Why I Still Believe in Radio
Streaming may dominate headlines, but radio never truly left.
For me, it’s still the most human medium — spontaneous, imperfect, alive. Whether it’s jazz on a local FM station or BBC World Service crackling across shortwave, there’s something grounding about real voices transmitted through the air.
That’s why, even in 2025, I keep a proper radio receiver at home — not a smart speaker pretending to be one, but a real tuner that does what it was built to do: pull sound out of silence.
Over the past year, I’ve tested a dozen modern receivers, from portable FM/DAB units to serious tabletop models with AM, shortwave, and network capabilities. Some are nostalgic, others surprisingly high-tech. Here’s what I learned — and what’s worth your money today.
What Makes a Great Radio Receiver
You’d think it’s simple — just “good sound and clear signal.” But that’s the starting point, not the goal.
A truly great receiver balances sensitivity, selectivity, and usability. Sensitivity determines how well it captures weak stations; selectivity defines how it separates close frequencies. Add a clean amplifier, stable tuning, and proper speaker design — and you’ll hear why some radios sound “alive,” while others just play noise.
There’s also the feel.
Turning an analog dial or pressing a tactile preset button still matters more to me than scrolling through touch menus. It’s about interaction — radio you can use with your eyes closed.
My Top Radio Receivers of 2025
1. Sangean ATS-909X2 — The Modern Classic
If you know anything about serious listening, you’ve heard of the 909X line. The new ATS-909X2 refines everything: expanded shortwave coverage, superb FM reception, USB-C charging, and a large, crisp display. Audio is clean and balanced, with impressive bass for its size.
I spent a week using it on batteries in the garden — it pulled in distant AM stations late at night that even my car radio missed.
Price: around $250 USD
Best for: enthusiasts who love both world-band and local listening.
2. Roberts Stream 94i Plus — British Craft and Streaming Blend
This radio feels like a bridge between eras. It has FM/DAB/DAB+ plus Wi-Fi streaming, Spotify Connect, and a beautiful wooden cabinet. The tone is warm and natural — something most smart speakers can’t replicate.
I use it in the kitchen; it’s where vintage radio design meets 2025 connectivity.
Price: around $300 USD
Best for: those who want radio charm with modern convenience.
3. Sony ICF-P36 — Pocket Reliability
Yes, it’s old-school. Two AA batteries, analog dial, mono speaker. But it’s unkillable.
When the power goes out, this is the one you grab.
Sony hasn’t changed much in its portable line because it didn’t need to — they just work.
Price: ≈ $30 USD
Best for: travelers, campers, or anyone who values simplicity.
4. Tivoli Model One BT — Minimalism Meets Warm Tone
There’s a reason this wooden-box radio is in design museums.
A single rotary dial, solid walnut enclosure, and sound that feels much bigger than the cabinet.
The updated BT version adds Bluetooth streaming without ruining the purity of the original analog tuner.
Price: ≈ $200 USD
Best for: living rooms or studios where aesthetics and sound matter equally.
5. Tecsun PL-880 — The DXer’s Choice
If you love pulling in signals from across the world, this is your toy.
Full shortwave, single-sideband (SSB), and precise digital tuning down to 10 Hz increments. It’s surprisingly refined — smooth tone, excellent filter control, rechargeable battery.
For me, it’s the perfect balance between hobbyist tool and everyday radio.
Price: ≈ $180 USD
Best for: advanced listeners who enjoy technical control.
What Surprised Me
What struck me most in 2025 is how good DAB+ radios have become.
A decade ago, they sounded thin and compressed; now the newer chipsets deliver much richer tone.
Also, battery life has improved dramatically — portable models easily run 20 hours on a charge.
But what didn’t change is the emotional side of radio.
Even the fanciest Wi-Fi receiver still lives or dies by how quickly it tunes and how natural it sounds. One delay or overly processed tone, and the magic disappears.
My Personal Recommendation
If you just want something that feels right and lasts years, buy the Tivoli Model One BT.
It’s not cheap, but it’s the radio equivalent of a mechanical watch: solid, timeless, satisfying.
If you’re after performance per dollar, Tecsun PL-880 and Sangean ATS-909X2 are unbeatable. They remind me that real radio listening is still a craft.
And for everyday use — kitchen, office, morning news — the Roberts Stream 94i Plus gives you everything without feeling soulless.
Lessons from My Testing
I learned that price doesn’t always match experience.
A $30 Sony can bring more joy than a $400 smart speaker if you care about the act of tuning.
Also, don’t underestimate placement: move your radio a meter closer to a window and watch reception transform.
Finally, if you’re into shortwave, keep a simple wire antenna — sometimes old tricks beat new tech.
Final Thoughts
Good radio isn’t dying — it’s evolving quietly.
In an age where everything is algorithmic, tuning into something unplanned feels revolutionary.
That’s what a good receiver gives you: not just sound, but discovery.
So whichever model you pick — analog, digital, or hybrid — make sure it lets you pause the world and listen.
Because when the static fades and the voice comes through, you remember why we fell in love with radio in the first place.