Before we started relying on the internet and social media, we used to depend on radio announcements for weather updates. Despite the current advances, portable radios remain a useful tool for obtaining weather alerts due to their stability. They are also great to use in remote places, especially for camping trips.
Since weather disturbances and occasional power interruptions are unpredictable, owning a portable radio is an excellent addition to your disaster preparedness kit. To help you with your next online purchase, we have compiled a top 10 list of the best portable radios in the Philippines and a buying guide below.
Quick List - Top Portable Radios
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Whether it's for news, weather updates, or entertainment, portable radios are meant to be carried easily for indoor and outdoor use. Also, we want something compact and useful during emergencies, so we need to check the dimensions of the unit and how thick or thin it is. Plus, examine how durable the body is and see if the carry strap is sturdy enough.
Additionally, check its Ingress Protection (IP) ratings for water and dust resistance. Look for radios that are rated at least IPX3, which can handle accidental water sprays. On the other hand, a few units have an IP6X dust rating that's ideal for outdoor settings. For maximum protection, consider products with rubber-coated sides and housing for effective shock absorption.
When purchasing a portable radio, it's important to check the available channels, also known as frequency bands. It can range from 540 kHz up to 1700 kHz for AM and 88 MHz to 108 MHz for FM. This value may vary for shortwave and other frequencies.
Most models can receive FM and AM signals, while others can receive shortwave (SW) signals for emergency announcements and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) signals for weather updates. There are also a few models that let you listen to TV audio via Bluetooth, which is a convenient feature to have.
Nowadays, most portable radios are built with rechargeable or replaceable lithium-ion batteries. Replaceable batteries can last up to 400 hours, but this number may vary for rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable battery powered-radios on our list range from 1000 mAh to 1200 mAh, which can last a minimum of 7 hours.
It is also worth checking if your battery-operated radio can work as an emergency charging station for your mobile devices, especially if you're always outdoors. Other power solutions include a built-in hand crank and a small solar panel that may take 25-30 hours under direct sunlight to fully charge. Some units can also be plugged into a wall socket, best if you only use your radio at home.
Radios typically have the conventional plastic casing with either an LCD or LED display or analog frequency display for tuning. The parts also include push buttons or rotary tuner knobs to achieve a clearer, louder, and more stable signal and audio. You can also check if the radio is built with a telescopic antenna for FM and a ferrite bar antenna for AM for more precise tuning.
In terms of audio quality, some manufacturers specify the wattage and indicate if the radio is built with a mono or full-range speaker. Three watts will be sufficient if you want a decent unit that gives clear audio. Suppose you want a retro-style radio, you can check some manufacturers like Sangean and Muzen that offer classic, wood-finished designs.
Some radios can also be used as portable speakers. Just use an auxiliary input jack or micro-SD slot, or go wireless with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This feature enables you to share and listen to your playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks on your portable radio. But if you want to enjoy listening quietly, a few radios have dedicated 3.5mm audio jacks for your headphones or earphones.
Portable radios nowadays are loaded with great features that are useful for both entertainment and emergency purposes. Some units come with bright LED lights that are helpful during power outages. Others even have a red SOS beacon light for emergencies.
There are also some units with memory presets that save your last-played radio station. And if you want to wake up to your favorite song or radio program, there are a few units that double as alarm clocks.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sony Portable Radio|ICF-306 | ![]() | Provides Excellent Sound Quality and a Good Selection of Frequencies | |
2 | Panasonic AM/FM Portable Pocket Radio|RF-P50 | ![]() | A Great Addition to Your Emergency Essentials | |
3 | Retekess Portable Weather Radio |HR12W | ![]() | Helps You Stay Updated During Your Camping Trips | |
4 | Sony FM/AM Radio|ICF-19 | ![]() | Has a Sleek and Easy to Use Design | |
5 | Panasonic Portable FM/AM Radio|RF-2400D | ![]() | All the Convenient Features in One Portable Radio | |
6 | Retekess Retro Radio|TR614 | ![]() | Perfect for Camping Trips in Remote Areas and Useful During Weather Disturbances | |
7 | Astron Blue Ice Portable AM/FM Radio | ![]() | A Simple, Inexpensive Way to Enjoy Music and Stay Updated | |
8 | Toshiba AM/FM Radio|TX-PR20 | ![]() | A Small and Thin Radio You Can Bring Anywhere | |
9 | Muzen OTR Bluetooth Speaker & FM Radio|Metal Red | ![]() | Retro-Themed Radio That Emits Crisp Sounds | |
10 | Philips Clock Radio|AJ3116/12 | ![]() | A Reliable Unit That Doubles as an Alarm Clock |
Sony's portable radio is not your ordinary AM/FM radio, as it comes with a lot of great features. Weighing only 400 grams, it is small and convenient to carry around. It may be smaller than other portable radios but don't underestimate its power! It has a solid speaker that produces loud and clear sounds.
But if you want to listen to the radio by yourself, it also comes with a headphone socket. For convenience, it has LED tuning and battery status indicators, too. Plus, it's equipped with a large knob so you can easily switch between your favorite radio programs. Indeed, you can expect only the best from Sony!
Here's a 2-Band Portable Pocket Radio by Panasonic that allows you to listen to both AM and FM stations. It is equipped with Japanese Technology, which ensures that you experience crisp and clear audio. It also has two LED indicators that show you the frequency band and battery level.
