Top 10 Pocket Radios Under $20 | 2021 Edition
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- My Top 10 Pocket Radios Under $20! 2021 Edition.
I go over each portable radio and provide information and a quick demonstration of what they are capable of. Links below to Full Reviews of each radio featured.
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This guide should help you find that high performing, budget radio that will fit your needs.
(paid links below) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
(paid links below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ The Prunus J-777 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3epsDSv
▶ The Prunus J-777 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2xv7Exa
▶ The Prunus J-777 Review: • Prunus J-777 Micro AM ...
▶ The Tecsun R9012 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2wVHNNH
▶ The Tecsun R9012 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2GHIJds
▶ The Tecsun R-9012 at Ebay: bit.ly/TecsunR9012
▶ The Tecsun R9012 Review: • Tecsun R9012 AM FM Sho...
▶ The Retekess V115 at Ebay: bit.ly/RetekessV115
▶ The Retekess V115 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2KE4MQx
▶ The Retekess V115 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2LtI8uB
▶ The Retekess V115 Review: • Do It All! Tivdio V-11...
▶ The Sangean SR-35 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2CmjTbV
▶ The Sangean SR-35 at Ebay: bit.ly/SangeanSR35
▶ The Sangean SR-35 Review: • Sangean SR-35 AM FM Po...
▶ The Retekess TR605 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2M5CzEV
▶ The Retekess TR605 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2B0l56i
▶ The Retekess TR605 at eBay: bit.ly/RetekessTR605
▶ The Retekess TR605 Review: • Retekess TR605 AM FM S...
▶ The Horologe HXT201 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2LCufPs
▶ The Horologe HXT201 Review: • Horologe HXT-201 AM FM...
▶ The Prunus J-166 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3nljpKM
▶ The Prunus J-166 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2xv7Exa
▶ The Prunus J-166 Review: • Prunus J-166 AM FM NOA...
▶ The Submarine One at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3rDDcHo
▶ The Submarine One at Amazon CA: amzn.to/3tEmucO
▶ The Submarine One Review: • Geartist Submarine One...
▶ The Retekess V-111 at eBay: bit.ly/RetekessV111
▶ The Retekess V-111 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3coRho4
▶ The Retekess V-111 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/3r2tspT
▶ The Retekess V-111 Review: • Tivdio V-111 AM FM Ste...
▶ The Sony ICF-P26 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2F5kbH3
▶ The Sony ICF-P26 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2RaJ0tE
▶ The Sony ICF-P26 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyP26
▶ The Sony ICF-P26 Review: • Sweetness! Sony ICF-P2...
Honorable Mentions:
▶ The SuperSonic SC-1080BT at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2OMrqIo
▶ The SuperSonic SC-1080BT at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2RctpKa
▶ The SuperSonic SC-1080BT at Ebay: bit.ly/SC1080BT
▶ The SC-1080BT Review: • SuperSonic SC-1080BT A...
▶ The Retekess PR15 at Ebay: bit.ly/RetekessPR15
▶ The Retekess PR15 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2S4ZrrE
▶ The Retekess PR15 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2MnJMi5
▶ The Retekess PR15 Review: • The Micro Retekess PR1...
▶ Todd's Shop: www.amazon.com/shop/todderbert
Now you are armed with the knowledge of the best portable radios on the market for a budget price. Go out and have fun!
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I got a Tecsun R9012 in the mail two days ago. At first I was puzzled by it, but after I figured out the kind of touch you need when using it I was really amazed by its performance, especially on the SW bands. Better than any of my expensive SW radios, and the analog band display is to much easier and more fun to scan with than a digital display. I got a Japanese language program with it last night. That's a first for me!
Based on your recommendations, I got the Sangean SR-35. It's excellent; the reception is very clear even without deploying the antenna and the sound is loud and crisp. I use it to listen to music and ball games. All in all, a great value for the money.
A very good video guide. I’ve become a little spoiled buying more expensive radios because of their additional features but I could see myself enjoying all of the radios on your list. Good job!
Bessredio
I love this yearly tradition! Woo! :) The Radio Waves board in the back is a nice touch.
Just received my Horologe 201 and Retekess V115. I'm loving both of them so far. Big thanks for the reviews!!!
Thanks Todd for the updated list that we all look forward to!
It's fun when an older radio from a years-past top-ten reappears again. I like how you revisit, re-evaluate; not just seduced by the new thang. Good work.
@Colin V you a radio guy, too?
Always enjoy your videos. Maybe do one with best of radios under fifteen dollars on sale right now. That would be awesome! Or just a short video on any radio that's on sale right now and a good radio. Thanks
Even with inflation inexpensive receivers that have good reception can still be had! Thanks todderbert!
