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Top-10 Shortwave Radios
Loved in the USA

Handpicked for quality & trusted by thousands of customers

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Retekess T
Retekess

Retekess TR113 Shortwave Radio, FM MW SW LW WB AIR CB SSB Full Band Radio with APP Control, Extra Antenna, TF, Dual Display, Rechargeable Ham Receiver

#1
Top Rated in the USA
DreamSky A
DreamSky

DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable - Shortwave Radio Battery Powered or Plug in Wall for Home Outdoor, Strong Reception, Large Dial Easy to Use, Digital Time Display, Transistor Antenna, Seniors Small Gfit

Fast Delivery
9.8
2 247 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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1 217 bought in past month

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Retekess T
Retekess

Retekess TR113 Shortwave Radio, FM MW SW LW WB AIR CB SSB Full Band Radio with APP Control, Extra Antenna, TF, Dual Display, Rechargeable Ham Receiver

#2
Greadio Po
Greadio

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

Fast Delivery
9.6
8 748 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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1 115 bought in past month
Last Purchases
L***y
Phoenix, AZ
2d ago
Wi***am
Charlotte, NC
1d ago
So***ia
Charlotte, NC
5h ago
#3
Retekess V
Retekess

Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio, Digital Radio AM FM, Shortwave Receiver with 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery, Presets, TF/AUX Playback and Recording, Bass Speaker, for Camping

10%OFF

Fast Delivery
9.4
8 148 reviews

Item still has Pre-Tariff price

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1 013 bought in past month
Excellent value for the quality you get.
CharlotteAtlanta, GA
#4
Digital AM
Jazmm

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

Fast Delivery
9.2
717 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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911 bought in past month
Curated products trusted bytrust us brands
#5
C. Crane C
C.Crane

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

Fast Delivery
9.0
893 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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809 bought in past month
#6
Eton Quest
Eton

Eton Quest Hand Crank NOAA Weather Radio, All Band Emergency Radio, AM/FM Shortwave Storm Radio, Bluetooth, Ambient Light, Phone Charger, RDS, Solar, Flashlight, Camping, Hiking

8%OFF

Fast Delivery
8.8
3 690 reviews

Item still has Pre-Tariff price

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707 bought in past month
#7
C. Crane C
C.Crane

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

Fast Delivery
8.5
106 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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605 bought in past month
#8
Eton Elite
Eton

Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio

Fast Delivery
8.3
1 063 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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503 bought in past month
#9
Tecsun Dig
TECSUN

Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver

Fast Delivery
8.0
883 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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401 bought in past month
#10
Bluetooth
Jazmm

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

Fast Delivery
7.8
251 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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299 bought in past month

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Tecsun PL9
TECSUN

Tecsun PL990 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with Single Side Band Reception & MP3 Player, Matte Black

Fast Delivery
265
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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197 bought in past month
Retekess T
Retekess

Retekess TR618 AM FM Radio Plug in Wall, Portable Shortwave Radios, Support SD, Micro SD and USB Flash Drive, AM FM Radios with Best Reception for Home Kitchen or Drive in

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2 605
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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95 bought in past month
Tecsun PL8
TECSUN

Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception

Fast Delivery
1 439
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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C. Crane C
C.Crane

C. Crane CCRadio 3 Long Range Reception AM, FM, NOAA Weather Plus Alert and 2-Meter Ham Band Portable Digital Radio with Bluetooth

Fast Delivery
449
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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QODOSEN DX
QODOSEN

QODOSEN DX-286 Portable Shortwave Radio AM FM LW SW Ultra High Sensitivity Full Band Radios with TEF6686 Chip for Kitchen, Desk, Bedroom, Office and Outdoors.

Fast Delivery
86
verified reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable - Shortwave Radio Battery Powered or Plug in Wall for Home Outdoor, Strong Reception, Large Dial Easy to Use, Digital Time Display, Transistor Antenna, Seniors Small Gfit

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,217
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods
Portability

Most important from
2247 reviews

Sensitivity
Superb FM and AM sensitivity, capable of pulling in both local and distant stations with clear and crisp sound.
Tuning Methods
Excellent FM reception with a telescoping antenna, and the digital tuner offers incredible precision.
Portability
Compact size makes it highly portable, even though it's smaller than some might expect.

The DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable is a versatile radio with several strengths, making it suitable for both home and outdoor use. It offers a wide range of frequency coverage, including AM, FM, and shortwave bands, which allows you to tune into a variety of broadcasts. The large speaker ensures clear and loud sound, enhancing your listening experience whether you're enjoying music, news, or talk shows. The high and low tone selection further customizes your audio experience, and the earphone jack allows for private listening sessions without disturbing others.

The radio's long-range transistor antenna contributes to strong and crisp reception, which is crucial for picking up stations in various locations, even remote ones. The large, smooth analog dials make tuning easy and intuitive, a feature that is particularly user-friendly for seniors or those who prefer a straightforward interface. The digital LCD time display with backlight is a nice touch, providing clear visibility of the time and station, even in low-light conditions. This radio is powered by either an AC adapter or 4 AA batteries, offering flexibility for indoor and outdoor usage. This can be especially useful during power outages or outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The radio's reliance on AA batteries for outdoor use means you'll need to keep spares on hand, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, while the analog dials are easy to use, some users might prefer a fully digital tuning method for more precise station selection. The product's build, although functional, may not be as compact or lightweight as some other portable radios on the market, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing portability. The DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable, user-friendly shortwave radio with good sound quality and strong reception, particularly suited for seniors and casual users.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,217
Sensitivity
Tuning Methods
Portability

Most important from
2247 reviews

Sensitivity
Superb FM and AM sensitivity, capable of pulling in both local and distant stations with clear and crisp sound.
Tuning Methods
Excellent FM reception with a telescoping antenna, and the digital tuner offers incredible precision.
Portability
Compact size makes it highly portable, even though it's smaller than some might expect.
#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
9.6
Frequency Coverage
Tuning Methods
Additional Features

Most important from
8748 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
9.6
Frequency Coverage
Tuning Methods
Additional Features

Most important from
8748 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.

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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