13 best radios

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Radio receivers are gradually losing their relevance. Now many people prefer to listen to music via the Internet, or download it to a flash drive. Nevertheless, there remains a separate layer of consumers who are still actively listening to the radio. They sometimes do this not even for the sake of music, but for the sake of obtaining information – it is not without reason that talk radio stations remain popular for many years. That is why the online magazine decided to tell about the best radios among those sold in Russian retail. We will talk about both pocket models, most relevant for use in nature, and stationary devices.

Rating of the best radio receivers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best portable radios	1	Tecsun PL-660	RUB 10,400
	2	Sangean PR-D14	RUB 5,990
	3	Tecsun PL-398MP	RUB 3 800
	4	Panasonic RF-3500	RUB 2,990
	5	Rolsen RBM-215MUR	RUB 3,162
Best landline radios	1	Sangean WR-12	RUB 15,950
	2	Panasonic RF-800UEE-K	RUB 3,990
	3	Ritmix RPR-050	RUB 1,999
	4	SUPRA ST-109	–
Best radio alarm clocks	1	Sony ICF-C1T	RUB 1,750
	2	Philips AJ 3200	RUB 1,990
	3	Beurer WL90	RUB 9,990
Best pocket radio	1	Tecsun Q-3	RUB 2,790

Best portable radios

Tecsun PL-660

Rating: 4.9

High-quality radios that can pick up waves in different frequency ranges are expensive these days. For example, for Tecsun PL-660 in our country they ask for at least 7 thousand rubles. For this money, the buyer gets a device that can work either from the mains or from four AA-batteries. The second option is used more often, since this radio receiver is used by many people in nature. The device includes a segment display that displays information about the current frequency, battery power and even signal strength. The receiver has a certain amount of memory where favorite frequencies are stored. In the future, you can call your favorite radio stations by pressing the buttons with numbers.

The device that got into our rating is capable of operating in the bands FM, AIR, SW, AM, LW and SSB. For most people, this set is quite enough. Other features of the device include the presence of a clock and a timer. The manufacturer did not forget about the headphone jack.

But why is the Tecsun PL-660 so expensive? After all, the aforementioned functions are also possessed by cheaper brothers. This is explained not only by the large number of received ranges, but also by double frequency conversion. The product has a very high sensitivity, while it cleverly cuts off interference from neighboring stations. In short, this is the ideal in the world of portable radios!

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• Network operation possible;

• Up to 2000 radio stations can be stored in memory;

• A large number of ranges supported;

• High sensitivity;

• Double conversion of frequency works;

• There is a timer.

disadvantages

• Very high cost.

Sangean PR-D14

Rating: 4.8

Another not the cheapest radio receiver, but with a more unsightly appearance. There is also a digital display, supplemented by yellow backlighting. It displays information about the signal reception level, battery status, current range and frequency, as well as some other parameters. The receiver differs from the above instance in a smaller number of buttons. There are only five keys for calling your favorite radio stations, which not everyone will like. However, the product also has a smaller number of supported ranges. In fact, it is just a radio receiver designed to listen to the signal in the FM and AM bands. There is also a USB connector that allows you to listen to music from a flash drive.

In general, the device is great for home use, but nothing more. Under these conditions, it will operate on the supplied AC adapter. You can also take the device out of the house – for example, to a personal plot (AA batteries are required). Of the curious features of the radio, it is possible to note the presence of an AUX-input, which allows using this model as a speaker. There is also a headphone output. And the creators have introduced a sleep timer, which is never superfluous.

Advantages

• Built-in clock is regulated by RDS signal;

• The display shows a large amount of information;

• Network operation possible;

• There is an AUX connector;

• There is a timer;

• Synchronization of clocks via RDS;

• There is a function to play MP3 from a USB drive;

• Compact dimensions.

disadvantages

• Not the largest number of ranges supported;

• The sensitivity is not high;

• Not the largest number of frequencies is stored in memory;

• The price reaches 6 thousand rubles.

Tecsun PL-398MP

Rating: 4.7

A rare portable radio has two speakers at its disposal. However, exceptions to the rule do happen, a good example of which is the Tecsun PL-398MP that got into our rating. This device includes a chip from the American company Silicon Labs, which is able to digitize the signal received in the FM, SW, LW and MW bands. Modern processing algorithms lead to a significant improvement in sensitivity. Also, there is a competent detuning from radio interference.

Like the previous model reviewed, this device can be used as a portable speaker, capturing sound from another device via the line-in. Also, an alarm clock will be a nice addition, allowing you to wake up to your favorite radio station. Well, a very rare guest is a thermometer that displays readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. A tribute to modern fashion can be considered a slot for an SD card, from which MP3 songs will be played. Supports drives up to 8GB. Also on the case you can find a connector for an external antenna and a headphone output.

