Best FM Radio in India (2024) | How to Select the Best Radios for Home?
This is a list of India’s best radios for listening to music and information. Despite technical developments, radios remain popular due to their advantages and adaptability.
They are ideal for creating a stress-free environment, whether on a road trip or at home. Modern radios can also include extra capabilities, such as a record button, which is handy for recording and teaching.
While stand-alone radios are rare to acquire in shops, FM radio receivers are incorporated into many home theatre systems and Bluetooth speakers. You can even listen to your favourite radio station on any Amazon Echo device (Alexa).
However, having a dedicated radio device is beneficial. This article includes a selection of the best portable radios for homes and workplaces.
The rising number of FM and community radio stations has raised demand for radios, resulting in price competition.
This buying guide will assist our readers in choosing the best radio in India, particularly for the best FM radio listening.
Best FM Radios in India
Editor’s Choice: Panasonic RF 2400D Portable Radio
Best in Popular: Saregama Carvaan Mini 2.0
Best value with good build quality: XHDATA D-109 Portable Radio
Best FM radio with Bluetooth speaker: Amkette Pocket Blast FM Radio
Best Professional Radio: XHDATA D-808 Portable FM Radio
Best compact radio: Sony ICF-P36
Best budget radio: Philips Radio RL118/94, Philips Rudio RL191/94
1. Panasonic RF 2400D Portable Radio
Panasonic’s FM/AM radio is of good quality. The Panasonic 2400D is easy to use. It features an analogue tuning knob, as opposed to the newest digital radios.
When you’ve dialled in the correct frequency, an LED light will illuminate, confirming the correctness of your tuning. It is the best radio in India that has strong reception capability and is suited for receiving AM and FM broadcasts.
When compared to the size of the item, the speaker is surprisingly powerful and clear. This radio has a strong, well-made feel to it, as well as a comfortable weight that isn’t too heavy to hold.
Four AA batteries are required to power it. It may also be powered by an alternating current mains source by using a compatible adapter.
If you want the best FM radio in India for your home or office, this is the best option among the many top FM radio players in India.
We guarantee that this radio receiver may be found on the majority of professionally selected lists of the top 10 FM radio players in India.
Pros
Cons
2. Saregama Carvaan Mini 2.0
It is a modern radio and music player from the Saregama music company. In addition to AM/FM, it boasts USB and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to listen to music from an external drive or your mobile phone.
This device comes bundled with over 350 classic music. It is filed from a rechargeable battery that provides a backup period of about 5 hours.
With this unique FM radio player and combo device, you can listen to your favourite classical music. As a result, we included this device in our list of the top FM radio players in India.
It may be charged with a typical micro USB charger like those seen in Android phones. We found that it is one of the best rechargeable radios.
It has a 3.5 mm connector for connecting earphones or headphones. The Saregama Carvaan Mini 2.0 is available in five eye-catching colours.
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If you want a more premium product, the Saregama Carvaan Premium models are also available on Amazon with 5,000 preloaded songs in various languages.
3. Amkette Pocket Blast FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker
It is a radio of the next generation. It is, in fact, an FM radio with a Bluetooth speaker. We happened to catch it by chance and were quite impressed.
It has excellent FM reception and produces louder, more precise sound. If you’re searching for a portable FM radio, this is a fantastic option. It is also rechargeable with a USB-type C charging connector.
It offers provision for Auxiliary input, SD card, and USB connection in addition to Bluetooth streaming capability. After recharging the battery, we received roughly 6 hours of playback time.
Its built-in microphone allows you to record FM radio music or voice notes. Furthermore, the manufacturer provides a one-year manufacturing warranty on this device.
Its overtop number pad makes it simple to pick a music track or FM channel. An incorporated hand strip composed of steel wire and coated plastic serves as an FM antenna in this radio.
If you are looking for the best FM radio with Bluetooth speaker, this is a good option for you. In one word, we can say that it is a good all-in-one FM radio player.
