10 Best Am Fm Radios 2025 in the United States

The Sangean HDR-19 is a premium AM/FM radio that brings a stylish retro design and modern features, making it a notable choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. Its HD radio capability enhances sound quality, allowing for clearer reception of AM and FM stations. With 40 station presets, including emergency alerts, users can easily access their favorite channels. The Bluetooth connectivity is a significant plus, enabling streaming from smartphones or other devices, which adds versatility for music lovers.

Portability is somewhat limited since it’s corded electric, but its compact size (10.35"L x 6.06"W x 6.5"H) does make it easy to place on a desk or shelf. The inclusion of a USB port for charging devices is a thoughtful feature, further enhancing its usability. This radio requires batteries for backup, and while they are included, it’s something to keep in mind for uninterrupted use during a power outage.

The sound quality is noteworthy, and the real-time clock with multiple alarm settings provides practical functionality for everyday use. Some might find the tuning mechanism a bit less intuitive compared to simpler radios. The display offers a wealth of information, but this could be overwhelming for those seeking a straightforward listening experience.

The C. Crane CCRadio 3 is a strong choice for anyone looking for a portable AM/FM radio with excellent long-range reception. Its patented Twin-Coil Ferrite AM Antenna and good FM tuning bring in distant or weak stations clearly, making it especially useful for music, news, and talk shows. The sound quality is clear and natural, so voices sound realistic and easy to listen to for long periods. It runs on either 4 D-size batteries or an AC power cord, which gives flexibility for both home use and on-the-go situations. Battery life is impressive, lasting about 250 hours at moderate volume, although the radio weighs 4 pounds, which is a bit heavy compared to smaller portable radios. The tuning method is digital with memory presets, making it easy to save and access favorite stations quickly.

Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you stream audio from your phone or other devices, NOAA weather band with alerts, and a 2-meter ham band for emergency communications. There are useful extras like a clock, alarm, sleep timer, adjustable display light, and headphone jack. On the downside, the radio's size and weight reduce its ultra-portability, and it requires relatively large batteries that are not included. Also, while it offers many features, it might be more than casual listeners need if they just want a simple radio.

This radio is best suited for users who value strong reception, emergency readiness, and additional digital features rather than just basic AM/FM listening.

The Retekess TR621 is a versatile boombox that combines AM/FM radio with CD and cassette players, offering multiple ways to enjoy music. It covers standard AM and FM bands with a 360-degree rotatable antenna for stable reception, though it uses manual tuning rather than digital, so finding stations might take a little more effort. Portability is a strong point — it’s relatively lightweight, has a handy carry handle, and can run on either AC power or 6 D-size batteries, making it convenient for use around the house or outdoors without being tethered to a plug.

Sound quality is clear and pleasant thanks to its dual speakers, making listening enjoyable, though it’s not designed for high-end audiophiles. Another advantage is the ability to play various media formats including CDs (CD, CDR, CDRW, MP3, WMA), tapes, USB drives, and microSD cards, with a remote control for CD and USB playback convenience. Tape recording functionality is a nice bonus, allowing you to record from the radio, CD, or an external source onto cassette tapes. The LCD display is useful for tracking what’s playing, though it doesn't control all functions via remote.

Despite its many features, the TR621’s tuning and some controls feel a bit dated, and the remote doesn't support radio or cassette operation. This boombox is well suited for those looking for an easy-to-use, portable music system with multiple playback options, especially if they appreciate cassette tapes or want a nostalgic touch.