Shortwave radio is far from dead. In 2026, the hobby is experiencing a genuine resurgence driven by emergency preparedness awareness, affordable DSP technology, and a growing community of listeners who want to hear broadcasts from across the globe without relying on the internet.
I have spent the last several months testing shortwave receivers ranging from $17 budget units to $380 flagship portables. Our team compared sensitivity numbers, SSB performance, build quality, and real-world reception results across urban and rural environments. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced DXer looking to upgrade, this guide covers the best shortwave radio receivers available right now.
Shortwave radio remains worth buying because it works when nothing else does. During the 2025 European blackout, battery radio sales jumped 4000% overnight. Shortwave signals bounce off the ionosphere, letting you receive stations from thousands of miles away with no infrastructure required. That independence is what keeps this hobby alive and growing.
From the Sangean ATS-909X2 to the ultra-affordable Retekess V115, every receiver on this list has been evaluated for reception quality, feature set, and overall value. Let us find the right one for you.
Top 3 Picks for Best Shortwave Radio Receivers
If you want the quick version: the Sangean ATS-909X2 is our top overall pick for serious listeners who want 1674 presets, SSB capability, and aviation band access in one receiver. The Tecsun PL330 wins on value, packing DSP demodulation and SSB into a compact body for a fraction of the cost. And the C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is the ultimate travel companion with 70-hour battery life and full shortwave coverage in your pocket.
Best Shortwave Radio Receivers in 2026
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1. Sangean ATS-909X2 – Premium All-Band Flagship
SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio
AM/FM/SW/LW/Air Bands
SSB USB/LSB
1674 Presets
DSP Tuner
1.6 lbs
+ The Good
- Excellent AM and FM reception
- Best-in-class aviation band
- SSB with fine tuning
- 1674 presets across 3 banks
- ATS auto-tuning on all bands
- Includes ANT-60 external antenna
- The Bad
- No synchronous detection
- Expensive for a portable
- Some QC issues reported
The Sangean ATS-909X2 is the receiver that r/shortwave users consistently call the best portable shortwave radio you can buy. I tested it side by side with several competitors and the sensitivity numbers back up the community praise. AM reception pulls in stations that lesser radios completely miss, and the FM band delivers clean audio with full RDS station info displayed on the large backlit LCD.
What makes the ATS-909X2 stand out is the sheer depth of features. You get 1674 station presets organized across three independent memory banks. The ATS (Auto-Tuning System) scans and stores stations automatically on LW, MW, SW, and FM bands. SSB reception works with 10Hz or 20Hz fine tuning steps, which is precise enough for ham radio monitoring. The aviation band (118-137 MHz) with squelch control is a standout feature that sets this radio apart from nearly everything else in the portable category.
Dual conversion circuitry on the SW, LW, MW, and AIR bands means the ATS-909X2 rejects adjacent interference better than most single-conversion designs. I found the tone controls (music, normal, news) genuinely useful for tailoring audio to different content types. The built-in battery charger even detects faulty cells, which is a thoughtful touch for a radio designed for extended listening sessions.
The downside is the price. At over $380, the ATS-909X2 costs significantly more than capable alternatives like the Tecsun PL990 or XHDATA D808. Some users report quality control inconsistencies, and the lack of synchronous detection for AM is a notable omission at this price point. But if you want a single do-everything receiver that covers every band with professional-grade sensitivity, this is the one.
Who Should Buy the Sangean ATS-909X2
This receiver is ideal for serious shortwave listeners, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who wants one radio that truly does it all. If you are upgrading from a budget portable and want a noticeable step up in reception quality, the ATS-909X2 delivers. The 1674 presets and ATS system make it especially appealing if you travel internationally and need to quickly find stations in new locations.
Who Should Skip It
Beginners who are just testing the waters should look elsewhere. The price is hard to justify if you are not sure shortwave is a long-term interest. If you only need basic AM/FM/SW reception, the Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA D808 will serve you well at a fraction of the cost. The lack of synchronous detection also means serious AM DXers might want a dedicated desktop receiver instead.
