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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

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,142
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
905 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
10.0
Chosen by1,142
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
905 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.
#2

Tecsun H501 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with SSB Reception, Dual Speakers, & MP3 Player, Matte Black

Rating
9.1
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
146 reviews

Selectivity
Select your station with manual tuning, direct input, or auto scan.
Antenna
The radio works best with an external antenna if using indoors.
Power Source
The batteries last a good bit longer with headphones of course.
Additional Features
Bluetooth is a hidden feature that requires research to access.

The Tecsun H501 Digital Worldband Radio offers extensive frequency coverage, including AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band (SSB). This broad range makes it suitable for users who need access to a wide variety of radio bands. The radio boasts impressive sensitivity and selectivity thanks to its advanced analog high-IF AM circuitry and DSP digital demodulation technology, which helps in clear and stable reception even in challenging conditions.

Its dual premium speakers provide high-quality sound, and the inclusion of treble and bass controls allows for personalized audio settings. The 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack is a plus for private listening sessions. With 3,150 memory presets, users can easily switch between their favorite stations. Additional convenient features like the alarm clock, sleep timer, and USB audio input enhance its usability.

The Tecsun H501 is powered by two lithium-ion batteries (included), offering portability, although a power adapter is also provided for stationary use. The product is solidly built, ensuring durability for regular usage. However, at 2.5 pounds, it might be slightly heavier than some other portable models. The lack of standalone lithium batteries sold with the product could be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Rating
9.1
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
146 reviews

Selectivity
Select your station with manual tuning, direct input, or auto scan.
Antenna
The radio works best with an external antenna if using indoors.
Power Source
The batteries last a good bit longer with headphones of course.
Additional Features
Bluetooth is a hidden feature that requires research to access.
#3

Sangean WR-16SE AM/FM/Bluetooth/Aux-in/USB Phone Charging 45th Anniversary Special Edition Wooden Cabinet Radio (Dark Walnut with Rose Gold)

Rating
8.5
Sensitivity
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1687 reviews

Sensitivity
Reception is impressive even in remote areas, effectively picking up stations where other radios struggle.
Durability and Build Quality
Controls have a solid, quality feel, and the wooden cabinet not only looks good but is also sturdy.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity works seamlessly, without issues or drops, enhancing its versatility.

The Sangean WR-16SE AM/FM/Bluetooth/Aux-in/USB Phone Charging radio stands out for its elegant design, combining a dark walnut and rose gold wooden cabinet that adds a touch of class. In terms of frequency range, it supports both AM and FM bands, which is standard for this category. The built-in AM antenna enhances reception, though it may not match external antennas used in some dedicated long-range models. Sensitivity and selectivity are aided by its soft and precise vernier tuning, allowing for accurate station selection and minimizing interference.

The sound quality is enhanced with deep bass compensation and a 3-inch 10-watt full-range speaker, delivering rich audio, which is a plus for users seeking good sound performance in a radio. The power source is corded electric, ensuring constant operation without the need for battery replacement, though it limits portability. Durability and build quality are reflected in the wooden cabinet, which not only looks good but is also sturdy.

Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input, and USB phone charging, expanding its functionality beyond just a radio. However, it may not excel in extreme long-range reception compared to models specifically designed for that purpose. This radio is best suited for users looking for a stylish, multi-functional device with good audio quality for home or office use.

Rating
8.5
Sensitivity
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1687 reviews

Sensitivity
Reception is impressive even in remote areas, effectively picking up stations where other radios struggle.
Durability and Build Quality
Controls have a solid, quality feel, and the wooden cabinet not only looks good but is also sturdy.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity works seamlessly, without issues or drops, enhancing its versatility.

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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