The 5 Best Shortwave Radios for Hobbyists
With so many choices out there, picking the right takes time.
We looked at reviews, specs, and overall performance to narrow it down.
The best option wasn’t the most expensive — but it delivered where it counts.
1
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise,...
10
Amazon.com
2
Jazmm Portable Shortwave Radio with 5W Bass Sound, AIR/AM/FM/VHF/SW/WB Worldband Radio with Bluetooth and APP Control, 2000mAh Rechargeable Battery with 9.85...
9.7
Amazon.com
3
Greadio Portable Shortwave Radio with Best Reception,AM FM Transistor,LCD Display,Time Setting,Battery Operated by 4 D Cell Batteries or AC Power,Big...
9.7
Amazon.com
4
Raddy RF320 APP Control Shortwave Radio, AIR/FM/AM/VHF/SW/WB Receiver, Portable Radio Rechargeable w/ 9.85 Ft Wire Antenna (Black)
9.3
Amazon.com
5
LJJDSLYU S-Pixie CW QRP Ham Amateur Shortwave Radio Transceiver 7.023 7.050 Mhz DIY Kits with Transparent Acrylic Shell
8.6
Amazon.com
Top Pick
This is the product that stood out most — for performance, price, and overall value.
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise,...
$38.67
$40.94
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Part Number | 202308-R11Gray |
| Model | ca86f0dc-cb4a-4a59-b583-4716fcfa8650 |
| Warranty | 12-month |
| Color | Grey |
- 【Listen All World Sound】This emergency radio pick up stations on the NOAA/AM/FM/SW bands, you can receive signals in both manual and scanning tuning modes to meet your every need. In addition, this hand crank radio has 7 natural white noises to help you fall asleep easily, and a 10-70 minute timed auto shut-off feature to help you conserve power.
- 【Enjoy Your Favorite Music】This emergency crank radio connects to Bluetooth 5.0 for use as an audio player, and the built-in 5-watt magnetic speaker provides you with superb sound quality so you can enjoy your favorite music. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use headphones for quiet listening. Also, the radio has access to a USB drive/TF/Micro SD card slot.
- 【3 Ways To Power The Radio】This portable shortwave radio has a built-in 4000mAh rechargeable battery with 3 charging options, you can use the Type-C connector to charge the radio on a daily basis, providing up to 32 hours of playback time on a full charge. In case of emergency, you can use the hand crank and solar power to charge the radio in an emergency.
- 【Emergency Features for Preparedness】Stay informed of weather emergencies with this emergency radio with NOAA weather alerts. With a 120LM flashlight, compass, and SOS alert, this emergency radio can also be used as a mobile power source for emergency charging of your devices to stay connected in case of an emergency. It is a must-have for earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, power outages and other emergencies.
- 【Ideal For Outdoor Lovers】Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this emergency radio is one of the ideal choices for their outdoor tools.This package includes R11 Radio*1, Type-C Cord*1, User Manual*1, Military Style Box*1, Carrying Strap*1.
Other Options That Stood Out
Here are the other options we recommend. Each brings something different to the table, depending on what you’re looking for.
Emgykit Portable Shortwave Radio - 4000mAh/14800mWh AM/FM/WB/SW Shortwave Radio with Bluetooth Speaker, Flashlight, Sleep Timer, SOS Alarm, and White Noise,...
$38.67
$40.94
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Part Number | 202308-R11Gray |
| Model | ca86f0dc-cb4a-4a59-b583-4716fcfa8650 |
| Warranty | 12-month |
| Color | Grey |
- 【Listen All World Sound】This emergency radio pick up stations on the NOAA/AM/FM/SW bands, you can receive signals in both manual and scanning tuning modes to meet your every need. In addition, this hand crank radio has 7 natural white noises to help you fall asleep easily, and a 10-70 minute timed auto shut-off feature to help you conserve power.
- 【Enjoy Your Favorite Music】This emergency crank radio connects to Bluetooth 5.0 for use as an audio player, and the built-in 5-watt magnetic speaker provides you with superb sound quality so you can enjoy your favorite music. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use headphones for quiet listening. Also, the radio has access to a USB drive/TF/Micro SD card slot.