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Amkette is also offering a low-cost Bluetooth FM radio model called the Amkette Pocket Mate FM Radio (available on Amazon), which has the same Bluetooth speaker, Type C charging, built-in antenna, multiple playback (8 hours of playtime), number pad, headphone jack, SD card, and USB input. Overall, it is a better portable FM radio than the above model. This small FM radio has good design and build quality.
4 XHDATA D-808 Portable FM Radio for Home
If you want a professional-quality radio, the XHDATA D-808 is for you. It is a multiband radio with good build quality and large control knobs that are easy to operate.
It includes a digital display and can operate on any frequencies in the SW, MW, SSB, RDS, and air bands. Its external antenna may capture any radio signal, and it comes with a rechargeable battery.
This XHDATA D-808 has a memory that can save up to 500 radio stations, allowing you to listen to them whenever you opt for them.
This radio is also useful for those who desire to become ham radio operators because it offers a ham band SSB reception option. Because it contains a stereo headphone jack, you may listen to FM radio in stereo mode with this radio.
There is no doubt that it is a high-quality radio with bright and clear sound, excellent noise reduction capabilities, and high sensitivity.
Furthermore, it is an all-in-one radio with features such as an alarm clock radio, a sleeper timer function, a huge turning volume knob, a stereo earphone jack, an external antenna, and an LCD that can display alarm time, temperature, and signal strength level.
If you are serious about radio listening and want a high-quality radio that will last a long time, this is the ideal option for you.
Pros
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If you are looking for a low-cost model of XHDATA radio, the XHDATA D-328 (view on Amazon) is a good option for you. It is an FM/AM/SW radio with DSP, TF, and an earphone jack for an MP3 player rechargeable battery.
5. XHDATA D-109 AM/FM/SW/LW Portable Radio
You may be aware that XHDATA is a well-known radio brand with high-quality products, and the XHDATA D-109 is another high-quality radio with unique features.
It is a solid-built AM/FM/SW/LW band radio that also functions as a USB/TF/Stereo MP3 player with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. It’s a small and lightweight radio that’s ideal for use at home.
It has a headphone jack for private listening and good sound quality. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be charged via USB-C.
This portable Digital Radio has a DSP chip and a 360° rotatable and retractable long antenna, which improves signal reception and selectivity significantly. It also supports memorizing stations with preset buttons.
It has an organized front control panel with various switches and buttons. It also has a fantastic LCD that displays all of the necessary details.
This is a good option if you want the best AM/FM radio with high portability at an affordable price.
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6. Sony (ICF-19) Dual Band FM/AM Radio
The Sony ICF-19 also functions as an FM/AM radio receiver with an analogue tuner. We can take this radio anyplace thanks to the included carrying strap.
Its powerful speaker delivers amazing sound from your favourite radio shows. It can be powered by up to three D-size batteries.
All other functions and features are identical to those found in other Sony radios. If you are looking for a compact FM radio player it is the best option for you.
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7. Sony ICF-P36 Compact Portable Radio (FM/AM)
It’s yet another Sony radio. The Sony ICF-P36 includes an integrated FM and AM tuner. The built-in hand strap increases safety, and this radio is extremely portable.
This radio, like other Sony models, offers a separate headphone plug for personal listening. Its LED signals for tuning and battery status are quite useful; its sound quality is excellent, and the radio is powered by two AA batteries.
As with other Sony radios, there is no power plug connection option here.
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8. Toshiba (TX-PR20) Portable Pocket Radio with AM/FM
This radio comes in three appealing colours: black, red, and pink. It works well as a pocket radio. It produces a crisp sound and is powered by two AA batteries.
It is compact and capable of receiving AM and FM broadcasts. It has an AUX output that allows you to connect your radio to other devices.
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9. Philips Radio RL118/94 with MW/SW/FM
The Philips RL 118 is a portable radio with a sound output of 200mW. Philips radios have been very popular in India for a long time. This radio is unique because it can be powered in three different ways.
