anker Soundcore Nano, and I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundCore-Bluetooth-Super-Portable-Wireless/dp/B01E6ZLLPW/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1527082172&sr=1-3&keywords=anker+soundcore+nano

For these situations, a crank power radio is perfect. A few minutes of cranking gives you several minutes of audio. The one I have takes AAA batteries and has an internal rechargeable battery. It also has a USB plug to recharge your phone and a solar panel on top to keep it topped up during the day. Link

This is really similar. It's a little expensive, but I didn't pay for mine. An ex-girlfriend left it at my house after dumping me. Best thing I got outta the relationship. DOUBLE PLAY!!!!

I’m also new but from what I’ve just read in this sub, this Tecsun PL310ET is a good performer and only $48 on Amazon (depending on what your definition of cheap is, lol)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104J57GS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0104J57GS&pd_rd_w=XNEIq&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=2Gr7L&pf_rd_r=0S6SWC7QRJJD06VW91PE&pd_rd_r=c82bad8c-f97d-4997-bf41-c9463c151553

I just got a Tecsun PL-880, which was around $150, so I can vouch for the brand anyhow.

You can go even cheaper with an analog tuner, but I’ve found that having a digital tuner makes a world of difference so you know exactly which frequency you are tuning into.

(Edited because I said lol too many times)

Cheap, good sound quality and loud, sensitive, AA powered: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BH6RPTY/

Make a wire 20ft long to throw over a tree branch for an extra antenna length.

I've tried several of the popular hand crank ones, underwhelmed, fiddlely.

My current one is a bit over the top: https://www.amazon.com/Skywave-Shortwave-Weather-Airband-Portable/dp/B00QMTI6YK/

Its overkill, but light and two AA batteries last forever.

If you are looking for good quality used radios keep in mind that at 20 - 30 years of age components like capacitors will begin to fail, even if the radio was never used. Still, if you try the radio and it still works, then it still works.

New portables:

If you want to spend $200 go for the Sangean ATS-909X. It's my portable daily driver. Worth every dollar and more. Most of the classic Realistic shortwave portables were actually rebranded Sangean radios. So, if you are looking for an old Realistic portable look for the original Sangean models as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-ATS-909X-BK-World-Receiver/dp/B005GTO0CY

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At near the US $100 mark it is hard to beat these Eton Satellits for portable shortwave with SSB, FM with RDS and air band. For MW, not so much. These radios are a little smaller and much lighter than the 909X. Available in two cosmetic flavors but both radios are identical. I have been very happy with my Eton Grundig Edition Satellit.

Eton Grundig Edition Satellite:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ETON-SATELLIT-NGWSATB-AM-FM-LW-SW-radio-/263995847980

Eton Executive Satellit:

https://www.amazon.com/Eton-Executive-Satellite-Shortwave-NGWSATEXEC/dp/B01MTO7P8X

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Although I don't own either of these radios they are well-regarded by radio reviewers that I respect. These are the best $50 portables. No SSB at this price point, but will handle a short reel-up external antenna well for shortwave. Both are pretty darned small.

Radiwow R-108:

https://www.amazon.com/RADIWOW-Digital-Portable-Receiver-Activities/dp/B07MQWL9NJ

Tecsun PL-310ET:

https://www.amazon.com/TECSUN-PL-310ET-Stereo-World-allnice/dp/B0104J57GS

Hold up

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013EQVDJ8/ref=pd_aw_sbs_23_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41nFvBMlTHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=XYXT8J6RHSTEMP9MA1YC

I know people who love their Baofeng radios but if you have the budget a slightly higher end handheld is worth it. A Yaesu VX-3R is a great improvement. If you compare the bands they can receive/transmit on you will understand the difference between the two. I own a Yaesu VX-7RB which is an excellent, if pricy, HAM handheld transceiver.

To effectively use a HAM handheld and keep yourself within the law you're going to have to pretty much learn everything that would be required to get your HAM Technician license. It's a pretty easy test and there are practice tests available on QRZ.com. Getting a HAM license is also pretty cheap. I think it cost me $14.

Personally, I separate out my HAM radios from my shortwave/emergency ones. I have a Kaito Voyager KA500 which is ok as far as emergency radios go. I don't expect the crank on it to hold up to long term use. I also have two Grundig Mini GM400 which are in my BOB and GHB inside of pots which are also ok radios. I wouldn't want the GM400 to be the only radio I had but I could live with that if I had to. For home I have a Grundig Globe Traveler G3 which is an excellent all around radio.

whole wishlist

I'm entering both and might I saw both of you look as nice as rain in a desolate desert :)

Dreaming Big with this is the want/need

C'mon...gimme


You are amazing

If have a fairly niche solution that, depending on what you are doing, might help. I have a TV at the gym that is always playing a movie or TV show or something. Because the number of people who want to listen to the movie can vary dramatically, and because the exercise equipment can be loud (rowing machines), and because not everyone wants to listen to what the TV has on, I have come up with this solution that works pretty well.

