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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

Sangean HDT-20 HD Radio/FM Stereo/AM Component Tuner, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,418
Sensitivity
Antenna
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
603 reviews

Sensitivity
The AM section works surprisingly well, offering good reception compared to other tuners.
Antenna
Reception with the provided dipole antenna is good, even in challenging environments, and significantly improves with an outdoor powered antenna.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with users noting that previous models have lasted over 15 years without issues.

The Sangean HDT-20 HD Radio/FM Stereo/AM Component Tuner is a versatile option for those looking for a high-quality long-range AM/FM radio. With supported AM/FM bands and HD digital radio technology, it offers a broad frequency range that caters to various listening preferences. This tuner is equipped with 20 memory presets (10 for AM and 10 for FM), allowing easy access to favorite stations and efficient channel surfing with the included infrared remote control.

The device also boasts sensitive reception and selectivity, enhanced by the external FM telescopic antenna and AM external loop antenna, which help in picking up signals from distant stations effectively. Connectivity options are ample with analog audio line output, optical digital SPDIF, digital coaxial outputs, and a headphone jack, making it versatile for different setups. The power source is corded electric, ensuring continuous operation without the need for frequent battery replacements.

Durability is underscored by its solid build quality and a sleek black design that fits well with modern home audio systems. Additional features such as the real-time clock with alarm and sleep functions, dual alarm timers, mono control for audio quality, and display dimmer adjustment provide convenient functionality for daily use. However, it is quite large (16.93 x 11.24 x 2.97 inches) and may require a significant amount of space. Also, it lacks portability due to its corded nature. Users who prioritize advanced features and reliable long-distance reception will find this radio to be a strong contender in its category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,418
Sensitivity
Antenna
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
603 reviews

Sensitivity
The AM section works surprisingly well, offering good reception compared to other tuners.
Antenna
Reception with the provided dipole antenna is good, even in challenging environments, and significantly improves with an outdoor powered antenna.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with users noting that previous models have lasted over 15 years without issues.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Antenna

Most important from
272 reviews

Sensitivity
Expect great sensitivity, selectivity, and reception with this radio, all of which are top-notch.
Selectivity
Expect great sensitivity, selectivity, and reception with this radio, all of which are top-notch.
Antenna
The radio includes a high-quality leather case and an optional long wire antenna, adding to its impressive package.
Power Source
Battery life is amazing, making it perfect for travel and outdoor use.
Durability and Build Quality
The Tecsun PL990 feels well-built and is much easier to operate than the PL-880 model.
Additional Features
The radio includes a high-quality leather case and an optional long wire antenna, adding to its impressive package.

The Tecsun PL990 is a versatile digital worldband radio that covers a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band. This makes it ideal for users who want comprehensive access to various radio bands. Its advanced DSP digital demodulation technology and triple conversion IF ensure that the reception sensitivity and selectivity are top-notch, allowing for clear and uninterrupted listening even in challenging environments.

The inclusion of a high-quality speaker with a built-in amplifier guarantees excellent sound quality, and the 3.5mm stereo earphone jack provides an option for private listening. It also includes an MP3 player compatible with several formats and comes with a 16GB micro-SD card, adding versatility for entertainment beyond radio listening. The alarm clock, sleep timer, and other convenient features enhance the user experience, making it more functional for everyday use.

The external antenna input and 3,150 memory presets are particularly useful for users who want to access their favorite stations easily. However, it's worth noting that the radio is battery-powered, which might require frequent recharging depending on usage, and though it includes a lithium-ion battery, no standalone batteries are sold with it. The build quality is robust, but its minimalist style may not appeal to everyone. Given its dimensions and weight, it’s quite portable, making it suitable for travel or outdoor use. This radio is well-suited for enthusiasts of long-range AM/FM and other radio bands, with slight drawbacks in battery management and design aesthetics.

Rating
10.0
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Antenna

Most important from
272 reviews

Sensitivity
Expect great sensitivity, selectivity, and reception with this radio, all of which are top-notch.
Selectivity
Expect great sensitivity, selectivity, and reception with this radio, all of which are top-notch.
Antenna
The radio includes a high-quality leather case and an optional long wire antenna, adding to its impressive package.
Power Source
Battery life is amazing, making it perfect for travel and outdoor use.
Durability and Build Quality
The Tecsun PL990 feels well-built and is much easier to operate than the PL-880 model.
Additional Features
The radio includes a high-quality leather case and an optional long wire antenna, adding to its impressive package.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
464 reviews

Frequency Range
AM reception capability is effective, meeting expectations for long-range radio performance.
Sensitivity
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Selectivity
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Antenna
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Power Source
Battery life is impressive, with good usage rates, though the radio is quite heavy with batteries.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is solid, but it may not be rugged enough for outdoor or job site use.
Additional Features
Bluetooth addition is a great upgrade, allowing streaming music from smart devices.

The C. Crane CCRadio 3 is designed for those who need long-range reception capabilities, particularly for AM and FM radio bands. It boasts a patented Twin-Coil Ferrite AM Antenna for optimal AM reception and has strong FM reception, making it suitable for areas with weak signals. The radio also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream content from smart devices, which is a modern touch for a traditional portable radio.

Audio clarity is another strong point, providing clear and immersive voice reproduction for talk shows, podcasts, and audiobooks. In terms of emergency preparedness, this radio covers NOAA weather bands and offers alerts, along with a 2-Meter Ham Band for local emergency communications, which could be crucial during disasters. Additional features like a clock, alarm, sleep timer, and memory presets add convenience. The adjustable display light ensures visibility in various lighting conditions.

Power options include an AC cord or 4 D batteries, boasting an impressive battery life of up to 250 hours at moderate volume. The build quality appears solid and durable, although the radio is relatively large and weighs 4 pounds, potentially limiting portability. This radio is ideal for users who prioritize long-range reception, emergency features, and modern connectivity options.

Rating
9.7
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
464 reviews

Frequency Range
AM reception capability is effective, meeting expectations for long-range radio performance.
Sensitivity
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Selectivity
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Antenna
FM reception is strong, but the short antenna could be improved for better sensitivity and selectivity.
Power Source
Battery life is impressive, with good usage rates, though the radio is quite heavy with batteries.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is solid, but it may not be rugged enough for outdoor or job site use.
Additional Features
Bluetooth addition is a great upgrade, allowing streaming music from smart devices.

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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