Key takeaways
- The best shortwave radios for most listeners are the Tecsun PL-990x for premium all-band reception, the XHDATA D-808 for compact value, and the Sangean ATS-909X2 for travelers who prioritize accurate tuning and polished controls. Shortwave performance depends on more than…
The best shortwave radios for most listeners are the Tecsun PL-990x for premium all-band reception, the XHDATA D-808 for compact value, and the Sangean ATS-909X2 for travelers who prioritize accurate tuning and polished controls.
Shortwave performance depends on more than the number of frequencies printed on the box. A useful radio must tune accurately, reject nearby interference, accept a practical antenna, run long enough for extended listening, and remain manageable when signals are weak or electrical noise is high. The choices below are organized by situation rather than by a single “best” rating.
Our top picks
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Best shortwave radios by listener and situation
| Listener or situation | Best fit | Why it makes sense | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| First serious shortwave radio | XHDATA D-808 | Compact, inexpensive, direct-entry tuning, SSB, air-band and wide coverage | Smaller speaker and less refined controls |
| Dedicated DX listener | Tecsun PL-990x | Strong selectivity, synchronous detection, SSB and recording support | Higher cost and a more complicated interface |
| Travel and frequent carrying | Sangean ATS-909X2 | Excellent keypad, organized memories and stable tuning | Usually costs more than compact competitors |
| Budget bedside listening | Retekess V115 | Very low price, rechargeable battery and simple operation | Less capable for serious weak-signal work and SSB listening |
| Traditional analog-style operation | Tecsun PL-660 | Good sensitivity, SSB and a familiar tuning layout | Older design and fewer modern conveniences |
Head-to-head comparison
The following figures are representative published specifications and practical operating ranges; exact dimensions, supplied accessories and battery behavior can vary by production version. Shortwave coverage generally refers to approximately 2.3–26.1 MHz, while some radios extend beyond that range.
| Radio | Approx. size and weight | Coverage highlights | Power and battery | Antenna options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tecsun PL-990x | 192 × 113 × 33 mm; about 620 g | AM, longwave, shortwave, FM, SSB; roughly 2.3–29.9 MHz on shortwave | Rechargeable 18650 cell; commonly around 20–30 hours depending on volume and display use | Telescopic whip, external wire, external antenna jack |
| Tecsun PL-880 | 192 × 113 × 33 mm; about 570 g | Longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM and SSB | Rechargeable 18650 cell; often about 20–30 hours in ordinary listening | Telescopic whip and external antenna input |
| Sangean ATS-909X2 | 165 × 103 × 34 mm; about 430 g | Longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM, SSB and air band | Four AA batteries; roughly 20–30 hours is a realistic planning range | Telescopic whip, external antenna input and supplied wire antenna on some packages |
| XHDATA D-808 | 158 × 92 × 32 mm; about 415 g | Longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM and air band; SSB included | Rechargeable 18650 cell; approximately 10–20 hours depending on use | Telescopic whip and external antenna jack |
| Tecsun PL-660 | 187 × 116 × 31 mm; about 470 g | Longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM, air band and SSB | Four AA batteries; commonly 15–25 hours with alkaline cells | Telescopic whip, external wire and antenna input |
| Retekess V115 | About 120 × 80 × 20 mm; approximately 160 g | AM, FM and shortwave, with a simpler feature set | Rechargeable lithium battery; often around 8–12 hours of radio listening | Telescopic whip and headphone cable acting as an FM antenna |
Tecsun PL-990x: best premium choice for difficult signals
The PL-990x is the strongest all-round choice when shortwave is the main purpose rather than an occasional feature. Its synchronous detection can reduce fading and improve intelligibility on some AM broadcasts, while selectable bandwidths help separate stations that are close together. SSB support is valuable for amateur radio, utility transmissions and other non-broadcast signals.
The radio has a substantial body, a readable display and both internal and external antenna possibilities. Its 18650 battery is convenient, but replacing a rechargeable cell eventually requires more care than simply carrying spare AA batteries. Expect a general market price in the premium portable range, commonly about $180–$260 depending on the package and seller.
Sangean ATS-909X2: best for accurate, organized everyday use
The ATS-909X2 is particularly attractive to listeners who dislike fiddly menus. Its keypad, tuning controls, memory organization and signal information are designed for regular scanning rather than casual novelty listening. It covers shortwave, SSB, longwave, medium wave, FM and the civil air band, making it a versatile travel radio.
Four AA batteries are less compact than one lithium cell, but they are easy to replace during a trip and do not require a proprietary charging arrangement. The radio is usually priced around $200–$300, so it competes with the Tecsun PL-990x rather than with entry-level sets.