I HAVE THE SONY AM FM RADIO JUST LIKE YOU SAID IT IS A GREAT RADIO 📻 I TYPE IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE OF MY BAD EYESIGHT
ZOOM IN USING CNTRL + ON WINDOWS OR CMD + ON MAC. USE THE - TO ZOOM OUT AND THE 0 TO RESET.
IT’S OK. I READ IN ALL CAPS.
It dosent stop me from reading it with a yelling voice
BUT SONY PRODUCTS ARE TOO COSTLY
Thanks again for the reviews, bought the two honorable mentions.
Been looking for a small am/fm/wb your review was very informative. I bought the prunus j166. I Like the 2 aa battery radios. And wanted a on/off switch that was not on the volume control. Your review covered all the features and i found a nice little radio for fishing. Thank you.
I have the Sony pocket radio, the last radio featured on your list. I picked it up at a local Walmart a few months ago for $20 plus tax. Good FM reception, superior AM reception for such a small radio. I love it and still carry it around with me.
A wonderful, full analog experience..plus one hundred hours on a pair of AAs is nice.
Id like that Prunus for my trucks get home bag. Good stuff, man. I dig this channel.
0:37 ! I looove that one, my fav radio, fits in my tiny pockets
Great video. I love radios and Dxing SW and AM. I only have a couple radios but now I think I'm going to get a couple more just to have around.
Thanks for the rundown, Todd! I love both the V115 and the R9012.....thanks!
sometimes it can be found for $20 or under on sale.
I have the two Tivdios out of this group. My favourite small radio trevi 12 bander. Small compact with good reception. Loads in this bracket, all good in their own way. Ideal for putting in your pocket on the go.
The Prunus J-777 rocks! Amazing sound for such a tiny radio. Even at max volume it doesn’t sound scratchy. Carry it anywhere you wouldn’t even notice it.Highly recommend it.
The Horologe cracks me up. Sometimes I actually forget what it’s called because the name is nowhere on the radio lol. However, it sounds amazingly powerful for its size. Just a great radio and very inexpensive too. Long battery life. Superior sound quality and reception than much higher end radios. Get it.
Just starting my radio collection. I have the Tivoli model one Henry Kloss vintage, a Sangean wr16se, and now I am going to get a couple of these small radios. Thanks for in info.
Nice reviews. I have two old Sony ICF-S22 radios which I think that Sony is based on. The reception is incredible, best AM reception of all my radios.
Could you make a video talking about the best radios you've ever used in general?
Like if money is no object.
Thanks todderbert!
Love your videos and expecialy the "top 10 ones".
It is very helpful.
BR
Grateful for your videos! Thanks Todd
That TECSUN R9012 is one of my favorites I take everywhere...📻🎶📻🎶📻🎶📻🥂
nothing like going outside exploring nature with trusty old radio by your side
This was SUPER helpful, thank you so much !!
I hope we can have at least 5 top radios this 2023 year under $20. And maybe 5 runner ups if they a bit go over $20? Happy New Year all.
Awsome Stuff Todderbert, pretty much any of these are perfect for some fun hours spinning the Dial. I would say the Retekess,Tecsun,& Prunes you just can’t go wrong. I want that TR 605 😎👍
That 605 is above its pay grade. love it.
With the retekess radio, you need to input the frequency via the key entry and if you don't know what frequency the station is then you are buggered. The search keeps losing the stored settings.
I don't know if it is on this list but I chose the HRD -737.
This little champion has an inbuilt speaker with really good sound plus a telescopic antenna with an additional clip-on 3-meter antenna.
Its coverage is AM 520 to 1720 kHz FM 87.5 to 108 Mhz SW 2.3 to 30 Mhz VHF Air 118 to 128 Mhz VHF 30 to 233 Mhz (FM narrow/wide mode) CB Radio 25 to 28Mhz
The only thing it does not have is an SSB decoder.
Size is 105 mm high 60 mm wide 14 mm depth -it's very compact.
I used this to tune into the 2-meter band weekly broadcast on 147.500 MHz when my big radio was out of order.
Very interesting to see the new radios available.
Could you lower the volume a bit, it is almost as loud as a shango066 band scan.
Thanks for the video.
That V115 is an awesome unit, I have the Tivdio branded model. Gosh there are some nice radios here, well all of them seem to be exceptional in their own right. Do I really need another radio... Hmmmm YES
lol
thank you todderbert!you make our lives beautiful! respectfully!