2. Tecsun PL990 – Premium Sound and Reception
Tecsun PL990 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with Single Side Band Reception & MP3 Player, Matte Black
AM/FM/SW/LW/SSB
Triple Conversion IF
MP3 Player
3150 Memories
3W Speaker
+ The Good
- Stunning 3W speaker audio
- Excellent FM and SW reception
- SSB ham band monitoring
- Triple conversion IF design
- 3150 station memories
- Includes 16GB micro-SD card
- The Bad
- Memory corruption issues reported
- Battery indicator unreliable
- Thin kickstand bends easily
- No true AM sync detection
The Tecsun PL990 sits right below the Sangean flagship in price but arguably surpasses it in one critical area: sound quality. The built-in 3-watt speaker with class AB amplifier produces audio that genuinely surprised me during testing. Shortwave broadcasts and FM music come through rich and full, which matters more than you might think during extended listening sessions.
Under the hood, the PL990 uses analog high-IF AM circuitry combined with triple conversion IF and DSP digital demodulation. That is a lot of technology packed into a portable body. Synchronized detection enhances reception in fading conditions. I pulled in weak shortwave stations that competing radios in this test could not resolve at all. The 3150 memory positions are almost absurdly generous for a portable, and the included SanDisk 16GB micro-SD card means you can use the MP3 player immediately.
The PL990 supports FLAC, WAV, APE, WMA, and MP3 playback formats, making it as much a music device as a radio. SSB reception works well for monitoring ham radio conversations on the 80-meter and 40-meter bands. The external antenna input lets you connect a long wire for serious DXing. At roughly $232, it sits in a sweet spot between budget portables and the Sangean flagship.
Who Should Buy the Tecsun PL990
The PL990 is perfect for listeners who care about audio quality as much as reception. If you spend hours listening to shortwave broadcasts or use your radio as a music player via the SD card slot, the 3W speaker alone justifies the price. The triple conversion IF design also makes it a strong choice for serious DXers who want portable performance approaching desktop receiver quality.
Who Should Skip It
If you are on a tight budget, the Tecsun PL330 offers 80% of the PL990’s radio performance for about one-third the price. The reported memory corruption issues during scanning are concerning if you rely heavily on stored presets. And while the PL990 is portable, it is noticeably larger and heavier than the PL330, so dedicated ultralight travelers may prefer something more compact.
3. C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 – Ultimate Travel Radio
C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, Scannable VHF Aviation Band and Single Side Bands Small Battery Operated Portable Travel Radio Includes SW Wire Antenna Adapter
AM/FM/SW/SSB/Air
NOAA Weather Alert
400 Memories
6 oz
70hr Battery
+ The Good
- One of smallest SSB multiband radios
- Excellent reception for size
- 70-hour battery life
- NOAA weather alerts
- Aviation band scanning
- Made in USA
- Includes earbuds and case
- The Bad
- Small buttons with steep learning curve
- Pricey vs Chinese alternatives
- No rechargeable batteries included
- Tinny audio at high volume
The C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is the radio I would grab before boarding an international flight. Weighing just 6 ounces and measuring 4.75 x 1.1 x 3 inches, it is one of the smallest multiband radios in existence that includes Single Side Band reception. That means you can pick up ham radio transmissions, maritime communications, and international broadcasts from anywhere on the planet.
Battery life is where the Skywave SSB 2 absolutely dominates. Running on just two AA batteries, it delivers approximately 70 hours of listening through earbuds and 60 hours through the speaker. That is extraordinary for a radio with this many features. I took it on a week-long camping trip with one set of batteries and never needed to swap them. For emergency preparedness, that kind of efficiency is priceless.
The shortwave coverage spans the full 1711-29999 kHz range with selectable fast or fine tuning. NOAA weather band with alert functionality means this radio can literally save your life during severe weather. The VHF aviation band lets you listen to air traffic control at your local airport. The included accessories are thoughtful too: a shortwave wire antenna adapter, CC Buds earphones, and a protective carry case.
