Best Radio for AM DXing in 2023 – Top Picks & Ultimate Guide

DXing is considered as a hobby by many. The art of DXing is based on finding radio signals from across the world. People fond of this will try to find radio signals from far away distances. Some even note it down and make a diary or a journal about all the radio stations they have ever heard in their life. Amazing, right? Imagine being not able to be confined to limited radio channels and experience listening to various radio stations from across the globe. The experience will be a hundred times better than your imagination. You need some patience and a lot of interest to keep going on or try this thing. 

There are exclusive radios designed for this purpose and are available in the market. You just need some tips to buy the best one among the hundreds. The radios that are capable of transmitting such far away signals are a world band receiver. They should be capable of transmitting shortwave and longwave reception along with AM / FM signals. These radios will also have memory storage to save or store your favorite frequencies among the many you listen to. You can tune with either automatic scan or manual scan to find the best frequencies from long distances. 

You should look for radios with the best reception features to have an amazing experience with radio DXing. These radios also come with multiple extra features that will keep them on par with smartphones. These include an alarm clock, sleep timer, MP3 player, Bluetooth, and other features. Always try to prefer brands with the best brand value as these will have a good reputation built over the years and will provide good features and listening experience. 

Try not to spend too much and stick to your budget. You do not have to worry, as most of the DXing radios come at very affordable prices. Multiple factors like weather conditions and poor signals can affect your DXing experience. But, it will take some time for you to understand how this system works and once you get familiar with it there is no turning back.  

Best Radio for AM DXing in 2023

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception	Model number: ICFSW7600G Product dimensions: 7.5 x 1.25 x 4.75 inches Weight: 1.34 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM	Model number: PL880 Product dimensions: 7.56 x 1.3 x 4.45 inches Weight: 1.15 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	Retekess V115 Portable AM FM Radio with Shortwave Radio	Model number: 4331019190 Product dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches Weight: 4.8 ounces	Check Price on Amazon
	Sangean PR-D7 BK AM/FM Digital Rechargeable Portable Radio	Model number: PR-D7BK Product dimensions: 1.57 x 8.46 x 4.57 inches Weight: 1.27 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	C Crane CC Skywave AM, FM	Model number: SKWV  Product dimensions: ‎4.75 x 1.1 x 3 inches Weight: 5.5 ounces	Check Price on Amazon
	Tecsun R9700DX 12-Band Dual Conversion AM/FM Shortwave Radio	Model number: R9700DX Product dimensions: 7.13 x 1.22 x 4.57 inches Weight: 1 pound	Check Price on Amazon
	Eton Elite Field AM/FM/Shortwave Desktop Radio with Bluetooth	Model number: NELITEFIELD Product dimensions: 15.6 x 8.3 x 4.5 inches Weight: 5.8 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	Kaito KA29 All in one World Receiver, with Recorder, AM FM SW Radio, and MP3 Player	Model number: KA29-White Product dimensions: 7.1 x 4.8 x 2.7 inches Weight: 12 ounces	Check Price on Amazon
	TECSUN R-9012 AM/FM/SW 12 Bands Shortwave Radio Portable Receiver Gray	Model number: R-9012 Product dimensions: 5.16 x 1.1 x 3.15 inches Weight: 7.1 ounces	Check Price on Amazon
	Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio	Model number: NELITESATELLIT Product dimensions: 7.4 x 13.11 x 2.6 inches Weight: 1.8 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	Sangean ATS-909X BK AM/FM/LW/SW World Band Receiver	Model number: ATS-909X BK Product dimensions: 8.17 x 5.31 x 1.63 inches Weight: 1 pound	Check Price on Amazon

1. Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception

• Model number: ICFSW7600G
• Product dimensions: 7.5 x 1.25 x 4.75 inches
• Weight: 1.34 pounds
• Color: Silver

Sony ICFSW7600GR radio is a world band receiver that comes in a small and compact size. The radio receives FM, MW/AM, shortwave, and longwave reception. You can tune to your favorite frequencies from the wide range of frequencies available. The tuning in this radio allows you to tune or scan up to 100 frequencies. You can either scan the frequencies manually or through preset options. 

You can also directly tune into your favorite distant channels easily through this radio. You can save up to 100 stations. The radio has a world clock and regional clock features also. It also has a built-in timer to alert you when needed. The LCD on this radio is bright and accurate. It helps you view information with ease. 