The R9012 is great, but after two years of use the dial was off quite a bit. But for the price, you can't go wrong with it. The Tecsun DR-920C replaced it for me with the digital display, for only about 10 more bucks in price.
How would you say the Retekess V111 compares with the Retekess TR601 (aka Kaito KA345). They seem pretty similar, and at a similar price point. I recall you rather liked the TR601, and I wonder if/why you prefer the V111. Thanks!
Hello from Canada
I wish I had found this chanel sooner
Last 2 years we went to an air show where they said we needed a portable radio but the one we bought didn't actually work unless it was plugged in
Like did we need to charge it some how or was it just not working as intended?
Anyways thank you to the reviews
I'll be buying one so we can enjoy the show this year and hear it
Howdy sir. Just wondering if you might happen to have a recommendation for best AM FM SW radio under $40 for 2022? We certainly appreciate all of your hard work! Thank you
Watch Prime Days to see if the Sihaudon R-108 goes on sale, I picked one up a few months back for $40. An excellent radio.
Great information. You are so helpful! Thanks todderbert!
Thank you!
Very detailed video. Thanks
I got the Retekess V115. Nice little radio with the recording and MP3 functions work great.
Where is the link for the wire for the Tecsun R9012 you had mentioned?
It is good to have 3.5 to 4 megahertz to get the 80 meter ham band.
The are some operators using AM modulation that can be interesting.
em tưởng bây giờ chẳng còn ai thích nghe radio nữa, cho tới khi biết được kênh của anh. Thật tuyệt, em rất thích xem các video giới thiệu tìm hiểu các thể loại radio, em cũng mua 1 chiếc techsun pl-606 và nó bắt sóng rất tốt. Trân trọng từ Việt Nam
It would be great It your reviews listed the running time, especially for those running alkaline cells..
To me one reason on having such a radio is that it will work when everything else won't because of power, travelling in remote areas etc.. And having an AA radio that runs for ages before fitting new disposable batteries is better than 8 hours running before a recharge..
Also it would be great if you could list the county the radios are made in, I try and stay away from Chinese goods so prefer the radios made in India, Thailand etc..
Oooooh I can do this one. Actually an impossible request. Depending on brand of alkaline battery, brand of rechargable and also what volume you listen to will give you 10,000 possible answers. Best answer to have a radio that will work with everything won't is to have plenty of batteries on hand.
Alway like your top ten lists 😊
Hi from Turkey..Can u please help me for my choise? Under 20 dollars what is your best 3 radios? In fm and am ..I want to buy after your opinion..thanks so much...
Which one would you say has the best fm reception?
Which better? Retekkes v115 or tecsun dr 920c?
So which is best in am or fm?
Great video affordable pocket radio
I bought the PRUNUS and love it.
Which one the white one at the start of the video or the black one shown later?
Is there a portable or any kind of radio that has al the fm am mw sw bamds and also has dab or dab+ ?
would be good to find an pure analog radio with tuning dial , but has a sleep timer too
If you could only choose one, which one would you choose, and the next question, which one has the best reception in am. Thanks, great videos
The TR-605. Love the Audio, and Power. The Daytime Shortwave band is a bonus. The Tecsun R-9012, Sony ICF-P26, and Sangean SR-35 all do well on MW. The TR-605 does a decent job as well.
Which is better for AM reception, the TR-605 or the Sony P26?
Hi, Todd! I ‘ve been watching your reviews of portable radios. Which brand would you recommend when it comes to durability, performance, sound quality, and reception, Tecsun or Retekess? Thanks you!
Tecsun.
There are a lot of reports from users that the Tecsun lasts for many years without issues. FM isn`t good but it does famously well on the other bands.
thanks for the great video What portable radio would you recommend if the price doesn't matter?
Pocket, C.Crane CC Pocket. Mid Size, Eton Elite Executive. Large Size, Tecsun H-501
@@todderbert Many Thanks!
I found 11 Inflation Busters under $20 for 2023 that I enjoy alot. One may be over $20 with taxes and shipping. I own all of these and bought them thru the todderbert amazon links. They are all currently available thru todderbert. Retekess mini PR15 and Tivdio/Retekess V111. Prunus J 166 and J125 and J 777 (All Analog!). Givoust 239WB, Rysamton YK M03, Panasonic RF P150D (Made in Indonesia-A rarity!) Kaito 230, SuperSonic 1080 BT, and lastly XHData D328.
Great video thanks. I’m trying to decide between 9012 and Kaito 321 for my All the way around bands AM FM SW which should I buy? I have Tecsun 9100 which is great but large for bedtime listening
the Kaito has great FM Stereo and a thin form factor for easy carrying. It is a DSP and can be trickier to tune. The Tecsun is great on MW and SW, just falls short on the FM band.