This is supplied from the main power source, the built-in rechargeable battery, and an external battery (2xR6 battery). It offers analogue-style manual tuning.
We are hopeful that this Philips radio price is within your budget range.
One issue with most Philips radios is that they do not want high-quality, attractive items like those produced by Sony or Panasonic. The build quality of the Philips radio is below average, and it looks to be a duplicate product.
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10. Philips Radio RL191/94 with MW/FM Bands
This is just another Philips radio. The Philips RL191/94 radio is one of the best in its price range. It has a sound output of 180mW RMS, which is enough for everyday radio listening.
It is powered by two R20 batteries and an optional 3V DC socket for connecting an AC adaptor. As the title suggests, it is a standard analogue-type FM and MW receiver.
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Why Is Radio Still Important and Popular?
According to research across all demographics, radio is still the most popular form of media around the globe. Let us look at the causes behind this.
The radio is an amazing and useful modern scientific invention. It is an inseparable part of our modern life.
Radio broadcasts may give information and entertainment 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide listeners with the most recent news and entertainment.
If they don’t have access to the internet, they may still explore the airwaves for reliable sources. Power isn’t even necessary for battery-powered or hand-cranked radios. It’s an easy method to pass the time.
Radio is not an expensive medium. Anyone, rich or poor, may purchase it and enjoy its various programs from any location in the world. It also acts as a means of communication.
The radio conveys a wide range of important messages. Many government programs are also promoted on the radio. As a consequence, the public will be informed of the government’s plan.
Deals & Offers: Best Selling Radios on Amazon in 2023
Furthermore, the government broadcasts several public assistance programs. On the radio, several types of warnings are also broadcast.
Radio also transmits a range of other programs, and the hourly news summary provided by most radio stations is handy to us.
The majority of people in our country can afford radio since it is less expensive. It is used to educate illiterates. It broadcasts and informs the public about family planning programs.
It also airs debates and information concerning some serious illnesses, including cancer and AIDS. It describes what causes them, how to prevent them, and how to avoid them.
There are several popular educational programs available to students. A program might be helpful to the general population as well.
Radio provides pleasure, information, and a means of collaboration.
Weather predictions are something that people in a variety of occupations may become aware of. To educate people, the radio broadcasts a range of educational programs.
We are already quite familiar with a wide range of live sporting events thanks to satellite technology. Sports comments of various sorts are broadcast on the radio.
It’s also easily available to everyone at any time, without interfering with their daily routines, and most modern automobiles have built-in radios.
A radio may be your constant companion on your daily commute, helping you get through long days at work and making your responsibilities simpler.
A large number of ham radio enthusiasts and DXers use various types of radios as part of their hobby.
Radio is particularly appealing to advertisers as a result of this. In today’s environment, customers prefer subscription services where they will not be exposed to ads.
Radio is the media that will not only allow advertisers to reach large audiences but also target them when they are out and about and close to stores.
Because it is financed by advertising, radio, unlike many other modern media services, does not need a monthly charge.
Podcasts are also regularly available on subscription sites such as Spotify, providing radio with a free alternative to most other services when they grow more pricey.
Radio changes as a result of new technology and changing client tastes. Radio stations may now be accessible via computers, cellphones, and even smart speakers, giving you the freedom to listen to your favourite station whenever and wherever you choose.
Because radio is an audio-only medium, it does not need the time commitment that television does.
Many podcasts appeal to a certain audience and cover specific topics. Furthermore, podcasts aren’t always easy to get by. Listeners usually have to go out of their way to find them.
Radio is a well-established, easily digestible format that emphasizes broad information supplied by frequent presenters to reach a wider audience. Listeners may come and go without missing anything because there are no long-form storylines or story arcs on the radio.
Radio presenters are vital in attracting listeners since they often become friends with regular listeners, with some listening in every day just to hear them. As a result, radio is a less challenging medium to enter than podcasts.
In terms of mobility, accessibility, and affordability, radio outperforms other forms of mass communication such as television.