The hold button is a feature on this radio, which will prevent accidental touches or change of stations. SSB reception on the radio lets you fine-tune with less disturbance and great sound. You can use the 1kHz step tuning for fast, accurate station reception. There is a built-in headphone jack to allow you to listen to music in private. The radio comes with a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM and LW, and a telescoping antenna for FM and SW. 

The synchronous detection circuitry feature will avoid fading beat frequency interference and distortions from nearby stations. The dual alarm feature will allow you to set up two different alarm timings. You can use this for two different radio stations to not miss your favorite programs. The radio uses 4 AA batteries which are not included with the package. The battery life is said to work for up to 47 hours.

2. Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM

• Model number: PL880
• Product dimensions: 7.56 x 1.3 x 4.45 inches
• Weight: 1.15 pounds
• Color: Black with silver

Tecsun PL880 dual conversion FM/AM (520-1710 kHz) radio will provide full coverage with AM/FM (64-108 MHz), longwave (100-519 kHz), and shortwave reception (1711-29999 kHz) with Single Side Band receiver (10 Hz). 

The digital dual conversion receiver will allow amazing sensitivity to select frequencies and stations. The radio has an alarm clock feature to wake you up to your favorite radio programs. It also has a sleep timer from 0-120 minutes. This is a great feature to save battery and cost while you doze off when listening. 

The package comes with a battery included. The battery is rechargeable and the charger is built-in in this radio model. The radio has an earphone jack to let you listen to stations in private without external disturbances. 

The loudspeaker is pretty good. But, you can always use an earphone for a better listening experience. The radio package includes an external SW antenna, stereo earphones, pouch to carry the radio, and a manual guide for users.

3. Retekess V115 Portable AM FM Radio with Shortwave Radio

• Model number: 4331019190
• Product dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Color: Black

Retekess is a small and compact portable AM / FM shortwave radio. It will perfectly fit into your shirt pockets. The radio supports 80 FM stations, 60 AM stations, and 300 SW stations. The radio has a sleep timer feature to automatically shut down to save battery and cost when you doze off while listening. The sleep timer can be set within 0-90 minutes. 

The radio is featured to provide bass sound. It has a MIC recording capability. The line in the recording feature of the radio will let you record in 3 recording modes. The recordings will be in good quality with 64 kbps, 96 kbps, and 128kbps quality differences. 

This AM FM radio has an MP3 player speaker which can be used as a loudspeaker through a USB cable. FM radio is capable of MP3 music. The radio supports MP3 and WMA format music. The radio is incorporated with English, Chinese and Spanish languages to assist people from different regions. 

The battery is a rechargeable one. The charging adaptor is missing in the radio package. It provides only a USB cable. You can charge your radio via computer, cell phone adaptor, or laptop. You can manually store or save your favorite stations with number keys on the radio. This will help you access your favorite radio channels whenever you want. The number of keys will also allow you to change stations. 

4. Sangean PR-D7 BK AM/FM Digital Rechargeable Portable Radio

• Model number: PR-D7BK
• Product dimensions: 1.57 x 8.46 x 4.57 inches
• Weight: 1.27 pounds
• Color: Black / White

Sangean PR-D7 BK is a small and compact sized portable radio that comes with 5 AM and 5 FM memory preset stations. The radio has an automatic tune in feature to find the best stations. It has an alarm setting and sleep timer settings. You can set the sleep timer up to 120 minutes. You do not have to worry about dozing off naturally, as the sleep timer will prevent battery wastage. 

The humane wake system will wake you up with a beeper sound. The alarm sound increases gradually to wake you. You will not be disturbed with annoying loud alarm noise. The keys are placed in a convenient position to access even when you’re sleepy. The display is bright and sharp. 

The backlit display of the radio makes it easier for anyone to read the station info and time. The radio works great for both music listening and talking purposes. The radio will scan distant stations with the utmost ease. The radio’s auto-scan option will scan stations and find the best receptive frequencies for you to listen to. 

The radio provides an AC adaptor to charge. You can also charge it using rechargeable AA batteries. The AA batteries are not provided along with the package. You can purchase it separately. The reception is disturbance-free and clear on this radio.

