AM radio receivers, the OG of staying connected, are still the real MVPs in remote areas! Even with cell phone coverage making big gains lately, you just can’t beat the effectiveness and dependability of these bad boys. Whether you’re on a camping trip, adventuring in the wild, or scaling a mountain, you’ll be glad to have a long-range AM radio by your side. Get the latest scoop on news, sports, and weather warnings, even when mobile signals and FM radio fall short.
But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best AM radio for you? We’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of the best AM radios, including the best radio for AM reception, the best AM/FM radio for remote areas, and the best AM radio for great reception.
(Pro tip: Consider your specific needs before making a choice, each radio has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and one might be the best am, fm radio for remote areas, the best radio for AM reception, or the best am radio for you than others.)
The best AM/FM radios for long-reception in 2023
1. Sangean LB-100 Ultra Rugged Compact AM / FM Radio Yellow
Quick Overview: The Sangean LB-100 is a compact and durable AM radio, perfect for survival during harsh weather conditions. It boasts reliable performance, great audio quality, and is made of durable ABS plastic encased in a shock-resistant frame.
Features:
- Durable ABS plastic and shock-resistant frame
- 5-inch speaker with full and crisp sound
- High bass response
- Digital LCD display for precise tuning
- Tuner preset buttons for easy station switching
- Flexible antenna (not extendable) for durability
- Ideal for outdoor work and can withstand dust and water exposure
When it comes to surviving the harshest weather conditions, one must have a trusty AM radio by their side. Enter the Sangean LB-100. This petite radio packs a punch with its reliability, great audio quality, and unbeatable durability. Crafted from durable ABS plastic and encased in a shock-resistant frame, it is ideal for outdoor work and can withstand dust and water exposure.
The 5-inch speaker boasts a full, crisp sound and can get quite loud, making it a suitable companion for noisy job sites. Those who love a bassy sound profile will appreciate the high bass response, although those who prefer treble or balanced audio may be let down by the lack of bass/treble adjustment. Its digital LCD display provides precise tuning and those who frequently switch stations will find the tuner preset buttons handy.
The antenna is flexible but not extendable, making it durable, yet sacrificing some reception compared to radios with larger antennas. If you plan on using the LB-100 in remote locations, it may not be the best fit, but if you prioritize build quality and bass response, this radio may be the right choice for you.
2. Sangean WR-11 Wood Cabinet AM/FM Table Top Analog Radio Wooden
Quick Overview: The Sangean WR-11 offers a premium combination of style and sound quality. With its solid MDF cabinet and walnut finish, its warm, crisp sound profile and Dynamic Bass Compensation technology deliver an elevated listening experience.
Features:
- Solid MDF cabinet with walnut finish for sophistication
- Acoustically tuned cabinet and Dynamic Bass Compensation technology for rich, bass-driven sound
- Great high and medium tone replication for clear and crisp news broadcasts
- Excellent reception with both internal and external wire antenna options
- 3-inch 65W speaker for indoor use
- Tabletop design for home or office use
- Rivaling offerings from luxury brands like Tivoli, blending style, performance, and simplicity in one elegant package.
For those who seek a combination of style and premium sound quality, the Sangean WR-11 is an excellent choice. Its solid MDF cabinet with a walnut finish adds an element of sophistication, while its warm, crisp sound profile elevates your listening experience. With a price tag of around $86.99, the WR-11 is on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for in terms of build quality and audio performance.
The acoustically tuned cabinet and Dynamic Bass Compensation technology provide a rich, bass-driven sound that’s perfect for genres like rock and classical music. News broadcasts will also sound clear and crisp thanks to the WR-11’s great high and medium tone replication. Reception is excellent, with both internal and external wire antenna options available. Reviewers have noted that the WR-11 can even pick up AM stations that other indoor radios can’t.
While the WR-11’s 3-inch 65W speaker is loud enough for indoor use, it doesn’t quite match the volume of the Sangean LB-100. It’s designed for indoor use, with a tabletop design that makes it ideal for your home or office. The WR-11 offers a premium radio experience that rivals offerings from luxury brands like Tivoli, blending style, performance, and simplicity in one elegant package.
3. Sony ICFP26 Portable AM/FM Radio, Black
Quick Overview: The Sony ICF-P26 is a compact, portable AM/FM radio that's perfect for outdoor adventures. With a 100-hour battery life and an extended antenna for excellent reception, it's a reliable and practical choice for on-the-go listening.
Features:
- Sleek black plastic casing
- Compact dimensions of 12 x 7 cm
- Analog tuner for easy station selection
- Mono speaker with decent sound quality
- 100-hour battery life
- 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening
- Extended antenna for excellent reception
- Reliable and practical option for on-the-go listening
- Popular choice with the added reliability of the Sony brand name.
