Radio Reviews

Buyer reviews for "Radio" sorted by average review score:

GE 74897 Clock Radio with Dual Alarm

Made by General Electric

Amazon base price: $
List price: $49.99 (that's NaN% off!)

Average review score:

Posessed by demons

I ordered this clock less than three months ago, and within the last several weeks, it has become possessed. The alarm fails to go off occasionally for no explicable reason, and the CD player runs amok, requiring that I unplug the radio from the wall socket. Not only will the demonic thing not play my CD's, it refuses to respond to any of the control buttons once the CD player takes over.

It was disappointing to discover that the display has no brightness control, but that information is not always given online. My old GE clock radio, god rest its soul, did have brightness control. I bought this GE based on my high level of satisfaction from my older model that functioned as expected for 16 years before I gave it away.

I've already ordered a replacement for this little monster.

Decent Clock Radio

This radio is rather good for the kitchen,where it could be used as a easy to read clock radio and as a CD player.True,it may not replace a boombox or a all in one home theater,but it is good enough for a kitchen,where high volumes are not needed.My recomendation:Buy this if you need a digital clock or a simple CD player

Excellent product for the low price - get two!

We have two of these (so far)...one for the bedroom, another as a simple general CD player and clock for the kitchen! The one from the kitchen goes along in the suitcase whenever there will be an overnight in a hotel. It's been bashed around that way, but holds up solidly.

Sure, it could sound better...the cheap speakers tend to overload at maximum volume, which isn't very loud anyway. But it's easy to see the time, easy to reach the snooze button, and the low center of gravity keeps the unit from getting knocked around. It sits on the bedside stand firmly. I use it to go to sleep to music, and wake up to alarm. It works very well for that, playing a CD quietly.

There are some quirks: sometimes I have to open and close the lid to make the machine realize there's a CD in there. (Even then, it freaks out sometimes spinning the disc in both directions: we had to take one of our two back for a replacement as it had trouble playing discs.) It holds the CD very firmly: to remove one most easily, push down on the center spindle with one finger while lifting the edges of the disc. The time set buttons can be used to move the CD tracks forward or backward...but be sure you're not hitting the "sleep" and "nap" buttons there, else it will wake you up at a strange time! If you do hit the Nap button by mistake, it's tricky to get it turned back off before the 20 minutes are up. Every month or two I have to run the volume dial back and forth a few times to clear the static it's built up, and then it's fine. There's a lot of mechanical noise whenever a CD starts or stops.

All those quirks are sort of endearing, considering that the main function is the dual alarm clock, where it's solid and reliable. The gentle wake feature is nice: the alarm begins quietly, then gets more insistent.

Better combo machines with all these features are available, but not at this price.

Aiwa HSTX686 AM/FM Digital Stereo Cassette Player

Made by Aiwa

Multi-sound processor (classical/rock/pop/jazz)
Auto-reverse cassette playback
Worldwide digital synthesizer tuner (AM/FM)
Dolby B noise reduction
Sleep timer

Amazon base price: $

Average review score:

Great stereo sound

Good sound and I like the presetting of the stations. The on/off switch does get annoying when I change from FM back to AM, because when you press the button from FM, it goes to OFF and you must press ON again. The am reception was a problem while driving.

Great features

Why does it seem that the LOUDEST people think the least? THe HOLD switch should be on every walkman. Just use it religiously and you will never drain your batteries or switch stations in the middle of a work out. Digital tuning is a personal requirement and TV is a cool feature. I'm less impressed with the durability. I go through these every year or so, but I take it to the beach a lot. Headphones mediocre, so I use my own, so with the right EQ setting it sounds great.

Good Purchase

This walkman features a hold switch. When the switch is activated none of the buttons including the On switch are functional. It is great to use while running or during any activity to stop against switching stations accidentaly. The sound is very good and the walkman is easy for anyone to program.

Cobra FRS110 2-Way Radio Pair with Batteries & Charger

Made by Cobra

Twin pack of Family Radio Service radios with batteries and charger
Up to 2-mile range
14 channels
Call alert, channel saver
Backlit LCD screen for night use

Amazon base price: $
List price: $119.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Used price: $27.98

Average review score:

Great frs set for the price.

