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The Roberts R9962, also known as the World 962, is a 12-band radio designed primarily for picking up the BBC World Service and shortwave radio. It could be a good radio for taking to remote locations. Let’s see what it can do…
Features
- LW/MW/FM radio
- 9 shortwave bands
- LED tuning light
- Headphone jack
Dimensions: 15 cm wide x 8.5 cm high x 3.5 cm deep
Weight: 270 g
Performance and use
The Roberts 9962 is nice and small at 15 x 8.5 cm, and only weighs 270 g so it’s ideal for travelling. It takes two AA batteries which should last for months unless you use it constantly.
The radio generally has good reception, but there’s still no guarantee you’ll be able to pick up the World Service where you choose to use it. The LED tuning indicator is quite helpful in locating the right frequency, though the tuning dial itself is somewhat fiddly.
The built-in speaker sounds decent for such a small radio, though inevitably it is somewhat tinny. You can get better sound quality by listening through headphones.
The radio comes in a smart carrying wallet, which is a nice addition and is useful if you’re taking the radio on a trip.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Durable; should last for several years
- Good radio reception in general
- Nice and small—great for travelling
- Comes in a carrying wallet
Cons
- Tuning wheel can be fiddly
- Falls over easily
Verdict
The Roberts R9962
Similar radios
Another inexpensive shortwave radio is the Radar TECSUN R-9012
One of the most highly rated shortwave radios is the AGM PL360 TECSUN
If you only need a regular AM/FM radio, a good alternative could be the Roberts R9993, which is an affordable and reliable portable radio with decent sound quality.
For some more options, see our roundup of the best AM/FM radios.