It should be noted that this device also has a digital display. But not the largest amount of information is displayed on it – in particular, it will not work with its help to learn about the signal reception level. The radio is powered both from the mains and from three AA-batteries, which, by the way, are enough for a very long time. In a word, for 4 thousand rubles. this is the best deal!

Advantages

• Not the largest sizes;

• Supports a decent number of ranges;

• Installation of a memory card is possible;

• Built-in alarm clock and thermometer;

• Can be operated from the mains;

• There are two speakers;

• There is a linear input;

• High sensitivity;

• The set includes a cover.

disadvantages

• Not the most convenient MP3 player control;

• There is no volume control for the alarm.

Panasonic RF-3500

Rating: 4.6

A fairly large radio that even has a retractable handle. It is made, one might say, in the style of similar devices of the early 2000s. For the sake of reducing the cost, the Japanese decided to abandon all kinds of electronics, equipping their creation with an analog frequency control knob. Because of this, you will have to forget about the instant transition to a particular radio station. But on the other hand, such a receiver can serve not even years, but decades!

Like many models reviewed in this rating, the Panasonic RF-3500 has one speaker. Its diameter is 10 cm, which is quite enough for high volume sound output. Despite its simplicity, the radio is capable of operating in four bands – FM, LW, SW and MW. The device is powered both from the network and from batteries. However, in the second case, the buyer is in for a surprise – type C batteries are required.

In general, this is a simple radio receiver, sold for 3 thousand rubles. just because of the brand markup. There is not even a slot for a memory card and a USB connector, although they have already become a familiar attribute for portable electronics designed to play music. In my opinion, this is a good choice for a summer residence, but nothing more.

Advantages

• Network operation possible;

• Built-in power supply;

• A large number of ranges;

• Long service life;

• Loud enough speaker;

• High prevalence in Russian stores.

disadvantages

• Not very high sensitivity;

• Analog setting of frequencies and volume will not suit everyone;

• Minimal functionality.

Rolsen RBM-215MUR

Rating: 4.6

A relatively simple radio from a Russian manufacturer. It appeared in our rating due to youth design. There is an arc-shaped carrying handle and the speakers are almost triangular in shape. Directly in the center are a few buttons, above which there is a small digital display, complemented by a backlight. Unlike many models reviewed today, Rolsen RBM-215MUR produces stereo sound with a total power of 4 watts. Not bad, only radio and stereo systems are capable of more.

Unfortunately, the radio for this device is clearly a secondary function. This is evidenced by the fact that the product offers to listen to it only in the FM range. More often, buyers will use the device to listen to music from an SD card or USB stick. Also, this model can be used as a portable speaker by connecting, for example, a smartphone using an audio cable.

A removable battery inside can be a pleasant surprise for the buyer – forget about batteries. This product costs about 3 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Interesting design;

• Includes SD card slot and USB connector;

• The battery is used;

• Operation from a network adapter is possible;

• There is an AUX-input;

• Comes with a remote control;

• High speaker power.

disadvantages

• FM band only;

• Not the best sensitivity.

Best landline radios

Sangean WR-12

Rating: 4.9

If there is still a radio tape left in your parents' house or somewhere in the country, then it's time to replace it with the Sangean WR-12. This is a retro-style stationary radio. However, underneath the wooden cabinet are modern components that make the product sound almost perfect. In particular, there are not only two speakers, but also a subwoofer. The bass sounds right! Actually, it is precisely because of the low-frequency device that the dimensions of the device turned out to be so impressive.

It should be noted that the product is analog. That is, the usual wheel is used to adjust the wave. This allows even grandparents to deal with the radio. Interestingly, the aforementioned bass is also adjusted here. Lovers of modern technology should be pleased with the AUX-input, thanks to which a smartphone or tablet can be connected to the device. There is also a connector for an external antenna, which is only needed somewhere in the village.

Such a device is powered strictly from the mains. Perhaps its main problem is the cost – not everyone dares to pay about 15 thousand rubles for a radio that works only in two bands. Against this background, the absence of a USB port and an SD card slot here, which would allow the device to independently play music from external drives, is especially grievous.

Advantages

• Natural wooden body;

• Seniors will love analog controls;

• The total acoustics power reaches 16 W;

• Built-in subwoofer;

• High and low frequencies can be adjusted;

• Durable construction

• There is an AUX input and a headphone output.

disadvantages

• Very high cost;

• No support for playing music from a memory card or flash drive;

• The radio only works in the FM and AM / MW bands.