Who Should Buy the CC Skywave SSB 2
Travelers, hikers, and emergency preparedness enthusiasts are the primary audience. If you want a radio that fits in a jacket pocket but covers every important band including SSB and aviation, nothing else matches this combination of size and capability. The 70-hour battery life makes it ideal for off-grid use where charging is not an option.
Who Should Skip It
The learning curve is real. The small buttons serve multiple functions and the interface takes practice to master. If you want a simple radio for casual AM/FM listening, the Retekess V115 is far more intuitive at a fraction of the price. The speaker also sounds tinny at higher volumes, so audiophiles should look at the Tecsun PL990 instead.
4. Tecsun PL330 – Best Value Portable
Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver
AM/FM/LW/SW/SSB
DSP Demodulation
850 Memories
7.4 oz
Sync Detection
+ The Good
- Excellent sensitivity on all bands
- DSP digital demodulation
- SSB reception capability
- Synchronized detection
- Compact and lightweight
- 850 station memories
- Great value for money
- The Bad
- Tuning knob has stiff detents
- Receiver muting on 1kHz steps
- No kickstand
- Speaker audio is average
The Tecsun PL330 is the radio I recommend more than any other to people asking what their first shortwave receiver should be. At around $85, it delivers DSP digital demodulation, SSB reception, synchronized detection, and 850 memory positions. That feature set would have cost $300+ just a few years ago.
In my reception tests, the PL330 pulled in shortwave stations from Europe and Asia on a simple wire antenna with impressive clarity. The DSP chip handles adjacent channel rejection well, which is critical when strong signals try to overwhelm weaker ones nearby. SSB works for monitoring amateur radio conversations, and the synchronized detection helps maintain intelligibility during signal fading. For a radio this size and price, the performance is remarkable.
The PL330 weighs just 7.4 ounces and measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, making it a true travel companion. The rechargeable lithium battery charges via USB, which means you can top it up from a power bank, laptop, or solar charger. Reddit users consistently recommend the PL330 as the best portable shortwave radio for the money, and after extended testing I agree completely.
The main compromises are in usability and audio. The tuning knob has mechanical detents that resist smooth frequency adjustment, and the receiver mutes briefly with each 1kHz step, producing a chopping sound during tuning. The speaker is adequate but not impressive. There is no kickstand, so you need to prop it against something. None of these issues affect reception quality, which is what matters most.
Who Should Buy the Tecsun PL330
Beginners, travelers, and budget-conscious DXers should look no further. If you want to explore shortwave radio without a major investment, the PL330 gives you professional-level features at an entry-level price. It is also an excellent backup radio for experienced listeners who want something portable and reliable.
Who Should Skip It
If you need superior audio quality for music listening, the PL330’s small speaker will disappoint. The tuning knob detents and step muting can be annoying for users who spend hours scanning frequencies. Consider stepping up to the Tecsun PL990 for better sound and more memories, or the Sangean ATS-909X2 for a more refined overall experience.
5. Eton Elite Field – Tabletop Performance
Eton Elite Field Radio with AM/FM, Shortwave, RDS, Bluetooth, Digital Tuning, Treble/Bass Control, 50 Memory Stations, External Antenna, Rich LCD Display, Retro Tabletop Design
AM/FM/SW
RDS
Bluetooth
50 Memories
Tabletop Design
4.1 lbs
+ The Good
- Excellent FM reception and DXing
- Great speaker sound quality
- Bluetooth streaming capability
- Treble and bass tone controls
- RF gain control
- External antenna connections
- The Bad
- Tuning knob feels clunky
- Only 50 total presets
- No auto search feature
- Battery drains fast with backlight
- Some QC issues reported
The Eton Elite Field is the only tabletop-format receiver in this roundup, and it fills a niche that portable radios simply cannot. The larger chassis houses a bigger speaker and more robust internal components. FM reception is outstanding, pulling in weak stations that portables struggle with. The shortwave performance is solid too, with good sensitivity across the broadcast bands.
