If you are looking for an article to inform you on the best HD radio, this is the article for you.
This article will give you a complete guide for buying an HD radio. We will tell you all the factors you need to consider when buying one and why.
Furthermore, we will also tell you another top 9 of our recommendations in order for you to have access to the best HD radio.
In our list, we will give the pros and cons of each and the main highlighted features from each HD radio.
In addition to this, we will also give a more detailed review for each and every HD radio we mention to make sure you are more than acquainted with precisely what each radio offers.
What is The Best HD Radio?
Our top recommendation for the best HD radio goes to the Sangean HDR-16.
This is our go-to pick when anyone asks us to recommend our favorite HD radio, and it’s not just us that think so highly of this radio.
This is a top-rated HD radio, and it is commonly regarded as one of the best, if not the best, HD radio in the market.
Why is Sangean The Best Brand For HD Radios?
Sangean is one of the most popular HD radio brands out there. They have had years of time to perfect their craft, and there are just not any other HD radio brands that are on the same level as them.
Sangeans HD radios are always of the highest quality, and that goes without mentioning the impressive array of diverse HD radios they offer – there really is something for everyone.
The Comparison Table of Best HD Radios
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Sangean HDR-16 | |
| Sangean HDR-18 | |
| Sangean HDT-20 | |
| Sangean HDR-14 | |
| Sangean HDR-15 | |
| AudioVox IHDP01A | |
| VQ Monty | |
| Sangean SG-108 | |
| Jump Visteon HD | |
| Kenwood Excelon |
What You Need to Know When Buying Best HD Radios
If you want to be happy and satisfied with the HD radio you buy, then there are many different factors you need to pay attention to when buying one.
Different people will have different needs and wants, so it’s essential to choose a radio that is the best for you and has everything you want.
We will be telling you the primary buying considerations you need to think about before buying an HD radio, as well as the reasons behind them.
It’s crucial that you pay close attention and remember all the factors we tell you in order to avoid getting an HD radio that you are not fully satisfied with.
Sound quality
The main factor to consider for most people looking to buy an HD radio is the audio quality.
The quality will vary between each HD radio. Higher-end models usually have a much better sound quality and a wide array of different options to improve the audio further.
Although most HD radios will have decent enough sound quality, so if you aren’t too concerned with having the absolute best audio quality out there, then the sound quality may not be a significant factor for you to consider.
Type of radio
You need to ask yourself what the purpose of you getting an HD radio is and where you plan on using it.
There are a few different types of HD radios.
One of the most popular types is HD radios that are made specifically for cars. These radios will be designed for use in a car.
This means that they will be the correct size for the car, have all the mounting and installation equipment, and they will be made for ease of use by having easily visible buttons, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road, too much.
Another type of HD radio is the handheld / portable type. This is for people who want to carry around their HD radio or take it travelling with them everywhere they go.
These types of HD radios will be much smaller, have worse audio quality, and have fewer features than most other HD radios.
Last but not least, the final type of HD radio we will mention is the home or desktop HD radios.
These radios can be much larger and much more expensive than the other two types we mentioned.
In addition, they will also have an incredible sound quality and a plethora of additional features.
So, depending on what you plan on using your radio for, it’s essential to choose the correct type of radio.
If you don’t, you can face a plethora of issues, and you may end up with an HD radio that is not suitable for what you want to use it for.
Extra functionality and features
If you want an HD radio with a whole lot of bang for its buck, there are many radios with a mind-boggling number of extra features.
Some HD radios may connect to Bluetooth or WIFI so that you can use it as a speaker for your phone.
Other HD radios may have a DVD or CD player. Or, some radios may focus on the sound quality and give you many additional options for you to control all aspects of the audio.
Some HD radios also come with various inputs and jacks to enable you to connect different devices to them for several different reasons.
If any of these features and functions we mentioned are of interest to you, it’s crucial that you choose an HD radio with some or all of the features we mentioned.
Although, if you aren’t concerned with any extra features, there are HD radios out there that are as basic as they come, focusing on purely receiving HD radio transmissions.
Battery time
Another vital factor to look out for is the battery life. If an HD radio has a terrible battery life, it can make it almost impossible to use as it would be too much of a headache to charge it all the time.
Of course, if you plan to use your HD radio a lot, you need to opt for a radio with a premium and long-lasting battery life.
In contrast, if you don’t plan on using your radio all too often, then the battery life will not be as much of a concern.
Some HD radios may not even have batteries. Instead, they may need to be connected to a power source.
This is more common in home and car HD radios rather than handheld, which will always require batteries. So, if you don’t like the idea of using batteries, there will be options out there for you too.
Style and aesthetics
Something which is very commonly overlooked is the aesthetics of an HD radio.
