Today, classic radios are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and they are being replaced by digital products that can work not only with broadcasting, but also provide broadcasting stations based on the Internet. Most people believe that the choice of a radio does not pose any serious problem, however, the acquisition of such a modern device should be approached as thoughtfully and carefully as the majority of music centers, radio systems and other similar products are equipped with such modules.
Even so, there are a large number of radios of various types on sale. If you doubt which model will be most suitable for you, then this article will be very useful to you. In it, we will consider not only the operational characteristics of specific gadgets, but also pay attention to the rules for choosing similar devices. Let’s start with this.
Summary of the rating:
What factors are important when buying a digital radio?
Before purchasing, first of all, you need to make sure that the products confidently catch the signal - this allows you to minimize interference, make broadcasting clear and as loud as possible. The most convenient today are portable designs that are able to work both from batteries or accumulators, and from the network. Such devices can be used, for example, in a country house or in nature, where access to electricity is not always available.
Be sure to check what wave range this gadget is capable of working with. Most models support broadcasting networks ranging from 80 MHz and higher. However, if you plan to take the receiver with you to nature, or to places where there is no full-fledged digital broadcasting, then it is better to give preference to more powerful designs that can work with frequencies from 64 MHz.
It is desirable that the receiver be equipped with a DAB module, which ensures stable operation not only with a digital network, but also with radio stations broadcasting via the Internet. Naturally, you will have to pay attention to the power of the speaker. Most radios are equipped with just one speaker, which is responsible for reproducing all frequencies - low, medium and high. Nevertheless, there are models that are amplified by a minisubwoofer or have several speakers, with which the sound is reproduced in stereo.
Almost all receivers have connectors for connecting external devices. Today it is unlikely to be able to meet a design that is not equipped with a USB port. Through it, you can connect an ordinary USB flash drive with music and use the radio as a player or compact music center. There is also a headphone jack, but many use it to connect an audio system or simple speakers.
When choosing models to include in our review of the best digital radios in 2019, we took into account all the above points. In addition, value for money was taken into account. We tried to include in our review products that are not of the highest cost, so that most of our readers are able to afford them.So, it's time to now begin to analyze the useful qualities of the models included in the rating.
The best models of digital FM radio receivers
10. Perfeo Sound Ranger SV922
Our rating is opened by products, which are a very functional portable speaker system equipped with an mp3 player and a radio. The device is placed in a reliable plastic case, which is reinforced from the inside with stiffeners, so even serious physical exertion will not be frightening to it. All elements are tightly fitted to each other, so no backlashes and creaks were found. The product is equipped with one single speaker located on the front side, its power is 2 W, it itself is hidden under a protective metal mesh, which does not allow its damage during operation or transportation. The buttons are all metal, pressed hard enough, with a characteristic click.
All information is displayed on a special LED screen, characterized by decent brightness. Data can be read both in direct sunlight and in the dark. There are connectors not only for connecting a flash drive and headphones, but also for working with microSD memory cards, a special retractable antenna is provided, which ensures stable reception of signal from radio stations. The products are powered by a lithium-ion battery, the capacity of which is quite sufficient for uninterrupted autonomous operation of the device for 20 hours. Up to 50 stations can be stored in the memory of this equipment, there is a function of automatic range scanning, as well as the ability to search for the necessary frequencies in manual mode. These products can be used as external speakers for any device that can transmit sound through a line input. If necessary, you can even charge a mobile phone or tablet from the radio.
Benefits:
- Pretty decent volume and sound quality;
- If desired, the stored radio stations can be deleted;
- It is possible to listen to music from external media;
- Informative display;
- Long battery life;
- Small overall dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- It is not possible to turn off the backlight, which could save battery power;
- There is no indication of battery power.
9. Degen DE-26
The radio receiver is characterized by compact overall dimensions - it fits easily in the palm of your hand, however, at the same time it can work with all broadcast bands - FM, MW, SW. In order for the signal received from the radio station to be stable and strong, reproduced without interference, a special processing system, called Digital Signal Processing, is used. It is necessary to search for stations exclusively in manual mode - using special buttons or the tuning wheel. There is also a slot for installing microSD memory cards, which allows you to use the receiver as a player. It is able to work with playback formats. The products are based on a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 800 mAh, it is charged via a microUSB connector, and a charger is supplied.
The overall dimensions of the structure are only 110x68x25 mm with a mass of 148 grams. The radio has a digital display with LED backlight, the clock is displayed on it, it also has a battery consumption indicator, it displays the range in which the device is currently operating. The keyboard is locked if necessary, there is a remote telescopic antenna. When you connect headphones or speakers, sound starts playing in stereo.
Benefits:
- Small dimensions;
- A lithium-ion battery of decent capacity, which is enough for a long battery life;
- Reasonable cost;
- Long service life;
- Beautiful appearance and good build quality.
