HD, or hybrid digital, radios are popular thanks to their superior sound quality when compared with analog FM radios. Essentially, HD radio works by streaming AM and FM radio stations over a digital signal so you can listen to your favorite radio stations but in much better quality than ever before. These radios can also be used to access sub-channels from many radio stations so you can enjoy an even greater range of music and also keep up to date with emergency traffic or weather reports.
HD radio technology is progressing all the time, so choosing the best portable HD radio isn’t always easy. That’s why we have compiled this comprehensive guide to choosing the best HD radios. With helpful buying guides and reviews of 15 of the best options on the market today, you are sure to have an excellent listening experience next time you tune in to your favorite HD radio stations.
Table of Contents
Best HD Radio Reviews
Let’s dive right in with our reviews of 15 of the best HD radios out there today.
1. Sangean HDR 16 HD Radio
Our first HD radio is the Sangean HDR 16 HD. It can be used at home or outside, as it can be powered by either batteries or an AC power supply. There is also a fold-out handle which further helps ensure this radio is easily portable. You can easily listen to your favorite FM stations, as there are ten memory presets in which you can store them for easy access.
The Sangean HDR 16 HD radio is a stylish radio with two 2.5″ front-facing speakers, which offer clear and crisp audio quality. There are settings to adjust the treble and bass so you can get the radio sounding just how you like it, depending on the music you are listening to. In fact, all of the controls on the radio are easy to use making this one of the best picks for those who find it difficult to use modern technology. Despite the simple design, the radio has a lovely, modern design so it’s sure to look great in any home.
There are auxiliary jacks so external devices can be used with this radio. There’s also a headphone jack so you can listen to the radio privately if necessary. The FM reception is excellent on this radio whether it is used in analog or HD mode.
Sangean is one of the best brands when it comes to HD radios, so you can’t go wrong with this portable radio. The radio is quite substantial thanks to the solid plastic body, so you can expect to get many years of use from the Sangean HDR 16 HD radio.
Memory presets: 10
Power source: AC or battery
Dimensions: 10.24 x 2.48 x 5.35 inches
Weight: 1.15 lbs
Pros:
- Two power options
- Auxiliary jacks
- Excellent reception
- Looks great
Cons:
- Not many memory presets
2. VQ Retro Mini
Our next pick is a very versatile device – not only does it function as an HD radio, but also AM/FM radio and a Bluetooth speaker for playing music from a smartphone. You can automatically scan through the AM or FM radio stations to find those with the best signal, so you’ll always have crystal clear sound. Or, if there are no radio stations in range that you like, switch to the Bluetooth mode and connect your phone to listen to your own playlists, podcasts, or even audiobooks. The device even has an alarm function so you can set it beside your bed to ensure you never oversleep.
These aren’t the only useful functions of this tabletop HD radio, however. It is also equipped with a USB charging port so you can charge your phone as you play music from it. There’s also a headphone jack to listen to your music privately if necessary, as well as an AUX input to connect devices without Bluetooth.
The sound quality is excellent from this radio thanks to its ultra-wide 10W speaker. Not only is the sound crystal clear, but the radio also looks great. It is wrapped in PU leather for a premium, stylish retro look, and there are different colors available to choose from. There’s also a carry handle on the top of the radio so it can easily be taken out and about to listen to your favorite stations anywhere. And, there are 90 presets so you can save many different radio stations – ideal for those with a varied taste in music!
Memory presets: 90
Power source: Battery or AC
Dimensions: 4.13 x 5.79 x 8.82 inches
Weight: 2.09 lbs
Pros:
- Many useful functions
- Stylish
- Large number of presets
- Portable
Cons:
- Clock and memory presets reset if the radio is unplugged
3. Sangean HDR 14
We’ve already looked at an excellent Sangean HD radio, and here we have another one of this brand’s excellent portable radios. The Sangean HDR 14 offers both digital and AM/FM reception and can also be used to broadcast emergency alerts. There is an LCD screen on the radio which shows the current station, song information, time, and more, and it is backlit so it can easily be viewed in darker conditions too. An alarm function can also be found on this radio, and one can be woken either by a buzzer, the radio, or both together. There is also a snooze function for those who like to sleep a little longer in the morning.
The compact size of this stereo AM portable radio, and the fact that it can be powered by three AA batteries, means it is ideal to take anywhere. It can be set up on a nightstand using the built-in stabilizing stand, or even popped into a pocket, as it is only 5 inches long. There is an LED that will illuminate when the radio’s battery is getting low, so you never have to be without your favorite music.