Aside from that, its slide-rule dial lets you tune the radio with just one hand. Additionally, it comes with a hand strap, so you can bring it on the go. It's so small and compact, making it a great companion for your future travels. It's also a great addition to your emergency essentials on your go-bag.
If you're an outdoor type of person who likes camping, don't forget to bring this portable weather radio by Retekess! Aside from AM and FM signals, it can also receive WB signals. This way, you can get weather updates anywhere and anytime. Best of all, this all-in-one radio doubles as a mobile charging station and has an LED flashlight and reading light.
It comes with an SOS alarm, too, which emits a loud siren sound and a beam of red light in case of emergencies. Moreover, it has an IPX3 water rating, so it can withstand accidental water splashes. You can also choose from four power options—3 AAA batteries, a USB-rechargeable battery, solar panels, and a hand crank—depending on your needs.
Aside from its sleek black exterior, this portable radio has a long list of noteworthy features. It has a simple analog tuner, red LED tuning indicator, and green LED battery status indicator that make it easy to use. Also, its 10 cm powerful mono speaker unit gives you excellent sound quality.
And you can enjoy your favorite AM and FM stations anywhere, thanks to its built-in carrying strap. Or, you can use it as your tabletop radio as you listen to the program of your choice. It has a headphone socket as well, so you can tune in to early morning and late night radio programs without disturbing the people around you.
Panasonic's Portable FM/AM Radio comes with a lot of convenient features. Besides its large dial scale, it has a fluorescent pointer that can help you see in the dark. It also has exceptional audio quality, thanks to its 10 cm full range speaker. And tuning is made easier with its Auto Frequency Control, which automatically selects the nearest station to prevent loud, static sounds.
Though it is mainly powered by an AC plug, you can also switch it with 4 AA batteries if needed. This comes in handy when you're bored during long hours of power interruption or when you need to stay indoors due to bad weather. If you want to listen to the radio using your earphones, it has a 3.5mm audio jack as well.
Retekess' 3-band radio is capable of receiving AM, FM, and shortwave frequencies. With the SW frequency, you can receive international broadcasts and get a crisp and better transmission from local radio stations. This is particularly useful in disaster situations like earthquakes and super typhoons when you've lost access to the internet.
It also has a built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery, so you can always stay connected. Its battery lasts up to 8 hours of use with full 4 hours of charging. Additionally, it has easy-to-navigate controls, a 3.5mm earphone jack, and a carrying strap for convenience. Lastly, you'll love its classic wooden design that has a retro finish.
The Astron Blue Ice Portable AM/FM Radio offers you a straightforward and inexpensive way to enjoy music and stay updated with current affairs. It is built with a big, dynamic bass speaker and high power output that brings you clear, loud audio.
It has an antenna that can be rotated 360 degrees to improve reception. As for the power source, you can choose to plug it into a socket or insert 3 UM-1 batteries at the back. It also has a headphone socket so you can listen privately. Plus, it has a large carry handle for easy transport.
Here's a compact, lightweight, and thin radio that fits inside your shirt pocket! You can enjoy listening at home or carry it around at the park, beach, or gym with its hand strap. It's also simple and easy to use because it has a small tuner on the side as well as a tuning indicator in front.
It's versatile as well since it's equipped with an earphone/headphone terminal and can be used as an external speaker. Also, you can use it during a power interruption when a direct source is not available. Just insert the batteries, and you're good to go!
You'll definitely love the vintage aesthetics of Muzen's FM Radio & Bluetooth Speaker! Despite its compact size, its speakers emit crisp and loud sounds. Whether you prefer listening to local FM stations or your own playlist via Bluetooth, its 5-watt full-bodied stereo delivers an enjoyable listening experience.
Simply extend the antenna to get an excellent reception of the FM station of your choice. You can also plug your mobile phone, tablet, or computer into its dedicated audio terminal. This radio runs on a rechargeable battery—you can enjoy up to 10 hours of battery life and it can be fully charged in just 2-3 hours! And with the included carrying case, you can conveniently bring it anywhere.
If you want a portable radio that can double as an alarm clock, this product is for you! With Philip's Clock Radio, you can choose to wake up to your favorite radio program or a buzzer sound. But worry not, as it comes with a gentle wake feature that gradually increases the volume. It also has a 9-minute snooze feature so you can get those extra zzz's.
Plus, it has a dual alarm feature that lets you set different alarms for yourself and your partner. And to aid in your sleep, it has a timer that lets you fall asleep to your preferred radio program. If a particular radio station catches your attention, you can use its FM digital tuning feature with presets for easier access. It runs on an AC power cable, giving you a more reliable experience.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
When purchasing a portable radio, we recommend looking for these features:
Portable radios that run on rechargeable batteries can last up to 8 hours, while those that are powered by replaceable batteries can last up to 400 hours. However, the battery life may still depend on the brand and your usage.
Fortunately, plug-in radios do not consume a lot of electricity. They consume an average of 1 Watt per hour or 1-3 kWh of electricity.
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Author: D. Payo
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Sony|Portable Radio|ICF-306
No. 2: Panasonic|AM/FM Portable Pocket Radio|RF-P50
No. 3: Retekess|Portable Weather Radio |HR12W
No. 4: Sony |FM/AM Radio|ICF-19
No. 5: Panasonic|Portable FM/AM Radio|RF-2400D
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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