Nobody wants to carry their television with them everywhere, so having a radio is a terrific way to acquire information on the move, and it can be utilized at home, at work, or in the car.
At any time of the day, you may find a radio practically anywhere. A mass medium such as radio may play an important part in the media sector, especially in distant communities where technical breakthroughs have yet to be made.
Related: How to get a ham radio license in India?
How To Choose the Best Radio In India?
Radios have been our all-time favourites for decades. They have been changed to fulfil consumer demand and continue to compete with other devices on the market.
If you prefer listening to portable radios, make sure you have one or a variety of them. However, before you buy one, be certain that you are getting the best one that will satisfy all of your needs.
But how do you go about it? In this guide to the finest portable radios, we’ve identified some crucial factors to consider when selecting a portable radio.
1. Size of the Radio and Portability:
The first and most crucial step in buying a portable radio is to select one that you can carry with you. Consider its weight and dimensions to ensure that it is easy to move.
We recommend choosing a radio that weighs a maximum of approximately 1 kilogram for easy mobility. However, don’t sacrifice functionality simply because the product is small.
Determine if you require a portable FM radio player that is small and simple to carry or a more robust and feature-rich FM little bit big radio player with features such as Bluetooth connectivity. This does not mean that all the feature-rich radios are big.
Check the audio quality and sound reproduction, since bigger radios produce more sound. Simultaneously, the larger the radio, the more battery it consumes.
2. Design and Build Quality:
We’ve all heard that appearances are important, whether it’s a gadget or anything else. There are many different types of radios to pick from, ranging from vintage to tiny modern.
The design option, on the other hand, is up to you and your home’s taste, but it must be pleasant enough to catch the eye. Portable radios require a more robust and long-lasting build than standard radios.
Look for a well-made, long-lasting FM radio player with an easy-to-use UI.
The main reason for this is that these are portable devices that might be damaged by dampness, falls, or rough handling.
As a consequence, ensure that the portable radio you buy is well-constructed and made of a robust material that can endure drops.
3. Sound Quality:
It is vital to examine the sound quality of a portable radio, even though it is inexpensive or expensive.
It should precisely recreate the sound and cover all noises without distortion. The sound should, at the very least, be audible and give good value for money.
A good FM radio player should produce clear, crisp sound with little distortion or interference. As a result, look for models with high-quality speakers and good reception.
4. Input for Headphone and Power:
When purchasing a radio, make sure it has a headphone jack so you may listen to music silently while travelling and avoid disturbing others with a loud sound.
Most portable radios, on the other hand, have headphone sockets, so you won’t have to bother about that.
It should also help if there is a main power input choice. When we use a radio at home or in the workplace, it is preferable to use a power supply rather than batteries.
5. Connectivity:
As we all know, radios have excellent built-in speakers and seldom require additional speakers. As a result, even if you don’t have any, they can still make you an excellent speaker.
To link the radio to your music player or mobile phone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, however, proper connection and compatibility are necessary. Also, look for USB connectivity.
6. Additional Features:
Portable radios, unlike in the past, today have a range of functions that keep them in demand. There are portable radios with no additional capabilities if you choose, but some will make your life simpler.
A preset feature allows you to save your favourite stations, while an alarm and a sleep mechanism prevent you from wasting batteries by leaving them on for too long.
Furthermore, water resistance is increasingly the norm. It is not essential if you use the radio with caution.
7. Price:
As we mentioned in our radio buying guide in India, the market offers a diverse selection of radios in a variety of pricing ranges.
Choose a decent radio based on your budget while keeping the other selection criteria in mind.
However, the most important factor to consider when selecting the best radio in India is to ensure that you are receiving good value for money based on the model features and your needs.
It is better to select and compare radio prices in India and features across several brands and models before making a final decision.
Best Radios in India: Conclusion
The 10 best FM radios in India featured in this article each have distinct characteristics that make them good choices for users.
With the advancement of technology, new features are being added to classic FM radio players, making it challenging to choose the best FM radio in India.
