Site menu:

Shortwave Radio Reviews

This page of shortwave radio reviews is intended to help the shortwave listener--or "SWLer"-- find a quality shortwave radio. Family and friends of SWLers (or those new to shortwave) who wish to give the gift of a quality shortwave radio may also find these recommendations helpful. While there are many shortwave radios currently available, this list is not intended to be comprehensive; rather, here we recommend a small, select group of radios that offer the most for the money, and that will serve the beginner to the hobby and the experienced shortwave listener equally well. For more comprehensive, in-depth shortwave radio reviews, see The SWLing Post: Reviews.

A world of shortwave radio listening: the Alinco DX-R8T is a great choice for the beginner as well as the experienced shortwave listener. Read about the Alinco DX-R8T in our new desktop radios section. Read reviews of portable radios here.

Selecting a shortwave radio

For SWLing beginners, the following radio features are especially useful:

I have broken down this page into Portable Radios (priced in the $100-$500US range), Ultra Portable Radios ($50-$100US) and the new Desktop Radios ($300US+) category.

Feeling adventurous? Many of you have asked about purchasing radios on eBay. To help, I have created a page on our blog called the Radio Marketplace which pre-filters search results to display more relavant shortwave products. In addition, I have included links within the product reviews below. With regards to eBay, keep in mind that unlike purchasing from a radio retailer, who has been in business for decades, eBay sellers come and go. If you have never purchased from eBay, read these tips first. Happy hunting!

This page was last updated on 26 February 2013.

Portable Radios

I start with Portable Radios because I believe you get the most value and quality in the $100-150 price class. Plus, most beginners want a radio that includes everything necessary to get on the air immediately--all of these radios do just that. Straight out of the box, you'll have everything you need to listen to shortwave bands. All of these suggested radios are designed to pick up major shortwave broadcasters with ease, and contain the following features: good frequency coverage; circuitry that helps the radio detect weaker stations; and the ability to receive single-sideband activity.

Grundig G3

This is one of my favorite models in this price class. Eton (or Grundig, same company) is a leader in shortwave and self-powered radio technology. Their portables always rank in the top of their class, and for good reason. The G3 has a smooth tuning wheel and direct keypad entry for finding frequencies. The G3 is very simple to operate compared to many similar receivers. This radio is very portable and the rubberized body feels rugged. The instant you turn it on and start tuning, you'll be impressed with its sound quality and selectivity. Its ability to tune in FM stations is likewise quite impressive--and with built-in RDS, you'll have FM station and song information display and scroll on the G3's digital display. The only negative about this radio is that it has weak sync detector lock. Still, without using the sync function, this is a very capable receiver--read our full review of the Grundig G3 for more details). Here are a few of its specs:

We recommend purchasing the Grundig G3 from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a Grundig G3

Sony ICF-SW7600GR

Sony is also a leader in portable shortwave technology. Performance-wise, you'll find that this radio is on par with the Eton E5/Grundig G3 and is usually slightly more affordable. It gets consistently good reviews from users and guides. One of its outstanding features is its synchronous selectable sideband, a feature which helps to reduce fading distortion and adjacent-channel interference. This feature alone gives the Sony ICF-SW7600GR the ability to hold its own with radios in a higher price bracket. Another plus is that the Sony will allow you to select between upper and lower sidebands. This makes tuning in ham radio, utility and other SSB signals a breeze. The only thing lacking on this wonderful portable is a tuning knob, something I personally prefer for browsing shortwave bands. Here are a few of its specs:

We recommend purchasing the Sony ICF-SW7600GR from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a Sony ICF-SW7600GR.