You can keep up-to-date with all the local news, sports, and music with the Sangean HDR 14 HD radio, without the need for any subscription packages. This is thanks to the digital reception which is able to broadcast more content than ever before.
Memory presets: 40
Power source: Battery or AC
Dimensions: 5 x 1.3 x 3.03 inches
Weight: 0.42 Pounds
Pros:
- Very compact
- LCD screen showing useful information
- Alarm function
Cons:
- AM reception isn’t the greatest
4. AudioVox IHDP01A Portable HD Radio
Like our previous pick, this AudioVox HD radio FM stereo is very compact and portable, making it an excellent pick for those who like to listen to the radio when out and about, away from home. It is battery powered and comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which lasts around 8 – 10 hours on a single charge. So, you won’t have to be buying batteries or recharging it constantly, yet you get the flexibility to move away from a power outlet with the radio.
This pocket radio is really designed to be portable thanks to the belt clip and armband it comes with – you truly can take it anywhere! It also comes with earphones so you can listen privately when out and about. They are inserted into a standard 3.5mm jack, so if you prefer to use an existing pair of headphones, this shouldn’t be a problem. The USB charging cable is also included so the battery can easily be charged at your convenience. The radio can continue to be used whilst charging too, so you’ll never have to miss your favorite radio show.
There are 10 memory presets on the FM stereo AM portable radio so you can save a couple of your most-listened-to stations for easy access. The FM reception is excellent on this radio with no static, especially when it is used outside. It’s also ideal for listening to in the car rather than going to the hassle to change the built-in car radio to an HD radio. The radio can even be used in different countries making it a great pick for those who travel often – it is a relatively inexpensive way to have access to constant entertainment abroad, compared to using roaming data.
Memory presets: 10
Power source: Battery (rechargeable lithium-ion)
Dimensions: 3.23 x 0.69 x 2.24 inches
Weight: 0.14 pounds
Pros:
- Very portable
- Includes accessories for using on the go
- Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Small number of presets
5. Sangean HDR 18 HD Radio
Our next pick is another excellent model from Sangean. The Sangean HDR 18 offers 20 memory presets for 10 FM stations and 10 AM stations. It offers excellent sound quality and a wide range of stations, without the need for any monthly subscription fees.
The high definition radio also functions as a clock with an alarm function too. When it’s time to wake up, there are a few different options – the radio, a buzzer, or a humane wake system which gradually increases in volume to wake you more gently.
The Sangean tabletop HD radio has an LCD screen that shows various pieces of information, such as the signal quality, current time, channel frequency, and more. The wooden cabinet is acoustically tuned and it looks great, too. There is also a remote control included to operate the radio more easily from a distance.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: Adapter or batteries
Dimensions: 7.61 x 9.45 x 4.41 inches
Weight: 5.1 pounds
Pros:
- Crystal clear sound
- Multiple alarm functions
- Looks great
Cons:
- The clock resets if the power is lost
6. Grace Digital Audio T750
This FM HD radio from Grace Digital Audio offers some excellent features not just limited to the excellent sound quality. It offers support in languages other than English, including Portuguese and Spanish, so it’s ideal for those who are not native English speakers. It also makes use of voice prompts which is excellent for those with visual impairments. There are 20 presets to keep your favorite HD stations within easy access any time you tune in.
The radio features international tuning support so it can be used in another country so you can always access high definition stations from anywhere in the world. Like many others, this HD FM radio player offers a dual alarm function with snooze. There is both a headphone jack for output and auxiliary input, so it’s possible to connect other devices for a more flexible listening experience.
Port tuning is used to bring the latest HD radio technology to your home with this model. It offers powerful and rich high definition stereo sound so it is always a pleasure to listen to. The radio has a 2.4-inch TFT color display. This is a great size for reading the information shown on it such as the current time, radio station, and battery life.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: AC or battery
Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 8 inches
Weight: 5.8 pounds
Pros:
- Great stereo sound
- Large TFT display
- Voice prompts for visually impaired users
Cons:
- No treble or bass adjustments for tweaking the sound
7. Sangean HDT 20 HD Radio
The next of our top HD radios is another pick from the ever-popular Sangean brand. The Sangean HDT 20 HD radio comes with a power cord and a remote for easier operation and it has a sleek, stylish black design to blend in with any room easily. This model features all of the latest HD radio technology and offers superior audio quality, making it one of the best picks overall. You can access any type of radio station with the Sangean HDT 20 HD – tune in to local AM and FM stations or use the hybrid or full digital capabilities to access even more content from HD radio stations.
