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AM/FM radio is still very popular, despite the growth of DAB radio. Many people find AM/FM radio has better signal with less interference than DAB radio.
Another advantage of AM/FM radios is that they are usually very easy to use, without lots of complicated features. They’re also less power hungry than DAB radios, so you can save money on batteries.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best portable AM/FM radios available in the UK.
Best AM/FM Radios in the UK
1. Roberts R9993 3-Band Portable Radio
Made by British radio brand Roberts, the R9993 or Classic 993 is a small portable radio with a classic design and an intuitive layout. This radio offers LW, MW and FM.
This radio is very similar to the Roberts R9954, or Classic 954. One difference between the two radios are that the R9993 takes 4 x AA batteries whereas the R9954 takes 4 x C batteries. The R9954 also has a tone control knob, which the R9993 lacks.
Features
- LW, MW and FM bands
- Dial tuning slider
- Headphone jack
- Takes either 4 AA batteries (not included) or mains power
- Power indicator
Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 5.5 cm
Weight: 420 g
Pros
- Good battery life, especially compared to a digital radio
- Better reception on AM than most radios
- Sturdy construction
- Clear sound
- Inexpensive
- Small and easy to carry around
Cons
- Can be hard to tune into a frequency precisely
- Power lead isn’t always included
- Doesn’t save any presets
Summary
The Roberts R9993 is one of the best-selling portable AM/FM radios in the UK. It’s a very straightforward and reliable radio, with a classic feel. Read our full review of the Roberts R9993 here.
2. Duronic Hybrid Radio
The Duronic Hybrid has a built-in rechargeable battery which you can charge by winding the hand crank or leaving the radio in the sun to charge via solar power. This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for something portable that won’t require you to change the batteries all the time.
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Headphone jack
- 33 cm telescopic aerial
- 3 ways to charge the built-in battery: Solar power, winding the hand crank, USB cable
Dimensions: 13 x 7.3 x 4.1 cm
Weight: 203 g
Pros
- Small and light—very portable
- Can be charged just by leaving on a window sill
- Cheap to run—no need to buy batteries
- Good for camping and travelling
Cons
- Sound is quite tinny
- Can be tricky to tune into stations precisely
Summary
If you want something small and cheap to run, the Duronic Hybrid is ideal.
You should be able to keep it charged up just by leaving it on a sunny windowsill, which makes it very convenient when compared to other portable AM/FM radios because you don’t need to replace any batteries.
It’s also a good radio to take camping or fishing for the same reason. Read our full review of the Duronic Hybrid here.
3. Panasonic 2400DEB-K Portable Radio
The Panasonic 2400DEB-K is a straightforward and inexpensive radio that picks up AM and FM stations. It’s light and easy to carry around the house.
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Mains or battery powered (takes 4 AA batteries)
- Tuning strength indicator
- Telescopic aerial
- Headphone jack
Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.4 x 11.2 cm
Weight: 399 g
Pros
- Straightforward and easy to use
- Light and easy to carry
- Batteries last a long time
- Cheap
Cons
- Reception can be unreliable
- Doesn’t save preset stations
Summary
This radio can be difficult to tune in accurately, and if you move the radio around while listening to it you might have to keep adjusting the tuning.
4. Sony ICF-C1PJ Portable FM/AM Clock Radio
The Sony ICF-C1PJ is a very stylish AM/FM clock radio with a useful clock projection feature that projects the clock display on the ceiling so it’s easy to see the time while you’re in bed.
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Dual alarm clock
- Sleep timer
- Clock projection with adjustable angle
- Nature sounds
- Battery backup to keep the clock accurate
Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 10 cm
Weight: 625 g
Pros
- Useful clock projection feature
- Stylish cube design
- Alarm gets louder gradually
Cons
- Relatively expensive for an AM/FM radio
Summary
The Sony ICF-C1PJ is a stylish and well-made clock radio. It’s quite pricey for an AM/FM radio, and the main reason to buy it is for the useful clock projection feature which lets you see the time without rolling over in bed.
5. ZesGood Portable Radio
The ZesGood Portable Radio is a very small and light AM/FM radio that’s ideal for listening to while fishing, camping or just walking around the house or the garden.
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Takes 2 x AA batteries
- Headphone jack