C. Crane CCRadio-SW

If you're not as concerned about portability, the C.Crane CCRadio-SW is an excellent value for performance. Think of the CCRadio-SW as a larger portable/table top radio (11.25" x 7.25" x 3.5"). What makes this radio stand out from its peers? Truly exceptional audio fidelity. The large built-in speaker has separate treble and bass controls and reminds me how important audio quality is while listening to a faint signal. This radio's audio will fill a large room. Shortwave sensitivity is very good. If you like to do Medium Wave (or AM broadcast band) Dxing, you're in for a treat. The CCRadio-SW has the best AM reception of any radio I've ever tested under $300. FM reception is equally amazing. Negatives? Well, besides being a larger portable--not ideal for stashing in your carry-on--the CCRadio-SW does not have direct keying to enter frequencies. Also, it does not have Single Sideband built in. However, it does have impressive array of external connections, including an IF Out connection, which (with an IF converter and some free software) will allow you to interpret SSB and an array of digital signals including DRM (Digital Radio Mondial). What really strikes me about the CCRadio-SW is its sheer ease of use--it's design is simple, ergonomic and effective. Here are some specs:

We recommend purchasing the CCRadio-SW directly from C.Crane or from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a C.Crane CCRadio-SW.

Eton E1

Unfortunately, the E1 is no longer manufactured by Eton, but they are still widely avaialble in the used market--check Universal Radio's used list or eBay (below). With that said, the Eton E1 is, by far, the best performer in the portable selection on this page. It offers a professional quality receiver that will impress the experienced shortwave listener and outperform pricier tabletop models. I believe that if you're ready to invest money in a shortwave radio under $1000, this is where you should put it. Professional reviews of the E1 are consistently glowing and many reviewers claim it's the best portable they've ever tested. By the way, I really think of this rig as a tabletop shortwave radio that's designed to be portable. The only negatives I've heard about the E1 were some initial quality problems with the LCD display. Here is a basic list of features:

We recommend purchasing the Eton E1 from Universal Radio or Grove Enterprises.

Search eBay for an Eton E1.

Ultra-Portable Radios

If your budget is tight, or if you're looking for a radio that could easily slip into your glove compartment, backpack, or even jacket pocket, you need to look at an ultra-portable shortwave radio. Typically, there is a performance compromise with ultra-portable radios, in that: they usually don't have the ability to receive weaker signals like their more expensive cousins; they have a more limited frequency range; and they don't detect single-sideband signals. Still, the ones listed here are good performers for their size and price.

Tecsun PL-310

The Tecsun PL-310 has become a mini legend in the world of portable radio as it offers exceptional value and high-performance in a small package. What makes it so special? A DSP (Digital Signal Processing) chip that gives this ultra-portable excellent sensitivity and selectivity. A favorite amongst ultra-light Dxers, the PL-310 has exceptional overall performance on the shortwave, mediumwave and FM bands--especially for the price. The price? That's the other thing that makes this radio so special--about $60US including shipping. Mind you, the PL-310 is primarily available through eBay sellers in Hong Kong, so it may take up to 2 weeks to receive your new radio, but it's well worth the wait. Please see link below to search eBay for a Tecsun PL-310.

Search eBay for a Tecsun PL-310.

Tecsun PL-380

The Tecsun PL-380 is my favorite radio under $60. Much like its cousin, the PL-310 (above), the PL-380 has a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) chip that gives this ultra-portable excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Indeed, the DSP bandwidth can be adjusted to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz. The PL-380 is even marginally better at weak signal DXing than the PL-310. The PL-380 is my favorite radio for travelling--I even wrote a post about this on our blog. You can also click here to listen to an audio clip of it being compared to two lesser radios. Take note, however, that like the PL-310, it does not have a single-side band mode.
In short, the Tecsun PL-380 is a superb value and excellent listening companion!

Search eBay for a Tecsun PL-380

We also recommend purchasing the Tecsun PL-380 from Universal Radio.

