Whether you’re looking for an easy way to listen to the game, want to bulk up your emergency preparedness kit, or need a portable speaker that provides a handful of benefits, AM radios are still a reliable and useful medium.
As cell phones and the internet continue to provide new ways to experience music, radio shows, and sports, including radio station apps and YouTube channels for radio stations, there are now more ways than ever to access local content. While online options provide a great resource, there’s still a need for a more traditional option when searching for radio broadcasts.
AM radios continue to offer numerous benefits. Their lack of WiFi connectivity provides users with a chance to disconnect from their busy lives, taking listeners offline, and giving a sense of escapism. No more work calls, emails, or texts to interrupt listening to your favorite radio station on a Sunday afternoon.
Two of the AM radios we’ve included on our list are also able to run on batteries, making them portable enough to bring to a sporting event. Many sports fans like to use AM radios as a way to listen to commentary on baseball, football, hockey and soccer games either while out and about or while in a stadium or field watching the game.
Having a battery-operated AM radio is also a must-have for emergencies. When powerlines are down and electricity is cut off, AM radios can keep users informed about inclement weather, resources, emergency plans and more.
We also like using AM radios as a functional décor piece, with a radio providing a throwback to simple times when radio ruled. Our list includes the Sangean WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio, a classic piece that not only functions as an AM/FM radio, it has also been updated to included an input jack that turns the radio into a speaker for MP3 players and smartphones.
Check out the Sangean, as well as the Panasonic and Vondior AM radios we’ve included on our list of favorites.
1. Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM Radio
Providing clear and crisp sound quality through a 4” speaker, the Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM Radio is reliable and easy to use.
Pros: The Panasonic includes a 4” speaker that delivers high-quality sound and a precise station tuner that’s easy to see and use, perfect for older customers. The Panasonic has an earphone jack for solo listening and can be operated through the 110 AC power cord included, or batteries, making it ideal for travel and emergency situations. Customers note that the Panasonic can pick up far away radio stations and packs an impressive reception strength for a small radio.
Cons: The Panasonic can run on 4 AA batteries, but they’re not included with the purchase of the radio. The Panasonic also doesn’t allow for users to preset any channels, and there’s no DC-in jack.
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2. Sangean WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio
Function meets fashion with the Sangean WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio, displaying a classic walnut finish for its 40th edition piece, which doubles as a speaker for MP3 players and smartphones.
Pros: The Sangean is an MDF cabinet with a real walnut veneer finish and golden-hued rotary tuning knobs. Combining traditional and modern tech, the Sangean is an AM/FM radio with connections for AC-In, DC-In, Aux-In, REC Out, headphones, and FM F Type Antenna Terminal, with users able to plug MP3 players and smartphones in, turning the radio into a speaker. The Sangean has a 3” speaker with 6.5 watts and an acoustically tuned cabinet that provides a rich and deep bass.
Cons: The Sangean is AC operated and cannot run on batteries, making it less useful in emergency situations.
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3. Vonidor AM/FM Battery Operated Portable Pocket Radio
Perfect for taking on the go, the Vonidor AM FM Battery Operated Portable Pocket Radio can last for weeks on 2 AA batteries, making it ideal for emergency situations.
Pros: The Vonidor is a pocket-sized AM/FM radio that runs on 2 AA batteries. Designed for sports fans who want to listen to the game or for use in emergency situations, the Vonidor includes a mono headphone socket and impressive radio reception.
Cons: Some customers note they wish the Vonidor displayed station frequencies for easier tuning.
Image courtesy of Amazon