10 Best Am Fm Radios 2025 in the United States

The C. Crane CCRadio-2E is a solid choice for those wanting a portable AM/FM radio with great reception and useful extra bands. It covers AM, FM, NOAA weather alerts, plus a special 2-Meter Ham band, which is rare and valuable during emergencies like hurricanes. Thanks to its twin-coil ferrite antenna, it offers strong AM reception, which many radios struggle with. Weighing around 4 pounds, it's portable but a bit on the heavier side for carrying around all day. It runs on 4 D-sized batteries, providing an impressive battery life of up to 250 hours, and also includes an AC power cord for home use. Tuning is manual but straightforward, with 5 one-touch memory presets for easy station access.

Sound quality is good for a radio of this size—clear enough for talk and music, though it won’t replace a dedicated stereo. Additional features like a clock, alarm, sleep timer, display light, and headphone jack add convenience. This radio suits people who want reliable reception, especially for weather alerts and emergency information, and don’t mind the larger size and manual tuning method. Those seeking a lightweight or fully digital tuner might find it somewhat outdated, but it excels in durability and essential features for serious radio listeners.

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 Sangean WR-22BK Digital Radio is a versatile and modern option for anyone looking to enjoy both AM and FM radio stations. It offers a frequency range that covers all standard AM and FM bands, allowing users to preset up to 10 stations (5 AM and 5 FM) for easy access. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity and USB MP3/WMA playback enhances its functionality, making it more than just a traditional radio.

This radio is relatively portable, with dimensions of 9.45 x 7.6 x 4.41 inches and a weight of 5.62 pounds, making it suitable for indoor use and manageable for occasional outdoor use with an appropriate power supply. However, it is primarily corded electric, which may limit its portability compared to battery-operated models. The sound quality is commendable, thanks to its 3-inch 7W full-range speaker and rotary bass/treble controls, offering dynamic bass compensation for richer sound.

The tuning mechanism is straightforward with an easy-to-read LCD display and rotary knobs, and the inclusion of a remote control adds convenience for users. Additional features include a built-in clock, 2 alarm timers, and various sleep/snooze functions, which make it a practical choice for bedside use. Users should note that it requires a 12V DC power supply for outdoor use, which is not included. This radio is best suited for users who appreciate good sound quality, modern features like Bluetooth and USB playback, and can manage its corded power source setup.