05 Best Tecsun Shortwave Radios-Reviews

In our previous article, you could have learned what shortwave radios are, and how do they actually work. But, today, we shall be introducing you to one of the best brands that produce shortwave radios, and that has been in the game for years.

The Tecsun brand is a brand that has been producing some of the best shortwave(SW) radios and the most affordable shortwave radios. There are many different models available for purchase, but, we have decided to show you the top five ones that we think are literally the best out of the best.

As you will be able to see in the continuation, these Tecsun radios could easily be compared to one of our favorite radio-making brands- Sangean.

Okay, let’s start with the actual best tecsun shortwave radios reviews, but first, let’s meet the models that we will be presenting you with today:

How to choose the best Tecsun shortwave radio for yourself?

When choosing the best Tecsun shortwave radio, or, any kind of shortwave in general, there are a few things that you should definitely look after. We will be talking about those things here today so that you will be able to learn from them and eventually be able to choose, and purchase afterwards the best Tecsun shortwave radio for yourself. By following these simple points below, and paying good attention to them, you will definitely end up with being very happy with your purchase.

• The frequency range

As you have probably learned by now, shortwave radios are radios that are able to catch signals that are within the 1.6-30 MHz frequency range. Most of them have that kind of big range, while some have a different frequency range.

It is for the best if you choose wisely, and make sure that the frequency range of a shortwave radio that you are about to purchase is not too short or small.

• The type of the shortwave radio

The good thing about shortwave radios is that they come in all shapes and sizes. That is why today we have tabletop and portable shortwave radios. Based on the reason why you would like to purchase one shortwave radio, you should also choose its design.

In other words, tabletop radios are simple receivers that are able to be placed anywhere, on your desk, table, counter, etc. They are usually equipped with an external antenna that makes the performance and the reception much better.

On the other hand, portable shortwave radios are the perfect choice for you if you do not want to spend much money on a device like this. Besides that, these radios are very flexible, which means that you will be able to carry them around with you anywhere. But, portable shortwave radios usually have fewer features than tabletop ones.

• Does the radio that you are about to purchase come with some kind of equipment?

Now, the last thing that you should pay attention to, is not necessarily that much important. The radio will be able to work perfectly fine without the extra equipment. But, if you would like to be an owner of good quality radio, you should definitely think of purchasing a shortwave radio with an antenna.

Antennas are there in order to make the reception way better. But, have in mind that you have the full ability to purchase an antenna separately, which might cost you less money. Many of the shortwave radios have antenna ports, so, you do not have to buy a radio that already has one. Instead of that, you can easily choose the antenna that fits you best.

The detailed product reviews of the best Tecsun Shortwave radios:-

1. Best Overall: Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL shortwave radio with AM/FM, Longwave/SSB

 

 
You are free to ask any kind of shortwave radio lover- all of them will say that the Tecsun PLL880 portable digital shortwave radio is one of the best ones that they have ever seen or owned. We too have loved everything that this little radio has to offer us, and, hopefully, you will love it too.

As you can see, this radio is a full-range shortwave radio that has a single-sideband reception. One of the best things about it is that it contains PLL synthesized digital tuning, which makes everything easier!

The reception of signals is awesome, and we could easily say that the 450MW amplifier for sure makes the reception, and the sound of the radio a lot better. Another great thing about this radio is that it contains a USB slot which means that the user will be able to easily connect the radio to its computer, or to some other device.

This unit also contains a headphone jack that enables private listening. One of the best things about this PL880 is that it works on a rechargeable Li-ion battery which is able to last a while before needing another recharge.

When you purchase this unit, you will also receive an external SW antenna alongside it. The antenna is able to make its performance much better.