- 【3 Ways To Power The Radio】This portable shortwave radio has a built-in 4000mAh rechargeable battery with 3 charging options, you can use the Type-C connector to charge the radio on a daily basis, providing up to 32 hours of playback time on a full charge. In case of emergency, you can use the hand crank and solar power to charge the radio in an emergency.
- 【Emergency Features for Preparedness】Stay informed of weather emergencies with this emergency radio with NOAA weather alerts. With a 120LM flashlight, compass, and SOS alert, this emergency radio can also be used as a mobile power source for emergency charging of your devices to stay connected in case of an emergency. It is a must-have for earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, power outages and other emergencies.
- 【Ideal For Outdoor Lovers】Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this emergency radio is one of the ideal choices for their outdoor tools.This package includes R11 Radio*1, Type-C Cord*1, User Manual*1, Military Style Box*1, Carrying Strap*1.
Greadio Portable Shortwave Radio with Best Reception,AM FM Transistor,LCD Display,Time Setting,Battery Operated by 4 D Cell Batteries or AC Power,Big...
$35.90
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Part Number | GR-T26 |
| Model | GR-T26 |
| Color | Grey |
| Size | 9.45*2.4*5.9in |
- New Upgraded:LCD Display with Best Reception:Equipped with a big LCD screen, you can easily and clearly to see each AM;FM;Shortwave stations when tuning the knob on this portable radio. The long antenna and advanced DSP chip ensure a ultra strong stable radio signal for you to listen to your favourite music, NPR, sports and news stations no matter at home or outdoor. Never miss a station and you will have a relax radio time with your family and friends with this am fm radio
- Simple to Operate, Convenient to Use:Not like other radios which are too small to operate, our shortwave radio is big enough to use and easy to operate for both elder and children as the knobs are large to tune and the LCD screen is clear to see. A handle on the radio makes it not difficult to take outside. Beyond that, a time setting is available for you to see on the LCD display, so it is not just a fm radio but also a clock for you. Buy this transistor radio, bring convenience to your life
- Two Powerful Charging Ways:This am fm radio is designed for two charging ways. While you are indoor, the AC power for you to plug the charging cable(include) in the wall to listen radio whole day. If there power outage, don't worry, inserts four D Cell batteries(not include) in the shortwave radio that you can continue to connect and get broadcast news in real time. And the battery can be easily found in every household and stores. Keep one in your house, you will happy to have this portable radio
- Good Sounds Quality and Earphone Jack:With a premium built in two walt speaker, this transistor radio offers a big great sound, it can easily fill a room with your favorite musics or baseball game. And you can choose high/low tune mode as you like to listen on the shortwave radio. A good choice for radio lover. Moreover, an 3.5 mm earphone jack here is designed for those who wants to have private listening space. Take this portable radio for picnic,camping or party,leave a good memory with your friends
- Ideal Christmas Gift:With its classic appearance and simple operation, our portable radio is best sell on many countries. If you are distressing on what to buy to your parents, grandparents, uncles or aunts, this am fm radio is the best choice for you. It is a thoughtful Christmas gift to fill their heart to joy and remember you! Besides, we support a twelve-month manufacturer,and 24/7 customer service to make it no risk for you to purchase this fm radio
Jazmm Portable Shortwave Radio with 5W Bass Sound, AIR/AM/FM/VHF/SW/WB Worldband Radio with Bluetooth and APP Control, 2000mAh Rechargeable Battery with 9.85...
$79.99
$88.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Model | A320 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Color | Blue |
- 【Multi-functional Shortwave Radio】 This portable shortwave radio can receive signals from AIR,VHF,SW,WB,AM,MW bands, making it all-in-one radio for various needs. Airband radio can help you know information when you travel on the plane.This can also be used as a weather radio,you can listen to weather station when you need to know the weather on your block or encounter emergency.The signal coverage is wide and you can listen to music, news, sports, weather reports, aviation reports.
- 【2000 mAh Rechargeable Battery】This rechargeable radio has a built-in 2000 mAh rechargeable battery,charge by type-c 5V/1A power adapter, the charging time is 4h while it can be used more than 23 hours.When you go outside for a long time, you can take it out without worrying about running out of power.This portable shortwave radio comes with a storage bag and lanyard for you to carry outdoor.The shortwave radio has a recording function, you can use the APP to record the current broadcast.