5. C Crane CC Skywave AM, FM

• Model number: SKWV 
• Product dimensions: ‎4.75 x 1.1 x 3 inches
• Weight: 5.5 ounces 
• Color: Black 

If you’re looking for a lightweight portable radio at a very affordable cost, this is a perfect choice. This radio comes at an unbelievable weight. It weighs just 5.5 ounces! This radio can serve as your best buddy as can carry it anywhere you go without any strain. The radio is also very compact and small in size, making it easy for you to carry along during traveling. It doesn’t need a huge space or separate bag for portability. 

The radio receives AM, FM, and Shortwave reception. There is a wide range of frequencies available in this radio, from which you can choose or tune your favorite frequency and listen to your favorite music and shows. The radio comes with a travel lock feature and also has an alarm facility. This will help you set an alarm during the mornings for you to wake up at the time. You can also set an alarm to remind you of your favorite shows every day. 

The radio comes with an LCD light display, making it suitable for people of all age groups. The letters and numbers are visible and easy to access. You can also set the timer in this video to make it sleep automatically. This will help you save the radio power from unwanted usage when you accidentally sleep off at night. 

You can either select the frequency manually or listen to presets stations from the radio. There are about 400 memory presets for you to choose from. The radio has an auto-scan tuning feature. You can also listen to weather updates on the radio. 

The radio has a pretty good battery life, it will run up to 60 to 70 hours depending on your usage. You should use 2 AA batteries or use AC adapter for charging the radio. The radio package comes with earbuds, a folding back stand, and a carry case. Another attractive aspect is, you get a 1-year warranty. You can claim the warranty in case of any technical failures. The radio comes at a very reasonable price with all these efficient features.

6. Tecsun R9700DX 12-Band Dual Conversion AM/FM Shortwave Radio

• Model number: R9700DX
• Product dimensions: 7.13 x 1.22 x 4.57 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Color: Black 

Tecsun dual conversion AM/FM SW Radio is a compact size radio with a solid outlook. It performs with an amazing sensitivity to the reception. It provides crystal clear sound. The radio is designed in a user-friendly way, which makes it pretty easy for anyone to handle, irrespective of age. 

The radio has a display with a backlit feature. It displays bands and frequency details. The built-in charger will make it easier to charge the device anywhere you go. The radio has a shortwave antenna and an AC adapter with the package. 

It has a volume control knob and a tuning knob that are easy to handle. You can tune in the radio by switching the band selector to the correct band and then dialing up or down. There is a tuning light, which will ON when it detects a strong signal. The back-light switch can be turned to “auto” or “constant” mode at night time, according to your convenience. 

This model radio is apt for travelling purposes. You can listen to the stations through loudspeakers or earphones. The package includes an AC/DC adapter, protective case, Warranty registration card, earphones and a user manual in English

7. Eton Elite Field AM/FM/Shortwave Desktop Radio with Bluetooth

• Model number: NELITEFIELD
• Product dimensions: 15.6 x 8.3 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Color: Black 

Eton Elite AM/FM SW radio comes with amazing sensitivity and reception to seek channels. It can avoid unwanted noises and interferences while listening to radio stations. 

The radio has a lower distortion. It even filters external noise while you listen. The radio comes with a Bluetooth feature. This is one of the unique features when compared to its peers. With the Bluetooth option, you can stream in your favorite music apart from the regular radio channels. 

The audio quality is great with crystal clear sound. The radio’s LCD allows you to see station info. It displays fine-tuning, bass control, and 50 preset memory stations. The radio has an earphone jack to let you listen to music in private. 

The radio provides a carry strap to make portability easier. You can easily carry it anywhere you travel. The radio has 2 antennas. Wherever you are, this radio will provide you with amazing reception with many numbers of channels. 

8. Kaito KA29 All in one World Receiver, with Recorder, AM FM SW Radio, and MP3 Player

• Model number: KA29-White
• Product dimensions: 7.1 x 4.8 x 2.7 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Color: White / Black 

Kaito KA29 is an all-in-one world band radio with AM / FM / SW channels. It is extremely lightweight and small/compact. Therefore, you can carry it anywhere you go. It will be your best travel buddy. The radio has many other features to it. It has a recording facility and supports MP3 features. 

The radio acts as an MP3 player providing amazing clear sound quality. It has micro-USB regular USB ports included in it. With the recording feature, you can record voices and music from the radio. The built-in mic will make this easy for you. This is indeed a handy feature. You do not have to miss your favorite music or sayings. You can record it to keep listening for n times whenever you want. 