Grundig G6

As you would come to expect with a Grundig, the Grundig G6 ultra-compact shortwave radio has excellent ergonomics and feels rugged in your hands. I have decided that the G6 may be my radio of choice to give people who've never owned a shortwave radio. It's quite selective, sensitive, easy to use/tune, has a very simple owner's manual, high quality and is affordable. The G6 basically covers the same bands and frequencies as its slightly larger brothers, the G5/G3 (see above). The Grundig G6 is called the "Aviator" because it can also receive the 117-137 MHz Aircraft band. This is a really cool feature if you live near an airport, but don't expect too much from it. Most of the negative reviews you'll find on the G6 focus in on the fact that the aircraft band is not as fully functional nor selective as the other bands--this critique is true. Keep in mind, the G6 is primarily a shortwave radio with an aircraft band "feature"--if you're looking for an aircraft band receiver, I would recommend a good VHF scanner with triple conversion circuitry, not a shortwave radio.
As a shortwave radio, the G6 is very capable and is a top performer in its price category--in fact, it's my favorite ultra-portable. The Grundig G6 proves that big things come in small packages! NEW: Check out our recent review of the Grundig G6 as a great travel radio on our blog, the SWLing Post.

We recommend purchasing the Grundig G6 from Universal Radio or Grove Enterprises.

Search eBay for a Grundig G6.

Kaito KA1103 or Degen DE1103

The Kaito KA1103 (and the KA1102, below) pack the most "bang for your buck" if you're looking for an inexpensive, ultra-portable entry into SWLing. The KA1103 is full featured and a great performer. I'm also impressed with the audio quality that comes out of this radio's relatively small speaker. One interesting design feature of the KA1103 is the large Digital/Analog frequency display. The LCD screen features the frequency display in digits (like all of the portables I recommend), but also sports a working digital representation of an analog frequency dial. As you tune up and down the band--with, yes, a tuning knob--the LCD needle moves along the display like an analog radio dial would. I suppose this could be a useful feature for people who like to see where they are on the band as they scan. I know of no other portable radio that has this quirky feature. The KA1103 gets a lot of good reviews for its ability to receive weak FM signals. My only gripes with the KA1103 and Kaito radios in general: 1.) I believe radio ergonomics could be better. 2.) You really need to read the manual before understanding all of the radio functions--I wish Kaito's were slightly more intuitive. 3.) Quality control varies with Kaito (more so than with Grundig/Etón and Sony)--make sure you buy from an authorized dealer and that you save your reciept.
Still, for the money, with the KA1103 you're getting a receiver that is almost as good as the Sony and Eton E5 above. Features include:

We recommend purchasing the Kaito KA1103 from Grove Enterprises or Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a Degen DE1103.

Kaito KA1102 or Degen DE1102

What caught my attention before purchasing the Kaito KA1102 (a.k.a. Degen DE1102) were the numerous positive customer reviews on the internet. The KA1102 radio is small, but feature-packed. This radio actually has the ability to receive single-sideband (SSB)--one of the only radios in its price-class which can. Many shortwave radio listeners and radio amateurs consider the KA1102 to be an ideal backpacking rig because of SSB capability. Quality control with Kaito and Degen radios is hit-and-miss. I had to return my KA1102 twice before I got a fully functioning radio. If you live in North America, I strongly suggest you purchase the Kaito brand (not Degen) from an authorized dealer as it carries a warranty and can be returned/replaced. Degen products, in general, do not carry a warranty in N. America. Even minding some QC issues, I still believe the KA1102 is a solid performer and worth some minor hassel. Other features include:

We recommend purchasing the Kaito KA1102 from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a Degen DE1102.

C. Crane CCRadio-SWP

I was skeptical when I first held the CCRadio-SWP in my hand. I mean, this is a tiny shortwave radio--how could it possibly perform? I was pleasantly surprised, however, once I turned it on. First of all--as with most C.Crane products--the layout and design are very simple, the display clear, with easily read icons and intuitive controls. The tuning knob on the right side is for fine tuning--no muting or chugging between frequencies, either. Shortwave and MW sensitivity are better than one might expect for a radio this size; I find myself comparing it to much pricier portables. Admittedly, this is a small radio, so lacks some qualities of larger portables: the small speaker has a tinny sound, the tuning knob is small, there is no single-sideband reception, nor does it have an external antenna jack. This is also one of the few radios I list that doesn't have a battery recharge feature. But (and this is a great "but") it also has the longest battery life of any radio I own: almost 70 hours on 2 AA cells! This is a great portable, and you're going to find that you take it with you everywhere. I certainly do. Here are some specs:

We recommend purchasing the CCRadio-SW directly from C.Crane or from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for a C.Crane CCRadio-SWP.

