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The Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional is a compact AM/FM jobsite radio from respected power tool manufacturer Bosch. It’s designed to fit perfectly into half of a Bosch L-BOXX (a Bosch tool storage box), so it’s convenient to carry around if you have one.
Find out what this radio can do and how it performs in this review…
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Aux-in port
- Saves 10 preset stations (5 on AM and 5 on FM)
- Adjustable bass and treble
- 2 x 5-watt speakers
- Adjustable antenna
- Carrying handle
Weight: 2 kg
Performance and use
The Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional is quite a straightforward radio without any advanced features. It offers AM and FM radio and lets you save 5 preset stations on each. It has a digital display that shows the radio station frequency and time, though it doesn’t show the station name as it doesn’t have RDS.
This radio can be powered with Bosch 14.4 or 18 V lithium-ion batteries or with the mains adapter included. It also takes 2 AAA backup batteries to keep the clock accurate even when the radio is unplugged.
It’s important for jobsite radios to be tough and robust, and the Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional doesn’t disappoint in this respect. According to Bosch, this radio can be dropped from a height of 1 metre without damaging it. However, the user manual states that this radio is only designed for using indoors, and shouldn’t be exposed to moisture or direct sunlight.
The Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional doesn’t have Bluetooth, but there is an aux-in port which can be used to connect a smartphone, MP3 player or other audio source using a cable. The GML SoundBoxx Professional doesn’t have DAB, so the choice of stations is smaller than on DAB site radios. However, the battery life is better than most DAB radios—a fully-charged Bosch battery can power this radio for several days.
Despite being made by a German brand, the Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional comes with a UK adapter when sold in the UK.
Pros
- Tough, with good build quality
- Strong reception
- Compact design
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons
- No DAB
- No Bluetooth
- Relatively expensive given its features
Verdict
If you want a straightforward site radio with good battery life, the Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional is a good choice. However, it seems a bit dated compared to some of the other options on the market, as it doesn’t have DAB or Bluetooth.
The Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional is a bit expensive given its limited features, though it could be a convenient choice if you already have Bosch batteries and a Bosch L-BOXX.
Similar radios
One of the most popular site radios in the UK is the Makita DMR104, which is an FM/DAB radio that is cheaper than the Bosch GML SoundBoxx Professional (at the time of writing). It’s a tough and robust radio that can be powered using a Makita drill battery pack.
Another good option is the DeWalt DCR020-GB
For some more options, see our roundup of the best DAB site radios, or this comparison of DeWalt radios.