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

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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 by1,125
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
481 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 by1,125
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Selectivity

Most important from
481 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

Solar Radio Emergency Hand Crank 12000mAh with Clear Signal, AM FM NOAA Weather Radio Battery Operated with 2-Mode LED Flashlight Cell Phone Charger Dual Outputs SOS

Rating
9.1
Antenna
Power Source
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
320 reviews

Antenna
Reception is impressively strong and clear, especially on FM, supported by separate tuning dials for regular and weather channels, making it easy to use.
Power Source
The radio boasts a well-thought-out design with a large, efficient monocrystalline solar panel that folds away neatly and includes a lamp on its backside.
Durability and Build Quality
Its solid, weighty build keeps it stable when placed down, giving it a durable, military-grade feel that stands out from other emergency radios.
Additional Features
The bright flashlight with two modes and a softer reading light provide practical illumination that lasts for hours alongside radio use.

This Mesqool Solar Radio Emergency Hand Crank model is well suited for anyone needing a dependable long-range AM/FM and NOAA weather radio, especially in emergency or outdoor scenarios. It offers strong and clear reception backed by a high-sensitivity chip and noise reduction, which helps you catch important weather updates or broadcasts without much static. The extended antenna and stronger tuner technology further support stable signal quality.

Power options are a major plus here. You get five ways to keep it running: a large, efficient solar panel that charges faster even in low light, a hand crank with a smooth, low-effort design that charges quickly, a real 12000mAh lithium battery, USB Type-C input, and even 3 AAA batteries. This variety makes it highly reliable during blackouts or when off-grid. Its solid build includes an ergonomic design with a firm grip and easy-to-use controls, making it friendly for users of all ages, including seniors.

Additional features like a bright LED flashlight with two modes and a soft reading lamp add practical value for nighttime use. The SOS alarm function is a thoughtful emergency addition. The radio weighs about 1.6 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side for some. This radio is a strong choice for campers, emergency preppers, or those living in areas prone to power outages. Its combination of reliable reception, versatile power options, and useful extra features make it a versatile and trustworthy emergency companion.

Rating
9.1
Antenna
Power Source
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
320 reviews

Antenna
Reception is impressively strong and clear, especially on FM, supported by separate tuning dials for regular and weather channels, making it easy to use.
Power Source
The radio boasts a well-thought-out design with a large, efficient monocrystalline solar panel that folds away neatly and includes a lamp on its backside.
Durability and Build Quality
Its solid, weighty build keeps it stable when placed down, giving it a durable, military-grade feel that stands out from other emergency radios.
Additional Features
The bright flashlight with two modes and a softer reading light provide practical illumination that lasts for hours alongside radio use.
#3

Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception

Rating
8.5
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Antenna

Most important from
1473 reviews

Frequency Range
The Tecsun PL880 packs a superior receiver in a small, easily portable unit with very good AM band reception, picking out stations within a thousand-mile radius.
Sensitivity
The radio's high sensitivity is evident, but it can be affected by AC noise, especially in urban areas. Using an external antenna can significantly improve reception.
Antenna
Shortwave reception can be hit or miss due to airwave band conditions and the decline in shortwave broadcasters, but the radio still performs well with proper antenna setup.
Power Source
The included 18650 battery holds a charge for a long time and is rechargeable, providing convenience for travelers.
Additional Features
SSB capability makes tuning into ham radio operators easy and enjoyable, transforming unclear voices into understandable audio with simple adjustments.

The Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB reception is a versatile device meant for radio enthusiasts looking for high sensitivity and selectivity. It covers a full range of frequencies including AM, FM, Longwave and Shortwave, which is perfect for those interested in worldwide broadcasts. The inclusion of Single Side Band (SSB) reception with precise 10 Hz tuning steps adds to its capability, allowing for clearer reception of distant signals.

Additionally, it has selectable bandwidth filters for both AM and SSB, enhancing its performance under varying signal conditions. This makes it a strong contender for users who prioritize reception quality across different bands. The antenna, though not specified in detail, is generally known to be effective for long-range reception, which is an important aspect for users in this category. Powered by AA batteries (included), it offers portability, and the USB connectivity adds convenience for modern users.

The build quality appears solid, with dimensions being compact enough (7.56 x 1.3 x 4.45 inches) for easy transport, and it weighs just 1.15 pounds. There are user-friendly features like an alarm clock and sleep timer, which can be useful for regular listeners. Despite being on the market since 2011, it remains a reliable choice for serious radio hobbyists and travelers looking for long-range AM/FM reception.

Rating
8.5
Frequency Range
Sensitivity
Antenna

Most important from
1473 reviews

Frequency Range
The Tecsun PL880 packs a superior receiver in a small, easily portable unit with very good AM band reception, picking out stations within a thousand-mile radius.
Sensitivity
The radio's high sensitivity is evident, but it can be affected by AC noise, especially in urban areas. Using an external antenna can significantly improve reception.
Antenna
Shortwave reception can be hit or miss due to airwave band conditions and the decline in shortwave broadcasters, but the radio still performs well with proper antenna setup.
Power Source
The included 18650 battery holds a charge for a long time and is rechargeable, providing convenience for travelers.
Additional Features
SSB capability makes tuning into ham radio operators easy and enjoyable, transforming unclear voices into understandable audio with simple adjustments.

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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