Whether at home or outdoors, 8 out of 10 English people listen to the radio every day for almost 3 hours. With its LCD display, sound quality, DAB+ digital tuner and excellent value for money, the Sony XDR-S41D is the best portable radio on the market today. Discover more choices with our selection of the best portable radios.
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Our selection
"Elegant design, sober color and a multitude of features! This little radio from Philips has it all. It includes a CD player so you can…"
"A little jump in the past! This Prunus portable radio with its retro design charms by its look, its price, but also by its options.…"
"The Roberts Radio Stream 94i E portable Internet radio is a concentrate of technology and offers wide radio reception possibilities. It provides unparalleled ease of…"
"Modern and well-priced, this small JBL Tuner 2 Bluetooth radio and speaker is the perfect choice if you're looking for a functional, space-saving device with…"
Elegant design, sober color and a multitude of features! This little radio from Philips has it all. It includes a CD player so you can listen to your favorite songs, all with exceptional sound quality.
55,99 £ on AmazonDon't miss any more news or information with this Philips Audio AZB500/12 portable radio. It receives all FM stations as well as those on the DAB and DAB+ bands. Thanks to innovative technology, there's no need to search for the clearest signal. It is also equipped with a system of memorization and automatic classification of the channels.
Much more than a simple radio, this device is equipped with an audio input compatible with your smartphone, computer or tablet. But its real asset lies in the presence of a player compatible with various media CD, CD-R, CD-RW. It is also a compact and powerful device with a deep bass level. Moreover, the programming of 20 tracks allows you a selective reading which adapts to your desires.
A little jump in the past! This Prunus portable radio with its retro design charms by its look, its price, but also by its options. Its device hides a lot of technologies that may scotch you on the spot.
24 £ on AmazonVintage doesn't mean outdated, and this Prunus portable radio proves it! Designed to go with you wherever you go, it is powered by a rechargeable 1800 mAh battery and offers a great 18 hours of listening time at medium volume. Despite the fact that the radio function is basic with its AM, FM and SW bands, this little radio is ideal for everyday use.
This Prunus portable model can also act as a speaker thanks to a wireless Bluetooth connection. The 3 W speaker on its side sends a clear and noise-free sound. So you can listen to your playlist wherever you are! It is also equipped with a micro SD reader and a USB port.
The Roberts Radio Stream 94i E portable Internet radio is a concentrate of technology and offers wide radio reception possibilities. It provides unparalleled ease of use, not to mention its unique retro look.
239 £ on AmazonPowered by an optional rechargeable battery or AC power, the Roberts Radio Stream 94i E portable radio opens the door to an expanded world of radio stations. Connect it to your box via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable and easily find your favorite web radio channels from over 20,000 podcasts and stations. You also have access to millions of songs online with Spotify Connect.
This retro-style radio with wood finish features a DAB/DAB+ and FM digital tuner. In addition to station name search, the unit is capable of storing some 120 presets. Its remote-controlled features extend to a music player via Bluetooth. Pair it with your smartphone or tablet to play your music in warm stereo sound, whether it's in mp3, FLAC or WMA format. However, you can also plug a flash drive into the USB port for direct playback. A headphone jack and an AUX input for cell phones are present.
Modern and well-priced, this small JBL Tuner 2 Bluetooth radio and speaker is the perfect choice if you're looking for a functional, space-saving device with the best sound technology.
63,99 £ on AmazonJBL Tuner 2 is a small multifunctional device that you can use anywhere! This small portable radio allows you to listen to your FM radio broadcasts, but also DAB and DAB+ digital radios. There's no need to waste time searching, as it picks up the clearest frequencies to give you exceptional listening quality. The backlit LCD screen clearly displays information about the chosen station.
But this device can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker and allows you to listen to your music stored in your mobile device or computer. Its 9075 Wh rechargeable battery provides 12 hours of autonomy, so you can fully enjoy the sound emitted by the 4.4 cm speaker.
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The best portable radio in 2021
The best entry-level portable radio
The best high-end portable radio
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Philips Audio AZB500/12
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PRUNUS Vintage
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Roberts Radio Stream 94i E
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JBL Tuner 2
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Elegant design, sober color and a multitude of features! This little radio from Philips has it all. It includes a CD player so you can listen to your favorite songs, all with exceptional sound quality.
