Best Portable Shortwave Radios of 2026

"I recently picked up this radio and what stood out to me right away was the balanced, crisp sound quality. The reception is solid on both AM and FM, and I love the straightforward controls—just a simple switch and tuning knob. Being able to use either batteries or the plug is a big plus, especially for power outages or taking it outdoors. It’s got an old-school vibe with updated reliability. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable, no-fuss radio."

"I bought this compact Panasonic radio mainly for camping and emergencies, and I’ve been really impressed by its loud, clear speaker and excellent signal clarity. Tuning to stations is super easy, and it’s just as good on batteries as it is plugged in. For the price, the quality far exceeds my expectations. I’m so happy with it, I even ordered a second one!"

"I gifted this radio to my mother and after two years of use, it’s still going strong. The AM and FM tuning is very accurate, and the sound is pleasant without being harsh. The build quality is surprisingly solid for a plastic radio, and battery life is impressive—rechargeables last over a month. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for someone who prefers quality over extra features."

"I love that this radio offers solar power, battery backup, and Bluetooth—it’s been a great addition to my office. The compact size and retro look make it perfect for my desk. While the sound isn’t the best at high volumes, it’s just right for background music without disturbing others."

"I bought this for camping and emergencies because of its multiple power sources, including D cells, rechargeable battery, and solar panel. It’s lightweight, visually appealing, and easy to carry. The radio picks up stations well, and I especially appreciate the Bluetooth feature for playing music when needed."

"This radio is adorable, works well as a Bluetooth speaker, and has strong reception on both AM and FM. The solar charging and portability make it super convenient, and I’ve even picked up stations while in the car. It’s a great value for the nostalgic design and practical features."

"This radio has remarkably clear sound, even with inexpensive earbuds. I use it nightly to help me sleep, and it’s easy to operate and adjust stations. It works without static, even in my manufactured home where most radios struggle. I’m also happy that it uses regular or rechargeable batteries and a standard plug. It suits my needs at a great price."

"I bought this radio for my elderly mother, and she absolutely loves it. The controls are simple, the dial is large and easy to read, and it’s convenient to plug in. Perfect for her daily use."

"I’m impressed by the station reception—this radio pulls in distant stations better than others I’ve tried. The batteries last a long time, and the sound is decent. I dropped it from ten feet and only got a small crack, which I fixed easily. Highly recommended for price and performance."

"I got this radio for someone special, and they told me it's the perfect size and has fantastic sound. The dials are very easy to use, making it a convenient choice."

"This radio is my go-to for news and talk stations. I appreciate the solid build and good sound, plus it even came with an earplug. It’s a great value compared to pricier options."

"As a replacement for my old pocket radio, I found the digital tuner much easier to use and the radio offers good sound for both AM and FM. While weaker FM stations require finding the right spot, the overall sensitivity and performance meet my needs."

"I was impressed with how clear and powerful the sound is, especially given the radio’s compact size. It’s remarkably easy to pick up stations, and the reception stays strong whether I use it inside or outdoors. The lightweight design makes it super convenient for travel and outdoor activities. The battery lasts a long time and the controls are simple. I’d definitely recommend this radio!"

"I needed a small radio for my dog to enjoy music while I’m at work, and this fit the bill perfectly. It’s about the size of my hand, which makes it really easy to take camping or to the beach. The sound quality is solid, and just turning it on gives you plenty of volume. I love that the battery life is reliable and I can recharge it easily. Even my dog gets excited when I turn it on! I’d buy this again."

"I like the clear sound and compact size of this radio, but the volume knob is a bit too sensitive. It gets very loud very quickly, which made it hard to use at a comfortable level. Because of this, I ended up returning it, but otherwise, it worked well and picked up stations easily."

"I absolutely love the charming vintage appearance of this radio. The clear sound quality brings a lovely sense of nostalgia, and the Bluetooth feature makes streaming music from my phone super convenient. It’s also easy to use, portable, and adds a stylish touch to my décor."

"I was searching for a retro radio to relive the old Grand Ol’ Opry experience, and this one delivered! The backlit dial is a must-have for authenticity, and the radio is the perfect size for my mantle. The speaker is crisp and clear, and the Bluetooth connection means I can stream easily. Pairing it with vintage broadcasts makes for a perfect nostalgic evening."

"This little radio is adorable and fits perfectly on my kitchen counter. Even though it’s compact, the sound is surprisingly clear, and it doesn’t take up much space. I love how lightweight and easy to move it is, making it practical for any room."

"I’m really impressed by the compact size and surprisingly loud sound of this radio. The large volume and tuning knobs make it so convenient to operate. When I ran into an issue, I got excellent and prompt customer service—my problem was resolved within a week. I couldn’t be happier with the support I received."

"I bought this radio for my elderly mother because it’s lightweight and works well. The affordable price was a bonus, and she finds it easy to use. Overall, it’s been a great purchase for her needs."

"I’ve purchased this radio twice now—one for home and another for my office. No issues at all, and the sound is good with clear reception on many stations. It’s a handy little device that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a portable, reliable radio."

"This speaker delivers impressive volume for its size, and the battery just keeps going. Everything functions exactly as expected."

"I'm genuinely impressed by the quality of this speaker. After switching from my Dewalt DC10, this one feels like a significant upgrade."

"I love how small yet powerful the sound is with this radio. It’s super easy to use, and I can play or record MP3s without hassle. The battery lasts a long time, which is perfect for all my camping trips. It’s become my go-to for music and entertainment outdoors."

"For its size, this radio delivers amazing sound quality and picks up stations I haven’t been able to get with other radios, especially on FM. I use it mostly for music and audiobooks, and it handles different file formats well. After a quick tweak to the SD card latch, it works great. I liked it so much, I even got a second one and gave another to my brother. It’s an outstanding travel radio and fits perfectly in my pocket."

"I initially had some trouble with the battery compartment, but after contacting the seller, they quickly offered a replacement, showing they really care about their customers. The radio gets good reception, the audio is solid, and the battery charges fast and lasts through the night. The controls take a bit to learn, but overall, it’s a handy device—especially in emergencies."

"I’m really happy with this radio! The sound is great, and the two speaker tone settings actually make a difference. The antenna helps me find strong signals easily, and the battery lasts a long time. For the price, I haven’t found anything better."

"I bought this for my father in a nursing home because every function has its own simple switch or knob, making it really easy to use. The sound and reception are solid, and it gets quite loud. I appreciate how stable it is with the D batteries, even though AA batteries would be lighter. Overall, it’s perfect for anyone needing a straightforward radio."

"I’m pleasantly surprised at how full and clear the sound is, and how well it picks up distant stations, even from 70 miles away. I’ve tried a lot of radios in my ‘dead zone,’ but this is the only one that hasn’t been returned. It’s definitely a keeper."