Blast the Tunes with the Best Woodshop Radio
In theory, any radio you choose to place in your woodshop becomes a woodshop radio. However, using a regular radio is not the best choice for several reasons. Woodshop radios require protection from dust, shock, and having things dropped on them.
To choose the best woodshop radio, we have gone into details on selecting the best one later in the article. We have done plenty of research to find the best woodshop radios, and we are more than happy to share our knowledge. To learn about the best woodshop radios in 2021, take a look below!
Best Woodshop Radios Buying Guide
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Woodshop Radio
With so many radios available, it is difficult to know what to buy. However, you can find your perfect woodshop radio by considering the features you want or don’t want before you buy. Read below to see our recommendations of factors and features to consider when purchasing a woodshop radio.
USB plugin options
Buying a radio compatible with smartphones and music players allows you to listen to your playlists through the radio when you want to. This is a valuable feature for those who do not have as mainstream tastes as the radio offers.
Port to connect speakers
If you want to improve the sound quality coming from your radio massively, you may want to connect speakers to it. However, it will be difficult to find speakers that match the durability of your woodshop radio.
Built-in speakers
Built-in speakers need to be of good quality, with no fuzziness. For example, you might like a woodshop radio with four-way speakers and a subwoofer. This means your radio will sound great from any angle.
Size
You want a radio that is small enough not to take up valuable workspace and tool room but also large enough that it won’t get unnoticed and knocked off a surface.
Water-resistant
You won’t be able to find a completely waterproof radio that is suitable for a woodshop. However, you can find water-resistant radios. Look for a radio with a jis4 rating - this means it can withstand splashes from every direction.
Weather-proof concealed compartment
A weatherproof concealed compartment allows you to store devices like mp3 players and phones inside. This will protect your devices from dust and other spillages.
Rubber shock blocks (shock resistant)
When working in a woodshop, you will have a lot of electrical equipment around you. If you need to do electrical work, you must have a shock-resistant radio, so you don’t get any nasty shocks and so your radio isn’t ruined.
Dust resistant
Dust-resistant radios are typically surrounded by a cage. Working in a woodshop creates massive amounts of dust. This can get into the crevices of your radio and affect the use of the buttons and the sound.
Roll cage
As your radio is in an environment where it can easily get knocked off surfaces or have things dropped onto it, a protective frame is necessary. Look for products that have an aluminum or steel frame and rubber to absorb shock.
Power source
A woodshop radio can have various power sources, including batteries or AC DC power outlets. Some can also be powered by a USB if it includes a USB power port. If possible, get a radio with various power sources, so you can use it in areas without a power outlet when needed.
Built-in battery charger
Many woodshop radios allow you to charge the battery while inside the device. This negates the need to buy a battery charger or to keep on buying new batteries. It will save you money in the long run and, as mentioned above, allows you to use the radio in areas without a power outlet.
Charge other devices
Some woodshop radios can charge other devices such as phones and BlueTooth speakers through them.
Earphone Jack
If you want to block out the noise of the machinery in your woodshop or listen to music on your break, it is a good idea to buy a radio with earphone jacks. While using machinery, you may need to wear hearing protection. Some headphones are available that are designed to be used under hearing protection.
Reception
To ensure the radio has great reception, you will need one with a large antenna. The antenna should be at least 3 feet long, but the longer, the better. Consider how much space you have for an antenna. Antennas pick up radio signals better when they are horizontal or diagonally leaning. Ensure the antenna looks durable and sturdy. It might be the most important part of your radio, and it will be the most fragile part.
Digital radios usually come with a DAB antenna. These are often built into the device, such as on phones. For the best reception possible, you will want to buy an external aerial. This will massively improve your reception, and then the same rules as above apply.
Station memory presets
Station memory presets allow you to save radio stations, so you don’t need to scroll through the channels to find them every time. Of course, the more station memory presets, the better.
