The Best AM FM Radio | Reviews, Ratings, Comparisons

Looking for the best AM FM radio? You’re in luck! In this article we will take a look at the best AM FM radio on the market. If you love music, news, or talk shows, a good radio can be a real friend.

We’ve picked out radios that sound good and are easy to use. Some are small and fit on your shelf, while others are small enough to take with you anywhere. These radios don’t just look nice; they make sure you can hear your favorite songs and shows loud and clear.

Read our article to learn all about every radio. We’ll help you find the best AM FM radio that’s right for you and makes listening to the radio even better!

OVERVIEW


Sony ICF-506 AM FM Radio

Powerful mono speaker for big sound

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$48.00 At Amazon


Sangeon H201 AM FM radio

Waterproof and submersible

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$68.90 At Amazon

$99.00 Save $30.10


Panasonic Portable AM FM Radio

Digital tuner with 20 presets for each band

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$24.99 At Amazon

$29.99 Save $5.00


Victrola Nostalgic 6 in 1 AM FM radio

CD player, cassette player, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity

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$135.08 At Amazon

$159.99 Save $24.91


Sangean LB100 AM FM radio

Water, dust, and shock resistance

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$73.99 At Amazon

$99.50 Save $25.51


How we picked and tested

Research: We checked popular radio models based on reviews and features.

Important Factors: We looked for radios with good sound, strong signals, easy carrying, and simple use.

Sound Check: We listened to voices and music on AM and FM to see if they were clear.

Signal Test: We tried radios in different places to see if they caught signals well.

Real-Life Use: We also used radios in different situations, like emergencies and outdoors, to see how they worked.

By doing this, we found AM FM radios with good sound, signal reception, and portability.

What to look for when choosing the best AM FM radio?

When choosing the best AM/FM radio in 2023, consider the following factors to ensure you make a good decision:

Good Sound: Pick a radio that makes voices and music sound really clear and nice.

Gets Signals Well: Choose a radio that can find stations easily and doesn’t have problems with static.

Easy to Tune: Look for radios that have buttons or a screen that make it easy to find your favorite stations.

Takes Anywhere: If you want to carry it around, find a radio that’s not too heavy and can play for a long time without needing new batteries.

Plays with Your Phone: Some radios can connect to your phone to play your music, so you might like that too.

Our Best Pick: AM FM Radio 

Sony ICF-506 AM FM Radio

The Sony ICF-506 is the best portable AM/FM radio with great sound quality. If you want an AM/FM radio at an affordable price, the Sony ICF-506 is a good choice for you. You can easily switch the radio station from AM to FM.

You can play the radio wirelessly by using three AA batteries. There is another option to plug into the AC adapter. It is very handy, weighing only two pounds, and easy to carry. It should be a great choice for you if you want a handy radio with good sound quality.

Features:

  • Brand: Sony
  • Color: Black
  • Special Feature: Portable
  • Product Dimensions: 9.06″L x 2.95″W x 7.28″H
  • Tuner Technology: FM, AM

Overall, the Sony ICF-506 should be a great option for you, if you’re looking for a simple, portable AM/FM radio with good sound quality. It is perfect for listening to news, sports, music, and more.

Pros:

  • Integrated AM/FM radio tuner
  • Powerful mono speaker for big sound
  • Carrying handel for easy portability
  • Runs on batteries or AC power
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Not water-resistant
  • No Bluetooth or auxiliary input 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Sangeon H201 AM FM radio

If you want an AM FM radio that comes with a waterproof feature and wants to bring your radio into the shower or want to feel the rain with radio programs, then you can go with the Sangeon H201 AM FM radio. 

The radio features a digital tuner with 5 AM/FM presets. It has a powerful built-in speaker and a headphone jack. And thanks to its weather alert capability for storm alerts. 

Features:

  • Brand: Sangean
  • Color: White
  • Special Feature: Portable
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3″L x 2.2″W x 5.5″H
  • Tuner Technology: AM/FM
  • Power Source: Battery Powered

The Sangean H201 should be a great option for you if you are looking for a portable, waterproof, and weather-resistant radio. It is perfect for listening to music, news, and talk radio in any environment.

Pros:

  • Waterproof and submersible
  • Digital tuning with presets
  • Weather alert with NOAA channels
  • Flashlight and siren
  • Built-in speaker or headphone jack
  • Runs on batteries or AC power

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth or aux input
  • Reception can be weak in some areas
  • The speaker can be a bit tinny at higher volumes

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Panasonic Portable AM FM Radio

Up next, we found the Panasonic Portable AM FM Radio. It is a great choice for everyone who wants a portable radio with good sound quality at an affordable price.

It has a large and easy to read dial with separate scales for AM and FM. Thanks to its LED indicator for low light tuning.The radio has a built in speaker and headphone jack. So you can listen to your programs privately with its headphone jack.

Features:

  • Brand: Panasonic 
  • Color: Silver
  • Special Feature: Portable
  • Dimensions: 9.2 x 4.8 x 3.2 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Battery life: Up to 52 hours
  • Power source: 4 AA batteries or an AC adaptor are required.

The Panasonic portable AM FM radio should be a great option for you if you are looking for a radio that is simple, affordable and has good sound quality.

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Digital tuner with 20 presets for each band
  • Built-in speaker and headphone jack
  • Runs on batteries or AC power
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Reception can be weak in some areas
  • No Bluetooth or aux input

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Victrola Nostalgic 6 in 1 AM FM radio

Do you want a stylish AM FM radio that also features Bluetooth connection, a CD player, a cassette player and good sound quality?Then you can go with the Victrola Nostalgic 6 in 1 AM FM radio.