The Sony ICF-P26 is a compact, portable AM/FM radio that is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and portable option. Housed in a sleek black plastic casing, the compact dimensions of 12 x 7 cm make it perfect for carrying on long walks or outdoor adventures. It has an analog tuner for easy station selection and a mono speaker that may lack bass but offers a decent sound quality.
With a 100-hour battery life, the ICF-P26 is perfect for those who enjoy listening on the go. It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening with headphones. The extended antenna provides excellent reception, making it a great option for on-the-move listening.
Although it lacks some features of digital radios, such as station memory, the charm of an analog pocket radio and its long battery life make it a popular choice among those looking for a portable radio. The Sony brand name adds to its reliability and quality, making the ICF-P26 a top pick for portable AM radio options.
4. Panasonic Rf-2400D Am/FM Radio, Silver/Grey
Quick Overview: The Panasonic RF-2400D is a portable AM/FM radio that delivers exceptional sound and performance. With its sturdy, lightweight plastic housing and ability to be powered by both batteries and mains power, it's a great option for outdoor adventures.
Features:
- Sturdy, lightweight plastic housing
- Can be powered by both 4 AA batteries and mains power
- Built-in DC power adapter for convenience
- Excellent AM reception, even at night
- Good all-rounder that delivers sound and performance
- Reputable electronics brand
- Higher cost compared to other portable units but worth the investment.
The Panasonic RF-2400D Portable AM/FM Radio is a top-notch option for those looking for great sound and portability. The radio is encased in a sturdy, lightweight plastic housing, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Despite its higher cost compared to other portable units from cheaper Chinese brands, this radio is worth the investment as it is from a reputable electronics brand. It can be powered by both 4 AA batteries and mains power, with a built-in DC power adapter for convenience.
The AM reception is exceptional, picking up your favorite stations with ease during the day. The radio also performs well at night, separating signals and tuning with enough selectivity for after-dark listening. Whether for bedtime relaxation or camping trips, the Panasonic RF-2400D is a good all-rounder that delivers sound and performance to keep you tuned in to your favorite AM stations. It may not be a boombox, but this portable radio packs a punch and is a great choice.
5. PowerBear Portable Radio – Affordable and No-Frills!
Quick Overview: The PowerBear Portable Radio is a budget-friendly option for those in search of a simple and practical radio. Despite the generic brand name, it offers good reception and portability at a very reasonable price.
Features:
- Good reception
- Portable
- Budget-friendly
- Plastic build provides durability and stability
- Compact size for portability
- 3.5mm headphone jack for better sound experience
- Easy to use
- Decent battery life (2 AA batteries required)
- Lightweight (weighs only 3.7oz)
On to the next option, we have the PowerBear Portable Radio. This is a budget-friendly choice for those who are looking for a simple and practical radio.
Don’t be misled by the generic brand name, the PowerBear Portable Radio offers good reception and portability at a very reasonable price. It’s an excellent option for those who want a cheap, disposable radio that they can take on outdoor adventures without worrying about damaging it.
The plastic build provides enough durability and stability, and its compact size makes it extremely portable. Although the sound quality isn’t the best, the AM signals are good enough given the price point. Plus, with the 3.5mm headphone jack, you can easily connect a pair of high-quality headphones for a better listening experience. The radio is easy to use, has decent battery life (just pop in 2 AA batteries), and weighs only 3.7oz, less than a lemon!
In conclusion, the PowerBear Portable Radio may not have the best sound quality or the smoothest tuner, but it performs well enough for the price, especially if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind sacrificing some premium features.
Before investing in a radio, it’s essential to take into account the specific needs of your usage scenario. If you’re on a tight budget, both the PowerBear and Sony ICF-P26 provide great value with their impressive performance. However, a small increase in cost can lead to a significant improvement in sound quality.
Speaking of sound quality, consider the portability aspect of your radio. If you plan to take it outdoors, a small and lightweight option is the way to go. Sure, bigger radios with larger drivers offer improved sound and bass, but they come at the cost of convenience and portability. And, ask yourself this – will you be listening to your radio through the built-in speaker or with headphones? If you’re using headphones, a smaller radio like the Sony ICF-P26, with its Walkman-style capabilities, might be a better choice. After all, the built-in speaker quality won’t make much of a difference.
On the other hand, if you’re going to use your radio in harsh conditions, you need to think about ruggedness. Radios designed to withstand extreme weather or tough worksites are ideal for this scenario, and the Sangean LB-100 fits the bill perfectly!
No matter what your long-distance AM radio needs are, each of the options on this list delivers fantastic quality and performance at their respective price points. Check out the Amazon links to get the latest prices and make your choice with confidence!
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