The Sangean HDT 20 HD radio features a large backlit LCD display which shows information about what is currently playing, such as the song title and artist as well as the station information and signal strength. So, you won’t be left wondering what song is playing! There are several memory presets to store your favorite stations for easy access – 10 AM and 10 FM stations can be kept in the memory.
Like many others, this radio tuner features an auxiliary input so you can connect some headphones and listen without disturbing others around you. The radio is designed to be used for upgrading an existing stereo system to utilize the latest in HD radio technology and it has an optical SPDIF digital output for this purpose. The AM and FM antennas ensure the reception and sensitivity on this radio are excellent, as you would expect from this leading brand of FM HD radio.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: AC adapter or battery
Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.2 x 2.97 inches
Weight: 6.1 Pounds
Pros:
- Superior sound quality
- Excellent reception
- Large, backlit LCD showing a lot of useful information
Cons:
- The remote control doesn’t have a wide range and must be pointed directly at the sensor
8. Sony XDT-F1HD Tuner
Our next pick is a HD radio tuner from Sony, the XDR-F1HD. It offers clear reception which is free from static and doesn’t require any subscription fees to use the digital signal. All types of radio channels can be broadcast using this tuner – AM, FM, and HD. Even with FM and AM stations, you can expect excellent sound quality, just like you would hear on a CD. And with the HD radio technology, you can access more stations than ever before. There are 20 station presets to save all your new favorite channels for easier access, too.
There is a remote control included for easy operation- it offers a full range of controls just like the device itself. There is an audio output jack on the tuner for connecting it to an existing radio setup. In fact, it works with just about any audio setups. The tuner features an easy-to-read dot matrix LCD display which shows important information such as the current station information and its frequency.
Whilst the radio can provide access to thousands of stations, it might be necessary to rotate the rod antenna 90 degrees to find some of them. So, if there is a station you know you should be able to access in your area, try adjusting the position until it comes into range.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: AC adapter
Dimensions: 6.38 x 7.13 x 2.38 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Pros:
- Intuitive controls
- Great audio quality
- Remote with a full range of controls
Cons:
- Gets warm when in use
9. Insignia NS HDRAD2
This tabletop HD radio has a continuously-backlit LCD screen so it is easy to view at all times. This shows the song title and artist as well as the station name or frequency. The radio also offers auxiliary input so, as well as being able to listen to your favorite stations, you can also connect an MP3 player or another external device to hear your favorite music content at any time. The telescopic antenna ensures you can always pick up the best reception, and it’s easy to adjust if the angle is not quite right for your favorite station.
The Insignia NS HDRAD2 offers the latest in HD radio technology, allowing HD2 and HD3 stations to be accessed without a subscription. This gives the same high quality as you would expect from a CD, so you can hear your favorite music the way it was meant to be heard. The radio can be powered by either the included AC adapter or by inserting four AA batteries (which are not included). So, it can be used at home or as a pocket radio to take anywhere. The speakers ensure powerful audio quality at all times, no matter where you are listening.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: AC adapter or four AA batteries
Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Pros:
- Excellent range of HD stations
- Adjustable rod antenna to pick up the best signal
- Battery or AC power makes this radio versatile
Cons:
- Doesn’t receive AM stations
10. SPARC SHD-BT1
This SPARC wooden cabinet radio looks great and is sure to be a welcome addition to any home. The wooden design helps further improve the audio quality as well as making it one of the best-looking radios in our review. It offers various modes of connectivity – Bluetooth, USB, or 3.5mm jack. So, not only does it bring you the best HD radio channels, but you can also use it to hear music from your phone or another Bluetooth-enabled device in stunning quality.
The SPARC radio features a full-color LCD screen, measuring 2.4 inches. This shows all the usual information such as the song title, the artist, and the name of the radio station. However, the display remains on the same brightness at all times unless manually dimmed. This is a minor inconvenience for an otherwise excellent HD radio, however.
Like many others, this radio also functions as an alarm clock with a dual alarm function and a sleep timer. There are 20 presets allowing you to add your most-listened-to stations to the radio’s memory so they can easily and quickly be brought up.