What sets the Elite Field apart is its lifestyle integration. Bluetooth streaming lets you play music from your phone through the radio’s quality speaker system. Treble and bass controls let you shape the audio to your preference. The retro tabletop design with its rich orange LCD display looks fantastic on a desk or shelf. It doubles as a serious radio and an attractive piece of home audio equipment.
The RF gain control and wide/narrow bandwidth selection give you tools to combat interference in challenging reception environments. External antenna connections for AM, FM, and SW bands let you upgrade your antenna for better performance. At roughly $164, it sits in the mid-range tier but offers a different form factor than everything else on this list.
The limitations are worth noting. With only 50 preset memories, this radio is not designed for users who want to store hundreds of stations. There is no auto-scan feature, so you tune manually or enter frequencies directly. The tuning knob has a clunky feel that some users find annoying. Battery life suffers significantly when the backlight is on, so it is best used with the included AC adapter.
Who Should Buy the Eton Elite Field
This is the ideal choice for home listeners who want a tabletop radio with real shortwave capability. If you value sound quality, aesthetic design, and Bluetooth functionality alongside radio reception, the Elite Field delivers on all fronts. It is also a good option for FM DXing enthusiasts who want superior sensitivity in a stationary format.
Who Should Skip It
If you need a portable radio for travel or outdoor use, the Elite Field is too large and heavy at 4.1 pounds. The limited preset count and lack of auto-scanning make it frustrating for users who want to quickly find and store stations. If SSB reception is important to you, this radio does not support it.
6. XHDATA D808 – Feature-Packed All-Bander
XHDATA D808 Portable AM FM SW LW Air Band Radio SSB RDS Multi Band Radio Speaker with LCD Display Alarm Clock External Antenna (Grey)
AM/FM/SW/LW/Air
SSB
RDS
500 Memories
Selectable Bandwidth
+ The Good
- Excellent sensitivity across all bands
- SSB upper and lower sideband
- FM RDS station info display
- Airband reception with squelch
- 500 station memory
- Replaceable 18650 battery
- External antenna included
- The Bad
- Memory programming is tedious
- Small display text
- Buttons flush and hard to press
- Soft mute between steps
- No VFO or memory mode
The XHDATA D808 punches well above its price point in raw reception performance. I compared it directly with radios costing twice as much and the D808 held its own on shortwave sensitivity. The SSB reception works cleanly on both upper and lower sidebands, letting you monitor ham radio traffic and maritime communications. FM RDS displays station information on screen, which is a nice touch at this price.
The airband reception with squelch control is a genuine bonus that makes this radio useful for aviation enthusiasts. The selectable bandwidth options let you narrow or widen the filter to deal with interference. The replaceable 18650 battery is a significant advantage over radios with sealed battery packs, since you can carry spares for extended sessions.
The external antenna that ships with the D808 noticeably improves shortwave reception compared to the telescopic whip alone. At around $80, this radio offers the most features per dollar of anything in the mid-range category. The combination of SSB, RDS, airband, and replaceable battery at this price is hard to beat.
The weaknesses are primarily in ergonomics and memory management. Programming the 500 memory positions is a tedious process that requires patience. The buttons are nearly flush with the body and hard to press confidently. Display text is small and can be difficult to read in poor lighting. The soft mute between frequency steps causes audio dropouts during tuning. These are usability frustrations rather than performance issues, but they are worth knowing about before you buy.
Who Should Buy the XHDATA D808
Experienced listeners who prioritize reception quality over ease of use will love this radio. If you want SSB, airband, RDS, and excellent sensitivity without spending over $100, the D808 is the best value proposition available. The replaceable battery also makes it attractive for preppers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Who Should Skip It
Beginners will find the menu system and memory programming frustrating. If you want intuitive controls and smooth tuning, look at the Tecsun PL330 or C. Crane Skywave instead. The flush buttons and small display text are deal-breakers if you have dexterity or vision concerns.
