We appreciate finding the best AM radios for long distance reception is not always straight forward. There are a lot of different types of AM radios to choose from, and not all are that good! Here we making choosing AM radios easy and have reviewed over 15 different radios so selecting one that suits your preferences could not be easier!
This review guide will take you through all 15 radio products first, looking at pros and cons and then after that into considerations. Feel free to read until then end or if your busy and in a hurry simply go to the end and see our top-product!
Table of Contents
15 Best AM Radios with Long Distance Reception
1. Sony ICFP26
The Sony ICFP26 is your best bet for an aesthetic, portable yet powerful radio. 2 AA batteries power the radio, and it operates at a 100mW output power. It features a built-in speaker and the headphone jack option providing users with the best sound quality on a shoe-string budget!
PROS
- The radio is easy to use
- Has a built-in strap for easy carriage
- Equipped with LED tuning for both AM radio and FM frequencies
- Sports a battery status indicator
- Has a telescoping antenna
CONS
- The radio speakers are not stereo.
2. Detroit FM/AM Radio
The Detroit FM and AM radio is a vintage gem. With its classic design, the radio is never out of place from your bedside desk to the kitchen cabinet. It can pick a radio station over a long distances and produce crisp, clear sounds. It also features a handy alarm clock.
PROS
- Users can switch between AC and DC power sources.
- This digital radio has an LCD display that shows the channel band frequency and other important info.
- Sports 3w stereo speakers that give users the best sound quality they could possibly ask for
- Features Auto tune and auto scan functions to detect strong radio signals
CONS
- The radio is bulky in size.
- The digital clock has to be pressed to display the time.
3. Panasonic RF-2400D
The rt 2400d portable radio is a traditional battery-powered AM/FM radio. It operates at the Frequency range FM 87 to 108MHz (50kHz step) AM 520 to 1730kHz (9/10kHz step). The radio has an analog signal tuner and requires four double-A batteries to be operated. It is one of the best analog radios made by Panasonic.
PROS
- The radio is easy to use
- Minimal power consumption gives the best battery life.
- Precise station tuner For both FM and AM bands
- DC and AC power options available
- Boasts of quality radios reception even in bad weather
- Produces quality sound, and users have a headphone jack option.
CONS
- The antenna is very fragile.
4. Jimeng Radio
The jimeng radio is a portable am/fm radio that ensures premium audio quality. The device is powered by aa batteries and doesn’t have an AC option. The low power consuming pocket radio packs a punch in terms of use. It is also equipped with a NOAA feature for weather news. The radio has only two dials, a frequency tuning dial and a volume tuning dial. It supports earphones for a personalized experience.
PROS
- Has a built-in NOAA weather band for weather forecasts and alerts
- Equipped with high tech Stereo speakers that provide the best sound quality for users
- The antenna has strong reception even over long distances.
- Each aa battery set can last weeks before it needs to be changed.
CONS
- Doesn’t have the SW band
- The radio only uses a DC power option.
5. Sangean PR-D15
The Sangean PR-D15 portable radio is regarded by some as one of the best am radios. Made with state of the art technology, the radio has a reception distance of several kilometers without a drop in sound quality. Its aesthetic design makes it blend in whatever occasion its used. The radio is best suited for a camping trip as well as for indoor use.
PROS
- Designed with special quality stereo speakers
- Features a Sleep timer function and an alarm
- Includes an easy to read LCD
- Boast of an exceptional am receiver with its antenna made of ferrite.
- Option to use rechargeable NIMH batteries
CONS
- The radio is relatively large and heavy.
6. Sony ICF-506
The Sangean PR-D15 portable radio is regarded by some as one of the best long range am radios. Made with state of the art technology, the radio has a reception distance of several kilometers without a drop in sound quality. Its aesthetic design makes it blend in whatever occasion its used. The radio is best suited for a camping trip as well as for indoor use.
