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10 Best Shortwave Radios 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#2

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 Speaker,Earphone Jack for Gift,Elder,Home

Rating
10.0
Frequency Coverage
Tuning Methods
Additional Features

Most important from
8818 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Excellent reception with many clear FM stations and good AM reception.
Tuning Methods
The radio convincingly tunes like an old analog radio, offering a nostalgic feel.
Additional Features
Despite some design criticisms, the radio is praised for its ability to tune shortwave stations effectively.

The Greadio Portable Shortwave Radio offers a broad range of frequency coverage, including AM, FM, and shortwave bands, making it versatile for various listening preferences. The LCD display and large knobs make tuning straightforward, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly and children. The radio’s advanced DSP chip and long antenna are designed to deliver strong, stable signals, enhancing its sensitivity and selectivity for better reception.

Additionally, the big built-in speaker promises good sound quality, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm earphone jack allows for private listening. This radio is quite portable, featuring a convenient handle for easy carrying. It can be powered by either four D cell batteries or via an AC power cord, offering flexibility especially during power outages.

Despite these strengths, the radio's larger size might be less convenient for those seeking a highly compact device. Also, while it is user-friendly, it may have limited advanced features that some radio enthusiasts might seek. Nonetheless, it's a solid choice for a wide range of users, including families, the elderly, and those who want a reliable and straightforward radio for home or outdoor activities.

Rating
10.0
Frequency Coverage
Tuning Methods
Additional Features

Most important from
8818 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Excellent reception with many clear FM stations and good AM reception.
Tuning Methods
The radio convincingly tunes like an old analog radio, offering a nostalgic feel.
Additional Features
Despite some design criticisms, the radio is praised for its ability to tune shortwave stations effectively.
#3

Digital AM FM Shortwave Radio with Best Reception,4000mAh Rechargeable Portable Radio with NOAA Weather Alert, Big Speaker, Digital Tuner and Stereo Earphone,Support Micro SD Card and USB MP3 Player

Rating
9.9
Frequency Coverage
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods

Most important from
936 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Its inclusion of the National Weather Service band and NOAA alerts provides valuable safety features for emergencies.
Sensitivity
Strong reception combined with a long antenna and DSP chip ensures clear sound even on weaker stations.
Tuning Methods
The radio offers intuitive controls with one-click presets and a large, clear display that makes tuning effortless.
Portability
The dual power options—rechargeable lithium-ion battery and conventional D-cell compatibility—add great flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use.
Additional Features
Its inclusion of the National Weather Service band and NOAA alerts provides valuable safety features for emergencies.

This digital AM/FM shortwave radio covers a wide range of frequencies (AM, FM, SW, and weather band), which makes it versatile for listening to news, music, and emergency weather alerts. Its long 23.6-inch antenna and DSP chip improve signal reception and help maintain clear sound, even with weaker stations. The large speaker delivers loud, good-quality audio ideal for home use. Tuning is simple with one-click station presets (up to 40), a clear LCD display, and backlight, which is especially helpful for older users or low-light conditions.

Portability is a strong point — it has a rechargeable 4000mAh battery offering up to 18 hours of playtime and also supports regular 4D cell batteries for outdoors or emergencies. Additional features like an MP3 player supporting USB and micro SD cards add fun flexibility for music playback. The inclusion of NOAA weather alerts is a valuable safety feature for those in areas prone to storms. However, the radio is on the larger side for a portable device and weighs nearly 1.8 pounds, so it’s better suited for indoor use or short trips rather than light backpacking.

While its sound is good, audiophiles may find it lacks advanced tuning precision compared to higher-end radios. This radio represents a solid choice for anyone wanting an easy-to-use, reliable shortwave radio with extra features for emergency preparedness and multimedia playback.

Rating
9.9
Frequency Coverage
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods

Most important from
936 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Its inclusion of the National Weather Service band and NOAA alerts provides valuable safety features for emergencies.
Sensitivity
Strong reception combined with a long antenna and DSP chip ensures clear sound even on weaker stations.
Tuning Methods
The radio offers intuitive controls with one-click presets and a large, clear display that makes tuning effortless.
Portability
The dual power options—rechargeable lithium-ion battery and conventional D-cell compatibility—add great flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use.
Additional Features
Its inclusion of the National Weather Service band and NOAA alerts provides valuable safety features for emergencies.

Buying Guide for the Best Shortwave Radios

Choosing the right shortwave radio can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy listening to international broadcasts, amateur radio operators, or emergency communications. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and features that differentiate various models. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a shortwave radio that best suits your listening habits and technical requirements.
Frequency CoverageFrequency coverage refers to the range of frequencies that the shortwave radio can receive. This is important because different stations broadcast on different frequencies. Shortwave radios typically cover frequencies from 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz. Some models also include additional bands like AM, FM, and Longwave. If you want to listen to a wide variety of international broadcasts, look for a radio with broad frequency coverage. For casual listening, a basic range might suffice, but for more serious hobbyists, extensive coverage is essential.
SensitivitySensitivity is the radio's ability to pick up weak signals. This is crucial for shortwave radios because many broadcasts come from distant locations and may be weak. Sensitivity is usually measured in microvolts (µV). Radios with lower sensitivity values (e.g., 0.5 µV) can detect weaker signals better than those with higher values (e.g., 1 µV). If you live in an area with a lot of radio interference or want to pick up distant stations, a radio with high sensitivity is important. For general use, moderate sensitivity may be adequate.
SelectivitySelectivity is the radio's ability to separate closely spaced signals. This is important when multiple stations are broadcasting on nearby frequencies. Good selectivity ensures that you can clearly hear the station you want without interference from others. Selectivity is often measured in kilohertz (kHz). Radios with narrower selectivity (e.g., 2 kHz) can better isolate signals than those with wider selectivity (e.g., 6 kHz). If you plan to listen in crowded frequency environments, look for a radio with high selectivity. For less crowded areas, standard selectivity should be sufficient.
Tuning MethodsTuning methods refer to how you change the frequency on the radio. Common methods include analog tuning, digital tuning, and direct frequency entry. Analog tuning uses a dial and is often less precise but can be more engaging for some users. Digital tuning allows for more precise frequency selection and often includes features like memory presets. Direct frequency entry lets you input the exact frequency you want to listen to. If you prefer ease of use and precision, digital tuning or direct frequency entry is ideal. For a more traditional experience, analog tuning might be more enjoyable.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry and use the radio on the go. This is important if you plan to use your shortwave radio while traveling or outdoors. Portable radios are typically smaller, lighter, and battery-operated. Larger, desktop models may offer better performance but are less convenient to move around. If you need a radio for travel or outdoor use, look for a compact, lightweight model with good battery life. For home use, a larger, more powerful radio might be a better choice.
AntennaThe antenna is a crucial component for receiving signals. Shortwave radios can come with built-in antennas, external antennas, or both. Built-in antennas are convenient but may not provide the best reception. External antennas can significantly improve signal quality and range. Some radios allow for the connection of additional external antennas. If you are in an area with weak signals or want to maximize reception, consider a radio that supports external antennas. For casual listening in areas with strong signals, a built-in antenna may be sufficient.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your listening experience and convenience. These may include features like SSB (Single Side Band) for listening to amateur radio operators, synchronous detection for reducing fading and interference, and built-in recording capabilities. Other useful features might include alarm clocks, sleep timers, and backlit displays. Consider what additional features are important to you based on how you plan to use the radio. For example, if you are interested in amateur radio, SSB capability is essential. For general listening, features like a sleep timer or backlit display might be more relevant.

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