You can listen to your favorite old music with its CD player. Thanks to Nostalgic for providing an antenna for better reception.

You can also stream your favorite music from your iPhone or smartphone with its Bluetooth connection. The speakers are decent quality for the price, but if you want better sound quality, you need to connect a separate speaker system.

Features:

  • Brand: Nostalgic 
  • Material: Wood
  • Color: Grey
  • Special Feature: Built In Speaker
  • Dimensions: 20.67 x 12.2 x 15.75 inches
  • Weight: 17.6 Pounds
  • Motor Type: DC Motor

The Nostalgic is a great choice for you if you’re looking for a stylish way to listen to music with old school AM FM radio. It is perfect for you if you love the look and feel of a retro record player.

Pros:

  • Versatile 6-in-1 design
  • Belt drive turntable with 3 speeds
  • CD player, cassette player, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Built-in speakers with clear and balanced sound
  • Headphone jack and RCA output jack
  • Stylish farmhouse oatmeal finish

 Cons:

  • The AM/FM radio reception can be weak in some areas
  • The price is a bit high

Rating: 4.4 out of 5


Sangean LB100 AM FM radio

The Sangean LB100 is a durable and reliable AM FM radio with water resistance features which is powered by four AA batteries or an AC adapter. It has a good sound system and a headphone jack.You can use this AM FM radio both indoors and outdoors. 

The Sangean is made for rugged use. It offers the best reception, durability, water, and shock resistance and is also good for its superb sound quality. 

The digital PLL tuner provides accurate tuning and its LED display makes it easy to see its settings. You can also listen to your favorite music privately with its headphone jack. 

Features:

  • Brand: Sangean
  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 7.3 inches
  • Weight: 6.8 pounds
  • Special Feature: JIS4 water resistant
  • Tuner Technology: AM/FM
  • Power source: 4 AA batteries or an AC adaptor are required.

If you are looking for a durable and reliable AM FM radio with good sound quality, then the Sangean Tabletop Radio is the best option for you. 

Pros:

  • Durable and reliable
  • Water, dust, and shock resistant
  • Built-in telescoping antenna
  • Digital PLL synthesized tuner
  • Large backlit LCD display
  • Built-in speaker and headphone jack

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth or aux input
  • Reception can be weak in some areas
  • Speaker can be a bit tinny at higher volumes

Rating: 4.2 out of 5


When will am radio be switched off?

AM radio remains a favorite for news and talk, and it’s not likely to vanish. FM radio and streaming have reduced AM listeners, so some stations go online or to FM. FCC lets AM stations go digital for better signal quality, which might help. AM radio might not be as common, but it won’t vanish.

How to change AM to FM on radio?

To switch from AM to FM on a radio, follow these simple steps:

Locate the Mode Selector: Look for a button or a switch labeled “AM/FM” or “Band” on your radio. This is normally found on the front panel.

Press or Toggle the Button: If it’s a button, press it once. If it’s a switch, toggle it to the “FM” position.

Tune to a Station: After switching to FM mode, use the tuning knob or buttons to scroll through the FM frequencies until you find the station you want to listen to.

Fine-Tune if Necessary: If the station isn’t coming in clearly, you can gently turn the tuning knob or press the “seek” or “scan” buttons to fine-tune the frequency and improve the reception.

Adjust Volume: Set the volume to your preferred level and enjoy your FM station!

Remember, the steps might vary slightly depending on the design of your radio, but most radios have a similar process for switching between AM and FM modes.

FAQ About AM FM Radio

What is AM FM radio?

AM/FM radio is a type of radio that can play both AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation) stations. AM is for talk and news, while FM has better music quality. AM/FM radios let you switch between these for more choices in stations and content.

Can you still get AM FM Radio?

Yes, you can still get AM/FM radios. They’re easy to get and come in different types. Look in stores or online for portable radios, clock radios, or digital radios with extra features.

Can you use a CB antenna for AM FM Radio?

In some cases, you can use a CB antenna for AM/FM radio, but it’s not the best option. CB (Citizens Band) antennas are designed for a different frequency range than AM and FM radio signals. While you might be able to receive some AM/FM signals using a CB antenna, the performance might not be optimal. It’s better to use an antenna specifically designed for AM/FM frequencies to ensure better reception and signal quality.


Is AM radio dead?

No, AM radio is not dead, but it has experienced changes. While it’s less popular than before due to FM radio and digital options, AM radio still serves communities, news, and specialized content. Some even use better signals. AM radio is still alive, just not as big.

What does AM mean in radio?

In radio, AM stands for Amplitude Modulation. It’s a method of broadcasting where the strength (amplitude) of the radio waves is changed to carry sound information. AM radio signals are used for broadcasting news, talk shows, music, and more. 

 

Why you should trust us

Hands-On Testing: We personally tested radios in different situations, so our advice comes from real experience.

User Reviews: We consider what real users say about the radios to give you a well-rounded view.

Expertise: Our team knows radios well, ensuring accurate and reliable information.

Objective: We’re not biased toward specific brands or products; our focus is on what’s best for you.

Up-to-date: We keep track of the latest radio developments to give you current advice you can rely on.

When looking for a good AM/FM radio, think about how it sounds, catches signals, and how easy it is to carry and use.

We have done our research and testing to help you pick radios that do well. Count on us to help you find an AM FM radio you’ll like and that’s handy for news, music, or emergencies.

Henry Taylor

Hello, I’m Henry Taylor, your friendly product expert. I’m passionate about making your shopping decisions easier. I’m here to provide you with clear, honest advice. Stay tuned for regular updates and in-depth reviews to help you shop smarter and find the best products for your needs.

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