There is a wide diversity of different styles and themes from old-fashioned to futuristic or even some which look incredibly unique and are shaped differently.
If you arent happy with the theme and look of your radio, then it is likely that you will so become tired of using it.
In addition, the display is something you should look out for too when it comes to looks. If you want a stylish font on the display or you want a modern LED backlight, then these are also something you need to take into consideration too.
Don’t make the same mistake that a lot of people make. The look of an HD radio is not something that should be ignored. Instead, you need to pick a radio that you think looks amazing.
The Top 10 Best HD Radios Reviews
01. Sangean HDR-16 – Best Popular HD Radio
Highlighted features
- 10 memory presets (5 FM, 5 AM)
- Easy-to-read LCD
- Display with backlight
- Auto-tuning list
- Bass and Treble controls
The Sangean HDR-16 undoubtedly takes the number one spot on our list.
The ten pre-set options that are available are such a colossal time saver, and they are a massive convenience.
They allow you to return to your favorite transmissions just by touching a button; there’s no tuning needed.
It also has an excellent easy to read LCD display that is backlit, which makes it a perfect radio for use at any time of the day.
But, of course, that’s without mentioning the sleek and simple design, which is careful not to be too bold or risky.
In addition, the extra options for controlling the bass and treble are fantastic features.
They allow you to adjust the sound quality to your preferences to make it customized for you.
Although, there is one drawback to the Sangean HDR-16. There seems to be a shorter than usual transmission range.
Quite a few of the other HD radios on this list have a better transmission range than this radio, although it’s still more than enough for most people.
Unless you have a specific need for buying an HD radio with a long-range, then the Sangean HDR-16 really is the best option for you. It’s the best of the best.
Pros
- A lot of pre-sets
- Backlit
- Audio controls
- Simple LCD display
- Low battery indicator
Cons
- Has a shorter range
02. Sangean HDR-18 – Best Quality HD Car Radio
Highlighted features
- Acoustically tuned wood
- Clock
- Alarms, sleep, and nap functions
- 20 memory pre-sets
- Lots of displayed info
Next up, we have the Sangean HDR-18.
This HD radio has so much bang for its buck. You have an HD radio, an alarm, and a clock all in one.
It comes with many features that are useful and functional. It makes the radio perfect for taking while traveling on the road as an all-in-one tool.
One of the main draws of this radio is its wooden theme and design, which enhances the aesthetics of this clock and the audio quality.
In addition, the wood they make the framing out of has been acoustically treated, which gives the audio a high-quality feel and sound.
Another extraordinary feature of the Sangean HDR-18 is that it has a mind-boggling number of pre-sets. 20, to be specific.
This is more pre-sets than most people will ever need. Although, for people who regularly listen to various transmissions, this radio is made for you.
The only negative to the Sangean HDR-18 is the LCD screen which is hard to read and bland. This can be a turn-off for some people, so it’s something you’ll want to think about.
Pros
- Functional wood design
- Plenty of extra features
- 20 presets
Cons
- Hard to read display
03. Sangean HDT-20 – Best HD Radio For Car
Highlighted features
- Has a remote
- Tuner and radio are separate
- Easy to read display
- Powerful speakers
The Sangean HDT-20 has the unique feature of having a wireless remote, which means you don’t have to be right next to it in order to change settings.
This handy feature provides an alternative to constantly getting up to make changes to a home HD radio.
In addition, the display is super easy to read, and the speakers are huge and powerful.
This means that you can be quite a distance away from the Sangean HDT-20 and still be able to use it to its full functionality with ease.
Something to note with this radio is that instead of the tuner being on the radio itself, this radio comes into separate components.
One of which is the radio itself, and the other being the tuner.
This does have the advantage of allowing you to be more precise with tuning as it has its own dedicated space so you can see the transmissions better and easier.
Although, for some people, this may be an added nuisance as it takes more space and it’s not as compact as other radios.
Pros
- Usable from far away
- Loud and powerful speakers
- Simple display
Cons
- No tuner on the radio
04. Sangean HDR-14
Highlighted features
- 40 memory pre-sets
- Supports emergency alert’s function
- Extremely small
- Alarm clock and timers
The main selling point for the Sangean HDR-14 Is its tiny size. This radio is tiny. It would be perfect for traveling with or just to keep in a bag, it’s even small enough to keep in your pocket.
Something which even shocked us about this radio is the insane amount of memory pre-sets.
40 memory pre-sets are more than most other radios have to offer, and for such a small device, this is extraordinary.
In addition, there are also a lot of extra features such as a clock, an alarm, and an emergency alert. Again, this is truly impressive for such a small radio.