Kaito KA1101

Like its bigger brother (the Kaito KA1102, above), this ultra-portable packs a lot of features and performance into a small package. It is quite sensitive on the shortwave bands, and, as a bonus, user reviews consistently tout this radio's ability to pick up weak FM stations. One odd thing about this radio is that it displays frequencies in MHz format rather than kHz. And being very compact, its speaker does not have the audio quality of the larger portable radios. But the larger radios don't fit so nicely in a car's glove compartment, either. Please note that the KA1101 does not receive single-sideband. Here's a list of its features:

We recommend purchasing the Kaito KA1101 from Universal Radio.

Desktop Radios

Alinco DX-R8T

The Alinco DX-R8T is a fine receiver tabletop receiver and our recommendation as a first tabletop receiver. Why? It's simple to operate, yet it has all of the major features I like in a tabletop radio: it's well-built, easy to use, sensitive, versatile, and it has sufficient control options to help adjust adjacent interference and improve intelligibility. It also has a very attractive price at $499 US. It's next-best competitor is probably the Icom R75--but neither the Icom, nor the Palstar R30A, can be used as a Software Defined Radio and neither have the appropriate IF output for Digital Radio Mondial (DRM) as does the Alinco DX-R8T. In short, it's a lot of radio for the money, excellent for those starting in the hobby. With the Alinco DX-R8T, you get the best of both worlds, a simple "turn on and tune in" tabletop, plus a fully DRM ready SDR. Read our in-depth review of the Alinco DX-R8T by clicking here.
Here's a list of its features:

We recommend purchasing the Aliinco DX-R8T from Universal Radio.

Search eBay for an Alinco DX-R8T.

Ten-Tec RX-320D

Do you crave more receiver performance and versatility than you can get from your portable radio, but don't have the cash for a big high-end rig? If so, and if you have a PC, the Ten-Tec RX-320D will offer you the best performance for your money. The RX-320D is a wiz of a radio, and offers a performance that rivals table-top receivers that cost hundreds of dollars more. What's the secret? The RX-320D is PC-controlled--thus, it cleverly and efficiently uses a bit of your computer's horsepower to run the receiver. This does mean that this "little black box" of a radio needs to be connected to your computer to operate--but if you are someone who spends a great deal of time in front of your computer anyway, you will love its small footprint, instant access, and exceptional versatility. To give you an idea of what I mean, it can run in the background while you're surfing the net, yet requires very little of your PC's resources. The RX-320D comes with 34 filters, covers from 100kHz-30MHz, uninterrupted, has an almost unlimited number of frequency memories, and is one of the few radios on the market that is DRM (Digital Radio Mondial) ready (this means you only need a program like DREAM to decode).

Moreover, you'll be hard pressed to find a negative review of the RX-320D--the RX-320 (the predecessor of the RX-320D, which is not DRM ready) has been on the market since 1997! After undergoing 12 years of scrutiny, this radio's reputation is solid, and therefore should offer no unfortunate surprises. As an example, Eham's critical reviewers give it very high marks.

What's the catch? Because it is a PC radio, you cannot operate the RX-320D independent of a computer. This radio is also designed to connect to an external antenna; performance through the supplied telescoping internal antenna is not recommended, as it "hears" computer noise too readily. While the supplied controller software is very basic, there are many other programs on the market that can unlock this radio's full potential. We recommend you try the following:

In summary, the RX-320D offers the following features:

The RX-320D radio is made in the USA, and is fully supported by Ten-Tec's legendary customer care.

We recommend purchasing the RX-320D directly from Ten-Tec ($369.00 US) or from an authorized dealer like Universal Radio or DXtra. SWLing.com would also like to thank Ten-Tec for giving us an RX-320D with the understanding that we would write a frank review.

Search eBay for a Ten-Tec RX-320D.

New! -> Read the full review of the RX-320D on our blog.

Be sure to check out our blog for other radio reviews.