How to Choose the Best AM/FM Radio for You

Your Guide to buying the best AM/FM radios

Overview

An AM/FM radio is a great way to enjoy your favorite music or news without the need for an internet or cellular connection. Whether it’s a classic piece of technology or a modern digital receiver, this buying guide will help you find the perfect AM/FM radio for you. We’ll discuss features, components, and performance, so you can find the best radio for your needs. Additionally, we’ll explore the various types of AM/FM radios available in the market today, and provide tips on how to pick the right one for you.

Key features

  1. Frequency Band – AM and FM radios broadcast in different frequency bands, and it is important to choose a radio that can receive both.
  2. Portability – Consider how portable you need your radio to be. Portable radios can be battery powered, or powered through wall outlets or vehicle adapters.
  3. Radio Presets – Many radios offer the ability to save favorite stations through presets. This allows the user to quickly access frequently used stations.
  4. Noise Reduction – Some radios come equipped with noise filtering technology that helps reduce static and other noises during transmission.
  5. Display Features – Look for radios that come with features such as LCD displays, backlit buttons, or night-mode settings to make the radio easier to use in low light.
  6. Audio Quality – Consider the audio quality of the radio. Look for radios that have clean, crisp sound across a range of frequencies.
  7. Auxiliary Inputs – Many radios come with an auxiliary input that allows for the connection of external audio devices, such as MP3 players or smartphones.
  8. Additional Features – Many radios include additional features such as alarm clocks, sleep timers, digital tuning, or programmable timers.

See the most popular AM/FM radios on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Compact: AM/FM radios are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.
  • Cost: AM/FM radios are very affordable and can be bought for as little as $10.
  • Ease of Use: AM/FM radios are very easy to operate and require minimal setup.
  • Range: AM/FM radios can receive signals from different parts of the country, making them ideal for travelers.
  • Variety: AM/FM radios come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing users to choose the one that is best suited for their needs.

Cons

  • Size/Portability: AM/FM radios can be large and bulky, making them less convenient for those who want to take their radio on the go.
  • Battery Drain: Many AM/FM radios are powered by batteries, which can be expensive and require frequent replacement.
  • Poor Reception: AM/FM radio signals can be easily disrupted by external interference, leading to static or intermittent losses in sound quality.
  • Limited Variety: There are only a limited number of AM/FM radio stations available, so there will be less variety compared to online streaming services.

Best alternatives

  1. Satellite Radio - A digital type of radio broadcasting which uses satellites for transmission of sound.
  2. Internet Radio - A digital type of radio broadcasting which uses the internet for transmission of sound.
  3. Smart Speakers - A type of device which uses voice commands to play digital music content.
  4. Bluetooth Speakers - A type of device which uses short-range wireless connections to play digital music content.
  5. Portable Radios - A type of radio which is powered by a battery and can be taken anywhere.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Antenna - For picking up a signal from the radio station
  • Batteries - To power the radio when not plugged into an outlet
  • Headphones - For private listening
  • Radio Remote - To control the radio from a distance
  • Speaker - For playing sound out loud

Common questions

  1. What is the power source for an AM/FM radio?
    An AM/FM radio can be powered by a battery, AC power, or a combination of both.
  2. What is the difference between an AM/FM radio?
    AM radio works by modulating the amplitude of the signal being sent, whereas FM radio works by modulating the frequency of the signal being sent.
  3. Can I listen to AM/FM radios on my phone?
    Yes, many smartphones come with built-in AM/FM radios or you can download an app to access an AM/FM radio signal.
  4. How do I find the station I want to listen to?
    Most AM/FM radios have a tuning dial that you can use to search for available radio stations. You can also use the auto-tuning feature found on many radios to search for stations automatically.
  5. What is RDS?
    RDS stands for Radio Data System and is a technology that allows additional information such as song titles, artist names and traffic information to be transmitted over FM radio signals.
  6. Are AM/FM radios still a popular choice?
    Yes, AM/FM radios are still used by many people for listening to news, music, sports and other programming.

Trivia

An interesting fact about AM/FM radios is that the first radio broadcast ever made was sent across the Atlantic Ocean from England to Newfoundland in 1901. This broadcast was sent using an AM/FM signal. The sender, Guglielmo Marconi, is now known as the "father of radio." This broadcast made it possible for people to communicate without wires, and revolutionized the way people communicate today. Source: Guglielmo Marconi, Father of Radio

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.