Disadvantages:
- There is no system for automatically searching for radio stations
8. Ritmix RPR-151
This is a portable design that can work immediately in eight wave reception ranges, and if necessary, the device can play .mp3 files located either on a traditional flash drive or on a microSD memory card, there is a built-in battery that has enough capacity for long battery life . At the same time, widely used AAA finger-type batteries can be used as batteries - a special niche is provided for them. In addition, the model has a telescopic rotary retractable antenna that can rotate 360 degrees, providing the most confident and stable reception.
The speaker is quite loud, it works in mono format, but when you connect headphones or other acoustic equipment, stereo mode is activated. It is very convenient to take these products with you on a trip or in the countryside.
Benefits:
- An extended range of frequencies with which this radio is capable of working;
- Pretty decent speaker volume;
- Confidently and stably catches various radio stations;
- Compact and fairly neat appearance, good workmanship and assembly;
- It is powered by a battery or batteries;
- Accessories are inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- Low frequencies are weakly audible regardless of the operating mode;
- It happens that when playing from a memory card, some noise occurs.
7. HARPER HDRS-033
Despite the fact that this brand is not very well known to a wide consumer, these products are very popular among buyers. It is worth noting that this device is most suitable for stationary use, since it has a fairly decent weight of 2.2 kg, which makes it very difficult to take the structure with you on a camping trip or nature. The design is made in retro style, which gives the radio additional style and attractiveness. There are two pretty decent speakers, which even without connecting headphones provide music playback in stereo. The receiver has a digital signal amplifier, and there is also a noise suppression system. Therefore, the radio will always play clearly and loudly, no creaks, noises and other sound defects were found. The device is capable of working both on mains and on batteries.
The range scale is very convenient, however, it should be borne in mind that there is no automatic search for radio stations in this model. All rotating handles are polished, have no backlash, scroll quite smoothly, which ensures excellent accuracy of the search for radio stations. The body is made of MDF panels, due to which the sound is deeper and clearer. Bottom there are rubberized legs that do not allow the device to slide on the surface. The antenna is extendable and long enough, the rubber carrying handle is also stylized as antique. The speakers are covered with a metal mesh, which is well stretched and is of decent strength.
Benefits:
- High level of sensitivity when searching and playing radio stations;
- There are several ranges of work;
- The ability to feed both from the mains and from batteries or batteries;
- Stylish appearance, decorated in antique style;
- High quality materials and workmanship.
Disadvantages:
- Decent overall dimensions;
- With the side faces you need to be as careful as possible, as this can lead to scratches on them.
6. Hyundai H-SRS220
Able to work with FM bands, extended FM and AM. The device has a built-in antenna, which is able to provide reliable reception of radio stations both within the city limits and in rural areas. Management, in general, is quite simple and straightforward. The sound source can be SD memory cards and standard flash drives.These connectors are located on the rear side of the device, so they will not rush into the eyes. The speaker system has excellent performance - the sound is deep. The model is equipped with only one speaker, the power of which is 3 W, but it is quite enough to ensure decent volume. There is also a jack for connecting headphones or speakers. There is no built-in battery here, therefore the device works exclusively from the central power supply.
The radio is characterized by a very attractive appearance, made in the old-fashioned spirit, which allows it to organically fit into the classic design of the room, or in a room decorated in a loft style. The case is neat, made of dark polished wood, the control panel is made of chromed metal. It has an analog clock, and for convenience in the dark, there is an LED backlight for light blue light, which makes the device even more attractive.
Benefits:
- Interesting and original appearance;
- High definition sound;
- Decent volume level;
- Low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- There is no possibility of working offline;
- Small watch face.
5. Luxele RP-111
It has small overall dimensions and a very interesting appearance. On the front side you can find a speaker, several physical buttons to control operating modes, in addition, there is a handle that controls the analog tuner. The range of frequencies with which this radio can work is quite wide - AM, FM, SW, SW2. On one of the end sides, even a small flashlight is provided. The device works on the basis of the battery, a charger is included. On the other hand, there is a volume control, an AUX cable slot, slots for two types of memory cards - SD and microSD, a headphone jack and a USB input. To ensure the stability of the signal, there is a telescopic antenna. The device is very convenient to use on a hike - for this it has a special handle made of plastic with a matte finish.
Overall dimensions are not very large - 190x80x130 mm. As already mentioned, there is a flashlight here, it is LED, its power is only 0.5 watts, but it gives decent brightness. The built-in battery will be enough for about 6-8 hours of continuous use of the receiver, there is an LED indicator that indicates that the charging process has begun. In addition, the device can operate on batteries or directly from the mains. The product well accepts flash drives whose volume does not exceed 16 GB. The receiver has a Bluetooth module through which it can be connected to a smartphone and play music stored in the memory of the mobile device.
Benefits:
- Interesting appearance;
- Loud sound;
- Stably catches a signal;
- There is a convenient cord for carrying;
- Long work on one battery charge.
Disadvantages:
- Due to the increased sensitivity of the radio search knob, it is not always convenient to search for the necessary wave.