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A little jump in the past! This Prunus portable radio with its retro design charms by its look, its price, but also by its options. Its device hides a lot of technologies that may scotch you on the spot.
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The Roberts Radio Stream 94i E portable Internet radio is a concentrate of technology and offers wide radio reception possibilities. It provides unparalleled ease of use, not to mention its unique retro look.
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Modern and well-priced, this small JBL Tuner 2 Bluetooth radio and speaker is the perfect choice if you're looking for a functional, space-saving device with the best sound technology.
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Tuner type
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Digital
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Analogue
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Analog / Digital
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Digital
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Power supply
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Battery, AC
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Internal rechargeable battery of 1200 mAh
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Optional player and battery
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9075 Wh rechargeable battery
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Bands supported
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FM, DAB/DAB+
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FM, AM, AMV
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FM, DAB/DAB+, RDS
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FM, DAB/DAB+
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Number of presets
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20
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-
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60
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5
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Additional options
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Bluetooth CD player 2 speakers
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Micro SD card reader Bluetooth and auxiliary function Speaker function
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Spotify connect Bluetooth compatible Network and USB audio player Wifi alarm clock function
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Waterproof IPX7 Bluetooth Backlit LCD screen
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It can be annoying to search for your favorite station when you're not the only one using the radio at home. The preset allows you to find the programs you want with one click. Depending on the price, the preset can go up to 20 stations and is also useful for quick synchronization of AM and FM stations.
Depending on whether you predestine the portable radio for nomadic use (on a desk, dining table, in a workshop, etc.) or sedentary use (travel, picnics, etc.), you'll need to pay attention to ease of transport. For external use, for example, the presence of a handle can be useful to move with the radio easily.
Variable according to the models, the battery life of a portable radio can reach 20 h. But this will depend strongly on the use. If you are used to using headphones or earphones, you should know that they consume less energy than the speaker. Also, many portable radios use 3 or 5 batteries.
The portable radio has nothing to do with connected speakers. So don't expect an ultra sophisticated device. It is stillcapable of connecting to other devices via Bluetooth and/or USB for more convenience. You can play your playlist from a smartphone or USB stick, and turn the radio into a speaker.
They can range from a simple time display, to a built-in alarm clock, to a front LED light and solar power panel. The choice is up to you depending on what you are interested in. Do you want a basic radio or an all-purpose device that can be used in many situations?
While some portable radios offer analog, digital and Internet reception, others can only receive FM radio, as well as short and medium wave stations. So which portable radio should you choose, depending on your use?
To listen to the radio outside urban areas and Internet coverage
Several major international and national radio stations are still broadcast on medium wave. You can listen to them on your compatible portable radio wherever you are. Whether you're on a hike or traveling to an area far from civilization, you can listen to the radio using analog reception. Of course, if your equipment has related connectors such as the jack or USB port, you can play your favorite music.
To receive digital radio and FM stations
If you're within FM radio coverage areas, a portable radio with FM reception lets you access your favorite shows or local channels. But be sure to choose a DAB+ compatible radio, as this type of portable radio can receive both FM and digital terrestrial radio stations, giving you a wider choice of stations. In any case, always consider coverage, as FM stations have a range of only a few dozen kilometers. If you use your portable radio at home, coverage will not be a problem. In this case, choose a DAB+ compatible radio if the area is covered by DTT.
To access Web radios
More and more radio stations are available on the web, from local stations to national and international radio stations. If you have a fast Internet connection at home or if you often have access to Wi-Fi hotspots even when you are on the move, Internet radio is more interesting in terms of reception quality. Apart from the large number of available stations, you also benefit from the best sound quality of the three technologies.
There are 3 types of portable radios on the market: analog, DAB and internet. The choice will depend on your aesthetic tastes and your real needs in use. Indeed, it makes no sense to buy an ultra sophisticated device if you are satisfied with a basic use.
Analog radiooften has a vintage look
, which is not unpleasant. Its name comes from the analog tuner that allows you to pick up FM and AM stations via a dial. However, there are analog radios with digital selection, i.e. buttons and an LCD screen to automatically search for stations. Others offer related functions such as alarm clock or weather station.
You can pick up the waves for free in the air with analog sound quality. Expect some crackling if the antenna is not properly pointed or if your location has poor reception. The number of channels available is also limited and the offering will depend on where you live.