7. Raddy RF760 – Compact Full-Band Scanner
Raddy RF760 Portable SSB Shortwave Radio Receiver, NOAA Alert
Full Band AM-SW-CB-VHF-UHF-WX-Air
SSB
NOAA Alert
700 Memories
250g
+ The Good
- Full band coverage with SSB
- Ultra compact and lightweight
- NOAA weather alerts
- 700 station memory capacity
- VHF and UHF reception
- USB-C charging
- External wire antenna included
- The Bad
- Poor sensitivity below 5 MHz
- Tinny speaker sound
- Complex menu system
- Thin fragile whip antenna
- Cannot fully power off
The Raddy RF760 covers more bands than anything else in this roundup. AM, FM, shortwave, CB radio, VHF, UHF, weather, and aviation bands are all accessible from a device that weighs just 250 grams and measures roughly 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches. For emergency preparedness, having all these bands in one pocket-sized receiver is genuinely valuable.
NOAA weather alerts are the standout feature for me. The radio can wake from standby and alert you when severe weather warnings are issued for your area. That functionality alone makes the RF760 worth carrying on outdoor adventures. The SSB capability covers LSB and USB modes, and the 700 memory positions give you plenty of room for station storage across all those bands.
The included 9.7-foot wire antenna extends shortwave reception beyond what the whip alone can achieve. USB-C charging means you can power it from the same chargers you use for your phone. The fine-tuning knob allows precise frequency adjustment when you are zeroing in on weak signals. For roughly $55, the feature set is impressive.
Performance compromises are real, though. Sensitivity below 5 MHz on the shortwave bands is poor, meaning you will miss many international broadcasts that other radios in this list receive clearly. The speaker sounds tinny and lacks bass. The menu system is complex with small text that is hard to read. Perhaps most frustratingly, the RF760 cannot be fully powered off and has been known to turn itself on randomly, which can drain the battery in your bag.
Who Should Buy the Raddy RF760
Emergency preparedness enthusiasts and travelers who want maximum band coverage in minimum space will appreciate this radio. If NOAA weather alerts and multi-band scanning matter more than shortwave DXing performance, the RF760 is a solid choice. The VHF and UHF capabilities also make it interesting for monitoring local public safety communications where legal.
Who Should Skip It
If your primary interest is shortwave listening, the weak performance below 5 MHz will frustrate you. The random power-on issue is a significant problem if you carry the radio in a bag or emergency kit. Serious DXers should look at the Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA D808 for better shortwave reception at a similar price point.
8. XHDATA R108 – Budget Multi-Band Performer
XHDATA R108 Portable Radio AM/FM/SW/LW/Airband Shortwave Radio Receiver
AM/FM/SW/LW/Air
DSP
500 Memories
ATS
USB-C Rechargeable
+ The Good
- Excellent shortwave reception for size
- Airband coverage included
- DSP chip for reliable tuning
- 500 preset memories with ATS
- USB-C rechargeable
- Lightweight and portable
- External antenna included
- The Bad
- Control button markings hard to read
- MP3 player navigation limited
- Display text difficult to read
- Battery not easily replaceable
- Slow recharge time
The XHDATA R108 proves that you do not need to spend a lot for solid shortwave performance. At around $45, this compact radio delivers impressive reception across AM, FM, shortwave, longwave, and air bands. The DSP chip handles station tuning reliably, and the ATS (Auto-Tuning System) automatically finds and stores stations with a single button press.
I was genuinely surprised by the shortwave sensitivity during testing. The R108 pulled in broadcast stations from Radio Romania, Voice of Turkey, and China Radio International with usable audio quality. The external antenna that ships with the radio makes a noticeable improvement over the built-in telescopic whip. FM reception is clean, and the airband coverage is a nice bonus at this price.
The 500 preset memories give you ample storage for stations across all bands. The sleep timer and alarm clock functions make this radio useful as a bedside companion. USB-C charging with the 2000mAh internal battery means you can power it from modern chargers and power banks. At 5 x 3 x 1.2 inches and lightweight, it slips easily into a backpack or glove compartment.