- 【5W Bass Speaker&6 EQ Sound】This muli-band radio has 2-inch 5w high power speakers, the sound is loud and full. Adopting advanced noise reduction chip, the sound is clear with high fidelity,you can enjoy superior sound quality even outdoors. Built-in large-diameter bass diaphragm, give you the ultimate bass experience and HIFI stereo sound enjoyment. This worldband radio has 6 stereo sound effects in music playback mode, so you can enjoy multiple sound effects as you like.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 &APP Control】The shortwave radio receiver built-in the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip for fast pairing and 20 meters stable connection for iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS systems.In addition, this portable shortwave radio has APP remote control.You can turning, select band, record your favorite radio station, preset station, synchronize your phone's time through the app.Use this portable shortwave radio app to control settings and customize your listening experience.
- 【Excellent Reception & 995 Memory】Using upgraded DSP signal receiving chip, receiving signal is more stable and no interference. The built-in 15.4-inch ultra-long antenna is more stable when you use it near the window.External 9.5" antenna makes reception more stable.The all-band radio can preset 995 stations (FM/VHF/AM/SW/AIR: 199 of each) and manually delete saved channels.You only need to call up the preset station when you use it, no need to repeat searching.
- 【SOS Alert&Sleep Timer】This shortwave radio receiver has SOS emergency alerts, you can ask for help when you are in an emergency. 1w integrated flashlight allows you to light up in an emergency. This shortwave radio also has an LCD backlit display for easy tuning in the dark. This radio is powerful, you can set the time, alarm clock, sleep countdown,automatic power-on,at the set time, then the radio will ring.
- 【4 Play Modes & Big Knob】This is not just a shortwave radio,it powerful with 4 play modes. Bluetooth 5.0 remote connection as a speaker to play your favorite songs, supports up to 256G TF cards to play MP3,WMA,WAV,APE,FLAC multiple file formats, connects to computer for file transfer, AUX-IN input as an external speaker.The shuttle tuning and large rotary tuning button make this worldband radio simple to use.
Raddy RF320 APP Control Shortwave Radio, AIR/FM/AM/VHF/SW/WB Receiver, Portable Radio Rechargeable w/ 9.85 Ft Wire Antenna (Black)
$74.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Part Number | 908592832 |
| Model | RF320 |
| Warranty | 18-months warranty |
| Color | Black |
- Comprehensive Coverage: RF320 is an exceptional shortwave radio that can receive AIR, FM, VHF, MW, SW, and WB signals, providing you with a comprehensive coverage of global news, sports, music, weather and entertainment on the go.
- User-friendly App Design: This advanced device supports BT 5.0 connection for iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS systems with app remote control. You can use the app to conveniently record your favorite show, digitally tune using the numerical keypad, name channels, and more with just a few taps.
- Advanced Tuning and 955 Station Storage: The RF320 has auto, semi-auto, and manual search functions, along with digital and manual knob tuning. With fine-tuning knobs offering a minimum step value of 0.005MHZ, you can easily find your desired frequency. It also allows you to save up to 955 stations, including 199 each for AIR, FM, VHF, MW, and SW.
- More than A Receiver: Connect your phone or other devices via BT or TF card playback, enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks on the go. It also can be an emergency kit with flashlight and SOS functions.
- Enhanced Using Experience with Accessories: With the 9.8' wire antenna included, you'll experience improved reception no matter where you go. Moreover, the RF320 is incredibly portable, thanks to its lanyard, making it ideal for on-the-go listening.
LJJDSLYU S-Pixie CW QRP Ham Amateur Shortwave Radio Transceiver 7.023 7.050 Mhz DIY Kits with Transparent Acrylic Shell
$15.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Features
| Part Number | S-PIXIE |
| Model | 791564866767 |
| Warranty | 1 |
- "PIXIE" is mini the 40 meter band simple micro-power amplitude telegraph transceiver, 9 ~ 13.8V DC power supply
- Resistance to change is a horizontal packaging vertical packaging, easy to solve the short-circuit resistance has long been a problem.
- Power input does not distinguish between positive and negative, and to improve the power supply range, the user can easily use 13.8V communication power supply, and do not worry about the positive and negative reversed losses.
- Increasing the transmitter side as the buzzer sound prompts (using a jumper cap shielding sound), an increase of LED lights as transmitters prompt.
- You will receive the balun kits with the instructions.Or please contact the seller for the PDF instructions. Enjoy.Thx
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