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10 Best Long Range Am Fm Radio 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,210
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
480 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
10.0
Chosen by1,210
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
480 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.
#2

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

Rating
9.1
Frequency Range
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1533 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
9.1
Frequency Range
Durability and Build Quality
Additional Features

Most important from
1533 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 H501 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with SSB Reception, Dual Speakers, & MP3 Player, Matte Black

Rating
8.5
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
150 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
8.5
Selectivity
Antenna
Power Source

Most important from
150 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.

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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