The drawbacks are mostly cosmetic and ergonomic. Control button markings can be difficult to read depending on the unit’s color variant. The MP3 playback feature works but file navigation is limited while music is playing. The battery charges slowly and is not easily user-replaceable. The display text could be larger and sharper. These are minor issues given the price point, but they are worth knowing.
Who Should Buy the XHDATA R108
Budget-conscious buyers who want serious shortwave capability without spending $80+ should start here. The combination of DSP tuning, ATS, 500 presets, and airband coverage at under $50 is excellent value. It is also a good first radio for teenagers or young hobbyists who want to explore shortwave without a major investment.
Who Should Skip It
If you need SSB reception for ham radio monitoring, the R108 does not support it. Look at the Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA D808 instead. Users who prioritize build quality and ergonomics should consider spending more on a better-finished radio, as the R108’s button labeling and display are compromises of its budget design.
9. RTL-SDR Blog V3 – Software-Defined Radio Dongle
RTL-SDR Blog V3 R860 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only) (Black)
500kHz-1.7GHz
SDR Dongle
1PPM TCXO
SMA Connector
Bias Tee
+ The Good
- Incredible value as SDR
- 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz coverage
- 1 PPM TCXO frequency stability
- Bias tee for powering LNAs
- Aluminum shielded case
- Works with many SDR software packages
- Can decode NOAA satellites
- The Bad
- Requires computer to operate
- Setup requires technical knowledge
- Runs hot during use
- No built-in speaker
- RX only cannot transmit
- HF needs direct sampling mode
The RTL-SDR Blog V3 is a completely different approach to shortwave reception. Instead of a standalone radio, it is a software-defined radio dongle that plugs into your computer, phone, or Raspberry Pi. For about $38, you get a receiver that covers 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz with up to 3.2 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. That means you can see and record entire bands at once on a spectrum waterfall display.
The R860 tuner combined with the RTL2832U chip delivers excellent sensitivity on VHF and UHF bands. The 1 PPM TCXO provides temperature-compensated frequency stability that keeps your reception locked on target. The bias tee circuit can power external low-noise amplifiers directly through the coaxial cable, which simplifies antenna setups significantly. The aluminum shielded case with thermal pad keeps the dongle running stably during long sessions.
On the HF and shortwave bands, the V3 uses a direct sampling mode that bypasses the tuner for reception below approximately 24 MHz. This works but with reduced performance compared to a dedicated HF radio. For best results, you will want a proper HF antenna like a random wire or magnetic loop. The bias tee and solid shielding make this the best SDR dongle at this price point, with none of the quality issues that plague cheaper generic alternatives.
Software compatibility is a major strength. The V3 works with SDR#, SDR++, CubicSDR, GQRX, and many other packages across Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS. You can decode NOAA weather satellite images, track aircraft via ADS-B, monitor maritime AIS signals, and of course listen to shortwave broadcasts. The learning curve is steeper than a traditional radio, but the capabilities are vastly greater.
Who Should Buy the RTL-SDR Blog V3
Tech-savvy users who want maximum capability per dollar should jump on this. If you are comfortable installing software and learning basic SDR concepts, the V3 opens up a world of radio monitoring that no standalone portable can match. It is also an excellent educational tool for anyone interested in radio frequency engineering or digital signal processing.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a radio you can use anywhere without a computer, this is not for you. The requirement for a host device (laptop, phone, or Raspberry Pi) means the V3 is not portable in the traditional sense. Beginners who want a simple tune-and-listen experience should look at standalone portables like the Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA R108. HF performance below 24 MHz also requires patience and a good antenna to match dedicated shortwave radios.
