There's nothing like being on the job and having a little music to pass the time. However, it's not worth bringing your favorite tunes along if headphones compromise your safety or if the conditions of your workplace have caused a few accidents for your nice things already.
Good thing there are jobsite radios available to help you listen to something other than everyone talking and all the background noise! A jobsite radio is a listening device that's made to withstand tough conditions.
It provides the listening ease you need to get through the day every single day. This isn't something that will be ruined by a splash of water or even a strong impact. Jobsite radios are built to last.
The only catch is that there are all kinds of work radio models available. If you really want to find the best one for your needs, use the buying guide below.
What Makes a Good Jobsite Radio?
Think about all the iPod models you went through before you could stream music straight from your phone and all the streaming platforms that are now on the market. Some people swear by their Spotify playlists while others love Apple radio.
In a similar way, many consumers tend to have a preference of one jobsite radio brand versus another. How are you supposed to figure out what makes a good work radio when you want to buy your first one, though?
If you can't tell a DEWALT from a Bosch, or you have no idea what you really need, keep the following features in mind as you browse different options.
Noise
There's no sense in buying a good-looking radio or one with a durable shell if it doesn't make enough noise. After all, the entertainment is what you want a radio for in the first place! Not to mention, it can keep you safe if you're listening for weather reports or other important information.
Whatever the reason you're tuning in, you have to be able to hear well. Research how clear the noise is produced on each of your top options, and maybe ask a few of your work friends if they can attest to online opinions. The last thing you want to do is spend so much time searching for the right jobsite radio only to realize it doesn't perform as good as you need it to.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
While noise is one of the main factors of a radio's performance, it's not everything. You also need to look into the battery life of a work radio and the charging capabilities. Yes, these are two different things.
Battery life refers to the energy stored in the radio. It determines how long a radio can go without being charged or needing a new battery altogether. Charging capabilities, on the other hand, refer to whether or not the radio can serve as a source of energy for something else.
Charging capabilities allow you to connect a chord to the work radio as if it were an outlet. This means you can boost the battery on your phone or even your work tablet without skipping a beat. It allows you to make sure everything you need is working properly without having to worry about a battery running out.
Overall Durability
Here's the thing: there are plenty of radios out there with good enough speakers to bring the noise you need. Additionally, many of them will have a strong battery life and some will have the charging capabilities you're looking for, too.
But, not every jobsite radio is made to last.
Think about your day to day environment for a second. Are you high above the ground all the time, from heights that your radio may fall from? Do you work with a lot of dust that may get into the speakers or under building scales and stands that things can fall off of and hit your radio?
These are just a handful of the possibilities to consider. You don't want to invest in a nice, brand-new speaker only to have it ruined after bringing it to work for a few days.
Pay attention to the shell, the handling needs, and the overall build. Even the size and weight matter when you're trying to find the best radio to match the work you do.
The Best Jobsite Radio Models of the Year
Speaking of finding the best radio, the good news is that this doesn't have to be a wild goose chase. Of the hundreds of jobsite radios out there, you can begin your search with the nine options listed below.
Here are the best jobsite radio models of 2021.
1. DEWALT DCR018 18V/12V/20V MAX Compact Worksite Radio
At the very top of the list is one of the most well-oiled machines in terms of jobsite radios. The DEWALT MAX Compact is not any old radio.
It can operate via two different power sources, has charging capabilities for other devices, connects to AM and FM stations, and, it's only 6 pounds! This little radio can pretty much do it all.
The DEWALT MAX even has a protective space for you to put your phone, keys, or some other small object. You will have to be careful of placing it around too much water, but a few drops here or there won't hurt.
2. DEWALT DC012 7.2-Volt-18-Volt Heavy-Duty Worksite Radio
The next DEWALT jobsite radio worth considering is the DC 7.2-Volt. It's kind of like the big brother of the MAX Compact mentioned above. The DC 7.2-Volt weighs in at 14 pounds, which is still the average size in comparison to other work radios.
This one is ideal if you're looking for a long runtime (battery life) and better water resistance than what the MAX Compact can offer. This DEWALT radio is made to handle tough conditions and to last all day long. It has a three-stage charging system, meaning the battery can be preserved while you're using the radio to charge other devices and listen to your favorite station.
By the way, those stations are reached with an 11-inch antenna, allowing even the most remote jobs to still have access to a little entertainment. More so, this radio comes with an auxiliary port if you'd rather control the music yourself by hooking up your phone.
3. DEWALT DWST08810 ToughSystem Music Player
The ToughSystem model is final DEWALT radio you should take a look at. This is one of the more rugged jobsite radios of all - DEWALT or not.