The radio also has other great features such as an e-book and a calendar. You can mark important dates or events using the calendar feature on this radio. Apart from e-book and calendars, the radio model has an alarm clock and sleep mode features. The radio comes with the battery included. 

The lengthy telescopic antenna in the radio makes it a high-sensitivity device to capture short wave signals around the world. The Digital Signal Processor in the radio will make sure signals are processed by a computer chip to deliver you amazing audio quality. There are numerous ways to tune into stations on this radio. You can store up to 248 stations with the radio memory. The radio supports English and Chinese languages. 

9. TECSUN R-9012 AM/FM/SW 12 Bands Shortwave Radio Portable Receiver Gray

• Model number: R-9012
• Product dimensions: 5.16 x 1.1 x 3.15 inches
• Weight: 7.1 ounces
• Color: Black 

Tecsun is a small and lightweight shortwave radio that can fit in your pocket perfectly. You can carry it anywhere you go easily. The radio provides high sensitivity, as it is a full band radio with FM MW SW functions. 

The radio uses 2 ways of charging. You can either use 2 AA Batteries when the power runs out on the radio. But, the battery is not included in the package. You have to purchase it separately. The other way is by charging the radio using a DC-IN 3v charging cable. The charging cable is also not included. 

The radio comes with a warranty period of about a year. You can contact the buyer if you face any issues within one year. The radio has an earphone jack to let you listen to music privately. Earphones are not included in the package. You can purchase it separately. This radio is ideal for both study and entertainment purposes.

10. Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio

• Model number: NELITESATELLIT
• Product dimensions: 7.4 x 13.11 x 2.6 inches
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Color: Black 

Eton Elite Executive is an international radio receiver that receives FM / AM / SW / LW signals anywhere around the world. You can tune into the channels using automatic tuning or manual digital tuning. The radio is portable and easy to carry. The receiver on this radio will pick up the VHF aircraft band and Single Sideband. 

The radio provides a leather case along with the package. This will be very useful when you carry your radio for travel and other uses. The Elite Executive radio has an RDS feature for FM. With this, you can view the station’s call letters, style of music, song title, artist, and more. This is one of the sought-after features in this model. This will be a feature that is on par with smartphone-style. 

The radio has amazing sound quality as it lowers distortion and fading to provide you a clear music listening experience. The radio is very sensitive and it can seek weak signals. You can use an earphone to listen to stations in private without external disturbances. The radio will also let you connect any audio device using the line input. You can listen to your favorite playlist apart from radio stations. 

The radio has local and world time. It has buzzer alarm clock settings, a sleep timer, and time backup. The LCD is bright orange with backlight features. You can store up to 700 stations on this radio. This is the best highlight of this model. You can charge the radio using an AC adapter or use 4 AA batteries to charge. The AC adaptor is provided with the package. The radio has a battery strength indicator on the display to let you know when the battery has run out.

Ultimate Buying Guide to choose the Right Radio for AM DXing in 2023

Make sure you don’t miss out on the important factors listed in the buyer’s guide before you place your order.

1. Budget

The radios’ budget is the first point to think about before you buy it. As for the AM DXing radio, the budget factor is a pretty simple one to decide, as most of the radios come at an affordable rate. The next point is the size. Size is one of the important factors, as it decides where to carry your radio. The size of the radio will determine how you are going to use the radio in the future. If you are planning to take your radio out for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain-climbing, work-outs, or playing games, buy a radio that is small and compact. Only then you can fit your radio right inside your pant or shirt pockets. A radio of a bigger size will be of difficult use for the above scenarios. However, if you plan to keep your radio in a standstill at your home, you can opt for a medium to larger radio that is showy and majestic.  

2. Reception and sensitivity

Make sure your radio serves its main purpose of a strong long-range reception. When buying an AM radio for DXing, you should check if the radio’s reception is sensitive and strong. Some radios have antennas for this purpose. Your radio must work great from even remote locations. You never know where you will take your radio to. You should not get disappointed when you take your radio on your camping trip or vacation. So, test the reception of the radio well before purchasing it. Along with strong reception, the radio should have good loudspeakers and a built-in headphone jack to provide the option for you to listen to music in private. Some radios provide earphones with the package while some don’t.

