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10 Best Long Range Am Fm Radio 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Panasonic Portable AM / FM Radio, Battery Operated Analog Radio, AC Powered, Silver (RF-2400D)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,177
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Power Source

Most important from
32713 reviews

Sensitivity
Ideal for emergency use during storms and tornadoes, offering peace of mind with its reliable signal reception.
Selectivity
The analog tuning adds a classic feel and allows for precise station adjustment.
Power Source
Compact, lightweight, and battery-operated, making it an excellent companion for outdoor activities or travel.
Durability and Build Quality
Sturdy build and reasonable pricing meet all expectations for a portable radio.
Additional Features
Perfect for drive-in cinema experiences, the radio provides surprisingly great sound quality for its size.

The Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio (RF-2400D) is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward and reliable radio. Its strong points include a simple, user-friendly design and high-quality sound. The large dial with a fluorescent pointer makes it easy to see, even in low light conditions. The digital tuner with Auto Frequency Control (AFC) ensures smooth and stable tuning, making it effortless to find your desired stations.

The radio's dual power options—AC adapter or 4 AA batteries—add versatility, making it suitable for use during power outages, camping trips, or severe weather events. Additionally, its lightweight and portable design enhances its convenience for on-the-go use, and the option to use headphones via a 3.5mm jack offers private listening capabilities.

However, while the radio performs well in picking up both AM and FM signals, it may not have the advanced sensitivity and selectivity features that some users might look for in a more high-end model. Also, the build, although durable for most uses, may not withstand extreme conditions or heavy wear and tear over time. Suitable for everyday use, emergency scenarios, and outdoor activities, this Panasonic radio is ideal for those who need a dependable and easy-to-operate radio without the need for advanced features or heavy-duty durability.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,177
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Power Source

Most important from
32713 reviews

Sensitivity
Ideal for emergency use during storms and tornadoes, offering peace of mind with its reliable signal reception.
Selectivity
The analog tuning adds a classic feel and allows for precise station adjustment.
Power Source
Compact, lightweight, and battery-operated, making it an excellent companion for outdoor activities or travel.
Durability and Build Quality
Sturdy build and reasonable pricing meet all expectations for a portable radio.
Additional Features
Perfect for drive-in cinema experiences, the radio provides surprisingly great sound quality for its size.
#3

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

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
902 reviews

Frequency Range
The radio delivers superb AM and FM reception, capturing distant stations with crystal-clear audio and almost no static.
Sensitivity
Signal strength indicators and automatic scanning help find the best reception effortlessly.
Selectivity
A unique self-alignment feature ensures razor-sharp tuning over time, maintaining optimal performance without manual adjustments.
Antenna
While FM reception is good, it could benefit from a longer antenna to capture the longest FM wavelengths more effectively.
Power Source
The design with side-by-side D cell batteries creates a stable base that makes the radio almost impossible to tip over.
Durability and Build Quality
Built with solid, high-quality materials, the radio feels durable and well-made, with no cheap components.
Additional Features
The inclusion of NOAA weather channels, government alerts, and the 2-Meter Ham Band adds valuable emergency preparedness functionality.

The C. Crane CCRadio-2E is a solid choice for those needing a reliable long-range AM/FM radio, especially for emergency and weather updates. It features a Twin-Coil Ferrite Antenna, which enhances AM reception, making it better at picking up distant stations than many basic models. It covers AM, FM, NOAA Weather Band with government alerts, and even the 2-Meter Ham Band, which is useful for getting important life-saving information during natural disasters.

The radio is portable at 4 pounds and can run on four D-size batteries or AC power, offering impressive battery life—up to 250 hours on fresh batteries, which is great for extended use without access to electricity. The build quality is decent and designed for portability, though it’s not described as rugged or shockproof. Additional features like a clock, alarm, sleep timer, headphone jack, and memory presets add convenience for daily use.

While it provides good sensitivity and selectivity on AM and FM bands, it may not match the performance of higher-end or specialized long-range radios. The radio’s size and weight make it less pocket-friendly compared to smaller models. For those seeking a dependable radio for emergency preparedness, weather updates, and decent long-range reception, this model delivers solid performance with user-friendly extras. However, if a more compact or highly rugged device is needed, other options might be preferable.

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
902 reviews

Frequency Range
The radio delivers superb AM and FM reception, capturing distant stations with crystal-clear audio and almost no static.
Sensitivity
Signal strength indicators and automatic scanning help find the best reception effortlessly.
Selectivity
A unique self-alignment feature ensures razor-sharp tuning over time, maintaining optimal performance without manual adjustments.
Antenna
While FM reception is good, it could benefit from a longer antenna to capture the longest FM wavelengths more effectively.
Power Source
The design with side-by-side D cell batteries creates a stable base that makes the radio almost impossible to tip over.
Durability and Build Quality
Built with solid, high-quality materials, the radio feels durable and well-made, with no cheap components.
Additional Features
The inclusion of NOAA weather channels, government alerts, and the 2-Meter Ham Band adds valuable emergency preparedness functionality.

Buying Guide for the Best Long Range Am Fm Radio

When choosing a long-range AM/FM radio, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and features for your needs. Long-range radios are designed to pick up distant signals, making them ideal for use in remote areas, during emergencies, or for those who enjoy listening to a variety of stations. Here are the key specs to consider and how to choose the right one for you.
Frequency RangeThe frequency range of a radio determines the range of AM and FM stations it can receive. AM frequencies typically range from 530 to 1700 kHz, while FM frequencies range from 88 to 108 MHz. A wider frequency range allows you to access more stations. If you are looking for a radio that can pick up a variety of stations, ensure it covers the full standard range for both AM and FM.
SensitivitySensitivity refers to the radio's ability to pick up weak signals. Higher sensitivity means the radio can detect weaker signals, which is crucial for long-range reception. Sensitivity is usually measured in microvolts (µV) for FM and microvolts per meter (µV/m) for AM. Look for radios with lower sensitivity values (e.g., 1 µV for FM) for better performance in picking up distant stations.
SelectivitySelectivity is the radio's ability to distinguish between closely spaced stations. High selectivity is important in areas with many stations, as it helps prevent interference from adjacent channels. Selectivity is measured in decibels (dB). A higher dB value indicates better selectivity. If you live in or near a city with many radio stations, choose a radio with high selectivity to avoid signal overlap.
AntennaThe type and quality of the antenna significantly affect the radio's reception. External antennas generally provide better reception than built-in ones. Some radios come with telescopic antennas for FM and built-in ferrite bar antennas for AM. For the best long-range reception, consider radios that allow you to connect an external antenna or have a high-quality built-in antenna.
Power SourceThe power source of the radio can affect its portability and convenience. Options include batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar power, and AC adapters. If you plan to use the radio in remote areas or during emergencies, a model with multiple power options, such as battery and solar power, can be very useful. Choose a power source that aligns with your intended use and ensures you have a reliable power supply.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are important if you plan to use the radio outdoors or in rugged conditions. Look for radios with sturdy construction, water resistance, and shockproof features. If you need a radio for outdoor activities or emergency situations, prioritize models that are built to withstand harsh environments.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your listening experience and convenience. These may include digital tuning, preset station memory, alarm clock, weather alerts, and Bluetooth connectivity. Consider which features are important to you based on how you plan to use the radio. For example, if you want to use the radio as an alarm clock, look for models with that function.

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