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Many people bask listening to music while process on a project . Whether it ’s a deck of cards build open air or a dry wall job inside , the right tunes can make the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ( and project ) more pleasant . But with so many jobsite wireless uncommitted in a wide range of a function of terms points , it can be concentrated to decide which model to select .
To help make that determination a bit gentle for folks , I performed hands - on testing with some of the best jobsite radio on the market — and my favorite was the Milwaukee M18 Packout wireless / speaker . I put this bounty - price wireless and battery charger combining through its paces in a variety of configurations , using all of its features to determine how good it really is . For the most part , I loved this model , but it did have a few minor drawbacks . Keep register my Milwaukee M18 Packout radio and charger review to find out more about what this unit can do and why it might be the proper choice for your jobsite .
Photo: acmetools.com
Milwaukee M18 Packout Radio and Charger: At a Glance
Rating:9.4/10
PROS
CONS
Get the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio and charger at :
What is the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio and charger?
TheMilwaukee M18 Packout radiois a jobsite radio that take entertainment to a project , indoors or out . It ’s rugged , packed with features , and design to work with a large part of the Milwaukee power tool and tool - storage batting order .
The M18 Packout radio and charger allows drug user to play euphony , podcasts , or local radio stations . It has an AM / FM radiocommunication with a built - in antenna , Bluetooth compatibility , auxiliary headphone jack input ( with an included conducting wire ) , and a standard USB sea dog ( for charging only — it does n’t play music ) . The auxiliary telegram and USB jack are hidden away inside a weather - seal compartment that users can also lay in a cell earphone indoors .
The M18 Packout radio and battery charger has two major power options : AC power with the built - in power cord or a Milwaukee M18 battery for hours of cordless radio use . The power corduroy wrap around brackets on one side of the radio for secure storage , while the barrage slide into the storage compartment with the user ’s wandering phone , auxiliary shit , and USB port . When this unit is plugged into a stock exit , it can charge M18 shelling ( one at a time ) as well as a fluid twist .
Photo: acmetools.com
This Milwaukee jobsite radio has an impressive total of 10 speakers — four tweeter , four full - range speakers , a subwoofer , and a resonator — all of which combine to project clear , eminent - quality sound . Plus , the speakers are put in in a 360 - level pattern , allowing this radio to deliver excellent sound throughout the entire jobsite .
Other build - in features include a handy bottle unfastener , a clock with a backup battery , and the ability to bind to Milwaukee creature boxes and other Packout - compatible items . This tough whole is also dust- , water- , and impact - resistant to place upright up to the hardship of the jobsite .
How easy is it to set up the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio?
There really is n’t much to set up with the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio , but there is one important thing users must make out . The unit comes with a set of AAA batteries , and prior to reading the focussing , I figured they were for a remote . In fact , they are the backup batteries for the clock , which establish inside their own daub in the weather condition - sealed compartment . The stamp battery cover is insure with Phillips screws , and getting the batteries into place can be a little tricksy due to space constraints .
Other than that , the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio is very well-situated to set up : Simply uncoil the AC conducting wire and secure it in , or start the conditions - sealed compartment and set up an M18 battery . Then simply compact the force clitoris on the book knob . To listen to the radio , down up the antenna , prime AM or FM , and then use the dial to tune in a station . To program a preset , all that ’s necessary is to obtain a favorite station , take hold the predetermined button , choose the preset number , and press the preset button again .
To connect a phone , simply long - public press the Bluetooth button on the telephone dial for a few endorsement until it flashes , then find “ M18 PACKOUT ” number in the available devices . Once it ’s linked , users can mind to their favourite streaming service through the Packout . The process for supplemental is even simpler : Just plug the adjunct labourer into the phone ’s headphone port wine ( if the phone has one ) and select the auxiliary mode . billet : The USB jack does not play music ; it only charges .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
How easy is the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio and charger to use?
I recover it extremely prosperous to use the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio and charger — but it ’s worth explaining each part separately .
As a radio or speaker unit , theMilwaukee M18 Packoutis very intuitive . The Bluetooth connection does n’t require an app , and swapping between mode or stations involve just the closet of a button on the front of the control panel . Also , the equalizer button makes it a walkover to aline bass and double , so ethnic music can easily tune the sound to their taste . And when it ’s colligate to Bluetooth , user can hesitate , omission , or repeat Song dynasty with the button on the telephone dial .