Of course, due to this being such a small and compact speaker, the audio quality isn’t the best.
It’s relativity quiet and doesn’t have the best audio, but what did you expect from such a small radio.
Overall, the Sangean HDR-14 is an amazingly compact and functional HD radio.
This radio is a godsend for people who aren’t looking for something with serious power or exceptional audio quality.
Pros
- An unbelievable number of presets
- Emergency alert
- Compact
- Extra functions
Cons
- Quiet speaker
- Sub-par audio quality
05. Sangean HDR-15
Highlighted features
- 40 memory pre-sets
- White theme
- Emergency alert function
- Easy to read display
- Charging port for phones
The Sangean HDR-15 has an entirely diverse array of features.
For one, it has the option to charge your phone. Simply connect your phone to this radio through the jack and charge your device directly from the radio.
This is a truly unique feature that will make it an excellent HD radio to keep in your bedroom to double as a phone charger.
That’s without mentioning the remarkable 40 memory pre-sets that this radio offers, which is more than enough for anyone, even people who tune into a plethora of different transmissions every day.
It also has an easy-to-read and straightforward display and an emergency alert function, both of which are always welcomed additions to HD radios.
However, the Sangean HDR-15 lacks in a few ways. It only has one speaker, which is bad for power and sound quality, and most other HD radios have two speakers.
Furthermore, the design and look of this one may seem a little bland and boring to some, as it is just a plain white radio.
Pros
- 40 pre-sets
- Sleek and simple design
- Emergency alert
- Simple display
- Charging port
Cons
- Bland design
- Only has one speaker
- Not the best sound quality
06. AudioVox IHDP01A
Highlighted features
- Extremely small
- Long-lasting battery
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes a belt clip, armband, charging cable, earphones, and a guide
- Ten stations pre-set
Out of all of the great HD radios on our list, the AudioVox IHDP01A is perhaps the most portable and compact radio out of them all.
In addition, this radio is unbelievably tiny. Its size makes it extremely easy to carry with you everywhere you go, and it will take next to no space.
In addition, it also has the best battery life. Its battery is exceptionally long-lasting, and not to mention; it’s also rechargeable.
This means that instead of constantly having to buy and replace old batteries, you can simply charge this by connecting it to a power outlet with the charger that comes with it.
Although its speaker isn’t very powerful, the sound quality isn’t the best, but this is expected from a radio of this size.
If you are looking for a rugged, long-lasting, and compact HD radio, then this may just be the radio for you.
Pros
- Tiny
- Long battery life
- Rechargeable
- Lots of free throw-ins
Cons
- Sub-par audio quality
- Quiet
07. VQ Monty
Highlighted features
- Bluetooth
- Stylish design
- Alarm clock
- USB port for charging phones
The VQ Monty has a feature that very few HD radios have, and that is that it is able to connect to Bluetooth.
This means that you can connect directly to your phone and play your own audio through the radio’s speakers.
It also doubles as an alarm clock, which is an excellent addition.
One of the main focal points of this radio is its sleek and stylish design. It has a very modern look, and it would not look out of place in a high-end luxury apartment.
It also has a USB so that it can be used as a charger too.
The only downside we noticed is that it seems not to have as far as a range as most of the other radios on this list.
Because of all information we stated above, this radio would be a perfect bedside radio because of its stylish design and multi-functionality.
Pros
- Stylish and modern look
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Low range
08. Sangean SG-108
Highlighted features
- 40 memory pre-sets
- Emergency alerts
- Low battery alert
- Compact
The Sangean SG-108 has an insane number of pre-sets. 40 memory pre-sets are more than anyone could ever need.
In addition, it also has some great functionality features, such as the emergency alert and the low battery indicator.
It’s also one of the smaller radios on our list, and it is pretty compact.
The only issue we have with the Sangean SG-108 is that the font for the information displayed on the LCD screen can make it hard to read.
It’s even started to give some people headaches when they look at it for a more extended time. So, if you have issues with sight, then it may be better to give this one a skip.
The design and aesthetics are also something that may be an issue for some people. It has a white plastic frame that looks low-quality, although these looks are deceiving.
Pros
- Small
- Emergency alert
- Battery life indicator
- So many pre-set
Cons
- Hard to read display
09. Jump Visteon HD
Highlighted features
- Extremely small
- Simple and easy to read display
This radio is so small. You could fit it into your pocket and completely forget it’s even there.
It also has a simple and easy-to-read LCD display that is backlit.
Surprisingly. For such a small radio, it is stated to be louder than other HD radios its size, and it also has decent sound quality.
The main issue people have with the Jump Visteon HD is that it doesn’t come wired.
Instead, you will have to manually wire it to an antenna, which seems to be an issue for many people who buy it.
