Best Overall
Milwaukee 2950-20 M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger
Runner-Up
DeWalt DCR025 Bluetooth Charger Radio
Best Bang for the Buck
Ridgid R84087 18V Jobsite Radio With Bluetooth
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Jobsite radios are tougher than ordinary radio . They ’re build to take abuse on a near - daily basis and still keep cranking out tunes . They might look billowing cloud of drywall dust , a sudden pelter , or a hard fall if unknowingly kicked over . But because music can make a day go by quicker and keep you focus , a jobsite radio is a go - to piece of train if you drop prospicient days working .
The good jobsite radio should be waterproof , shock - resistant , able to go on electrical energy or shelling , and have powerful speakers so you may find out your music over the roar of tools . Some jobsite receiving set do more than play euphony — they can also provide store for pocket-size items and charge cell phone and cordless peter .
To serve make the shopping process for these radio a chip prosperous , we performed hand - on examination with the following models . We put them through their paces to see ( and hear ) what they could do . Keep reading to learn what we plant when using each of the follow radios .
How We Tested the Best Jobsite Radios
We want to ascertain that every jobsite radio set we suggested would run across the rigors of a project site , so we put several mannikin through hands - on examination . We spend a solar day with each radio , using them on projects and testing their charging capabilities . We even lend them to baseball game praxis and tournaments to insure they could do by rough , dusty , and slopped weather condition .
Through our testing , we key each model ’s forcefulness and weakness . We adjudicate stamp battery life , legal timber , enduringness , and functionality . While each model had its pro and cons , we find each of the above mannikin was deserving the investment for the proper folks . We gave them prize ground on their most pregnant posture , but we also place out where they fall a bit short .
Our Top Picks
Here ’s a list of our favorite jobsite radios , established through days of hands - on examination to ensure they could meet the needs of a project site .
Construction pros , DIYers , and anyone else who require a furrowed , portable radio will want to consider the Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT radio and charger . This model from Milwaukee attaches to the brand ’s PACKOUT peter storage organisation , allowing you to roll it to the project web site on top of a wheeled tool box . It also prevail on the stain ’s M18 batteries or a received AC male plug . It can institutionalize a fluid gimmick when in battery - only mode , but it will also charge M18 batteries when plugged into an AC outlet .
The Milwaukee boast 10 verbaliser , including four tweeters , four full - chain speakers , a subwoofer , and a resonator . Their position also allows this jobsite radio to project sound in a 360 - degree compass to fill an full jobsite with sound . It has AM and FM radio , Bluetooth , and an auxiliary input . It even features a built - in bottle opener for after - oeuvre beverages .
Off the squash racket , get ’s get the complaints out of the style : We find this model to be big and heavy , so it really does better when attach to the PACKOUT bike putz chest . Also , FM motionless intensifies when it ’s in commove mode . Beyond those two complaints , though , we found this jobsite radio incredible . It ’s gaudy , leave splendid level-headed character , and even sport a handy weathertight storage expanse for cell telephone set and other small items . With the loudness crank up , it lasted for more than 8 hours on a 5 - amp time of day ( Ah ) battery .
study our full review : Milwaukee 2950 - 20 M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger
Get the Milwaukee 2950 - 20 jobsite radiocommunication atThe Home Depot , Northern Tool + Equipment , orAcme Tools .
DeWalt ’s DCR025 bluetooth courser radio might be the top choice for certain folks , such as those already indue in the DeWalt putz card . This wireless and charger can break away off 20V or 60V Max bombardment , or you’re able to plug it into a standard AC wall outlet . When plugged in , it can charge both batteries and roving equipment . In battery - only mode , it will charge mobile devices but not battery . The DeWalt has onboard cord store and a large weather - seal compartment for nomadic devices and other small valuables .
This model will wager euphony , talk shows , or podcasts through the AM / FM wireless , Bluetooth connectivity , or auxiliary input . It also has a USB port , but this is only for charging devices . It also has two AC outlets on the side of the radio that work when the radio is plug away into a wall outlet .
The DeWalt DCR025 proved to be a great jobsite radio during testing . On the not - so - large side , the LCD screen was tough to read unless we were at the perfect angle , and even then , it was n’t very clear . We also had a few Bluetooth connectivity issues where our speech sound would plug in , but the speaker would not play strait ( it would allow us to rewind or skip song , however ) . It does n’t have a interruption clit , which seems like a major oversight . However , the sound character was very good , and the radio receiver itself is very loud when cranked all the way up . We also like that it features large plastic handles that playact as a gyre cage to keep it safe . The weathertight compartment is also a nice touch , as it can stack away a large phone or pocketbook . Also , since so many pros and DIYers are invested in DeWalt tools , they ’re potential to have a slew of batteries to employ with this jobsite radio receiver , and we appreciate that case of comfort station and note value .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt DCR025 jobsite wireless atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
have tune at the jobsite does n’t have to break the banking concern . With an affordable cost point , the Ridgid R84087 18V Bluetooth jobsite radio could be a good fit for most budgets . This radiocommunication can run off Ridgid ’s 18V battery or AC outlet power , and it can also charge those batteries plus mobile devices . It has an AM / FM radio , Bluetooth , and an auxiliary porthole , as well as a USB port for charging gadget .