The
DAB+ standard is used worldwide for DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), known in the UK as RNT or digital terrestrial radio. As with DTT,this technology significantly improves sound and reception
. In addition, all DAB radios can receive FM radios. You should also know that your DAB+ portable radio can be used as a Bluetooth speaker for your MP3 player or smartphone.
Note that the digital tuner only picks up in areas with coverage. In other words, theme channels will not be available to everyone, at least not until the DAB network is fully deployed. By the way, many local FM radio stations have not yet jumped to DAB+, but it should be noted that network expansion is underway.
This type of radio is equipped with an internet tuner, which allows it to pick up the famous web radios. The set has access to thousands of online stations (NRJ, RMC, thematic radios, foreign stations...), no matter where you are. You can also listen to music via Spotify, Deezer or from your computer, and even listen to your music via the Bluetooth speaker function.
However, using internet radio requires an internet connection. In addition to the costs involved, you'll have to consider the headache of network quality, weather and the existence of nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.
In the past, all radios had analog controls. You had to turn the big analog tuner dial to find a station. Nowadays, digital controls are the most common. But you can still find analog pocket radios, especially in the entry-level segment.
For the more indecisive, there is still the all-in-one radio. This means that the device integrates FM radio, DAB+ and internet radio. The price is higher than the other types of radios, but it is likely that the offer will be more extensive in the future.
According to a study released in 2019, radio accounts for nearly 2/3 of the overall volume of all audio content listened to in a day. And portable radio ranks high among multimedia devices. Here are the reasons for this plebiscite.
Portability
Super light, the portable radio is easy to carry. You can take it with you on trips, excursions, hikes, camping and fishing trips. No electrical connection is required - just batteries or a power pack to power it up from anywhere.
Autonomy
One of the most important features of portable radios is their long battery life. Although they often come with a power cable, their batteries last quite a long time, allowing them to be used without cables for many hours.
Practical
Portable radios are often accompanied by related functions such as alarm clock, alarm, or clock, and are very simple, but very practical devices. Many of them are multi-functional and are particularly suitable for travellers.
Compact
Another advantage of portable radios is their ultra-compact size. This means they can be easily stored in a suitcase, pocket or bag. They can also adorn your bedside tables, desks or worktops without getting in the way.
Get information from anywhere
Not everyone has access to a wifi or 3G/4G/5G connection. And new technologies are far from infallible. A storm or a strong wind can leave you without a connection for days. To avoid being cut off from the rest of the world in the countryside or on the open sea, a portable radio can be a lifesaver.
In our opinion, the best brands of portable radios in 2022 are :
The Japanese giant, present in the music, cinema and consumer electronics industries, needs no introduction. The very mention of its name evokes an idea of quality. Sony is not the world leader in portable radio sales for nothing!
The American manufacturer is mostly known for its Bluetooth speakers, headphones and earphones. But JBL has come up with a little gem with its JBL Tuner portable radio. If you plan to transform your radio into a speaker for your MP3 player, this brand is a must.
Although less well known than Sony, the Japanese brand Panasonic has nothing to envy it. Its entry-level and high-end portable radios are among the most reliable on the market.
Philips is no slouch when it comes to portable radios. The Dutch giant excels in almost everything it touches. The brand's offer is mainly focused on the entry and mid-range, with very interesting quality/price ratios.
The French manufacturer Muse would benefit from being better known. It produces a very wide range of portable radios. Whether you listen to the radio at home, at work or during any other activity, Muse has what you need.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Improve your station reception
To improve the reception of your portable radio, extend the antenna until it is as long as possible. This way, it will be in better contact with the transmitters. Also remember to place your radio near the window, not against concrete or metal objects. If your radio uses batteries, make sure they are good quality, strong and long lasting. Not only do bad batteries affect the life of your radio, but they can also leak or rust, causing irreversible damage.
Consider the quality of the batteries
For even more convenience, turn to a mini portable radio that you can plug your headphones into. Hand-sized, this radio can fit in your bag or even your pocket without taking up any space. When not in use, store your radio in a safe place, away from heat, light and moisture. It's also best to keep it out of the reach of small children. Dust, germs, and bacteria can accumulate on the outside of your radio. Since it's a device you use every day, it's a good idea to clean it regularly. To do this, take a damp cloth with a little soap and gently rub the outside of your radio. Then wipe it down with a dry cloth.
Think of the mini portable radio
Store your radio in the right place
Take care of your radio
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