Although, if you can get past the wiring issue, then this is a great little HD radio.
Pros
- Backlit display
- Easy to read
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Doesn’t come wired
10. Kenwood Excelon DDX9907XR
Highlighted features
- Touch screen
- Clock
- Voice control
- 4 cameras
- Bluetooth
The Kenwood Excelon DDX9907XR, on the first look, looks like the most modern and capable microphone ever. Its touchscreen, Bluetooth, and it even has cameras.
That’s all without mentioning that it can be voice-controlled, meaning you don’t even have to take your hand off the wheel to change the settings.
Because of all the reasons above, this one should only really be used as a car radio, limiting its possibilities. Furthermore, this will need hooking up to your car’s dashboard and power source, which can be a real headache.
Pros
- Touch screen
- Modern
- Voice control
Cons
- Must be used in a car for full functionality
- Hard to install
FAQ’s of HD Radios Reviews
What does HD stand for?
There’s a common misconception that “HD” stands for high-definition, and there is no surprise why a lot of people think this.
HD is often associated with high definition when we are dealing with TVs, so people just assume that whenever something HD, it must mean that it means high definition.
Although, when talking about HD radios, this is not the case.
HD, at first, meant hybrid-digital. This is because both digital signals and analog transmissions are both received by HD radios.
But now, the HD doesn’t have a meaning for anything.
Do I need a subscription to use an HD radio?
No. Using an HD radio is free. Unlike other forms of radio, HD radio does not require its users to pay for a subscription or any other costs associated with receiving radio transmissions.
The only thing you need to buy in order to receive HD radio transmissions is an HD radio itself. There are no service fees or hidden charges.
Do I need a license to use an HD radio?
Usually, you will not need to get a license to use an HD radio. In addition, most places and countries do not require you to get any form of license or certification in order to buy or use an HD radio.
Although, it’s best to still check the rules for your country in specific, as there are no guarantees that every country does not require you to get a license. So, it’s best to check in order to be safe.
What is the range of HD radios?
The range of an HD radio is highly dependent upon the model you buy. Although, most of them will be of a similar range.
With HD radios, you will not be able to receive a transmission from other countries or even the opposite end of your own country.
This is because HD radios pick up transmissions locally, so you need to be within range in order to pick up a specific radio transmission. If you go out of that range, the transmission will stop immediately.
How do I use my HD radio?
HD radios are not complicated to use at all.
You just need to make sure you have set up your antenna in a good spot and that your radio has batteries in it.
From there, you just need to select the mode of the transmissions you would like to receive, whether that is analog transmissions or HD radio transmissions.
That’s the basics of using an HD radio, straightforward, right?
There are some other features some HD radios may have, such as an MP3 player or a WIFI / Bluetooth connectivity option. Although, even with additional features like these, it will still require next to no headache to use.
If you are planning on putting an HD radio in your car, you also have to factor in the installation process, making things a little more complicated.
It is entirely possible to install an HD radio on your car by yourself. There are many guides and videos out there that will give you a step-by-step list to follow that tell you exactly what to do and how.
However, it is always better to get a professional’s help if you are not sure what you are doing.
This is because you may damage your radio or your car in the setup process, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What is an HD radio?
HD radios allow local radio stations to send higher quality audio signals and their standard analog signals.
This allows users to have a better experience with radio, as the sound quality is much, much better.
In addition, HD radios also receive regular analog transmissions. This means that if a radio channel doesn’t currently offer HD radio transmissions, you can still use an HD radio to tune in and use it as a standard radio.
This is great as it offers users better quality audio without sacrificing anything.
Furthermore, another benefit to HD radio is that it allows radio stations to broadcast multiple different transmissions over the same frequency.
This means that they can offer more transmissions than they could with just analog signals, as it allows them to run multiple programs at once.
For example, this means that a radio station would be able to broadcast a rock channel, blues channel, and talk show, all on the same frequency.
This means that people who use HD radio have way more options, and they have access to a vast number of transmissions compared to analog signals.
How do I receive HD radio transmissions?
To receive HD radio transmissions, simply buy an HD radio and antenna, and tune into the frequency of a local radio station.
There is no subscription or license required for HD radio, so as soon as you have bought an HD radio, you will begin to receive HD radio transmissions.
Conclusion
You should now be much more prepared, and in a much better position to go out and buy a HD radio that you will fall in love with.
Our top picks for HD radios are really the best options out there right now. Although, they may not have all the features you would like.
In order to pick the best radio for you in specific, go back to the section where we gave you all the factors you need to consider when buying a HD radio and apply them to our list.
After you have done this, you will have a much better chance of being happier with the radio you pick.