My TV has a 3.5mm audio out port that you can plug headphones into. I hook up an FM broadcasting antenna to that port and mute the TV's speakers. Everyone who wants to listen to the audio from the TV tunes their portable radio/mp3 player/cell phone to the FM station that the TV audio is being broadcast over.

This gives a variable amount of people individual control of volume, muting, etc. without other people's experience being disturbed.

Antenna: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D826PU6/
MP3 player I use: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MAPT7U/


It's a fairly unique situation that this solves, but it might help you get on the right track.

Also note that most gaming systems have a wireless headphones option and Many TVs support bluetooth audio.

Have you used the radio much? I returned mine, it's reception was so poor. Also it's usb chargeing is a joke compared to even the worst batterypack style chargers, and the good ones aren't spendy. I went with a cheaper radio that works better and is smaller.

Full change of clothes is always nice to have in the car, a sleeping bag at least in winter, and a decent shovel.

My favorite tip that seems to be over looked, or not followed by prepared people, since they try to help themselves. Is if you are stranded with your car, outside of civilization, it is nearly always best to stay with your car. You car is easier to find than you are and the searchers will likely be using the same roads you were/are on to find you. As long as someone knows roughly where you went and when you are expected back, you should easily be found.

any radio like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Eton-All-Purpose-Weather-Alert-Radio/dp/B00KFDPCVY

>S.A.M.E. and NOAA Weather Alerts

Something from Tecsun, for example:

https://www.amazon.ca/Tecsun-R-9012-Bands-Shortwave-Receiver/dp/B001HX4D84/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537447785&sr=8-18-spons&keywords=tecsun&psc=1

True for superchargers, but there are adapters to go from Tesla destination chargers to j-1772.

I've had the Sony SRF-59 pocket radio for years and years and I love it. Single AA battery lasts forever.

Emergency crank radio with USB out.

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EUG3II/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i02

just got back from a 12 day camp and it did really well. I did not do much iPhone charging, but the radio and flashlights worked fine. It played and charged during the day in the screen tent, and provided music and news and light all evening. I don't think the plastic bag would be a problem.

This One! I fucking love this rugged little guy. AM/FM/Weather Alert / Emergency Radio. Solar/Hand Crank/USB/Flashlight(with low, high, sos), runs off of a cr123/16340 battery.

I bought my radio from Amazon

This and this are both good options to start with.

Yeah see thats what I wanted to do, I was running a lot of my stuff on a charger but it wasn't worth it. The dollar store sells packs 8 double A's for a dollar and its worth just keeping them close to your core so the cold doesn't sap them and using them as you need them in everything. Plus I have nothing essential running on a battury mostly quality of life items like a radio and mini lamp. I might keep my charger for its cell phone attachment which does make it worth it for my longer excursions in the summer.

I do need to swap my gear over to AA, I need a new mini lamp and a decent AA radio. Maybe I could look for some more light quality of life shit as well. Might just get this actually:

https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WR-77-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B01BH6RPTY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469723599&sr=8-5&keywords=pocket+radio+AA&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Agreed.

Love my bluetooth shower speaker

https://www.amazon.ca/Sangean-America-SNGH201-Digital-Shower/dp/B000I3F91O

A walkman radio, from the looks of it.

Maybe you have one of these, but anyone who travels or boondocks a lot should have a radio that has the NOAA weather radio channels on it (there are lots on Amazon, but here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/Kaito-Portable-Shortwave-Weather-Flashlight/dp/B071DXSZ7Z ). Listen to it every couple of days to find out what's coming, like snowstorms or hurricanes or whatever.

How did you not know that weather was incoming? Was this the recent, "second bomb cyclone" storm that hit the country recently? You definitely handled that well, though. Nice job.

