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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

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
147 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
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
147 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.
#2

Sangean WR-22BK Digital Radio, AM/FM with Bluetooth, USB, Black

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1526 reviews

Frequency Range
The radio delivers excellent AM and FM reception, outperforming comparable models and often not requiring the included antenna for clear FM signals.
Durability and Build Quality
The radio’s build feels solid and stylish, with a weight and finish that make it stable and visually appealing on a desk or bedside table.
Additional Features
Sound quality is notably better than typical small radios, with adjustable bass and treble that enhance listening pleasure for both music and talk.

The Sangean WR-22BK is a versatile AM/FM radio that fits well for those seeking clear reception and modern features in a compact design. It covers standard AM and FM bands with decent sensitivity and selectivity, aided by a built-in AM antenna and included FM wire antenna to improve station pick-up. The radio’s 3-inch speaker with bass and treble controls delivers fuller sound than typical small radios, making it pleasant for music and talk shows.

Powering the radio is flexible: it runs on corded electric power and also has a 12V DC input for outdoor use, though it does require 2 specific batteries for some functions. The build feels solid and modern, with a high-contrast LCD that adjusts backlight automatically for easy reading. Additional features like Bluetooth streaming, USB playback, a remote control, and multiple alarm timers add convenience and value beyond just radio listening.

This radio is a good choice for everyday AM/FM listening with handy extras, suitable for home or light portable use where moderate range and sound quality suffice. While it might not fulfill needs for very advanced long-range reception or premium audio quality due to its single mid-sized speaker and basic antennas, it delivers solid performance within its design scope.

Rating
9.4
Frequency Range
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1526 reviews

Frequency Range
The radio delivers excellent AM and FM reception, outperforming comparable models and often not requiring the included antenna for clear FM signals.
Durability and Build Quality
The radio’s build feels solid and stylish, with a weight and finish that make it stable and visually appealing on a desk or bedside table.
Additional Features
Sound quality is notably better than typical small radios, with adjustable bass and treble that enhance listening pleasure for both music and talk.
#3

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

Rating
8.5
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
8.5
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.

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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