The Ridgid ’s tough , sealed prohibited eggshell help protect it from rubble , filth , and the elements . However , that over - molded shell is actually empty , allowing this model to stay semi - lightweight .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
We get the overwhelming benefit of the Ridgid jobsite radio are its price percentage point and relative light heft ( the factual weight is unlisted , but we estimate that it ’s around 10 pounds ) . The audio lineament is n’t very telling , but it is likely suitable for a jobsite . It is loud , but the quality does break up at high volume . We did apprise the over - molded shell for the protection it provide to the radio without being excessively expectant .
Get the Ridgid jobsite wireless atThe Home DepotorAmazon .
Best Sound Quality
Milwaukee 2792-20 M18 Jobsite Radio/Charger
For those who choose their euphony or podcast to be quartz unmortgaged , the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Radio / Charger might be the skillful option . This powerful radio and charger combo features a 40 - W amplifier that give rise loud , clear well-grounded tone . It also features a customizable equalizer that lets you dial in bass part and treble preferences .
This Milwaukee radio and charger compounding works on both AC power and any of the brand ’s M18 batteries . It also charges those batteries when plugged in , and it can turn on mobile machine in both cordless and corded modes . It has AM / FM wireless , Bluetooth , and auxiliary modes , as well as a USB port that provides gadget lodge . There is a weatherproof repositing compartment in the top of the radio unit , as well as a build - in bottle opener and three durable metal hold that also act as a roll cage .
Overall , it was hard to commit this radio and courser combining anywhere other than the top post , but since it does n’t connect to any fancy instrument boxes , it makes more sense to recognize it for its splendid sound quality . It ’s trashy , clear , and provide plenty of adjustability in terms of bass voice and twofold . We did get that the storage compartment was a bit modest for anything other than a very small telephone set — however , the USB port wine charged our peregrine twist very quickly , and the compartment threshold roleplay as a stand for phones , so the trade - off is sensible .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Milwaukee 2792 - 20 jobsite radio atThe Home DepotorNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Compact
Makita RM02 12V Max CXT Compact Jobsite Radio
If you need a succinct radio to break out on the jobsite so you do n’t omit the news or biz , the Makita RM023 12V Max CXT compact jobsite radio is worth a barb . This model weighs just 1.7 pounds and is under 7 inches long , so it ’s a fraction of the size and system of weights of most jobsite radios . you could stow it in a tool box or slew it in a pouch on a ladder dyad or peter belt with a built - in hook .
It plays AM and FM radio set stations and come in with an earpiece diddlysquat for heed to the plot without tease others . The Makita also has an auxiliary knave for plugging in an MP3 player or an iPod , but it ’s not Bluetooth - capable . The body of the Makita is impact - repellent to protect against bumps and small falls .
We keep mentioning news or games because the sound tone on this radio is lacking ; it ’s no better than an 80s countertop radio . receipt can also be a challenge . And since fewer and fewer phones are coming with headphone gob , the auxiliary port is n’t a specially useful feature . However , the radio receiver can fit just about anywhere and hunt off the brand ’s 12V bombardment ( which are also compact ) , so keeping it nearby for a little background noise might be deserving it to some shopper . The built - in lure is also helpful , as you’re able to hang it from a rap or wall bracket .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Makita RM02 jobsite tuner atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Impact-Resistant
DeWalt DCR028B 12V/20V MAX Bluetooth Jobsite Radio
Folks looking for small but furrowed jobsite radio will not be disappoint with the DeWalt DCR028B 12V/20V Max Bluetooth jobsite radio . This model have large over - molded handles that also act as an integrated roll coop . Coupled with the radio ’s small size and lightweight design , it ’s both durable and convenient to transport .
This small radio have two 3.5 - inch woofer and two 1 - inch tweeters for gamey - character sound . It has an AM / FM receiver , Bluetooth , and an auxiliary input . It also has a USB port , but this port only saddle gadget . It comes with an AC adapter for wall outlet and ravel on 12V or 20V Max batteries . However , it does not charge them .
To our surprise , this wireless sounded peachy for its size . We liked that it can use two different barrage types , but we did n’t like that it does n’t burden them . Its compact and lightweight design was also a vast addition , and it does n’t sacrifice good quality for size . regrettably , there is n’t onboard computer storage for the AC plug , but the built - in roster coop control it can palm tough jobsite conditions .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the DeWalt DCR028B jobsite radio atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Also Consider
Makita XRM06B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Jobsite Radio
For DIYers and pro enthrone in the Makita business leader creature lineup , the Makita jXRM06B jobsite radio might be the way of life to go . This theoretical account can run on 7.2V , 12V , 14.4V , and 18V battery , insure that there ’s always a electric battery to run it ( a good thing too , since it does n’t buck ) . assault and battery connect into one of several ports inside the clamshell - style cover , though only one barrage can connect at once .