PROS
- Designed with special quality stereo speakers
- Features a Sleep timer function and an alarm
- Includes an easy to read LCD
- Boast of an exceptional am receiver with its antenna made of ferrite.
- Option to use rechargeable NIMH batteries
CONS
- The radio is relatively large and heavy.
7. Sangean DT-200X
The Sangean DT-200X is a digital pocket radio of high class and arguably one of the best in the market. The PLL-synthesized AM/FM radio is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket yet powerful enough to pull in long distant AM and FM stations. The radio features 19 memory presets and a ‘My Favorite channel’ option for users to locate their best stations in no time.
PROS
- Has a powerful stereo and a headphone jack option
- Sports a backlit LCD display
- Comes with belt clip and earbud accessories
- The radio is equipped with a Shutoff function.
- It can easily switch between FM and am radio stations.
CONS
- The reception distance isn’t as large as other Sangean radios.
- The radio runs only on 2 AA batteries.
8. PowerBear Portable Radio
The PowerBear AM/FM stereo pocket radio boasts of its simplistic design and top-notch performance. The portable radio is sturdy, compact and has easy to access dials to tune to your favorite stations. The range for its radio signals is excellent where FM is 80 – 108 MHz while the range for AM is 530 – 1600KHz, and it Requires only 2 AA batteries to operate. It has impressed users as a radio for extended usage.
PROS
- Quality stereo speakers ensure great sound without compromise.
- Long-range transistors allow for communication across long distances.
- The radio has a built-in headset jack so users can enjoy privacy.
CONS
- The device is only battery operated.
9. Retekess V115
The Retekess v115 shortwave radio is a quality stereo digital device. It is equipped to handle both the FM band and AM reception. The radio is powered by a 1000mAh rechargeable Lithium battery, and it is packed with enough functions to cater to all the basic needs of its users.
PROS
- Equipped with a sleep timer
- Sports a clear LCD display
- Equipped with a TF card reader, headset jack and an AUX input port
- The radio is capable of recording audio.
- Supports a large number of station presets
- It comes with a long USB cord, and the radio can be upgraded with functions assigned to specific buttons.
CONS
- No alarm was included with the sleep timer.
10. Mesqool Radio
The Mesqool weather radio is a powerful SW, FM and AM radio. You can switch from AM radio, FM radio to Shortwave radio and to Weather Band by just rotating a band knob. The radio easily picks distant radio waves thanks to its sophisticated tech. It is a must-have for a camping trip and survival enthusiasts.
PROS
- Boasts of one of the best signal reception
- Five power options which include solar power, dynamo hand crank, DC, 3 AAA battery with a 2500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Equipped with 2 LED light sources
- It has 7 pre-configured NOAA weather stations.
- Equipped with a powerful compass
- Features a Sos function
- The radio can be used as a power bank.
CONS
- The device is heavy
- Not a portable digital radio
11. PRUNUS J-160
The PRUNUS J-160 transistor radio is a retro-styled AM/ FM portable device. The radio boasts of distance am reception for AM station. The radio is powered by a 1200mAh battery that lasts over 5 hours from a single charge, and it has an AAA battery slot alternative. Knobs are used to tune channel frequencies and adjust its volume. It also has buttons for mp3 control.
PROS
- Equipped with Bluetooth function, TF card reader and USB port
- The radio can be used for SW signal reception.
- It can pick FM or AM reception from far away stations.
CONS
- It doesn’t have a headset jack.
- The radio is heavy
12. HDi Audio Home Portable Radio
The HDi long-distance am radio is undeniably a major competitior for the number one spot of the best reception portable radio. The radio has a ferrite rod Am antenna and a telescoping rod FM antenna, so all receptions are crystal clear; also, the radio frequency and Volume are controlled by knobs.
PROS
- Easy to read radio dial
- Has a large band tuning and LED indicator
- Can be powered using AC cable or DC (3x D size batteries)
- The radio has a 4″ dynamic speaker that produces high-quality sounds.