However, focusing on essential factors such as sound quality, mobility, design and build quality, and pricing makes selecting the best radio for your requirements easier.
So, those are the main considerations to make while purchasing a portable radio. The primary reason for listening to a portable radio is to have a good listening experience.
As a consequence, ensure that you verify all of these characteristics and select one that meets your requirements.
We hope you enjoyed our guide on choosing the best radios in India and look forward to reading more of our posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend the Panasonic RF 2400D Portable Radio as the best FM radio you can buy in India for home or office use.
Even though the selection of Philips radios in India is limited, the Philips Radio RL118/94 and Philips Audio RL191/94 are the best options.
Consider FM signal reception quality, audio output, battery life, portability, simplicity of use, extra features (Bluetooth, USB playback), build quality, and compatibility with multiple frequency bands while looking for the best FM radio device in India.
Pansonic, Sony, Philips, and Saregama are well-known companies in India that provide high-quality AM/FM radio devices that are frequently popular for their performance and durability.
Place your radio player near a window or in a high, nonobstructed area to increase FM signal reception. Signal strength may also be increased by extending the antenna and shifting its angle.
Yes, many new model FM/AM radio receivers include digital screens that display station frequencies, time, and other information. This improves user comfort and tuning precision.
Place your radio receiver away from electrical interference and positioning the radio near windows or open areas in the proper way can help improve the strength of the AM signal.
Yes, most smartphones include built-in FM radio tuners that allow you to listen to FM radio stations without requiring an internet connection or mobile data. However, not all smartphone models have this feature, so check to see if yours does.
No, FM radios are available at a variety of prices to meet a range of budgets beginning at ₹800. There is a radio for any budget, from low-cost radios with simple functionality to high-end radios with advanced features. When choosing the best FM radio for your needs, consider the features, sound quality, and life expectancy.
Yes, you may listen to FM radio stations from all around India using FM radios. However, reception quality may vary depending on your location and the strength of the radio broadcast. Some radios also enable you to save and access presets, which allows you to quickly switch between stations from different stations.
Yes, many FM radios offer a headphone jack or an auxiliary output that allows you to attach extra speakers or headphones for a more immersive listening experience. This feature is quite useful if you want to listen to FM radio discreetly or boost sound quality by using better speakers.
Panasonic, Philips, Sony, XHDATA, Saregama, and the new brand Amkette are the top radio brands in India. Philips is known for its more intense sound and affordable price, although Sony XHDATA and Panasonic also produce high-quality portable radios. Saregama Carvaan features an FM radio that is preloaded with music in different Indian languages. Similarly, Amkette offers a high-quality FM radio with a Bluetooth speaker option.
FM radio outperforms AM radio. AM has worse sound quality than FM; however, AM radio stations have a greater reach. Its bandwidth is reduced, allowing it to have more stations available in any frequency range. FM is less vulnerable to outside interference than AM, and it is possible to listen to music in stereo. FM broadcasts, on the other hand, are hampered by obstacles along the way.
If you are looking for a No. 1 FM radio, we recommend either the Panasonic RF 2400D or the XHDATA D-808.
Philips was manufacturing good-quality radios in the past at an affordable price. But nowadays they are compromising their quality for the price.
Yes, FM broadcasting has better quality, which means it reproduces the original program sound more accurately than other broadcasting systems, such as AM radio.
Consider characteristics such as portability, sound quality, design and build quality, connectivity choices, additional features, and pricing while selecting the best FM radio player in India.
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I think you should this product on your list
Thank you for your advice. We will review the product and add it to the list if it meets the standards.
Hi I have bought the Amkette Pocket Blast FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker, sorry to say there the reception in my house is very less I can’t hear any channel. The antenna of this device is in form of the handle which is very brittle. I would have to use this as a BT speaker only as no reception at all
We suspect that the issue might be unit-specific, and you should try replacing the unit with a new one. If you are far away from the FM station to which you have tuned, you may experience reception troubles. Our review unit performed admirably, but we are close to the FM stations that we have tuned.