The Duronic Apex is a wind-up AM/FM radio that also comes with a solar panel, meaning it works without batteries. The radio also has a USB charging cable, and comes with some useful extra features such as a torch and an alarm clock. Let’s take a closer look…

Features

Dimensions: 15 cm wide x 7.5 cm high x 5.5 cm deep
Weight: 381 g

Performance and use

The solar panel is unlikely to charge the radio on its own unless you put the radio in direct sunlight for a long period of time. You will probably have to supplement the solar charging with winding the radio up and/or charging it from a computer using the USB cable. The radio can be used for up to 9 hours once it’s fully charged, while the flashlight can be used for up to 6 hours.

This radio is small and light, and is very convenient for travelling, hiking and camping. The sound quality is acceptable for a camping/emergency radio, but not really good enough for listening to music for long periods of time. However, the sound quality is fine for talk radio and speech stations.

Verdict

The Duronic Apex is great for camping or using in the garden, but would also be useful as an emergency radio as it doesn’t rely on mains power. While this radio does have some flaws, it offers exceptional value for money. It’s a very handy device to have if you’re a hiker, backpacker or camper.

Similar radios

For some options check out our roundup of the best solar radios or this review of the best wind-up radios. You can also see some recommended radios for the garden here.

The post Duronic Apex Wind-Up Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Duronic Hybrid Radio is a wind-up AM/FM radio that is ideal for camping, hiking or as a backup in case of a power cut. Its built-in battery can be charged by winding the handle, plugging it into a computer’s USB port, or simply leaving it out in the sun. It’s exceptionally small, making it easy to take with you when travelling.

Let’s look at the radio in more detail…

Features

Dimensions: 13 cm wide x 7.3 cm high x 4.1 cm deep
Weight: 203 g

What’s in the box?

In addition to the radio itself, you also get a USB power cable for charging the radio, as well as an instruction manual.

Performance

If you want to charge the radio by solar power, position it with the solar panel facing the sun. The solar panel is positioned on the top of the radio, and a light comes on to show that it is charging.

When fully charged, the radio lasts about 6-8 hours. It can be charged fully by charging by USB for about 3 hours, or winding it up for about 10-15 minutes. The time it takes to charge by solar power is very variable, as it depends on how sunny it is.

Tuning the radio is fairly easy using the dial. You can also adjust the radio’s aerial to get a better signal.

One useful thing with this radio is that you can use its battery to charge a smartphone using a double female USB cable, but it isn’t designed to do this.

Who is the Duronic Hybrid Radio for?

The Duronic Hybrid Radio is popular with outdoorsy people including hikers, gardeners, campers, and fishermen. You could use it on a building site where you might not be able to plug in a regular radio.

It’s also popular with backpackers and people who work or volunteer in remote areas with limited electricity. It will work anywhere in the world with AM or FM reception, and is ideal for using in developing countries.

Who is the Duronic Hybrid Radio not for?

It doesn’t have DAB radio, so if you want a large choice of stations this isn’t the radio for you. If you want a pocket DAB radio you should The radio isn’t waterproof, so isn’t a good choice for using in the shower. Consider one of these shower radios instead.

Verdict

The Duronic Hybrid Wind Up Solar Radio is an impressive and versatile little radio. It could become your new best friend if you enjoy camping or hiking, or are visiting a remote part of the world. It’s not just for adventurers though; it also works great in the shed, greenhouse or garden. It also makes a fun, useful and inexpensive present.

This radio fulfils its purpose very well, and when you consider what you’ll save on batteries and electricity bills, it’s a bargain. Be prepared to keep winding it up though unless you’re blessed with constant sunshine.

Similar radios

The most similar radio to the Duronic Hybrid is probably the Duronic Apex, which has a similar design and can also be powered by hand or via a solar panel.

You can take a look at this roundup of the best solar radios to compare the Duronic radio with some other AM/FM solar radios. If you’d like a solar-powered radio with DAB rather than just AM/FM radio, check out the Roberts SolarDAB 2.

See our roundup of the best wind-up radios or our reviews of the best outdoor radios for more options.

The post Duronic Hybrid Wind Up Solar Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.