- Can pick Am and FM signal over long distances
- Equipped with a headphone jack
CONS
- The radio is heavy
- The device is fragile, with the case made entirely from plastic.
13. Philips radio
The Phillips battery-powered pocket-sized radio with its ultra-slim design was made to accompany its user wherever they go. With its decent reception power, it picks AM and FM signals easily. The portable radio is a necessary inclusion for camping and hiking items.
PROS
- Come with in-ear headphones so users can enjoy a personalized experience.
- Equipped with quality speakers
- Powerful radio receiver to pick a large number of radio stations
- The radio is lighter than most radios.
CONS
- The radio speaker is mono and not stereo.
- It only operates on battery power.
- Has a relatively short am reception range
- The frequency display is small and could be hard to read for some.
14. Retekess TR604
The Retekess portable digital radio is the best radio for long-distance FM signals. Its 24 inches long antenna brings better FM and AM reception, and its precision base knobs allow for easy tuning. The radio is equipped with an AM FM 2 band receiver and overall has a simple, alluring design.
PROS
- The TR604 portable radio has a simple and easy-to-operate knob.
- It boasts of a terrific long-distance am reception.
- Selectable low or high tone along with high power speakers
- Equipped with large flexible knobs that are easy to operate
- Dual power option and comes with a long power cord.
- Has an earphone jack
CONS
- The radio is heavy at 2.09 pounds.
15. DreamSky Portable Radio
The DreamSky battery-powered clock radio is a state of the art digital am radio that can easily be carried while still performing its tasks without compromise. The multi-functional pocket-sized clock radio requires 2 AA batteries to function, and it is the best radio for long-distance stations.
PROS
- The radio is easy to use
- The radio has a 12 or 24 hr option clock display with an alarm clock.
- Equipped with a sleep timer function and a Safe lock button
- Users can save their favorite stations for easy access.
- Fitted with a backlit LCD display
- Has an impeccable AM reception
- The radio has an earphone jack available.
CONS
- It can only be DC powered.
Overall Best Buy
The best radio for long-distance AM reception might not always be the most expensive. Our overall best buy combines a good build quality, best reception, advanced features, extended battery life, quality LCD screen, and display.
Sony ICFP26 Portable AM or FM Radio does not only count as the best radio for long-distance am reception. It is that radio for long-distance that will give you value for your purchase cost. According to our review, this radio is rated the best am radio after due consideration of all its features and the current market price.
Best Budget Buy
A long-distance portable AM radio might be affordable and still be the best bet for you, especially if you try to cut your coat according to your cloth. Following a buying guide can help you make a good deal on the purchase, and all the above-listed long-distance AM radios will give you a good run for your money.
Our best budget buy is the DreamSky Portable AM or FM Radio. While there may be even cheaper designs and models in the market, we can assure you that this radio comes with the basic and essential features you need for effective connection and experience. Even at such a pocket-friendly deal, this radio is one of the best radios for am reception.
Consideration for Choosing the Best AM Radios
Did you know – radio makes use of radio waves for communication, which is one of the greatest advantages it has over cell phones. The implication of this is that even in places with bad cell services, you can conveniently use them to get informed and stay connected with the outside world, so long as your radio is within range of the source stations.
Another reason to buy a AM radio is the is no subscription involved with a AM radio, nor do you need to download application updates from time to time. You can use them when you are out of town, camping in a solitary place, or in the woods to stay connected with the outside world. Even if you are in an urban area with assured cell service, these devices can always be of use, probably during power outages, when you need to stay informed of crucial information and news.
If you want to maximize your radio’s use and you need a suitable radio with great performance, particularly regarding coverage and range, you should be aiming to pick the best radio for long-distance AM reception.
Size
Portability is a key feature to watch out for in any radio. Little is always much with an AM radio, and the guiding phrase while purchasing a radio should be “the smaller the better.” The best radio for long-distance am reception can manage a portable size and lightweight despite having a tremendous store of features and functions. The small size should not impair functionality and performance.