It is 18 pounds and 3 feet long, so you may need to take multiple trips to and from your truck when setting up for the day. It's not exactly something you can easily carry with all your other tools and equipment.
Still, once this bad boy is set up, it's sure to get the job done right. This radio provides all-around sound thanks to the speakers set up on each side, including special ones on the bottom for a little extra oomph.
Also, if you happen to have any ToughSystem storage tools in your collection of work gear, lugging this radio around will be a breeze. The machine actually locks in at the top of any box or cart in the ToughSystem line - how easy is that?!
4. Milwaukee 2890-20 18V Dual Chemistry M18 Jobsite Radio
If you're interested in checking out a few jobsite radios outside of the DEWALT brand, you should see what Milwaukee has to offer. Start with the 18V Dual Chemistry Radio.
This model is durable, efficient, and, seems to handle every little detail most hard-labor employees would be concerned about. It comes with shock-resistant end caps ready to absorb a tough fall or having something fall on the radio itself. There's also a compartment where you can store and charge your phone at the same time, keeping it out of harm's way and available for all your needs.
For those who work on big crews or don't mind to share the entertainment, you'll appreciate the memory on this thing. You can set up to 10 presets between AM and FM stations in order to have everyone's favorites available at the touch of a few buttons. When the stations aren't enough, there's an auxiliary jack included to give you the ultimate control of the tunes.
5. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Job-Site Radio 2590-20
There are cool phone compartments and nice speakers on jobsite radios, and then there are ones that have it all - including bottle openers. The Milwaukee M12 has one, and many other features you need to learn about.
The bottle opener is perfect to kick back with the crew after a long day or finally completing a project. The phone compartment and speakers ensure you have everything you need on-hand and great entertainment for everyone around.
Additionally, this radio provides auxiliary functions when you really want to get the party started and it's highly durable for when the weather wants to rain on your parade. The M12 is made with a waterproof design and the shock resistance is impressive, thanks to the polymer material used.
6. Bosch Bluetooth Jobsite Radio
Here's a brand not yet mentioned: Bosch. Bosch is another well-known jobsite radio manufacturer, which is why there couldn't be just one of their products on this list. First is the Bluetooth Jobsite Radio.
This is an AM/FM frequency radio with USB charging capabilities for your mobile device. However, you can hook up to the radio via Bluetooth and go hands-free instead of having to keep your phone in the compartment.
How can you keep it running all day while listening to music and charging? With the help of the dual battery system. You can power this work radio with special Bosch batteries or simply plug it into a high-voltage outlet (120, specifically). Then, the charger actually refuels the batteries you input.
Not only that, but you can hook up even more gadgets to the radio! As if a little entertainment and battery life for your phone aren't enough, the Bosch Bluetooth is made with four 120-volt outlets. Oh, and the whole thing is one of the more durable designs out there right now.
7. Bosch PB180 Jobsite Radio
The next Bosch you may want to take a look at is the PB180. This radio only weighs 4 pounds but it's also very shock-absorbing and durable considering how light it is.
It comes with 10 presets to find all your favorite AM/FM stations with ease and dual battery functions just like the model mentioned above. You'll have to connect to this radio old-school style, using an auxiliary chord, if you want to play your own music, though.
However, whatever you play has two days of runtime from one charge to the next. That's a pretty cool feature if you know you're the type to listen to your radio day in and day out.
8. Sangean LB-100 Compact Jobsite Radio
Up next on the list is the Sangean LB-100 Compact. This one may not look like much at first, but it definitely packs some power in it.
The speakers provide full-range sound that is hard to compromise, considering they're water-resistant and protected by a strong outer shell. There are 5 presets as opposed to 10, but if you don't need much variation you may enjoy the simplicity of this feature.
9. Ridgid R84087 GEN5X Jobsite Radio
Another radio that is simple yet still worthy of this list is the Ridgid GEN5X. This is a Bluetooth work radio that needs to be controlled through the Ridgid app. You can find stations on there rather than using buttons on the radio itself and switch to your own music whenever you want, too.
There are also charging capabilities and an auxiliary connection if you'd rather charge your phone for a little while or at least set it down. This is another option on the list that runs on dual power, it comes with a side compartment to store all your small devices, and it's highly resistant. A great choice among all the other nice speakers included on the list.
Choose Your New Jobsite Radio
Whether you're looking to replace an old radio or you've decided it's finally time to buy your own jobsite radio, you've come to the right place. It's always best to do a little bit of research before making your final choice. After all, the more you read up about different radios now, the better your listening experience will be later.
Tell us which one you choose and how well you like it.
Don't forget to come back and check out more reviews for all kinds of listening and communication devices!