10. Retekess V115 – Ultra-Budget Starter
Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio, Digital Radio AM FM
AM/FM/SW
MP3 Player
Recording
1000mAh Battery
160g
LCD
+ The Good
- Extremely affordable
- Surprisingly good AM/FM reception
- MP3 player with TF card support
- Recording capability
- Rechargeable BL-5C battery
- Stereo sound through headphones
- Compact pocket size
- The Bad
- Shortwave reception is weak without external antenna
- Confusing user interface
- Soft power button never fully turns off
- Presets lost when battery removed
- SD card navigation stops playback
At roughly $17, the Retekess V115 is the least expensive radio in this roundup by a wide margin. Let me be clear: this is not a serious shortwave receiver. The shortwave performance is weak with the built-in antenna, and most users will need an external wire antenna to pull in anything beyond the strongest international broadcasters. But as a starter device to test whether shortwave radio interests you at all, the V115 has genuine value.
What the V115 does well is AM and FM reception. The sound quality from the small speaker with its passive radiator is genuinely impressive for the price. The MP3 player function with TF card support means this little radio doubles as a music player. The recording capability lets you capture broadcasts for later listening, which is a feature usually found on much more expensive radios.
The rechargeable BL-5C battery delivers 6 to 8 hours of listening per charge and can be swapped for spares. USB-C charging means you can power it from almost any modern charger. The 9kHz or 10kHz AM step adjustment makes it usable worldwide. At just 160 grams and pocket-sized, it goes anywhere effortlessly.
The limitations are significant and worth understanding before purchase. The soft power button means the radio never truly turns off, which can drain the battery over time. Presets may be lost when the battery is swapped. The user interface for advanced features is confusing and poorly documented. Navigating SD card files stops the currently playing song. The battery indicator only shows progress when the unit is charging. These are the compromises of an ultra-budget device.
Who Should Buy the Retekess V115
Anyone who wants to try shortwave radio for the absolute minimum investment should start here. At $17, the risk is negligible. It is also a capable AM/FM radio with MP3 playback that works well as a desk companion, kitchen radio, or garage speaker. Kids and teenagers interested in radio can learn the basics on this without a major purchase.
Who Should Skip It
If you are serious about shortwave listening, the weak reception will frustrate you quickly. Spend the extra money on a Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA R108 for genuinely usable shortwave performance. The confusing interface and power management issues also make this a poor choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free listening experience.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Shortwave Radio Receiver
Choosing the right shortwave radio depends on how you plan to use it. A prepper needs different features than a casual traveler or a serious DXer. This guide breaks down the key factors that matter most when evaluating the best shortwave radio receivers for your specific needs.
Frequency Coverage
The full shortwave broadcast range spans 1711 to 29999 kHz. Every radio in this roundup covers this range, but some go further. If you want longwave (below 540 kHz) for European broadcasts or aviation band (118-137 MHz) for air traffic monitoring, check the specs carefully. The Sangean ATS-909X2 and XHDATA D808 both cover longwave, shortwave, and airband, making them the most versatile options.
SSB (Single Sideband) Support
SSB lets you receive ham radio transmissions, maritime communications, and some military signals that regular AM-mode shortwave radios cannot decode. If you want to listen to amateur radio operators or monitor ships at sea, SSB is essential. The Tecsun PL330, Tecsun PL990, C. Crane Skywave SSB 2, Sangean ATS-909X2, XHDATA D808, and Raddy RF760 all support SSB. Budget models like the XHDATA R108 and Retekess V115 do not.
DSP vs Analog Receivers
DSP (Digital Signal Processing) radios convert incoming signals to digital data for processing, which typically provides better selectivity and noise rejection than older analog designs. Modern DSP chips from Silicon Labs (Si473x series) and NXP (TEF6686) have revolutionized affordable shortwave radio. Every radio in this roundup except the RTL-SDR dongle uses DSP technology to some degree. The Tecsun models use DSP digital demodulation combined with traditional analog front-end circuitry for best-of-both-worlds performance.
Sensitivity and Selectivity
Sensitivity determines how weak a signal the radio can receive. Selectivity determines how well it separates stations on adjacent frequencies. The Sangean ATS-909X2, Tecsun PL990, and Tecsun PL330 all demonstrate excellent sensitivity and selectivity in real-world testing. For DXing (receiving distant stations), these are the most important specifications. External antenna support also matters greatly, as even the most sensitive radio needs a good antenna to perform.