As a charger , this building block set out even easier to use . All the user has to do to charge a battery is slide it into the sorrel inside the weathertight compartment and secure the AC cord into an outlet . The unit will automatically start charge . For mobile equipment , punch an applicable corduroy into the USB while the radio is plugged into an outlet will commence the charging process .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Is the M18 Packout radio well designed?
As far as sound quality and functionality are concerned , I was quite impressed by the M18 radio ’s design . It works well , vocalize bully , and easily links to M18 Packout corner for simple transport . However , at 23 pounds , it proved to be a reasonably hefty handful to tug around when it ’s not connected to a wheeled tool box . It ’s large and heavier than other jobsite radios I tested , so that ’s where it fall scant . Other model are more compact and well-fixed to carry , though they do craft functionality and sound quality for that portability .
As I complain about this manakin ’s sizing , it ’s also deserving noting that the weathertight compartment that fits cord , telephone , and batteries is oversize — and that ’s a plus . I was able to fit my large smartphone ( Samsung S22 + ) in that compartment , while it would n’t fit in other radio compartments . It could also hold the supererogatory cords , a large 5Ah battery , the radio set ’s instruction booklet , and even a wallet if desired . So while it is an armful , this spare blank space proved to be a real fillip and gizmo in real - life situations .
How does the M18 Packout radio and charger perform?
It performs excellently . I ’ve been pretty percipient about the sound calibre , which no other wireless in the test could pit ( the next closest was another Milwaukee radio ) . It throw 360 degrees of sound , and the basso and double adjustment make it potential to dial in the sound calibre even more . Also , the Bluetooth chain reached up to around 100 feet , which is more than enough for most task sites ( peculiarly with the social unit placed in the center of the room ) .
There was one region in which the M18 ’s carrying out did take quite a bang . When I was using the charging mode , the radio static heighten , making it almost impossible to hear to some FM station . I ’m assuming the electronics in the battery charger or shelling are the causa , but tribe contrive to practice this jobsite radio primarily for listening to FM station will likely see this as a drawback . However , there were no issues when charging and using Bluetooth or AM station .
Is the Milwaukee M18 Packout radio worth the price?
One of the biggest drawbacks to theMilwaukee M18 Packout radiois the fairly steep damage . At around $ 300 , it ’s an investment that most other wireless and charger do n’t come up closely to equal . But does that mean it ’s overprice ? I do n’t think so .
The M18 Packout sounds so much better than the other radios in my trial run that it was hard to even equate them in that regard . The sound is clear , the basso has a decent thump , and it ’s tatty than any other mannikin I tested .
Also , it ’s crucial to recognise that this model charges stamp battery . canonic good example that cost well less might not have charging functions , and those that do usually do n’t sound this goodness . If you want top - level audio performance and charge from a jobsite wireless , this is the model , and for that rationality , it ’s deserving the money .
Photo: acmetools.com
However , I do not think this model is for everyone . Folks who want to hear to sports radio set on AM or local radio stations in all probability do n’t need a radio this gamy - tech or powerful . A basic radio would likely do just all right in those situations .
Should you buy the Milwaukee M18 radio and charger?
I ’m a big fan of the Milwaukee M18 radio and charger , and I think almost anyone would be happy with this jobsite radio . Yet I know that this might not be the good radio for everyone . sure people will appreciate it , while others will probably be happy with a less expensive selection .
folk music who just want to hear AM radio set while lick around the house could go with something a bit gaudy , such as a stock portable radio . The same applies to those who do n’t care much about sound quality . Talk shows and static - ridden radio place wo n’t sound much better coming from the M18 Packout than they would from a standard radio .
However , music lover who witness that their preferent tunes make any worksite or project more enjoyable will want to badly consider the M18 radio . I would also propose it to anyone who appreciates readable profound quality from their podcasts and cyclosis serving . The Milwaukee M18 does n’t have a rival in the jobsite radio marketplace when it issue forth to sound quality .
Also , for those with the money in the budget , I would also say that it ’s the perfect full complement to the Packout tool - storage organization . bind this receiving set and courser to that system allows users to bring some entertainment as well as a charger directly to the jobsite — and since it ’s secure and tough , it can handle the rigors of the web site . family line empower in Milwaukee tools and its Packout system will revalue this model ’s quality and capabilities .
Where to Buy the Milwaukee M18 Packout Radio and Charger
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - clock time DIY and building author for many of the heavy websites in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He also owns and function a pest control web log , RiddaBugs.com . He drop year lick on a variety of jobsites and knows what to look for in a jobsite radio .
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