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10 Best Pocket Radios 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

PRUNUS J-166 Portable Radio AM FM, Battery Operated Radio with Tuning Light, Back Clip, Excellent Reception, AM FM Radios Portable, Transistor Radios

The PRUNUS J-166 Portable Radio stands out as a handy and lightweight option for those who need a simple, easy-to-use radio. Its compact size, approximately the same as an iPhone 7, and weight of just 4.2 oz (without batteries) make it very portable. The back clip and lanyard enhance its portability, making it convenient to carry during activities like morning exercise or park strolls.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,132
Size and Weight
Battery Life
Tuning Options

Most important from
6164 reviews

Size and Weight
The radio is small enough to fit in your pocket, making it highly portable.
Battery Life
This radio is perfect for power outages, with a fresh set of AA batteries lasting a long time.
Tuning Options
The tuning light on the front is handy for zeroing in on stations.
Sound Quality
For the price, the sound quality is good and sounds natural, not too tight or tinny.
Reception
It picks up local radio stations very clearly, especially on FM.
#2
9.6 score

Bluetooth AM FM Shortwave Radio with NOAA Weather Alert,1250mAh Rechargeable Portable Pocket Radio with Best Reception,5W Big Speaker, Digital Tuner and Earphone,Support SD Card and USB MP3 Player

This portable pocket radio stands out for its versatility and practical features. It covers four different bands (AM, FM, Shortwave, and Weather Band), providing access to a wide range of stations, including NOAA weather alerts for emergency updates. With a compact size (about 4 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches) and light weight (9.1 ounces), it is easy to carry around, especially with its back clip and wrist strap. The 1250mAh rechargeable battery offers 10-12 hours of use per charge, making it reliable for outdoor activities or travel without frequent charging.

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Size and Weight
Battery Life

Most important from
207 reviews

Sound Quality
The speaker delivers crystal clear, natural sound that stands out even for those with hearing aids, making AM, FM, and weather broadcasts exceptionally clear.
Size and Weight
This radio excels as a multi-functional device, offering AM, FM, shortwave, weather band, Bluetooth streaming, and SD card playback in a compact, portable form.
Battery Life
Rechargeable battery life of 10-12 hours supports extended use during outdoor activities without frequent recharging.
Tuning Options
Controls are digital pushbuttons with useful features like button lock and sleep timer, though the complexity might challenge users seeking a very simple radio.
Reception
Reception quality is generally strong outdoors, with AM, FM, and weather bands performing well, while shortwave reception is decent but can be improved with an external antenna.
Additional Features
The bright, easy-to-read digital display shows band, frequency, battery level, presets, and track info, enhancing usability compared to typical pocket radios.
#3
9.5 score

C. Crane CC Skywave 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, VHF Aviation Band, Small Battery-Operated Portable Travel Radio with Clock and Alarm

The C. Crane CC Skywave 2 is a compact and lightweight pocket radio, weighing just 6 ounces and measuring 4.75 x 1.1 x 3 inches. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around during travel. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 70 hours with earbuds and 60 hours using the built-in speaker, which is excellent for extended use without frequent recharging.

Rating
9.5
Size and Weight
Reception

Most important from
103 reviews

Size and Weight
A great little radio that has everything one could want in a small package.
Reception
Packed with features and offers great reception.

Top 10 Best Pocket Radios 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

PRUNUS J-166 Portable Radio AM FM, Battery Operated Radio with Tuning Light, Back Clip, Excellent Reception, AM FM Radios Portable, Transistor Radios

Size and Weight: 2.7 x 1.1 x 5 inches, 4.2 oz
Tuning Options: Three control buttons, tuning indicator light
Sound Quality: Built-in magnetic speaker, 3.5mm jack
Reception: 16.5-inch adjustable antenna, advanced DSP chip
Additional Features: Portable, Dust Resistant, Lightweight, Built-In AM Antenna

Chosen by 1132 this week

C. Crane CC Skywave 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, VHF Aviation Band, Small Battery-Operated Portable Travel Radio with Clock and Alarm