Bought this set to use for various things (fairs, boating, camping, around the home, etc..) Great thing was that it came all as one package. Battery packs, clips, charger. Everything I could think of was there. I put these little things to the test and was amazed at the range. In the city was 1 or so miles depending on terrain. Tried it over water and was amassed again at the mile or 2 range. I decided to put it to the last and final test. I took them to the fair where I found out that everyone had them. This pair DOES NOT have the digital sub codes so I heard everyone there. This made the set useless because it was basically a giant party line. Not only could the other person hear what we were saying but so did anyone at the fair. Overall, good units for home, school, camping, hiking. But if your considering using FRS in a large public place consider spending the extra money and getting the digital sub-codes for added security.

Great little FRS set

I really like this radio set. I'm not in love with the belt clips, but they are so small I just put them in my pocket. My family just got back from DisneyWorld where we put these to good use. They performed great and sounded better than what most others were using. I really like the "done" tone on the end of each transmission and the call feature is great for getting someone's attention.

Heck of a bargain for 2 way communication

You cannot beat this deal! Two FRS radios, charger and battery (hopefully you will get the NiMH batteries - they are better than Nicad's)
My wife and I use these extensively everywhere-- on the road, in big grocery or department stores, while one of us goes across the street to buy bread (or lottery tickets), or in the basement to put stuff away....time and again these Cobra FRS's have been helpful for inexpensive two-way communication.
In the US, I am sure that there is channel saturation in places (malls and sporting events); still, these are so handy if someone is in the car and needs to drop the other person off to get directions or find a parking spot...you will be amazed at the number of uses you will find for them.
This model has about everything you might need....remember that 500mw is only going to go so far...the laws of physics do not change even if the brand name of your product does! UHF transmissions are best when you and the other party are in "line of sight" and not blocked by large buildings, lots of trees, etc. This is just a fact of life.
But in stores or malls, these radios come in sooo handy...one can shop at the "guy store" while your wife looks at clothes or kitchen junk....and each can brouse to their heart's content, then ring the other when it is time to go the opera (or baseball game!!)....grab this deal, it's a winner!

Sangean PR-D2 AM/FM Stereo Digital Q-Radio (Gray)

Made by Sangean

PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning for rock stable reception of AM/FM and VHF TV audio (Channels 2-13)
Illuminated dial Indicator with both Analog & Digital Display Auto Scan automatically finds active stations

Choose up to 10 stations for instant access

Oversized Tuning Knob

Clock & Alarm

Amazon base price: $79.99

Average review score:

Sangean PR-D2 , Not bad, Not great

This radio looks great. I really liked the style. However, that's about all I really liked. Another reviewer compared the sound to the Bose Wave radio. Either they've never heard the Bose or they were just really happy with the price comparison. At high volumes the radio sounds ok but at lower volumes it sounds like it play from inside a cardboard box. I could live with that but my real disappointment was with the tuning. I live in the mountains where radio reception is difficult. Usually "PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning for rock stable reception of AM/FM" is exactly that. In this radio the tuning is stable but the reception was worse than other cheap dial tuning radios that I own. Often raising the antenna made the reception even worse. I really wanted to like this radio but it's just lacking in too many areas. The clock vs frequency display feature is another really bad idea.

Q Radio and LCD Problem

I have had this radio for over a year, and I like it a lot. But it did have the problem described in an earlier review, in that the LCD display failed after a year and the radio became unusable. Sangean USA replaced the radio even though it was out of warranty, which was great, but was also a indication that the radio has a recurrent problem. I am planning to buy another one, but wanted to assure that the problem would not recur. I emailed Sangean, and they acknowledged the problem in earlier production units. They say it has been fixed for later production units, so according to Sangean the design problem has been resolved.

It's Just Nice

This radio is solid. The controls feel precise. The 1960-retro vertical styling makes it unusually handy to carry around as a portable. It has sound quality at least as good as any mono portable radio I've ever heard, and it provides stereo FM although, of course, only when you use headphones.
Unusually, it also has selectivity and sensitivity to match its other strengths. It picks up weak and distant stations as it should (and as most radios unfortunately don't), making it useful in rural areas, while camping, and so on. It might not be quite as good as the GE Superadio III in this regard, but it's close, has some good features the GE doesn't, and it tunes much more easily. On the other hand, if you're REALLY out in the boonies, external antennas can help you catch the weakest signals; and while the GE has terminals for both AM and FM external antennas, the Q Radio has AM antenna jacks only.
This is a radio with a clock, not a clock radio. If you want to use it as a clock radio only, its display will disappoint you; it is angled upward, making it hard to see when it's at eye level as on a bedside table, and it can't show the radio frequency and the time at once. However, it does sound far better than any clock radio I've ever had. In special circumstances, the fact that the Q Radio will still wake you on time even if power fails, or is not available at all, may lead you to prefer it to the more usual clock radios.
Although easy to operate, many of its controls have multiple functions. This can be slightly confusing at first. However, they're pretty thoroughly labeled, so you shouldn't have any trouble figuring them out.