Highlighted features:

• It is very much sensitive
• This radio contains PLL synthesized tuning
• It has one USB slot
• This is a single sideband radio
• It is able to work on low frequencies
• This radio is being powered up by a rechargeable li-ion battery
• You are able to connect your headphones to it
• The stereo SW antenna comes alongside the unit

2. Best for Portable: Tecsun Radio PL-380 DSP Fm Am Stereo World Band Receiver

 
This Tecsun Pl-380 radio is definitely one of the cheapest Tecsun radios ever made. Do not let its $50 low price fool you, its performance is amazing compared to the pricing.

Okay, so, this model is able to receive both FM and AM stereo bands, and it actually has a 2.3-21.95MHZ frequency range, which I impressive for a small radio like this one. If you decide to purchase this model, you will for sure not make the wrong decision since it is able to be tuned in seven different ways.

Tuning it manually is one of the most popular ways of tuning a shortwave radio, but, you are also able to turn on the automatic search of radio stations and different frequencies. One of the best things about this model is that it actually works on three R6 batteries. The good thing is that the batteries could last for hours of active listening without needing to be changed or changed. On top of that, the low battery indicator is there to notify you on time so that you have enough time to react and charge them.

When you purchase this radio, you will be receiving a user manual alongside of it. But, when you turn it on, you will also see that there will also be a function for saving different radio stations available to you. This means that you can store up to 550 radio station frequencies.

Highlighted features:

• • This model has a wide frequency range
  • It is able to receive both AM and FM signals
  • This radio can be tuned in seven different ways
  • The user manual comes alongside of it
  • The LCD display is huge and easily readable
  • T works on three R6 batteries
  • It contains a low battery power indicator

3. Tecsun R-9012 shortwave with AM/FM,12 Bands Radio Portable Radio Receiver

 
Here is yet another cheap and portable Tecsun radio model. This model is very small and lightweight which makes it easy to operate and use. The good thing about it is that you can just put it into your pocket, just like a regular cellphone, and carry it around with you.

This is a very sensitive radio with around 12 FM MW and DW band receivers. All that you have to do is turn the radio on, and use a handle in order to tune it right. All of the tunings must be done manually since there is no option for digital tuning built into this radio.

The batteries are able to last a while, and we must mention that this unit works on 2AA batteries. The charging cable is featured and it comes alongside the unit. When purchasing this model, you will also receive a user manual, as well as a one-year warranty. Warranty is a great thing especially if you are a little bit skeptical about the quality of this radio.

Do you enjoy having little private sessions of listening to all of your favorite shortwave radio stations? Well, you can do that as well with this radio since it contains a headphone jack which means that you can connect your headphones to it anytime you want to.

Highlighted features:

• • This radio contains a headphone jack
  • The customer receives a one year warranty for it
  • The user manual, as well as the charging cable, come alongside the unit
  • It is able to work on two AA batteries
  • It is also able to receive both FM and AM radio stations
  • This is a small radio that is easily portable and able to fit into your pockets

4. Best for Home & Kitchen: Tecsun Pl-310ET FM Stereo /SW/MW/LW World Band PLL DSP Radio Black by Allnice

 
We have yet another portable radio prepared for you in-store. This PL-310Et model is also able to perfectly fit into your hands and both your pockets. The cool thing about it is that it is featured with a carrying strap which means that you can just hang it around your wrist and carry it around.

Okay, so, this radio is able to catch both AM and FM signals, but, besides that, this is also a stereo SW MW LW and DSP portable radio.

The LCD display on this model is pretty big which makes it easily readable and even easier to use. The LCD screen also features an alarm a sleep timer, a signal strength indicator, as well as a battery power indicator.

When a customer purchases this radio, they will be receiving a protective case, an earphone, a user manual as well alongside it. The batteries however are not included and must be bought separately. Oh, and let’s not forget to say that it actually works on 3 AA batteries.