4. Max MR-321
This radio has small overall dimensions and a fairly wide functionality. It is worth noting that it goes on sale in two colors - black or black and red. The case of the device is made of glossy plastic of increased strength. The speaker grille is also plastic, the control buttons are metallic, stylized as a chrome surface. Users do not have any complaints about the build quality - the receiver looks solid, monolithic, but the surface is very easily soiled, which will make it possible to clearly see fingerprints, dust and various kinds of scratches. This model has a small LCD informative display, which will display the operating mode, battery level, frequency of the radio station, volume. You can control the model using the keys located both on the front panel and on the side faces.
The keyboard located in front is very convenient, with its help you can set the required frequency, save it in the device’s memory, automatically scan the air, switch to the mode of working with flash drives or memory cards, switch from one file to another, and so on. A miniUSB format jack is provided for charging the built-in battery, there is also an AUX plug, due to which you can use the receiver as a full-fledged speaker for another device. The volume margin is very significant, no distortion of sound or background was noticed. The sound of the stations is stably clear regardless of where the radio is used.
Benefits:
- It is an acceptable cost of the device;
- Interesting and original appearance;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- A decent supply of speaker volume;
- Good build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Weak battery life.
3. Makita DMR 110
The top three digital radios are closed by a device developed by a well-known manufacturer of reliable tools and equipment. It can work from any lithium-ion batteries and from the mains. The case is reliably protected from physical influences and moisture, it is able to work with the AM, FM bands, as well as with digital radio stations of the DAB format. In general, the battery comes complete with a receiver, but any other BL format can be installed instead: its voltage should be between 7.2 and 18 V and a capacity of 1 to 6 mAh. In this case, the device may not need a battery. The model has a decent size LCD screen with LED backlight, the stereo sound quality is very high. You can control the receiver settings using either a special button keyboard or a traditional rotary knob.
You can use this design even in rather harsh conditions - the fact is that it has an industrial IP64 dust and moisture protection class. You can also program through the USB port, the antenna here is removable, pin. The weight of the device is quite decent - 4.1 kg, but this is justified due to the increased structural strength and excellent sound quality. When you install a battery of maximum capacity, the device is able to work about 31 hours without a break. For each band, there are 5 memory slots for storing radio stations.
Benefits:
- Excellent workmanship;
- It can work with almost all frequency ranges;
- Long battery life;
- It has a large and very informative screen.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- A decent mass, which is why carrying it with you will not be too convenient.
2. PerfectPro ToughBox
Another portable, very compact and all-weather design that you can easily take with you on a hike or on a trip. The sound is just great regardless of whether the radio waves are used or the signal comes from an external hard drive. This radio has an RDS function, if necessary, you can control the high and low frequencies, an indication of the time is provided. Manufacturers added here the ability to adjust the brightness of the display backlight, as in most products presented in this review, the range can be scanned automatically. The case is reliably protected from moisture, is not afraid of falls, dust, various physical influences.
It works on the basis of nickel-magnesium batteries, there is also a battery compartment - 4 pieces of size C. Of course, there is a liquid crystal screen equipped with a backlight. The receiver antenna is flexible, retractable. The speaker power is 4.5 watts - it is enough for use at home, and in order to take the unit with you to nature.
Benefits:
- Excellent quality of signal processing and output;
- Long service life;
- Reliable protection against dust and moisture;
- Long battery life.
Disadvantages:
- Decent weight and high cost.
1. Sangean PR-D14
The leader in our ranking of the best digital radios is a stylish and modern model from a well-known manufacturer of similar products. This is a very compact device with a small weight, it is also characterized by excellent build quality. The glossy case practically does not collect any kind of pollution. Almost all controls are located on the front panel of the product. In total, the user can save up to 5 different radio stations in the device’s memory - you can switch between them using the numbered buttons. There are still buttons on the front panel that provide control over a number of additional settings. The monochrome LCD display has a backlight: it will display information regarding the selected frequency, signal level, battery charge and so on.
The sound is rich and loud, everything is well audible even from a considerable distance. The receiver can work with the FM and AM ranges, through the USB connector the user will be able to play tracks with the extension .wma or .mp3. There is a shutdown timer that works in the range of 15 to 120 minutes. The receiver has a built-in alarm clock. It works both from the accumulator or batteries, and from a network. A rather detailed instruction is attached to the product, so you can figure out its functionality very quickly.
Benefits:
- Signal stability;
- Decent workmanship and assembly;
- Small overall dimensions and weight of the device;
- Long period of operation;
- There is an alarm clock, a sleep timer, a clock and a number of additional features.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
So our review of the best digital radios has come to a close. We tried to include the most diverse products in the field of functionality, cost and overall dimensions, so that it would be easier for you to choose the best model for yourself. If you have any questions or suggestions, then do not hesitate to express them to us in the comments to this article. We will try to quickly respond to each entry, quickly collect and present to you in an accessible form all the necessary information regarding the model you like.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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