3. Charging

Charging is the next important factor. Decide your needs with the radio and where you’ll take them. Radios come with versatile charging options. Some radio models provide AC adaptors along with the package to charge it anywhere you go, while some provide just the USB cable. You can charge it using a computer or laptop or through a smartphone adaptor. Few models use AA batteries to charge. If the place you are going to travel to does not have a charging point, you will get worried. So, make sure what type of charging the radio uses.

4. Extra features

No clue what are extra features? As technology goes into evolution day by day, the features of radio are also upgrading. Radios these days provide features apart from just tuning in of AM / FM / SW stations. Some of the extra features include a sleep timer, alarm clock, e-book, calendar, auto switch lock, and snooze button. These features will come in handy for your day-to-day use. You might even forget the efficiency of your smartphone soon when your radio provides you with these advantages. There are a few radios that provide these options. Look for them. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Best Radio for AM DXing in 2023

1. What is an RDS feature in an AM / FM / SW radio?

RDS is a Radio Data System. This feature allows the FM to send its users much detail about a soundtrack. Apart from just the analog audio signal over the airwaves, this feature sends station’s call letters, style of music, song title, artist name, and so on. This is one of the modern features. Though many radios won’t necessarily have this feature, there are rare models available in the market with this feature.

2. What type of batteries is generally required for AM radios?

AM radios these days provide versatile charging options. Some models provide an AC adapter along with the package to charge it anywhere you go, while some provide just the USB cable. You can charge it using a computer or laptop or through a smartphone adaptor. Few models use AA batteries to charge.

3. How does ‘interference’ affect AM radios?

Disruptions in signal devices increase when there is high usage of communication devices, transmitters, and receivers all at once. At this time, interference and disruption occur. FM radios are said to work better during these scenarios than an AM radio. 

4. Do AM radios function less at night?

There are general guidelines for AM radios to reduce their operation during nights. This is done to reduce their interference with other AM stations. But, technically signals travel fast during the nights.

5. What are the key features to look for in an AM radio?

Look for the sensitivity and reception of the radio. Check the number of memory stations supported. Some offer up to 200 while some offer up to 500-700. Prefer radios with higher memory stations. You could also peek into other extra features that would come in handy for your travel usage.

6. How do I improve my DXing?

The best way to improve the AM DX communication is to go out on a beach or a larger water body where there is the least bit of interference. The water bodies are considered the best sources to pull radio signals, offering better communication range with enhanced clarity. Another good way to improve the DXing is to move out of spaces that come with a lot of power lines. You want to stay in spaces that have minimal power sources and interruptions.

7. Are the AM DX radios expensive?

Given that these kinds of radios were found back in the days and are recently coming back because of the kind of results they provide, it isn’t surprising that they come with a higher price tag than some of the other staple radios that are used for communication. So, if you find an AM DXing radio that is costing you a lot of money, it is likely because of the kind of features it comes with.

8. Why is AM radio reception so bad?

AM radios are extremely susceptible to frequency changes and interferences. This means that if you are stuck in the middle of areas that have a lot of interfering sources, you will have a hard time operating the radio. So, try to use them in areas with the least amount of interference. Some of the common sources of interferences can include power lines, mobile phones, computers, traffic lights, etc. So, if you aren’t getting optimal signals, move away from these.

9. Are Radios for AM DXing easily available?

No, not every radio or walkie-talkie comes with the DXing functionality. This means that you need to be mindful of the product that you invest your money in. Just do your research before you buy a radio for the same functions.

All set for travel? Do not forget to purchase your best travel buddy, ‘An AM radio’. You can have fun listening to stations around the world, anywhere you go! The art of DXing can be as tricky as it is fun.

10. If someone found a strange AM station, how can they inform them about that station?

If you want to notify someone about the AM station you found on the radio; you need to collect some necessary information. This includes the call sign, the name of the program you listened to, and the time and date. After collecting this info about the station, inform them that you got their signal, and after that, you will receive a QSL card from them, which proves you got their signal.

11. What is DXing in radio?

Some people have a hobby of recognizing and receiving signals of television, distant radio or making a two-way radio connection between stations over the radio; it is known as DXing in radio.

12. Does AM radio need an antenna?

Every radio needs an antenna to catch the frequency of the channels, but in the case of AM radio, it seems like there is no antenna.

13. Why is AM radio still being used?

One of the main reasons for AM survival is that it is mainly used for talk radio. The talk radio on AM does not need the high quality to play music like FM, and that’s how talk radio saved AM from being vanished.