Memory presets: 20
Power source: AC
Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 8 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Pros:
- Looks great
- Large, color screen
- Bluetooth and alarm functions
Cons:
- Display doesn’t dim automatically
11. Pioneer FH-X830BHS
Our next pick is something a little different – this Pioneer FM HD radio is designed to be installed in the car. This means you can enjoy the best HD radio content on a journey, as well as being able to change back to a CD if you wish. The radio features Bluetooth enabling hands-free calls to be made safely when driving. Or, you can use the Bluetooth to stream content from your phone if there is nothing on the radio you feel like listening to.
The Pioneer radio features USB and AUX ports on the front so it’s easy to connect external devices, even if these devices aren’t Bluetooth-enabled. The display offers different colors to choose from, so you can find the one which is best for viewing in bright sunlight or at night. It also dims and brightens automatically according to surrounding lighting conditions.
Memory presets: 6
Power source: In-car
Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.6 x 6 inches
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Pros:
- Bluetooth for making calls or playing music from a phone
- USB and AUX connections
- Also plays CDs
Cons:
- Limited number of radio presets
12. Kenwood DMX907S Touch Panel
This media player offers a large, 6.95-inch touchscreen which is designed to make it safer to use your phone in the car. It offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so it is compatible with both of the major types of smartphones. You can use this for navigation, making calls, or listening to music from Apple Music or other streaming services such as Spotify.
The Kenwood multimedia panel uses Bluetooth 5.0 for a strong connection between the device and your smartphone. The touchscreen is highly responsive and features 1,152k pixels and a resolution of 800 x 480. To control the touchscreen, you can tap, hold, flick, and swipe, so it is easy to access everything you need to.
The audio quality on this device is outstanding, even superior to that of a CD. Even the highest and lowest frequencies are played with the Kenwood DMX907S. There is an icon on the main screen allowing easy access to the HD radio features.
Power source: In-car
Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 7 inches
Weight: 5.97 pounds
Pros:
- Extensive features
- High resolution, large, color touchscreen
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Can be difficult to connect wirelessly to a smartphone
13. Eton Elite Executive Radio HD
The Eton Elite Exclusive is an international radio receiver that can play all kinds of radio wavelengths – AM, FM, RDS, LW, and SW. And, to get exactly what you want, you can use the manual digital tuning. The radio even picks up VHF and SSB frequencies. So, whether you are listening to something from close to home or much further away, you can be sure this radio is the ideal companion.
The Eton radio comes with a lovely leather case so it is easy to take it out and about where it will remain protected and look stylish, too. The radio can be powered by an AC adapter at home or four AA batteries on the go. The radio has an alarm and sleep timer as well as a headphone slot for private listening when out and about. It offers connectivity for an external antenna to further enhance the signal quality.
Memory presets: 700
Power source: AC or four AA batteries
Dimensions: 7.40 x 13.11 x 2.60 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Pros:
- Very wide range of frequencies
- Handcrafted leather case included
- Portable
Cons:
- No bass or treble adjustments
14. Pioneer AVH-310EX
Our next pick is another excellent in-car radio option. This one features a 6.8″ 16:9 touchscreen with LED backlighting to ensure it is easy to see in any lighting conditions. There are five display colours and over 100 key colors so you can customize the display to the style you like the most and find easiest to read. The devics can play CDs and features Bluetooth for connecting a smartphone. This can then be used to make calls hands-free or stream music and it works with iPhone or Android devices.
To tweak the sound, there are many options. There is a bass booster, loudness settings, and an equalizer, so you can get very loud, top-quality sound for your favourite songs. Some users even compare the sound to that of a subwoofer. The Pioneer is also equipped with a USB port so you can play files from any device regardless of whether or not it has Bluetooth. It can even be used to view camera footage, perfect for enhancing your vehicle’s security.
Power source: In-car
Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.8 x 6.4 inches
Weight: 3.9 pounds
Pros:
- Large, full-color touchscreen
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- Outstanding audio quality with many adjustments
Cons:
- Sometimes Bluetooth connectivity is not effective
15. Sangean HDR-15
Closing our guide to the best HD radios, we have another great pick from Sangean. The HDR-15 is an alarm clock radio with 40 memory presets to keep your favorite stations easy to access. Like many other HD radios, it offers PAD (program associated data) service to show you information about the current track. There is also an emergency alert function if you choose to have this activated.
There are three different alarms that can be set at the same time, which will be a useful feature for many users. When it’s time to wake up, there’s a buzzer or radio and you can set the volume to gradually increase for a more gentle awakening. The display is large and easy to read, and also features an adjustable dimmer. This means it won’t disturb you during the night, but is bright enough to read in complete darkness when you need to. There is a USB port built-in allowing a phone to be charged from the radio. You can also find an AUX input for connecting other audio devices.