This jobsite wireless plays AM / FM radiocommunication distribution channel and syncs with Bluetooth - enabled equipment to stream medicine . It also has an accessory port for an MP3 musician or iPod , as well as a USB port for charging devices . It has loudspeaker system on the left wing and rightfulness of the gadget , and it ’s dust- and pee - repellent . The LXT does not commit cordless stamp battery , but it does come with an AC adaptor for plugging the radio into an electric electrical outlet .
There are ups and downs to this model , so we can really only indicate it to Makita owners . First , the clamshell covering is neat , but it does n’t have room for the power cord when there is a battery set up , so there is n’t any onboard reposition . Also , there are n’t any frontward - facing speakers , so the sound timbre is only good if you ’re to the left or right of the stereo . Its battery flexibleness is wonderful , but only one shelling can be instal at a fourth dimension , so swapping out batteries will become a pain in the neck . It does have programmable alarum clocks , however , which could help ascertain you make it to the jobsite on fourth dimension or get you know it ’s meter for lunch .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Makita XRM06B jobsite wireless atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Jobsite Radio
When shopping for a jobsite radio , there are several factors to consider .
Portability
Jobsite radios are designed to be portable , and most have a handle for leisurely carrying so you could easily move them around as involve . Depending on the brand and model , a jobsite receiving set can weigh anywhere from under 2 pound to 25 pounds .
Durability
Jobsite radio must be durable enough to hold out unclean , tough conditions . Some jobsite radios have protective cages that take care like the roll parallel bars on a dune buggy . They protect the radio receiver from being damage if it falls or gets bump over . Some models are push as being able-bodied to support the system of weights of a person put up on them without break .
Waterproofing
Jobsite radios can typically hold up athunderstorm , but do n’t cast off one in a swim pool and expect it to work . This is because they have a long-wearing kayoed case that bring in them water - resistant , but they are usually not rainproof . However , the best jobsite radios often integrate some waterproofed feature , let in flip - up doors that shroud USB charging porthole and sealed compartment for holding batteries , phones , or headstone .
Battery Life and Type
Most jobsite receiving set operate on AC office from an electrical vent but also operate onbattery superpower . While standard radio run on AA , AAA , or 9 - V electric battery , jobsite radios usually run on the same large battery used to power cordless puppet , which tend to be brand - specific . For representative , a DeWalt jobsite radio set will run on only DeWalt cordless batteries , and a Makita jobsite radio will run on only Makita cordless batteries . Most jobsite radios are made by manufacturers of cordlesspower dick , and the batteries that power the dick will also power the radio .
Battery life varies by the voltage of the battery . Typical voltages admit 12 V , 18 volts , and 20 V . The high the emf , the longer the barrage fire life . In general , you’re able to expect 25 to 35 hours of melodic line - playing time on a cordless battery before recharging .
Charging Capability
Some jobsite radios can charge other point , such as cordless major power putz or the batteries that operate them . This option is desirable because you may mind to medicine while charge a battery for asawor adrill .
Many jobsite radio set feature one or more USB port for charging electric cell telephone or tablets . These USB - enabled radio may have seal compartment to protect the headphone or pad from junk and the element while it ’s charging .
Sound Quality
A good jobsite radio need to be loud enough to be heard over pounding and sawing , but it should have verbalizer that produce beneficial intelligent quality as well as volume . Many jobsite radios have multisided speakers that produce an immersive sound . Some have adjustable sea bass and three-fold , so you’re able to adapt the sound timbre for music , talk wireless , or a podcast .
Bluetooth Connectivity
Many jobsite radios feature Bluetooth connectivity so that you could stream your favored tune from a smartphone or tablet . This let you act as song from a digital euphony help or pour a radio station or podcast from a smart gimmick .
Built-In Storage
Some jobsite radiocommunication have compartments design to make small detail such as mobile phone phones , screws , or nail . But the radios are n’t meant to double as instrument boxes — their compartments are too small to hold hammer and other bridge player tool .
FAQs
Still not sure how to choose the best jobsite radio for you ? Here are tips to help you make a conclusion .
Q. How is a jobsite radio different from a regular radio?
A jobsite wireless is reinforced with padded rubber bumpers and sometimes steel roll measure to protect it from getting kicked over or make a tool fall on it .
Q. How loud should a jobsite radio be?
A jobsite radio should be loud enough to hear clearly from at least 20 metrical foot off .
Q. Is a battery-powered jobsite radio better than a corded one?
Not needs . Most jobsite radio set operate on both electrical energy and batteries . If you ’re not working near an electrical outlet , a wireless that can turn tail on a battery will keep the medicine pump even when the electrical energy is n’t .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi has been in the trades for over two decade . He loves to share his knowledge of construction , home improvement , creature , proficiency , and ware with reader , and his written material has appeared on BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pesterer control blog .
extra enquiry provided by Glenda Taylor .
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