Ahh, thanks for the info! I don't think its a transmitter. Its am/fm/sw. Here's the exact radio: http://www.amazon.com/Eton-Shortwave-Variable-Full-Range-Controllers/dp/B000Q5APCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425177143&sr=8-1&keywords=grundig+s350

Got this in my Amazon cart:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754YX3NH

I am using an Anker SoundCore Nano. But it would be nice if the builtin speakers were able to produce an acceptable volume like my (smaller) Surface Pro 3 did.

says 11 meters but its actually 12-10 compadible only handles up to 30 watts (i would say half that)

I got one like this off Amazon and it works great! Has about a 2 block radius from my apt :)

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PB360C-Jobsite-Charger-Digital/dp/B015XPRYS2/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

This one is pretty good, we had one for our team. Not sure what your price range is. If you charge it the night before the battery should last you a whole day, and the bars that surround it protect it a little from taking a beating.

If you want to sniff around the entire frequency range the SDR is capable of receiving you will want something outdoors and as high as you can get it. Just stick a long wire in the center hole of the SMA connector and run it up a tree. Attaching a 15-20 foot wire to the outside of the SMA connector as a counterpoise might lower the noise floor a little.

When you're ready for a better setup, you'll still want it outdoors and high but you will also want to do a better job of matching the impedance of the SDR; something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141X3B5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_z8DEzbKNJ7ZMH

It works, I have a base station and just recently got one for my vehicle. Tested them out and it seemed to have worked. I had to buy a converter:

https://www.amazon.com/ProComm-Splitter-Stereo-Antenna-MultiPlexor/dp/B00HPH23LA/ref=asc_df_B00HPH23LA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312039479427&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4467245165713443493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026572&hvtargid=pla-569064667131&psc=1

hawehaweehawee

I keep this little one in my bugout bag: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Version-iRonsnow-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B013EQVDJ8?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B013EQVDJ8 no idea about it's longevity.

https://www.amazon.com/RADIWOW-Digital-Portable-Receiver-Activities/dp/B07MQWL9NJ/ref=pd_aw_lpo_23_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W2DP044G464C32S92HMS

Great question! I have not used the Field Kit but really want to try it out. In terms of sheer shortwave reception, I think the Field Kit is a filtered receiver, so you'll get a different kind of noise cancellation than with the RF Nomad and maybe less sounds of drifting. The RF Nomad has a really narrow band reception, which is its own drawback, so maybe the Field Kit has a higher range and less noise. I'm not sure what the difference between 'Search' and 'Tune' are for on the Field Kit (Maybe that's tune and fine tune)

If you're not interested in CV tuning and just want a great noise source, the Tecsun portable shortwave radios are fantastic. I have a few of them and really recommend them for the price: https://www.amazon.com/Tecsun-R-9012-Bands-Shortwave-Receiver/dp/B001HX4D84

Curious about any users of the Field Kit, too.

You could get one of these. It just has a terminal clip that holds onto the wire.


https://www.amazon.com/NooElec-Balun-One-Nine-Applications/dp/B00R09WHT6

Technically it’s meant to have a second wire to use as a counterpoise but it will still work fine for receiving.

Alternately you could give this a try.

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-shortwave-antenna-receiver-stations/dp/B0141X3B5W/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=long+wire+antenna&qid=1569688854&sr=8-4

sangean radios are usually pretty good:

http://www.amazon.com/Sangean-MMR-88-Weather-Alert-Radio/dp/B00OJZOOLI/

So far this is looking like the only one that works =/

The Eton I have is http://www.etoncorp.com/en/productdisplay/frx3-american-red-cross which is also the http://www.amazon.com/Eton-Turbine-Weather-Smartphone-Charger/dp/B007HSOAYU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Make sure you check the Amazon comparison chart for the Ambients before you buy, and check the reviews, too. More than several people have noted breakdowns, including in your post.

The Ambients are made poorly. The Etons have their issues, like batteries not performing as some expect them to but they don't break nearly as often as the Ambients.

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WR-333-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B009NUK6S4

The chart is at the bottom of that page. Read the reviews, don't just pull the trigger because three people recommend a brand. Ambient has about
20 radios, as does Eton.

The Eton is $5 cheaper and I haven't had an issue with it. It's also a bit less prone to breaking IMHO.

If I have to pick from "Maybe won't hold a charge for months." and "Maybe won't work at all." I'd pick the one with the batter complaints that doesn't break, the Eton, which also happens to be cheaper. And you can often find them on sale, to boot.

Now, when you upgrade when your Ambient breaks, buy a few of the FRX-3s or one of the FRX-5s, which will be out very soon. ;)

http://www.etoncorp.com/en/productdisplay/frx5

http://www.amazon.com/Eton-All-Purpose-Weather-Alert-Radio/dp/B00KFDPCVY

Also look at the hand crank and solar efficiency, that's important, too.