@@todderbert so if you need to take one with you on a trip which one would it be ?
@@bigkamran V115, I enjoy the MP3 Player, and the FM and SW is rather good. AM is solid for Locals. Plus it is rechargeable.
What is the best from sony icf-p36 or tecsun R9012. Please help. Appreciate your feedback. Thx
if you use FM, the P36, if you use AM and SW, the Tecsun.
There a new xhdata d-368 2022 just released (a great update from xhdata d-32. Hope you can check that out.
Was that antenna clip part of a reel antenna, or standalone? If standalone, where did you get it?
Part of a twelve foot wire that came with a Tecsun PL-380. You can get a similar setup with 22' of wire with the Kaito T-1 at Amazon: amzn.to/3oEeQ00
A Dr. T,
I don’t like dsp. It takes away selectivity. I have seen dsp block reception till you fiddle a bit. What say you?
Depends on the radio, C.Crane is the best when it comes to DSP tech with an analog scale.
"Pocket radio" definition is vague in this context. It really depends on the size of the pocket. For instance, my current winter pants have tactical pockets that can fit a R9012 and a couple of Chihuahuas if necessary, but when it comes to the radios that could fit into a normal men's jeans front pocket and not really stick out, not so many quality options are left.
Thanks for your vids, Todd. Superb! Can you hep me...I forgot the website that has all the AM and FM radio stations worldwide. It's a rather archaic website, I think it had a dash "-" in the website name, might be out of Finland or something, and has separate web pages for AM and FM. Shows radio stations nearby and their relative strengths. Can you help me recall that website? Thanks for any leads.
radio-locator.com/
@@todderbert Thanks, Todd, that works! 📻
I have the Sony! I throw it on the handlebars of my bike with a little bungee cord for listening to on rides
Do you have Retekess tr103?
If you have to choose between the retekess PR15 and the Tecsun PR9012 to listen to MW, which one would you decide for?
R9012, nothing beats an analog circuit for smooth tuning and fading signals.
FYI, the beginning soundtrack in all of my videos was recorded from a R9012 :)
I listen to ONLY talk radio, and it's really hard to get good AM reception.
Wonderful video! Question: can the Retekess play via aux device?
It will play audio from devices that are plugged into the Line-In Jack. It can also be used as a computer audio source when using the USB connection.
@@todderbert Thanks for the reply! I went with the Retekess TR605 just because you seemed more excited about that one. The flashlight etc... and it's just more straightforward. It's for my mother.
@@ezragray Nice Choice.
6:18 I have the Retekess v115 and this radio have very good and loud loudspeaker. IT is plaesure to hear this device. Very small radio and big sound.
I am considering getting a portable radio for my desk at work. On average how long do the batteries work in a portable radio? Also do they still make that nice looking Sony radio?
You can still find the Sony on Amazon. Typical small portable will get between fifty to one hundred hours of run time.
@@todderbert I just picked up the Sony ICF-P26 after watching your video. Just happened to find it at Walmart, thanks for the information.
The radio,s isaw it all very good i in India how can I buy pls tell me
The Tecsun R9012 looks very much 'inspired' by an early 90s Grundig Yacht Boy.
between the tecsun r-9012 , r-909 and dr-920c which one would you choose? it´s gonna be my first radio.
have you got one? i'm gonna buy my first radio too and the price of those is pretty the same in my country so i'm kinda curios, any advice? thank you
@@thanhluan3800 yes, i decided to get the r-9012 as i wanted a no-frills analog receiver as my first radio.
It´s excellent for AM reception. in FM not so much but is not terrible (i live in santiago de chile and here we have a lot of electronic interference)
Can´t say much about SW reception, i guess i have to try it outside of the city but one night i was able to get some chinese station and i was pretty amazed.
@@ferlitoro sounds cool! thank you for sharing your experience. i'm so exciting to get one for me since i don't like stuffs on internet nowadays so radio is like a game changing for me (since last time i saw a radio was like many years ago). The feeling of catching those Chinese stations must be so good lol, i can feel it. have a good day/night!
11:10 It is the best radio to buy for sound. sangean sr-35
chicagos most trusted stop for news minute by minute
who else knew that by heart
Are there any budget radios that have both shortwave and noaa weather? I listen to the weather every day and it would be nice to have just one device that can do it all while still fitting into a pocket.
Maybe one day I can save up enough for a ccrane skywave.
@@ObamaoZedong You can check out some Kaito Emergency radios, quite a few of them have SW and NOAA.
@@todderbert Any of them fit in a pocket like these?
whats the best pocket radio for unlimited budget??
