10 Best Shortwave Radios 2025 in the United States

The C.Crane CCRadio-2E is a solid choice if you want a portable radio that covers AM, FM, NOAA weather alerts, and even the 2-Meter Ham band for emergency communication. Its standout feature is the Twin-Coil Ferrite Antenna, which delivers strong AM reception, making it easier to pick up distant stations clearly. The radio is fairly lightweight at 4 pounds, and can run for up to 250 hours on four D-sized batteries, which is well suited for long outdoor use or emergencies without access to power. You can also use the included AC power cord when indoors.

Tuning is straightforward with five one-touch memory presets, a display light, and a headphone jack for private listening. It also includes handy extras like a clock, alarm, and sleep timer. While the radio doesn’t specifically mention shortwave bands beyond the 2-Meter Ham band, it covers key frequencies for general listening and emergency alerts effectively.

A minor downside is that it uses fairly large batteries, which may be less convenient than rechargeable options. Additionally, it lacks digital tuning, so you might need a bit of patience to find exact frequencies. This radio is well suited for users who want a reliable, easy-to-use device for AM/FM listening, weather updates, and emergency preparedness rather than someone seeking comprehensive shortwave coverage.

The Tecsun PL990 Digital Worldband Radio is a feature-packed device that excels in frequency coverage, offering AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band (SSB) reception. This makes it highly versatile for radio enthusiasts who want to explore a wide range of frequencies. The radio utilizes advanced technologies like analog high-IF AM circuitry and DSP digital demodulation, which significantly enhance its sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for clearer and more reliable reception even in challenging environments. Additionally, the synchronized detection feature helps minimize interference, ensuring a better listening experience.

The inclusion of an MP3 player with support for various audio formats adds more utility, making it great for both radio listening and personal entertainment. The sound quality is commendable, thanks to the premium full-range speaker and class AB amplifier, delivering rich and dynamic audio. The portability of the Tecsun PL990 stands out due to its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It also offers multiple convenient features like an alarm clock, sleep timer, USB audio input, and external antenna input. The 3,150 memory slots for station presets are particularly useful for regularly tuning into favorite channels.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The radio is battery-powered, and although a lithium-ion battery is included, it might not be ideal for long-term usage without frequent recharging. Some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming to navigate initially. Additionally, while the product includes stereo earphones and an SD card, the lack of standalone lithium batteries in the package may be a minor inconvenience for some. In summary, the Tecsun PL990 is an excellent choice for those needing a multi-functional and portable shortwave radio with robust performance and extra features for a rich listening experience.

The C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is a versatile and compact multiband radio ideal for travel and emergency situations. It covers a wide range of frequencies including AM, FM, NOAA Weather, Shortwave (1711-29999kHz) with Single Side Band, and VHF Aviation bands. This broad frequency coverage makes it a valuable tool for receiving long-range information, especially during natural disasters when conventional communication systems may fail.

The inclusion of Single Side Band (SSB) is a notable strength, providing a reliable way to tune into distant signals, which isn't possible on standard smartphones. The radio's sensitivity and selectivity are enhanced by multiple bandwidth settings, and it offers both fast and fine tuning on all bands, giving users precision in their searches. With 400 memory slots and a digital tuning system, it’s easy to store and access favorite stations.

Its small size and lightweight design (6 oz without batteries) make it highly portable. Accessories like a fold-out stand, earphones, a carry case, and a 23 ft portable shortwave reel antenna enhance its usability and reception quality. However, the reliance on AA batteries (not included) for power, though it provides up to 70 hours of usage with earbuds, might be seen as a limitation for some users, especially those who prefer rechargeable options. The optional AC power adapter adds flexibility but comes at an additional cost. The radio's build quality and the inclusion of a high-quality speaker ensure a good listening experience. This radio is especially suitable for those who need a reliable backup communication device and enjoy accessing a wide range of radio frequencies on the go.