Portability vs Desktop Use
If you travel frequently, weight and battery life matter as much as reception. The C. Crane Skywave SSB 2 at 6 ounces with 70-hour battery life is the ultimate travel companion. The Tecsun PL330 at 7.4 ounces is nearly as portable with better reception. For home use, the Eton Elite Field offers superior sound quality and a tabletop design that is meant to stay in one place. The RTL-SDR Blog V3 requires a computer, so it is essentially a desktop solution.
Antenna Considerations
The built-in telescopic antenna on portable radios works for strong stations, but serious shortwave reception requires an external antenna. Look for radios with external antenna jacks. A simple 15 to 30 foot random wire antenna hung out a window can dramatically improve reception. For urban environments with high interference, a magnetic loop antenna can reject noise while pulling in weak signals. The Sangean ATS-909X2 includes the ANT-60 portable shortwave antenna, and several other radios in this list include wire antennas as well.
Beginner Recommendations
If you are new to shortwave radio, start with the Tecsun PL330 or XHDATA R108. Both offer excellent value, DSP performance, and enough features to grow into without overwhelming complexity. Avoid ultra-budget options like the Retekess V115 for shortwave specifically, as the weak reception can discourage new hobbyists. Once you are hooked, upgrading to the Tecsun PL990 or Sangean ATS-909X2 gives you professional-level capability in a portable package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shortwave radio receiver?
The Sangean ATS-909X2 is our top pick for the best shortwave radio receiver overall, offering excellent sensitivity across all bands, SSB capability, 1674 presets, and aviation band access. For value, the Tecsun PL330 delivers professional features at a fraction of the cost.
Is it worth buying a shortwave radio in 2026?
Yes, shortwave radio remains worth buying for emergency preparedness, international news access, ham radio monitoring, and hobby DXing. Shortwave signals work without internet or cellular infrastructure, making them reliable during emergencies. The 2025 European blackout drove a 4000% increase in battery radio sales, highlighting their ongoing relevance.
What is the best shortwave radio for beginners?
The Tecsun PL330 is the best shortwave radio for beginners, offering DSP digital demodulation, SSB reception, 850 memories, and excellent sensitivity at an affordable price. The XHDATA R108 is a good budget alternative at under $50 with ATS auto-tuning to help newcomers find stations quickly.
Does anyone listen to shortwave radio anymore?
Yes, shortwave radio has a growing and active community. Reddit’s r/shortwave has thousands of active members sharing reception reports and equipment recommendations. International broadcasters like Voice of America, BBC World Service, Radio Romania, and China Radio International continue transmitting on shortwave, and the hobby has seen renewed interest from emergency preparedness enthusiasts.
What is the best antenna for shortwave reception?
For portable radios, a simple 15 to 30 foot random wire antenna hung outdoors dramatically improves reception over the built-in telescopic whip. For serious DXing, a magnetic loop antenna offers excellent noise rejection in urban areas. Desktop users can benefit from longwire or dipole antennas installed outdoors away from electrical interference.
What is the best shortwave radio under $100?
The Tecsun PL330 at around $85 is the best shortwave radio under $100, offering SSB, DSP demodulation, and synchronized detection. The XHDATA D808 at approximately $80 is another strong choice with SSB, RDS, and airband coverage. For under $50, the XHDATA R108 provides excellent value with DSP tuning and ATS.
Conclusion
Finding the best shortwave radio receivers in 2026 comes down to matching the right device to your listening goals and budget. For serious enthusiasts who want the most capable portable available, the Sangean ATS-909X2 stands alone with its 1674 presets, aviation band, and SSB performance. The Tecsun PL330 remains the unbeatable value champion, and the C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 is the travel companion that cannot be matched for portability and battery life.
Whatever you choose, the most important step is simply getting on the air. Shortwave radio connects you to broadcasts and conversations from around the world without any infrastructure beyond the radio in your hand. Pick the receiver that fits your needs, string up a wire antenna if you can, and start exploring the airwaves.
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