If you can fit it in your Pocket, the CC Skywave SSB.
You've reviewed tons of great radios but is there one you'd call your dream radio out there ? If so what is it ?
Panasonic RF-2200, and the Sony ICF-2010.
@@todderbert great choice! I wasn't familiar with those but I looked them up and they are very interesting sets. Mine is more modern I geuss. It would be a grundig satellite 750
@@todderbert great choice! I wasn't familiar with those but I looked them up and they are very interesting sets. Mine is more modern I geuss. It would be a grundig satellite 750
@@todderbert I would assume the 'Eton Elite Satellit' should improve upon the Sony ICF-2010 when it (hopefully) comes out in 2021.
I have the R9012 and it sucks. My Retekess v115 and my Supersonic SC-1080BT blows it away. Especially in shortwave. But maybe it's just my location Idk.
I've a 9012 and it sucks as well.
Great job, but I want to know how that same song kept playing on FM long enough for all of the radios to pick it up.
C.Crane Transmitter 2 connected to a MP3 Player broadcasting on 92.9MHz.
@@todderbert Thanks. BTW, I have the TIVDIO V-111. Nice little unit, even with the 9 kHz setting on MW.
hi Todd please don't laugh at me I can take it anyway I love your channel I am interested on which radio to buy so I can receive American channels I live in the UK I realise I could get a Internet radio and that would probably get them for me but what about some of the fab radios you review do I need a short wave or am to receive them any recommendations for a complete beginner thanks in advance johngoldthorpe
A shortwave radio is a must to receive signals from the US to your location. AM or FM stations will be not be possible.
thanks todd
I'm like you in that I absolutely love little radios like this. Thank you for this video. Would you happen to be interested in selling any of them? Thank you.
Where did you find out that sony will be no longer produced by this year? Maybe they'll realise successor.
hello todderbert. thank you for your great videos and making people to have a hobby:) please help me. I watched nearly all your videos to find the best pocket radio +digital+no external antenna + mainly for FM AM + battery operated + good speaker... But somehow each all seems at least one of the features above is missing. Plese suggest me one or two before I lose my mind and I ll buy! price is not important. Thanks in advance!
No External Antenna and Good Speaker are a hard combination. I love the Sangean DT-200X and the CC Pocket, but their speakers are a bit tinny.
@@todderbert thanks for the fast reply! then last question; shouldnt I expect
No External Antenna and Good Speaker combintion as it is technicaly incompatible? ...then I go for cc pocket
Thanks
I like the V115 and will buy it one day I also will buy one if your shirts.👍👍✌️ still watching.
Awesome!
Sir what about Dreamsky pocket radio?
Similar to the Prunus J-166
How can the same song be playing on FM for 30 minutes? Or is he playing a recording?
FM Transmitter. C.Crane: ruclips.net/video/YKhuhnVdVGw/видео.html
Im also recomend Philips AE1500
LIKE number 50 which is pretty nifty (like these pocket radios under $20). :)
Cool.
📻🙂
Which one is the best for sw dx?
Out of this list, the R9012. Use a clip on wire to improve reception.
Retekess 115 Looks like the one for me have you tried radio shack’s new pocket radio I didn’t even know they were still in business? I’m also in Chicago area I make music 🎶 I have a poleyend tracker that records from radio 📻 is pretty fun for me to mak music out of radio bits why I like the 115
oh, i like trackers on old school stuff. I have a NES that runs one, and a Commodore 64. The newest RS radio I reviewed: ruclips.net/video/dkyMHcw3pRo/видео.html
@@todderbert that’s awesome fantastic channel I stumbled on Instantly subscribed Commodore 64 o the memories ! A simpler time 😆
@@SonicVibe I also mess around with an Elektron Digitakt. Sampling the Radio sounds like fun for Percussion.
@@todderbert it’s so fun!I have the model cycles and samples from elektron I really enjoy the sequencer.
Must be close to see the 2022 Winners!?
Actual i bought 7 out of the 10! Some great radios in here!
have the sony, it has a long battery life. which is the plus ...
Terminei comprando o DEGEN DE 215
I've never had any luck with Dynamo crank radios
The one in this video rocks. I use it all the time. The Dynamo is built very well.
For a Minute of Dynamo Use, you will get around Seven Minutes of Radio Time.
Yes, the Dynamo shouldn't break the first time you really need it in an emergency especially if this is the reason you bought this kind of radio in the first place.
It should also be noted that sometimes you can buy a new-looking Dynamo radio with a broken crank for cheap if you really like the radio for all its other emergency features.
❤😅best good radio
Nice..