Panasonic RF-800UEE-K

Rating: 4.8

An excellent radio receiver that got a place in our rating thanks to a clever combination of modern and retro styles. This copy has only one speaker, but the device turned out to be relatively compact. Nothing prevents you from taking it to your dacha and then taking it back, even if you don't have your own car. But, of course, you can't put such a device in your pocket. It can also be pleasant to work in three bands – FM, SW and MW are supported. However, you will have to manually tune the desired wave each time, since analog technology is used here.

Interestingly, the Japanese still haven't forgotten about modern electronics. The fact is that the product is endowed with a USB port. It is used both to charge other devices and to listen to music stored on a flash drive. The radio itself is mainly powered by the network. But if the situation requires it, you can install four D-type batteries under the back cover, forcing the device to play somewhere on the street. In a word, this is a very good option for those who are ready to spend 5 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Built-in speaker power reaches 2.5W;

• Receives radio in three bands;

• Music playback from USB storage is possible;

• Battery operation available;

• Convenient MP3 player control;

• The body was created from MDF.

disadvantages

• Weight reaches a decent 1.33 kg;

• No external antenna connector;

• Analog radio control is not for everyone.

Ritmix RPR-050

Rating: 4.7

A very interesting radio receiver, made in the style of American devices of this type, which were popular in the middle of the last century. It also uses analog volume setting and radio wave selection. The device operates in three bands – FM, AM and SW, which is extremely atypical for products under this brand. Also, the manufacturer decided to add something new here. As a result, the radio can boast … a powerful flashlight! Its LED is located on the side. Perhaps the flashlight is quite capable of being useful when the electricity is suddenly cut off in the country.

Another unique feature of the device is its operation. The fact is that this radio can operate both from a built-in battery, and from two D-type batteries, if the charge of the first one has come to an end. The possibility of connecting a network adapter has not been forgotten – this option is most relevant in the room. Another undoubted advantage of this model is the AUX-input, which allows the radio to be used as a portable speaker. Finally, the manufacturer added here the function of reading MP3 music from a memory card or USB flash drive.

This radio is available in two colors – copper and cherry. You can buy the product for only 1,790 rubles. Such a low price is due to the minimal size of the device – you shouldn't expect loud and detailed sound from it.

Advantages

• Cute retro design;

• Includes AUX input and headphone jack;

• The radio works in three bands;

• There is a built-in battery;

• Installation of batteries and connection of a power adapter is possible;

• Reading MP3 files from external drives is available;

• A powerful enough flashlight is built in;

• Low price.

disadvantages

• The body was created from ordinary plastic;

• Not everyone will like the analog setup;

• Sound quality is far from ideal.

SUPRA ST-109

Rating: 4.6

The simplest radio, similar to many cheap portable speakers, but only slightly oversized. It got into our rating only due to the high power of the built-in speaker, reaching 2 W. Also, the product differs from analogs by convenient and original control. In particular, the wave is selected here using an analog knob, and the current frequency is indicated by an arrow on a scale similar to a compass.

Otherwise, this is a typical device with minimal functionality. There is no way to play music from an external drive, and, for example, there is no alarm clock. The manufacturer did not even add a battery here. Instead, a power supply is housed inside, and therefore an ordinary plug is inserted into the outlet, which does not take away a centimeter of free space. But why is this product worth 2750 rubles? This is due to the presence of mechanical controls and a stylized MDF body.

Advantages

• Curious appearance;

• The body is stylized for wood;

• Reliable construction;

• Built-in powerful speaker;

• There is an AUX input.

disadvantages

• Works only in FM and AM bands;

• There is no additional functionality;

• Weight reaches 1.7 kg.

Best radio alarm clocks

Sony ICF-C1T

Rating: 4.9

Everyone knows that the Japanese company Sony began its history with transistor radios. In this regard, our rating could not do without the products of this manufacturer. We decided to advise our readers to purchase a model called ICF-C1T. This is the best option for those who want to wake up to the broadcast of their favorite radio station. The device is a small cube, all the controls of which are displayed on the top panel. The front side is home to a digital display, which displays the time and frequency of the selected radio station. The device body can be painted black, red or white.

The built-in radio tuner works only in FM and AM frequencies. But this does not matter, because the device primarily acts as an alarm clock. And he copes with this task perfectly! The device is capable of issuing a gradually increasing signal until the person wakes up. Snooze function with increasing interval can also be used here. The radio alarm clock is powered by the network. And even if the electricity is suddenly turned off, the signal will certainly sound. The secret lies in the included CR2032 backup battery.