Size and Weight: 4.75 x 1.1 x 3 inches, 6 oz
Battery Life: 70 hrs earbuds, 60 hrs speaker
Tuning Options: AM, FM, NOAA, Shortwave, VHF
Reception: Digitally tuned, external antenna jack
Additional Features: Clock, alarm, LCD display, headphone jack

AM FM Walkman Radio:900mAh Rechargeable Portable Transistor Pocket Radio with Best Reception Digital Tuning, LCD Screen,Stereo Earphone Jack, Sleep Timer and Alarm Clock for Jogging,Walking Grey

Size and Weight: 2 x 0.7 x 4 inches, 3.17 oz
Battery Life: 900mAh rechargeable battery
Tuning Options: Digital LCD, 20 preset stations
Sound Quality: Stereo, upgraded speakers, headphone jack
Reception: DSP chip, extended antenna, AM/FM
Additional Features: Sleep timer, alarm, screen lock

C. Crane CCRadio-2E Enhanced Portable AM FM Weather and 2-Meter Ham Band (Black) CC2BE

Size and Weight: 11"L x 6.5"W x 4"H, 4 lbs
Battery Life: up to 250 hours on 4 D batteries
Tuning Options: AM, FM, NOAA, 2-Meter Ham band
Reception: Strong AM/weather, Twin-Coil Antenna
Additional Features: clock, alarm, sleep timer, light, jack

Personal AM/FM Pocket Radio Portable VR-robot, Mini Digital Tuning Radio, with Rechargeable Battery, Earphone, Lock Screen for Walk/Jogging/Gym/Camping

Size and Weight: 3.3 x 1.85 x 0.5 inches
Battery Life: 500mAh battery
Tuning Options: Digital tuning, 58 stations
Sound Quality: Adequate through earphones
Reception: Good for AM and FM bands
Additional Features: Lock screen, lanyard, 12-month guarantee

Sony SRF-M37W Walkman Digital Tuning Weather/FM/AM Stereo Radio (Black)

Size and Weight: 4.8 ounces, 2.5 x 1.31 x 3.37 inches
Tuning Options: 20 preset stations, 5 weather band
Additional Features: Built-in clock, headphones, belt clip
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Buying Guide for the Best Pocket Radios

When choosing a pocket radio, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a device that meets your needs. Pocket radios are great for their portability and convenience, but the right choice depends on how you plan to use it. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Size and WeightSize and weight are crucial for a pocket radio because they determine how easily you can carry it around. A smaller, lighter radio is more portable and can fit comfortably in your pocket or bag. If you plan to use the radio while on the go, such as during walks or commutes, opt for a compact and lightweight model. However, if you prioritize features over portability, a slightly larger radio might be acceptable.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the radio can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is important for ensuring you have continuous access to your radio, especially if you use it frequently or in situations where recharging isn't convenient. Radios with longer battery life are ideal for extended use, such as during travel or outdoor activities. Consider your usage patterns and choose a radio with a battery life that matches your needs.
Tuning OptionsTuning options refer to how you select radio stations. There are two main types: analog and digital. Analog tuning involves manually turning a dial to find stations, which can be less precise but offers a nostalgic feel. Digital tuning allows for more precise station selection and often includes features like preset stations and digital displays. If you prefer ease of use and accuracy, go for digital tuning. If you enjoy the traditional experience, analog might be more suitable.
Sound QualitySound quality is about how clear and pleasant the audio is from the radio. This can vary based on the speaker size and quality, as well as the radio's ability to receive clear signals. If you plan to use the radio in noisy environments or for listening to music, prioritize models with good sound quality. For casual listening or talk radio, basic sound quality might suffice. Test the radio if possible to ensure it meets your expectations.
ReceptionReception refers to the radio's ability to pick up signals from various stations. Good reception is essential for clear audio and access to a wide range of stations. Radios with better antennas or those that support both AM and FM bands typically offer better reception. If you live in an area with weak signals or plan to use the radio in different locations, choose a model known for strong reception capabilities.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your pocket radio. These might include things like Bluetooth connectivity, weather alerts, or built-in flashlights. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific needs. For example, Bluetooth can allow you to use the radio as a speaker for your phone, while weather alerts are great for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose a radio with features that align with your lifestyle and preferences.

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