XHDATA D-808: best value for a small bag
The D-808 provides an unusually broad feature set for its size. Direct frequency entry, SSB, air-band reception, signal-strength information and an external antenna connection make it much more capable than basic pocket shortwave radios. It is a sensible choice for a beginner who wants room to grow without immediately paying premium prices.
Its limitations are mostly ergonomic. The speaker is not as full as that of a larger tabletop-style portable, and the small controls require more attention in the dark. A typical market range is approximately $70–$120. For a first serious receiver, that leaves money for headphones, batteries and a suitable outdoor wire antenna.
Where the other choices fit
Tecsun PL-880
The PL-880 remains a capable alternative to the PL-990x, with SSB, synchronous detection, multiple bandwidths and a large rechargeable battery. It is often cheaper, roughly $150–$230, and works well for general broadcast listening and amateur-band monitoring. Choose it when you want much of the premium Tecsun experience but do not need every newer convenience.
Tecsun PL-660
The PL-660 is an older but respected design with strong sensitivity, SSB and an air-band mode. It is a good match for someone who prefers replaceable AA batteries and physical controls. Its display and operating logic feel dated beside newer radios, and prices vary widely because availability is less consistent.
Retekess V115
The V115 is best understood as a low-cost portable radio with shortwave included, not as a dedicated DX receiver. It suits occasional listening to strong international broadcasts, news stations and hobby experimentation. Its typical price is roughly $25–$50. For weak signals, crowded bands or SSB, the D-808 is a much more durable purchase.
Why antenna choice matters more than a longer whip
In a city apartment, the largest obstacle is often local electrical noise from LED lamps, chargers, computers, routers and solar equipment. Moving the radio a few meters can improve reception more than adding an expensive accessory. Try a window, balcony or outdoor location, and use headphones to determine whether the problem is signal quality or speaker noise.
For portable radios with an external antenna jack, start with an insulated wire about 5–10 meters long. Keep it away from mains cables, metal railings and power supplies. A longer wire is not automatically better: it can overload the receiver, increase interference or create dangerous conditions near overhead electrical lines. Never attach a wire antenna where it could contact utility wiring.
For medium wave, the radio’s internal ferrite bar is often directional. Rotate the entire radio slowly to reduce interference or maximize a station. Shortwave signals may change dramatically with time of day, season and solar conditions, so a weak signal at noon can become clear after sunset without any equipment change.
A practical setup routine for clearer reception
- Begin with the built-in antenna. Extend the whip fully for shortwave and place the radio away from chargers and screens.
- Enter a known frequency. Use a station schedule or a reliable broadcast listing rather than scanning randomly through the entire band.
- Adjust bandwidth. A wider setting sounds better on a clean signal; a narrower setting can reduce adjacent-station interference.
- Try fine tuning. SSB signals may require small tuning changes and a reduced bandwidth.
- Change location before adding wire. Test a window, upper floor or outdoor position to identify whether household noise is the main issue.
- Add a short external wire if needed. Increase its length gradually and stop if the receiver overloads or strong stations become distorted.
Battery life and ownership realities
Manufacturers usually quote battery life under favorable conditions. High speaker volume, display illumination, frequent scanning, SSB processing and recording can reduce runtime substantially. A useful planning calculation is to divide the battery’s stated capacity by average current: a 2,000 mAh cell used by a radio averaging 100 mA would suggest about 20 hours before losses and low-voltage cutoff. Real-world runtime may be closer to 15–18 hours.
Rechargeable cells gradually lose capacity. Do not leave a lithium-powered radio in a hot car, and replace a swollen or damaged cell rather than continuing to charge it. AA-powered radios are easier to keep running during travel, but alkaline cells can leak if forgotten for months. Remove disposable batteries during long-term storage.
The first parts likely to wear are switches, tuning knobs, telescopic antenna joints, battery contacts and the protective finish around frequently used buttons. Keep the whip collapsed during transport, clean contacts with appropriate electronics cleaner when necessary, and use a padded case. Avoid spraying liquid into the radio. Most reception complaints are caused by interference, poor antenna placement or incorrect mode settings rather than a failed receiver.
Final buying recommendation
Choose the XHDATA D-808 if you want the best balance of price, portability and advanced features. Choose the Tecsun PL-990x if weak-signal shortwave, SSB and fine control justify a premium purchase. Choose the Sangean ATS-909X2 if accurate keypad operation, memory management and replaceable AA batteries matter most. For occasional listening on the smallest budget, the Retekess V115 is adequate, but dedicated listeners will outgrow it sooner.
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