Sangean PR-D2 AM/FM/TV Stereo Digital Q-Radio (Gold)

Made by Sangean

PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning for rock stable reception of AM/FM and VHF TV audio (Channels 2-13)

Illuminated dial Indicator with both Analog & Digital Display Auto Scan automatically finds active stations

Choose up to 10 stations for instant access

Oversized Tuning Knob

Clock & Alarm

Amazon base price: $79.99

Average review score:

Sangean PR-D2 , Not bad, Not great

This radio looks great. I really liked the style. However, that's about all I really liked. Another reviewer compared the sound to the Bose Wave radio. Either they've never heard the Bose or they were just really happy with the price comparison. At high volumes the radio sounds ok but at lower volumes it sounds like it play from inside a cardboard box. I could live with that but my real disappointment was with the tuning. I live in the mountains where radio reception is difficult. Usually "PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning for rock stable reception of AM/FM" is exactly that. In this radio the tuning is stable but the reception was worse than other cheap dial tuning radios that I own. Often raising the antenna made the reception even worse. I really wanted to like this radio but it's just lacking in too many areas. The clock vs frequency display feature is another really bad idea.

Q Radio and LCD Problem

I have had this radio for over a year, and I like it a lot. But it did have the problem described in an earlier review, in that the LCD display failed after a year and the radio became unusable. Sangean USA replaced the radio even though it was out of warranty, which was great, but was also a indication that the radio has a recurrent problem. I am planning to buy another one, but wanted to assure that the problem would not recur. I emailed Sangean, and they acknowledged the problem in earlier production units. They say it has been fixed for later production units, so according to Sangean the design problem has been resolved.

It's Just Nice

This radio is solid. The controls feel precise. The 1960-retro vertical styling makes it unusually handy to carry around as a portable. It has sound quality at least as good as any mono portable radio I've ever heard, and it provides stereo FM although, of course, only when you use headphones.
Unusually, it also has selectivity and sensitivity to match its other strengths. It picks up weak and distant stations as it should (and as most radios unfortunately don't), making it useful in rural areas, while camping, and so on. It might not be quite as good as the GE Superadio III in this regard, but it's close, has some good features the GE doesn't, and it tunes much more easily. On the other hand, if you're REALLY out in the boonies, external antennas can help you catch the weakest signals; and while the GE has terminals for both AM and FM external antennas, the Q Radio has AM antenna jacks only.
This is a radio with a clock, not a clock radio. If you want to use it as a clock radio only, its display will disappoint you; it is angled upward, making it hard to see when it's at eye level as on a bedside table, and it can't show the radio frequency and the time at once. However, it does sound far better than any clock radio I've ever had. In special circumstances, the fact that the Q Radio will still wake you on time even if power fails, or is not available at all, may lead you to prefer it to the more usual clock radios.
Although easy to operate, many of its controls have multiple functions. This can be slightly confusing at first. However, they're pretty thoroughly labeled, so you shouldn't have any trouble figuring them out.

Aiwa CSD-A120 CD Radio Cassette Recorder/Tuner/Synchro Dubbing/Repeat Play

Made by Aiwa

Portable boombox with CD player and cassette deck

Analog AM/FM tuner

1.5 watts per channel, stereo sound

Record from CD to tape with synchro dubbing

Includes a detachable AC cord for continuous play

Amazon base price: $
List price: $55.00 (that's NaN% off!)

Average review score:

There are better choices

At first glance, this boombox looks very appealing. But a closer look reveals that this is not a decent choice. The small size doesn't compensate for lousy radio reception, mediocre sound quality, and poorly laid out controls. There is no way to adjust the sound (not even a bass boosting switch), plus the cassette deck is equivalent to what you'd find in a walkman, with a small motor and sluggish rewind and fast forward. It's not the greatest at playing tapes no less. What's more is that this product isn't even made by Aiwa- I saw the same thing at a major department store with a low quality brand name on it instead! The only major difference was that the cabinet was a different color (probably to distinguish it from the Aiwa). All the Aiwa products I've seen offer CDRW playback- this one does not, further proof that Aiwa doesn't manufacture this model. Overall, I would not recommend this boombox. There are much better values. The basic model from Philips offers the same options, plus a bass boost switch and excellent radio reception. If you're looking for a good basic boombox, go with the Philips- it's a much better product at almost the same price.