A simple litmus test for portability is if you can easily hold the radio in your hands. It is an important test because this might be the most comfortable position to have your radio, especially if you are moving. The radio should fit properly within your grip and not pose a burden on mobility or carriage in a backpack. Even if you also put your device close to your ears, it should not be uncomfortable due to its size.
Durability
You are probably asking, “how do I determine a durable AM radio”? I will start by answering the question, “why you need a reliable and durable radio.”
You will most likely be using your radio outdoors, maybe while camping, away from town or in a forest. The conditions in these places are mostly harsh, and your AM radio will stand the test of durability from almost every element of nature and weather. You may accidentally drop your radio from time to time, and you do not want to be out of communication just because you failed to choose a device that can last and withstand wear and tear. All of these are reasons you can not afford just any AM radio without testing its durability.
There are pointers to check for durability. First, you need to check the build quality, materials with which your radio is made, from the knobs to the buttons and casing. You want to make sure the radio is sturdily built and solid even in hand. Reviews like this on various AM radios will also help you choose a very durable radio.
Range
How far your radio can reach while giving quality sound is one of the most contributing factors in choosing the best radio for AM/FM reception. Long-range FM/AM radios are most recommended for users. This is determined by how far off the station they can reach is from the particular position of the device and how clear the sounds are while receiving.
The speed with which the radio can connect to a far-away station coupled with reception quality are pointers for the best long-range AM radio. The primary purpose of the best radio for long-range distance am reception is to reach far-away stations and deliver quality in sound and echo. A long-distance AM radio can only be worth its title if it can reach the farthest of stations.
LCD Display/ Pre-set Setting
The LCD display of the radio directs you and contributes to ease of operations. With this display, you can know what frequency you are on and what station you are currently connected to. Your radio must have a good display, clear enough no matter the lighting around. The display helps to ease up programming and set-up.
Pre-set settings allow you access preferred or favorite stations with the click of a button. Previously saving a programmed frequency is possible for radio with this feature. You can always pin down your favorite station at a click of the button. You can have from tens up to hundreds of pre-set settings, depending on the model you are getting.
Battery
Knowing fully well that you will mostly use your device while out of town, you cannot afford to go for one with low battery quality. The AM radio receiver must provide you with optimum function, best reception, pick up every available signal (analog signals inclusive), access your favorite stations and every other AM station, and still maintain long battery life. Certain special features might lay more demands on the battery than others, and this is why you should check if the battery capacity of your radios measures up with its features.
There are different types of batteries. Some radios use two aa batteries, single aaa batteries and so on; others have a wide range of compatibility, making it easier to replace batteries. Make sure you have ways you can maintain good battery quality for a reasonable while before making your choice.
Price
Price is important to consider when choosing your portable am radio. You should purchase smartly by weighing the potential value of the radio with the price tag. It is not out of place to have superior radios costing more than the ones of less quality, but you want to be sure that the radio is not overpriced.
There are several AM radios with good reception that are sold at very affordable prices. This review will help you make a good selection.
Ease of Use
It would be nice if you found convenience while operating your AM radio. Any user should not welcome extra and unnecessary complications in the handling and use of their radio. The easier your radio is, the more features you can access and maximize.
You want to choose a long-distance radio that you can operate as fast as possible. The buttons and knobs should be easy to operate, and there should be ease of navigation through the menu functions.
The best radios are those that do not need extra technical assistance to set up or start running. A simple instruction through the user guide or manual should be enough to put you through the use of an easy-to-use radio.
AM Radios FAQs
Where to buy radios for long-distance reception
The globalization of the market has made the purchase of devices a lot easier. While you can purchase these radios from actual stores, online stores make the easiest means to buy your radios and accessories. You can readily get varieties on amazon.com and other official online stores.