Memory presets: 40
Power source: AC
Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.6 x 3.6 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Pros:
- Three alarm functions
- Easy to read, dimmable display
- USB port for charging a phone
Cons:
- Overall audio quality could be a little better
What to Look for When Buying an HD Radio
With so many different models on the market, there are a few key features to look out for to ensure you find the HD radio that is best suited to your needs. Here are some of the main things worth keeping in mind.
Battery Life
Some radios run on either AC adapters or batteries. If you plan to use the radio outside of the house often, it is worth ensuring it has a decent battery life so it doesn’t run out when you need it most, and so you don’t have to spend a small fortune on constantly replacing batteries.
Type
There are many different types of HD radio out there. A portable radio, or pocket radio, is smaller and battery-powered so it can be used anywhere. A home cabinet table top radio is best for using at home, and there are also car HD radios for enjoying FM HD radio in the car. So, think about where the radio will be used and choose the appropriate type.
Display
Many of these radios feature an LCD or TFT display. With HD radio, data about the song is also sent to your radio so you can use this display to read song and artist information, which is excellent for when you really can’t remember the name of that song! So, look for a display that is easy to read and shows all the information you need.
Quality
These radios are built from different types of materials, so look for good quality, durable materials. This will ensure your radio lasts for a long time and provides many years of enjoyment. The materials used to make the radio will also affect the way it looks. Perhaps you like the retro look or maybe you prefer wood or leather – in either case, choose the style you like the best and that will fit in well with your home decor.
Additional Features
Most of the models we have looked at above have extra features as well as broadcasting you the latest crystal clear FM radio stations. Some have an alarm function, Bluetooth for connecting your phone to the radio, and some of the car radios have interactive touchscreen panels offering a range of features. Think about what you need from your radio and if these extra features will be desirable or not.
Considerations Choosing HD Radios
There are a few more things to think about when choosing between the different HD radios on offer, not just the specs of the radio as detailed above. Here are a few more things that might impact your decision as to which HD radio to choose, and some information about the technology inside a HD radio.
What is HD Radio?
After looking at all the radios above, you might still be in the dark as to what this kind of portable HD FM radio actually do differently from an analog radio. HD stands for Hybrid Digital – these radios use a digital signal to provide a superior sound quality compared to analog radio. With digital radio, it’s possible to broadcast more than one program over the same frequency, allowing for more listening opportunities – you can find something that really interests you and keep up-to-date with important news and events.
Who is this for?
Anyone can enjoy the stunning sound quality provided by HD radios. They eliminate the static sound often heard on traditional, analog radios, meaning any audiophile who loves radio can enjoy listening to it even more. Of course, this new technology is also ideal for those who love keeping up with the latest trends and developments in technology. However, anyone looking for better sound quality from their radio is sure to benefit from one of these HD radios.
How Does it Work?
We’ve already seen how HD radio uses digital signals to broadcast your favorite shows. It works in much the same way as analog radio in that broadcasters don’t need to make huge changes to their existing equipment. Also, analog radio won’t be phased out, at least not imminently – unlike the digital TV switchover. To receive HD signals, users require a compatible radio, which we will talk more about below.
How to Receive HD Radio?
As you might have realized, it is necessary to use a HD radio in order to receive HD signals. There are two options here – using a HD radio tuner with an existing audio setup, or purchasing a standalone HD radio. If you intend to listen to HD radio in the car, it might be necessary to purchase a specialized antenna. However, more modern cars are being built with this technology in place.
What are the Different Types of HD Radios?
There are three main types of HD radios – tabletop, car, and portable. Let’s take a look at these different types in a bit more detail.
Tabletop – Tabletop radios are ideal for listening to at home. They have large speakers and offer excellent, stereo sound.
Portable – A portable HD FM radio is a bit smaller and powered by batteries. It will usually have a headphone jack so you can listen to your favorite music privately, ideal for on the morning commute.
Car radios – As the name suggests, these are designed to be built into the car. This will allow you to access high definition radio on the go, which is sure to brighten up the next time you get stuck in traffic!
Why Do You Need an HD Radio?
If you are tired of hearing static interference when listening to your favorite radio shows, then you need an HD radio. It will allow you to hear radio shows in the never-before-heard quality, as sharp and clean as you would expect from a CD. Many users also enjoy the additional data broadcast by HD radios, such as the artist and song information. The screens of HD radios can also broadcast emergency updates and information from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
HD Radio Frequently Asked Questions
If, after reading our reviews, you still have some questions about HD radios, we have all the answers you are looking for below.