No "Boom" in this Box

I purchased this alleged "boombox" to use in my woodworking shop, so I could listen to my large CD collection while I worked. For the relatively low price, I didn't expect much in the way of "extras." However, not only doesn't this box have "extras," it doesn't even have a serious "essential," as far as I'm concerned. The sound is just pathetic. The speakers are tiny, tinny and not very pleasing at all. The volume control barely raises the level to what could be called "loud," and there is absolutely no tone control of any kind. No bass, no treble, not even a "bass boost" option. I listen to a lot of bagpipe band music, and the bass drums aren't even audible. My bluegrass is tinny, and my classic rock sounds like it's coming through a transistor radio. While the unit does *function,* calling it a "boombox" is being kind in the extreme. Do yourself a favor and check out the specials .... before you blow ... bucks on this squeaker-toy.

Great sound for a small radio!!!!

Fantastic sound, fantastic price, fantastic radio!!! The instructions for repeat play on the CD could be a little bit more explicit, but the product itself is a wonderful value!!

Emerson CKA1100 Atomic Clock Radio With Silver Finish

Made by Emerson

Adjust to daylight saving time changes and leap year date changes automatically

Seven LED day of the week indicators

Dual alarms that can be set and used independently

Rotary tuning and volume controls

Snooze and repeat alarm

Amazon base price: $39.99
Buy one from zShops for: $39.90

Average review score:

Not for me....

This a nice radio and it is amazing to watch it set itself when you first plug it in. I live in Arizona and we don't mess around with Daylight Savings Time so this item it totally useless to us. Half of the year the time would be completely wrong because there is no way to disable DST. This radio should not be sold to residents of Arizona. There is another Atomic Clock Radio with a DST switch that is sold by a big name drug store that would be better for those that don't change time.

Almost there, but not quite

I have been looking for an atomic clock that I could read at night without having to fumble for the light switch. This clock fit the description, and has the added bonus of a battery backup to preserve the alarm settings. When I set the clock up on my nightstand, I could not get a signal to set the clock. Since the antenna for the atomic clock plugs into the unit, instead of being permanently attached, I thought an extension would work. A quick trip to Radio Shack, and I found a headphone extension for under $10. When I plugged the antenna into the extension, I was able to place the antenna by a window, and now I am receiving a good signal for the atomic clock feature. Now, I think this is a great product, but I do wonder why it comes with only a 2 foot antenna. I had a very specific place for this clock, on my nightstand next to the bed. An alarm clock is not very effective if you can't place it where you need it, but the additional headphone extension solved that dilemma for me.

Atomic Clock works great for me

When I reviewed this product, a number of people complained that the atomic clock feature didn't work for them. It worked great for me. I'm in Minneapolis. Also, the LED isn't all that bright in my opinion. This clock has many great features and I'm looking forward to my first Daylight Savings Time switchover, coming up soon, where I won't have to change my clock! I'm happy with my purchase.

Sangean RCR-1 Advanced Atomic Clock Radio - Silver

Made by Sangean

Time is displayed via LCD and an analog dial!

Dual time HWS (Humane Waking System) gently eases you out of slumber

Tone controls

Headphone jack (headphones sold separately)

3 x 4 speaker delivers pleasant sound from the unit's 800mw amplifier

Amazon base price: $oo Low To Display
List price: $129.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Used price: $89.48
Buy one from zShops for: $84.07

Average review score:

Too bad about the backlighting...

This clock radio has it all... almost. The Atomic clock synched right up, the sound is quite good, I like the "Nap" feature and the ability to set two alarms to two different times on each different day of the week is cool.
So, I set it all up and put in my bedroom and when it got dark I realized the radio was useless to me - no matter how you set the backlighting brightness display you have to get right on top of the clock to read the display. So trying to set the nap timer or the sleep timer or change the alarm settings, after dark, becomes almost impossible. When you turn up the brightness the numerals just stay the same and the backlighting just gets brighter and glares in your face.
The manual leaves a bit to be desired too and just ignores features like backup (which it seems to have because when you disconnect from power the clock continues to display and the setting are saved; I just have no idea how long and if that feature is something I can count on).
Bottom line is I would surely keep the clock if I could only read it at night.... but I can't; so back it goes. Too bad.

Doesn't live up to the Description

The atomic clock signal is weak and not near as stong as two other recent purchases from Seiko. The instructions are terrible and not very helpful. Making any kind of adjustments requires the reader to carefully follow all the steps as outlined which seems fine except just turning off the alarm in case you get up early or just want to cancel it is a major pain. The humane waking is system is overrated. Yes, it gets louder in increments but very quickly and not as slow as described. I would consider another alternative.