Advantages

• Nice design;

• Bright LED screen;

• Doesn't take up much space;

• There is a spare battery;

• Excellent functionality of a double alarm;

• It costs no more than 2700 rubles.

disadvantages

• The minimum set of frequency ranges;

• Not the loudest sound;

• Analog frequency setting.

Philips AJ 3200

Rating: 4.8

For a long time in stores you can find a variety of radio alarm clocks under the Philips brand. AJ 3200 model got into our rating. This is the simplest device capable of receiving radio waves only in the FM range. The device can only remember 10 frequencies. This, however, is enough for most users. The good news is that there is no analog frequency setting, which is easy to knock down. The radio is powered from the mains. But if the electricity is suddenly cut off, nothing bad will happen, since the product has a compartment for two AA batteries.

A radio alarm clock, sold for 2,000 rubles, can act as a charger. For this, there are connectors for both smartphones based on Android and for products Apple. As for the functionality of the alarm clock, it is also slightly expanded here. But much more important is the fact that there is also a sleep timer.

Advantages

• Digital frequency setting;

• Minimum dimensions and weight;

• There is a fairly advanced alarm clock;

• There is a sleep timer (maximum value – 2 hours);

• Powered by two AA-batteries;

• Can be used as a charger;

• Optimal price tag.

disadvantages

• Only FM band;

• There is no autosearch for radio stations;

• The minimum amount of memory;

• There is no way to turn off the backlight.

Beurer WL90

Rating: 4.7

Must be one of the most expensive radio alarm clocks. Its cost in Russia reaches 10 thousand rubles. Why are they asking for so much money?

The point is, it's not really a radio receiver. And not exactly an alarm clock. In fact, the device combines four devices in one. It is simultaneously a color change lamp, a music station, an alarm clock and a reading lamp. The device can be operated using the buttons present or via the Beurer LightUp app on your smartphone. Synchronization is carried out using Bluetooth. The same technology can be used to transmit sound from a smartphone or tablet. And the radio alarm clock will sound much better than a portable device, because two speakers with a power of 3 W are installed here. The phone can also be connected via a USB cable, allowing the Beurer WL90 to act as a charger.

Of course, radio is a secondary function of this device. Only 10 radio stations are memorized here, and the reception is carried out only in the FM range. Still, the manufacturer puts more emphasis on the light component. The device allows you to adjust not only the brightness of the lamp, but also a similar parameter for the display. Also, special functions have been introduced here for falling asleep under the gradually dying light, simulating a sunset. In winter, awakening to the increasing brightness of light will also be relevant. In short, this is the best radio alarm clock. But not everyone dares to pay such a huge amount of money for this device.

Advantages

• The total sound power reaches 6 W;

• Lots of lighting effects;

• Can be used as a reading lamp;

• There is a connector for charging gadgets;

• It is possible to receive sound via Bluetooth;

• Smart alarm clock;

• Convenient control via a mobile application.

disadvantages

• The memory contains only 10 radio stations;

• FM band only;

• Very high cost.

Best pocket radio

Tecsun Q-3

Rating: 4.7

Our rating must include at least one radio that fits freely in your pocket. Tecsun Q-3 acts as such a compact device. This device, as you might guess, is intended only for listening to the FM band. It has a digital frequency setting. Your favorite radio station can be called up almost instantly by pressing the corresponding button. But the main feature of the gadget is support for recording the broadcast on a memory card. You can also use a removable storage device to play MP3 music. You can also connect a USB flash drive here, which is no less convenient.

Despite its small size (the width of the device is only 10 cm), the radio received a very good speaker – its power reaches 3 watts. It makes sense to use the device as a portable speaker – this is hinted at by the line-in present here. In short, the device sounds good. But it looks so-so. At least some key signatures in Chinese characters can be confusing. Most disappointing is the lack of mains power. However, this radio is intended more for outdoor use than for home use.

Advantages

• There is a headphone jack and an AUX input;

• Powerful enough speaker;

• Minimum dimensions;

• It is possible to play music from a USB flash drive and SD card;

• There is a clock;

• Radio recording is possible.

disadvantages

• Powered by batteries only;

• Only one range;

• There are inscriptions in Chinese.

Conclusion

Modern radios are both simpler and more complex than their counterparts from the past decade at the same time. Many models, as you may have noticed, are not only able to catch the radio. At the same time, they are much easier to use, since manufacturers have tried to abandon all sorts of analog “twists” – the frequencies of specific radio stations are now most often recorded in memory. Nevertheless, in our rating there are also models with analog control – their production has by no means ceased. In a word, we tried to tell as much as possible about the best radios, but now you need to decide on the purpose of the device and the amount that you are willing to spend on a purchase.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.