What is the best HD radio?
After looking at 15 HD radios, you might be wondering which stood out as the best of all. The one we like best is the Sangean HDR 18 HD radio. It gives great audio quality and also works as an alarm, with the useful HWS for gentle awakening. The radio looks great and is sure to fit in well in any home. It is easy to use, with a range of buttons on the front to access the various functions and features. It has a one-way speaker for excellent quality sound and has a useful LCD screen to show important information about the current song and station.
Does HD Radio sound better?
In a word, yes. HD radio is free from interference, so there will be no static when listening to your favorite station. This is due to the way in which the HD radio picks up the digital signal, focusing on the transmission rather than picking up the signal reflections off of buildings as is the case with analog radio.
What is the best AM FM radio for its reception?
All of the above radios offer excellent reception, so no matter which one you choose you can be sure the quality will be great. However, some don’t pick up AM signals, such as the Insignia model at #9 on our list. Sangean’s radios tend to offer excellent reception, and AudioVox’s offering is also noted for its great reception as well as sound quality.
How is HD radio different?
HD radio allows FM and AM stations to be broadcast using a digital signal. This gives better sound quality compared to analog radio broadcasting, allowing more information to be carried to your radio. For example, FM radio is considered lower quality than CDs, whilst AM is even lower still, broadcasting only in mono. Digital signals aren’t subject to interference either, so there will be no hissing, popping, or static sounds when listening to digital radio.
Furthermore, digital signal offers extra bandwidth. This means that more than one channel can be broadcast on the same frequency. So, you will find some new and different channels alongside your usual favorites, perhaps playing different types of music or providing updates on news, weather, sports, and more.
What are the most trusted HD radio brands?
We have only featured the very best brands in our reviews above. Some of the best-known HD radio brands include Sangean, Sony, Pioneer, and AudioVox. It’s worth comparing different brands and looking at their reputation for building durable products and providing great customer service.
How to set up and use the HD radio?
Whilst the technology inside your new HD radio might seem complicated, actually operating one couldn’t be easier. To set up the radio initially, ensure it has fully-charged batteries or is connected to the mains power supply before powering it on. The antenna should be extended, too. The initial setup varies between brands, but usually, it will be quite intuitive working through the menus.
Setting up a new HD radio system in the car is more difficult and is best left to a professional at the garage unless you have a lot of knowledge on the subject. For a home HD radio, some offer an MP3 player function. This often requires an SD card to be inserted with your favorite songs on it. Similarly, some HD radios can accept a Micro SD card for recording purposes. This allows you to record your favorite radio shows and listen back to them at a later time, ideal for when you will be busy.
How to care for and maintain an HD radio?
These radios are easy to care for, just like a traditional radio. It won’t be necessary to open the radio up for maintenance on the inside, simply give it a regular wipe on the outside to keep it free from dirt and dust. A microfiber cloth is perfect for this, and you can add a little polish if any plastic parts look dull and worn.
For battery-operated radios, there is some additional care advice. The batteries should be removed from the radio when it will be stored for a long period to prevent them from leaking or corroding and damaging the inside of the radio. If this happens, the radio will be unusable, so take care to remove batteries when the radio isn’t going to be used for an extended period. On the subject of batteries, it is a good idea when changing the batteries to ensure they are the same brand and the same age – it is not a good idea to mix old and new batteries in a device.
What is the warranty?
The warranty varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is best to check with each individually. Many cover parts and labor for at least 90 days from the date of purchase, so you will have plenty of time to test the radio to ensure it is working as it should. As mentioned above, these radios have no moving parts inside, so there is generally very little that can go wrong with them. Therefore, you can commonly find a warranty of several years on a HD radio for added peace of mind. Externally, these radios tend to be tough and durable and able to handle a few bumps and tumbles.
Where to buy HD radios?
For convenience, all of the radios we have featured above can be bought from Amazon by using the buy button beside each of the items. It can also be worth checking the manufacturer’s website directly to browse their full range. It is also possible to buy these devices from a good electronics store if you prefer to shop in-person.
Final Thoughts
We have looked at 15 great HD radio options above, and no matter which you decide to buy, you are sure to enjoy the smooth sound quality free from interference. Each radio has its own unique features and as such its own pros and cons. HD radio is the future of radio, offering outstanding sound quality like that you would find on a CD, never heard before on the radio. So, for radio fans, purchasing a HD radio won’t be a regret.
