The Best Jobsite Radios for 2022
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Best Jobsite Radio
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These versatile radios are a must-have for any project site or garage. They are designed with durable and long-lasting materials that will stand up to the rigors of daily use. So whether you are framing a house, renovating a basement, cleaning the garage, or building a birdhouse these should help to make your workday a little more enjoyable.
UPDATED: March 18, 2022.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best jobsite radios currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DCR028B because it features both cordless and corded power options, Bluetooth capability with a 100-foot range, and a protective roll cage.
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There are many features to consider when making a selection here of some of the key components to be aware of when selecting a specific radio:
Corded vs. Cordless
Depending on your portability requirements you may want to go with a cordless option. If you are typically working away from an available outlet or are bothered by the cord being in the way cordless is the way to go. On the other hand, you may not want to deal with recharging batteries and prefer uninterrupted plug-in power.
If you already have a set of cordless tools you may want to pair it with the same brand so they can share battery packs. Check to make sure it is indeed the same battery, as it can differ even within the same brand. Also, many do not come with a battery or charger, so verify if you need to purchase those separately.
Luckily, many of these radios don’t make you have to choose between the two power options. Instead, they offer a hybrid power system that allows you to either plug it in or run it off a battery pack. I have included selections of both hybrids, cordless, and corded radios below.
Bluetooth
Some models offer the ability to connect your phone to the radio via a wireless Bluetooth connection. This will allow you to play any streaming or saved content on your phone through the radio’s speakers. The range of the wireless connection will depend on the unit and your phone but the standard expected distance is around 100 feet.
Additional Outlets
One useful feature that is offered by several brands is the ability to plug powered equipment directly into the radio. This acts as an extension cord of sorts by allowing you to run a cord directly into the unit’s 120-Volt power without occupying additional wall outlets.
In addition, some have the added benefit of a USB plug which is great for charging your phone on the go, especially if you are using a Bluetooth connection.
Most units will include a 3.5mm auxiliary in port that allows you to connect an outgoing headphone jack from a phone or other device to play music with a wired connection.
LCD Screen
Some models will feature an LCD screen that allows you to set the stations and settings. Some offer a backlit display that helps when viewing under low-light or dark conditions.
Station Presets
The station presets function the same as in a car radio, it is simply the ability to store radio stations that you can quickly access without having to search.
Durability
Since they will be often subject to harsh site conditions, an important feature to consider is the durability of the unit. While not indestructible, these radios will stand up to the rigors of transport and the worksite. One thing to look out for is whether it includes a roll cage. This is a frame that wraps around the outside of the unit to help prevent damage in the event it is dropped or something is dropped onto it. The frame is typically constructed from either durable plastic or aluminum.
Portability
One of the major benefits of these radios is the ability for easy transport. This allows you to easily throw it in your truck and take it wherever it is needed. In addition to carrying it around, this offers the ability to reduce the required storage area in your garage or shed.
Weight
A major contributor to the portability of these radios is the weight. The lighter the unit the easier it will be to haul to and around the site.
Note that the weight provided by the manufacturer will often exclude the battery weight. So take into consideration the additional weight of the battery you will be using. Keep in mind that typically a higher voltage battery does mean a longer run time but at an increased weight.
Weather Resistance
Since it is likely the radio will be spending some time outside it is important to select one with a weather-resistant design. This should help prevent damage in the event of an unexpected rainstorm while out working at an exposed site. Also, if you travel with it in the back of a truck, it can help to reduce potential water damage. However, if you are not using it for an extended period of time it is best to store it in a dry place indoors.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including DEWALT, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Jobsite Radios for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DCR028B Jobsite Radio
The DEWALT DCR028B offers a hybrid system that can be powered using DEWALT’S 12-Volt MAX, 20-Volt MAX, or FLEXVOLT batteries or uses plug-in AC.
Includes a USB port for charging phones and other accessories.
Features a 3.5mm auxiliary in port for a wired connection.
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for a wireless connection for up to 100 feet.
Features a radio antenna that stores inside the handle when not in use to provide protection.
Equipped with two 3-1/2 inch woofers and one-inch tweeters for stereo sound.
Features an AM/FM radio with six presets.
Bass reflex port for enhanced low-frequency performance
Features an outer roll cage to reduce the incidence of damage.
Runner-up: Makita XRM05 Jobsite Radio
The Makita XRM05 offers up to 35 hours of run time with an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah battery (not included).
Equipped with a convenient carrying handle for easy transport.
Features a 3.5mm auxiliary in port for a wired connection.
Includes site-mounted bumpers to provide protection.
Features an AM/FM radio with five presets.
Equipped with a digital display with backlighting for use in low-light conditions.
Features a removable FM antenna for transport and storage.
Features a water-resistant design for outdoor use.
