10 Best Shortwave Radios 2025 in the United States

The DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable is a versatile radio with several strengths, making it suitable for both home and outdoor use. It offers a wide range of frequency coverage, including AM, FM, and shortwave bands, which allows you to tune into a variety of broadcasts. The large speaker ensures clear and loud sound, enhancing your listening experience whether you're enjoying music, news, or talk shows. The high and low tone selection further customizes your audio experience, and the earphone jack allows for private listening sessions without disturbing others.

The radio's long-range transistor antenna contributes to strong and crisp reception, which is crucial for picking up stations in various locations, even remote ones. The large, smooth analog dials make tuning easy and intuitive, a feature that is particularly user-friendly for seniors or those who prefer a straightforward interface. The digital LCD time display with backlight is a nice touch, providing clear visibility of the time and station, even in low-light conditions. This radio is powered by either an AC adapter or 4 AA batteries, offering flexibility for indoor and outdoor usage. This can be especially useful during power outages or outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The radio's reliance on AA batteries for outdoor use means you'll need to keep spares on hand, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, while the analog dials are easy to use, some users might prefer a fully digital tuning method for more precise station selection. The product's build, although functional, may not be as compact or lightweight as some other portable radios on the market, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing portability. The DreamSky AM FM Radio Portable is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable, user-friendly shortwave radio with good sound quality and strong reception, particularly suited for seniors and casual users.

The Greadio Portable Shortwave Radio offers a broad range of frequency coverage, including AM, FM, and shortwave bands, making it versatile for various listening preferences. The LCD display and large knobs make tuning straightforward, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly and children. The radio’s advanced DSP chip and long antenna are designed to deliver strong, stable signals, enhancing its sensitivity and selectivity for better reception.

Additionally, the big built-in speaker promises good sound quality, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm earphone jack allows for private listening. This radio is quite portable, featuring a convenient handle for easy carrying. It can be powered by either four D cell batteries or via an AC power cord, offering flexibility especially during power outages.

Despite these strengths, the radio's larger size might be less convenient for those seeking a highly compact device. Also, while it is user-friendly, it may have limited advanced features that some radio enthusiasts might seek. Nonetheless, it's a solid choice for a wide range of users, including families, the elderly, and those who want a reliable and straightforward radio for home or outdoor activities.

The C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is a versatile and compact multiband radio ideal for travel and emergency situations. It covers a wide range of frequencies including AM, FM, NOAA Weather, Shortwave (1711-29999kHz) with Single Side Band, and VHF Aviation bands. This broad frequency coverage makes it a valuable tool for receiving long-range information, especially during natural disasters when conventional communication systems may fail.

The inclusion of Single Side Band (SSB) is a notable strength, providing a reliable way to tune into distant signals, which isn't possible on standard smartphones. The radio's sensitivity and selectivity are enhanced by multiple bandwidth settings, and it offers both fast and fine tuning on all bands, giving users precision in their searches. With 400 memory slots and a digital tuning system, it’s easy to store and access favorite stations.

Its small size and lightweight design (6 oz without batteries) make it highly portable. Accessories like a fold-out stand, earphones, a carry case, and a 23 ft portable shortwave reel antenna enhance its usability and reception quality. However, the reliance on AA batteries (not included) for power, though it provides up to 70 hours of usage with earbuds, might be seen as a limitation for some users, especially those who prefer rechargeable options. The optional AC power adapter adds flexibility but comes at an additional cost. The radio's build quality and the inclusion of a high-quality speaker ensure a good listening experience. This radio is especially suitable for those who need a reliable backup communication device and enjoy accessing a wide range of radio frequencies on the go.