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BEST AM RADIOS OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Sangean PR-D18BK
Sangean
PR-D18BK
High-Performance AM Radio
Portable digital AM/FM radio designed to deliver high-quality audio performance. Its compact design makes it perfect for travel or at-home use.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Compact and portable
  • Easy-to-read display
  • Multiple power options
CONS
  • AC adapter not included
  • Limited preset stations
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Sony ICF-P26
Sony
ICF-P26
Classic Portable AM Radio
Classic, portable AM/FM radio that delivers reliable performance with a simple and straightforward design.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Simple and reliable
  • Good sound quality
  • Portable design
  • Long battery life
CONS
  • No digital tuning
  • No backlit display
Kaito KA500
Kaito
KA500
Emergency Hand Crank Radio
Is an emergency weather alert radio with multiple power options and essential survival features.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Multiple power options
  • Comprehensive emergency features
  • Durable and reliable
  • Good reception and sound quality
CONS
  • Bulky design
  • Higher price point
Tivoli Audio Model One
Tivoli Audio
Model One
Retro Wooden AM Radio
Stylish retro AM/FM radio with exceptional sound quality and a classic wooden design.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Stylish retro design
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • High-quality build
CONS
  • No digital tuning
  • Heavier than other models
C Crane CC Skywave
C Crane
CC Skywave
Compact Travel AM Radio
Compact travel radio with AM/FM, shortwave, weather, and airband capabilities.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Multiple band coverage
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Digital tuning
  • Ample memory presets
CONS
  • Higher price
  • Smaller speaker size
BEST OF THE BEST
Sangean PR-D18BK
High-Performance AM Radio
Dimensions: 6.54 x 1.65 x 4.26 inches
Weight: 0.77 pounds
Power Source: 4 AA batteries or AC adapter
Display: LCD with backlight
Headphone Jack: Yes

The Sangean PR-D18BK is a compact and lightweight digital AM/FM radio that offers exceptional sound quality. Its modern design includes a large, easy-to-read LCD display with a backlight for easy viewing in low-light conditions.

The radio is equipped with 10 memory presets (5 AM, 5 FM) so you can easily access your favorite stations. Additionally, it features a built-in clock with an alarm function, making it a handy bedside companion.

The PR-D18BK also includes a headphone jack for private listening and is powered by either 4 AA batteries or an AC adapter (not included).

PROS
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Compact and portable
  • Easy-to-read display
  • Multiple power options
CONS
  • AC adapter not included
  • Limited preset stations
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Sony ICF-P26
Classic Portable AM Radio
Dimensions: 4.69 x 2.74 x 1.50 inches
Weight: 0.37 pounds
Power Source: 2 AA batteries
Speaker: Built-in
Headphone Jack: Yes

The Sony ICF-P26 is a classic portable AM/FM radio that is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and reliability. This radio features both AM and FM bands, allowing you to tune into a wide range of stations.

The built-in speaker provides clear and crisp audio, while the headphone jack allows for private listening. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for on-the-go use, whether you're at the beach, camping, or just around the house.

The ICF-P26 is powered by 2 AA batteries, ensuring long-lasting use without the need for frequent recharging.

PROS
  • Simple and reliable
  • Good sound quality
  • Portable design
  • Long battery life
CONS
  • No digital tuning
  • No backlit display
Kaito KA500
Emergency Hand Crank Radio
Dimensions: 8.82 x 5.83 x 2.76 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Power Source: Solar, hand crank, USB, battery, AC adapter
Flashlight: Built-in
Alarm: SOS

The Kaito KA500 is an essential tool for emergency preparedness. This multi-function emergency radio features AM/FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather alert channels, ensuring you're always informed during emergencies.

The KA500 can be powered by solar, hand crank, USB, battery, or AC adapter, making it incredibly reliable in any situation. It also includes a built-in flashlight, reading lamp, and SOS alarm, making it a comprehensive emergency tool.

The radio's durable design and multiple charging options make it a must-have for camping, hiking, or emergency kits.

PROS
  • Multiple power options
  • Comprehensive emergency features
  • Durable and reliable
  • Good reception and sound quality
CONS
  • Bulky design
  • Higher price point
Tivoli Audio Model One
Retro Wooden AM Radio
Dimensions: 8.4 x 4.5 x 5.2 inches
Weight: 4.1 pounds
Power Source: AC adapter
Speaker: Full-range mono
Tuning: Analog

The Tivoli Audio Model One combines timeless design with modern sound quality. This retro-styled AM/FM radio is housed in a high-quality wooden cabinet that not only looks great but also enhances the radio's acoustic performance.

The Model One features a simple, easy-to-use analog tuning dial and an LED tuning indicator for precise station selection. Its full-range mono speaker delivers rich and clear sound, making it a great addition to any room.

The radio also includes an auxiliary input for connecting external devices. With its blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, the Model One is a standout piece in any home.

PROS
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Stylish retro design
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • High-quality build
CONS
  • No digital tuning
  • Heavier than other models
C Crane CC Skywave
Compact Travel AM Radio
Dimensions: 4.75 x 3 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Power Source: 2 AA batteries or AC adapter
Display: LCD
Memory Presets: 400

The C Crane CC Skywave is a compact and versatile travel radio designed for the avid traveler. This radio covers AM/FM, shortwave, NOAA weather, and airband frequencies, providing comprehensive coverage no matter where you are.

Its compact design fits easily in a backpack or suitcase, making it perfect for travel. The Skywave features digital tuning, an easy-to-read LCD display, and 400 memory presets for quick access to your favorite stations.

It also includes a built-in alarm clock, sleep timer, and headphone jack for private listening. Powered by 2 AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, the Skywave is a reliable companion for any journey.

PROS
  • Multiple band coverage
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Digital tuning
  • Ample memory presets
CONS
  • Higher price
  • Smaller speaker size

How our picks compare

SpecificationSangean PR-D18BKSony ICF-P26Kaito KA500Tivoli Audio Model OneC Crane CC Skywave
Dimensions6.54 x 1.65 x 4.26 inches4.69 x 2.74 x 1.50 inches8.82 x 5.83 x 2.76 inches8.4 x 4.5 x 5.2 inches4.75 x 3 x 1.1 inches
Weight0.77 pounds0.37 pounds1.5 pounds4.1 pounds5.5 ounces
Power Source4 AA batteries or AC adapter2 AA batteriesSolar, hand crank, USB, battery, AC adapterAC adapter2 AA batteries or AC adapter
DisplayLCD with backlight---LCD
Headphone JackYesYes---
Speaker-Built-in-Full-range mono-
Flashlight--Built-in--
Alarm--SOS--
Tuning---Analog-
Memory Presets----400