10 Best Shortwave Radios 2026 in the United States

The Tecsun H501 is a versatile shortwave radio that excels in providing a wide range of frequencies, making it suitable for both casual listeners and radio enthusiasts. It covers AM, FM, longwave, and shortwave bands, including single side band (SSB) reception, which is a great feature for those interested in amateur radio or international broadcasting. The inclusion of an MP3 player with micro-SD support adds to its usability, allowing users to play their favorite audio formats easily.

In terms of performance, the H501 boasts impressive sensitivity and selectivity, thanks to its advanced analog and digital circuitry. This means that users can expect clear and stable reception, even in areas with weaker signals. The dual speakers provide quality sound, with the ability to adjust treble and bass for a richer listening experience, which can be particularly enjoyable for music lovers.

Portability is another strong point, as the radio is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it suitable for outdoor use or travel. The range of additional features, including an alarm clock, sleep timer, and extensive memory for stations, enhances its practicality for daily use. The Tecsun H501 is a reliable shortwave radio that offers extensive frequency coverage, good sound quality, and portability, though users should be mindful of the battery requirements and consider how they plan to use it, especially in louder settings.

The Tecsun PL990 Digital Worldband Radio is a feature-packed device that excels in frequency coverage, offering AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band (SSB) reception. This makes it highly versatile for radio enthusiasts who want to explore a wide range of frequencies. The radio utilizes advanced technologies like analog high-IF AM circuitry and DSP digital demodulation, which significantly enhance its sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for clearer and more reliable reception even in challenging environments. Additionally, the synchronized detection feature helps minimize interference, ensuring a better listening experience.

The inclusion of an MP3 player with support for various audio formats adds more utility, making it great for both radio listening and personal entertainment. The sound quality is commendable, thanks to the premium full-range speaker and class AB amplifier, delivering rich and dynamic audio. The portability of the Tecsun PL990 stands out due to its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It also offers multiple convenient features like an alarm clock, sleep timer, USB audio input, and external antenna input. The 3,150 memory slots for station presets are particularly useful for regularly tuning into favorite channels.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The radio is battery-powered, and although a lithium-ion battery is included, it might not be ideal for long-term usage without frequent recharging. Some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming to navigate initially. Additionally, while the product includes stereo earphones and an SD card, the lack of standalone lithium batteries in the package may be a minor inconvenience for some. In summary, the Tecsun PL990 is an excellent choice for those needing a multi-functional and portable shortwave radio with robust performance and extra features for a rich listening experience.

The Midland ER310 is a versatile emergency shortwave radio designed with multiple power options that make it very reliable during power outages or outdoor adventures. It supports AM/FM and NOAA weather bands, with an automatic weather scan and alert feature that keeps you updated on severe weather conditions. Its three power sources—solar panel, hand crank, and rechargeable battery—offer flexibility, ensuring the radio stays powered without needing frequent battery replacements.

The built-in flashlight with an SOS beacon adds safety value, and an ultrasonic dog whistle can aid rescue efforts, which are thoughtful extras for emergencies. Portability is decent; at around 1 pound and compact size, it's easy to carry but not pocket-sized. The radio's tuning method is basic AM/FM, which is straightforward but lacks the fine digital tuning found in some other radios, so selectivity and sensitivity might be average compared to higher-end models.

It includes a USB port to charge external devices, which is handy but will drain its battery faster if used often. One limitation is the antenna type; it has a built-in antenna suitable for general listening but may struggle with weak or distant signals compared to radios with extendable or external antennas. The ER310 is an excellent choice for users seeking a dependable emergency radio with practical extras, good weather band support, and easy power recharge options, although audiophiles or those needing advanced shortwave features might find it somewhat basic.