Weighs 10.2 pounds with a battery.
Best for Indoor Use: Bosch GPB18V-5CN Jobsite Radio
The Bosch GPB18V-5CN features a hybrid system that can either be powered by Bosch’s 18-Volt Lithium-Ion batteries or plugged into a 120-Volt outlet.
Features four 120-Volt power outlets for plugging in tools and equipment.
Equipped with an aluminum and rubber roll cage to prevent damage in the event of a drop or collision.
Includes a Bluetooth 5.0 connection with a range of up to 100 feet for use with a phone.
Equipped with four-way speakers with 40 watts of power and a subwoofer for a range of music, along with an equalizer to customize the sound.
Includes a 2.1 Amp USB port to charge or power phone and accessories.
Features a 3.5mm auxiliary in port for a wired connection.
Note: it does not offer a weather-resistant design. Bosch recommends not exposing it to rain or moisture.
Best Value: MILWAUKEE 2890-20 M18 Jobsite Radio
The Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Radio features a hybrid system that can either be powered by Milwaukee’s M18 REDLITHIUM battery system or plugged into a 120-Volt outlet.
Equipped with a digital AM/FM tuner along with ten station presets.
Includes a 3.5mm Aux-in port (cable included) for a wired connection.
Equipped with an equalizer for a customizable sound experience.
Includes a USB port to power phones and accessories.
Features dual speakers and passive radiators for a range of music playback.
Equipped with caps protect to help protect the radio in the event it is dropped.
Features handles that are integrated into the side of the unit for easy carrying and moving.
Includes metal speaker grills for long-lasting durability.
Best Portability: DEWALT DCR025 20V MAX Jobsite Radio
The DEWALT DCR025 offers a hybrid system that can be powered using DEWALT’S 20 and 60-Volt batteries or uses plug-in AC.
Features two AC power outlets that offer the convenience of plugging in additional equipment.
Includes a USB port for charging phones and other accessories.
Features a 3.5mm auxiliary in port for a wired connection.
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for a wireless connection for up to 100 feet.
Equipped with AVRCP (Audio Visual Remote Control Protocol) which offers the ability to control it from the radio interface.
Offers the ability to charge the batteries while it is plugged in.
Features an outer roll cage to reduce the incidence of damage.
Includes woofers, tweeters, and ports to provide sound for a range of music genres.
Comes with a case to provide projection when in storage or in transport.
Best for Hanging: Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Jobsite Radio
The Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 features a compact design that includes a self-centering keyhole and hollow handle for hanging to keep it out of the way.
Equipped with a 12-Volt DC port to charge the batteries.
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for a wireless connection.
Includes a USB port for charging phones and other accessories.
Offers up to ten hours of run time on the CP2.0 REDLITHIUM battery.
Includes an equalizer to customize the bass and treble output.
Equipped with ten radio presets.
Features an IP54 rating for weather and debris resistance.
Best Compact Design: DEWALT DCR010 Bluetooth Speaker
The DEWALT DCR010 features a compact design that can be taken and stored anywhere.
Equipped with a metal speaker grille for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for a wireless connection for up to 100 feet.
Includes a USB port for charging phones and other accessories.
Works with DEWALT 20V Max, 12V Max, or Flexvolt batteries.
Best Budget Option: Sangean LB-100 Compact Jobsite Radio
The Sangean LB-100 features an affordable, compact, and durable design.
Includes an antenna that pivots for tuning and storage.
Includes an AM/FM digital tuner.
Features a large backlit LCD display to view in low light conditions.
Constructed from ABS plastic for durability and corrosion resistance.
Includes five customizable station presets.
Features a water-resistant design for outdoor use.
Best Roll Cage: PORTER-CABLE PCC771B Jobsite Radio
The PORTER-CABLE PCC771B offers a hybrid system that can be powered using a 20-volt max Li-ion battery or uses plug-in AC.
Bluetooth compatibility allows users to wirelessly stream music from any smart device
Includes 12 presets to set and save desired radio stations.
Features an AUX mode to play music via an external device.
Equipped with two speakers to provide stereo sound.
Includes an equalizer to customize the bass and treble output.
Provides up to seven hours of run time on a 1.5-Ah battery.
Best Lightweight Design: Ridgid R84087 GEN5X Jobsite Radio
The Ridgid R84087 GEN5X features a lightweight design for easy transport and moving.
Equipped with bumpers surrounding the unit to protect it in transit or if it is dropped.
Works with the Ridgid radio app using to control the radio remotely.
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for a wireless connection.
Includes a USB port for charging phones and other accessories.
Features a 3.5mm auxiliary in port for a wired connection.
Offers a hybrid system that can be powered using Ridgid 18V batteries or uses plug-in AC.
Features a water-resistant design for outdoor use.
I hope this list of the best jobsite radios was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