The atomic clock is a phoney!

I called Sangean to find out why the time was not synchronizing, to which the technician replied, "Well it's not the strongest atomic clock there is..." Then when I explained what I had done to test it, he was arrogant, unhelpful, and not in too many words told me tough luck!
Just for the record, I purchased another clock from Radio Shack (which they don't sell anymore, or I would have bought another one of those!), which works perfectly fine.
What a ruse!

Sony SRF-HM33 Walkman FM/AM Stereo Headphone Radio with 20 Preset Stations

Made by Sony

FM/AM Stereo Digital Synthesized Tuner

15 FM/ 5 AM preset stations

LCD tuning display; large volume controls

Digital clock and battery power indicator

Light reflector on adjustable split headband

Amazon base price: $39.99
List price: $44.99 (that's 11% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $39.98

Average review score:

Terrible Reception

I returned this headset after 5 minutes of use. AM and FM reception are horrible despite antenna. Could not listen to a strong local station without constantly turning my head. Very disappointed.

Outstanding headphone - the best on the market today!

This is by the far the best AM/FM headphone radio I've owned and I have owned quite a few. I searched every electronic store in my area trying to find a headphone like this and could only find it through amazon.com.
The clarity of the radio reception is excellent. Having 20 preset stations makes it so easy to switch stations when you don't like the song playing on the current station. This is also the most comfortable headphone radio I've had. I can wear it for hours and it never gets uncomfortable. I also can't deal with having the wired headphones or the ones you wear on your arm, so this one is ideal.
I actually liked this headphone so much I bought two more, one to keep at work and one to give to my husband. He likes it as much as I do.
For the people who gave this product such poor ratings, you must be abusive with your things. I use my headphone so much and switch stations constantly and I have never had any problems with it.
I highly recommend this headphone for anyone wanting a reliable, comfortable, great reception radio, with no wires and the ease of changing stations at the touch of a button.

FINALLY, A GOOD RADIO THAT IS COMFORTABLE!

Until I came across this radio, I was beginning to think I would not find one that would work for me. I tried 2 different models of headband radios that made the skin on my ears sore within the first hour of wearing them. I returned those radios. The Sony SRF-HM33 is very comfortable, even after wearing it all afternoon. It is durably constructed. It fits loosely on my head, which is okay, since I just listen to news and music while working. Even though I work in a basement, the reception is not static and the stereo sound is great. This radio has a good antenna.

Cobra FRS1102MF Midnight Frost Micro Talk 2-Way Radio (Pair)

Made by Cobra

Twin pack of radios with up to 2-mile range and access to all 14 Family Radio Service channels

Call alert for incoming calls

SuperFlex antenna flexes without breaking

Backlit LCD screen for nighttime use

2-year warranty

Amazon base price: $
List price: $89.95 (that's NaN% off!)
Used price: $25.00
Buy one from zShops for: $24.44

Average review score:

DON'T BUY IT

BECAUSE OF AN ILL FAMILY MEMBER, I MUST LEAVE THE 2-WAY RADIO ON ALL NIGHT. THE STATIC WAKES ME UP. ALSO, BATTERIES HAVE TO BE REPLACED TOO OFTEN. THE ON-OFF BUTTON IS DIFFICULT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS TO USE.

Very disappointed

I'm quite disappointed in the performance. We got these radios, opened them up, put in the batteries, and the first one worked perfectly, but.... the second of the two "static-free" had nothing but static until you keyed the talk button. We couldn't even leave it on because even on the #1 setting of volume, it was very loud and annoying! I certainly hope I can get this problem resolved with the company or I'm definately going to want my money back!

Cobra 2 way radio ROCKS!

When I received these 2-way radio's I was very very pleased. First of all, I think that it is convenient that it comes with a belt holder so you don’t have to hold it all the time. Secondly, the 2-way radio has 14 clear channels, a green light that lights up the screen so you can see at night, and it has an incoming call feature.
The range I am very pleased with. I tested it with my brother and we got about 1 1/2 miles until the radio got a little static but I could still here him clearly. But it got static because he was deep in the woods, with all trees around. On clear land without any huge buildings around or any trees the 2 way radio can reach up to 2 miles.
They're very reliable for everyday use. Plus the batteries last a really long time.
These work very well in amusement parks, malls, sport complexes, between cars, etc.
They also include a speaker and headphone outlets on the top of the 2-way radio.
Overall I am very pleased with these radios.
5 stars!

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