Highlighted features:

• This radio is able to fit into your hands and pockets
• It comes featured with a handy carrying strap
• This is a stereo SW MW LW and DSP portable radio
• It is able to receive both AM and FM radio signals
• It contains an alarm, a sleep timer, and a battery power indicator
• This radio also has a headphone jack
• This radio works on 3 AA batteries

5. Best for full shortwave capabilities: Tecsun S-2000 shortwave PLL radio Dual Conversion PLL FM MW SW LW SSB Air Band

 And lastly, we have prepared the biggest model for the end. Meet the Tecsun S-2000, a shortwave radio that weighs around 3kg.

This model has many capabilities, but, first of all, we have to say that it is featured with a classical design. Namely, this model comes with a 360-degree rotating Am antenna that is there in order to make the reception of the signals much better. We loved that this radio was able to receive both AM and FM signals, as well as the SW MW LW and DSP portable stereo frequencies.

One of the most amazing things about this radio is that it is able to receive aircraft band frequencies between 118-137 MHz, and around 1711-30000 kHz) for the single band and shortwave signals.

Highlighted features:

• • The 360-degree AM antenna comes alongside the unit
  • This radio is able to receive even aircraft band signals
  • This radio has the auto-tuning function
  • It is able to store up to 1000 radio stations
  • There is a dual alarm clock function available
  • It has the ability to work on many different frequencies

Recommended reading:

• Best Sony Shortwave Radio
• Best Grundig Shortwave radio

What are some of the advantages of owning the best Tecsun shortwave radio?

Portable radios have really been through a lot and managed to stick here in the 21^st century and still be widely used all around the world. That definitely means that there are many advantages of using shortwave radios, even today when the internet makes the world go around.

• Shortwave radios are a source of information

Since shortwave radios are basically radios that are able to catch signals from all around the world and therefore enable you to listen to radio stations from basically any world state, they certainly are informational.

When tuning in to some of the world’s most popular shortwave radio stations, you will be able to keep up with the news and have all of the latest information about all of the actions in that country firsthand. Some might say that shortwave radios could easily act as the internet since the news is also at your fingertips.

• You will educate yourself about different technologies

Shortwave radios clearly aren’t new technology, but, it might take you some time to really figure out how they work, and how to use them properly. Once you get in the hang of it, you will be able to truly enjoy their company. But, most of all, learning how to use them will be very much fun and you will even educate yourself from different sources trying to find the proper way to use them.

• You never know when you might need them

As we have mentioned a lot of times throughout the article, shortwave radios are still in use but are not being that widely used like they were in the last century. Internet and the new technology have replaced them completely, but the vibe that the shortwave radios give out is immaculate.

A lot of old trends are coming back to life and receiving yet another spotlight, so, that could also be the case for shortwave radios too. By purchasing one now, for an affordable price, you will be awesomely equipped with it if they become popular again and the sellers raise their prices.

Final words

Shortwave radios are still in use to this day today, and there are still many benefits that you could get from using them. In order to be equipped with the best, and the most affordable shortwave radio available, you should first check out all of the shortwave manufacturing brands out there. The Tecusn brand is just one of many that are producing high-quality shortwave radio.

Our verdict is that the radios made by this brand are really good and are able to fulfill all of the user’s demands. Besides having amazing and quite useful features, Tecusn shortwave radios are also very affordable. On top of that, they can be found in many different stores and online stores around the world. Visit your nearest tech store if you would like to purchase and enjoy using one of the best Tecsun shortwave radios!

FAQs related to Tecsun radios

1. Are Tecsun radios any good?

Tecsun radios are great and affordable shortwave radios that could be used for all kinds of purposes.

2. What is the best Tecusn shortwave radio to buy?

Our personal favorite is the Tecsun PL880 portable digital PLL shortwave radio. It has many different amazing features, and you can read our full review of it above.

3. Where are Tecsun radios made?

Tecsun shortwave radios are being produced in the Southern China, in the city of Dongguan to be precise, where their headquarters and factory are located.

4. Is Tecsun shortwave radio still in use?

Yes, Tecsun radios are still widely used all around the world for many different purposes and occasions.

Photo: amazon.com