Digital radios
Some digital radios offer a pause and rewind function. In addition, they sometimes come with a screen that will tell you who is playing at that moment. These are fantastic features but will bump up the price of your device. You should also consider that you are bringing a more fragile piece of equipment into your woodshop by adding a screen.
Weight
Opt for a device that is durable and resilient yet lightweight. You don’t want to add a lot of extra weight to the tools you already need to carry around.
Bottle top opener
Some workshop radios have a bottle top opener integrated into the design so that you can enjoy your favorite drink while working or relaxing at home.
Woodshop Radio Price Range
Woodshop radios can cost from $15. These are generally portable pocket radios and don’t have the protective cage we have mentioned above. In addition, they will unlikely have an inbuilt charger or a place to attach a USB. A woodshop radio can cost as much as $140 and will come with all the technical trimmings.
How We Choose the Best Woodshop Radios
To choose the best woodshop radio, we have compared features, durability, good reception, and clarity with the price. We have also read numerous customer reviews to get an idea of the product's long-term durability.
Comparing the Best Woodshop Radios of 2021
Panasonic Portable Radio
– Best Overall
The Panasonic Portable AM/FM radio is easy to use and provides high-quality sound. It is a small and portable radio that can be handheld. You can put it in your pocket while you work or put it on a shelf with small amounts of space available. This radio has a digital tuner and an easy-to-use interface. The antennas will pick up both FM and AM radio signals. The lit-up fluorescent pointer and large dial allow you to see what you are doing in dark rooms. The auto frequency control feature enables easy and stable tuning. This affordable little radio is also earphone or headphone compatible. It is compatible with headphones with a 3.5 mm jack.
- Small size
- Easy-to-use interface
- Fluorescent pointer means you can tune your radio in a dark room
- Auto frequency control for easy and stable tuning
- The electric power cord can sometimes become inadvertently detached
Echo Dot
– Runner Up
The Echo Dot is a compact, smart-design speaker. This device allows you to use voice-control to play your music, meaning you don’t need to touch it with dusty hands. It can stream songs from platforms like Amazon and Spotify. This speaker produces quality sound with a good base pickup. You can create a surround sound by purchasing two Echo Dot speakers, as they are compatible with each other. You can also voice-control your workshop with compatible accessories. For example, the Echo Dot can turn your lights on or off and turn the thermostat up or down.
- Hands-free
- Connects to many music streaming platforms
- High-quality sounding speakers
- Can create surround sound
- It does not have protection from dust and will likely not survive a fall in the woodshop
Vondior Portable Pocket Radio
– Honorable Mention
The Vondior AM FM Battery Operated Portable Pocket Radio is a traditional transistor radio. It is easy to use with a simple dial and AM/FM switch. This radio runs on AA batteries, so you will likely have spares somewhere in your home or woodshop. A pair of AA batteries will last for weeks with this device. The large built-in speaker offers great sound quality, and the durable long-range antenna will give you great coverage of your favorite radio stations and more. In addition, this device possesses a headphone port so you can block other sounds out while you work.
- Easy to use
- Long-range antenna
- Pocket size and portable
- It does not use much battery power
- It contains a headphone port
- Radio is not very steady when stood up
Retekess AM FM Radio
– Also Consider
The Retekess AM FM Radio is available in black or silver. This radio is loud and provides great sound quality from its inbuilt speaker. The dials and tuning knobs are large and easy to see. This radio is small in size and easy to transport. This radio can be powered by batteries or a power cord so that you can place it anywhere in your woodshop. The 24inch long radio antenna will pick up many radio channels- you may discover a new favorite station. This radio is perfect for people who struggle to grip as it has easy-grip dials.
- Available in 2 colors
- Easy-grip knobs
- Small size and portable
- Long antenna for a more comprehensive radio station range
- The AM band is weaker than the FM band
The Mesqool Portable Radio comes with a 5000mAh rechargeable lion battery. It also has a windup handle, solar crank, and USB connection port to power the radio. It has seven preset weather stations, so you do not need to spend a lot of time trying to tune in to one during extreme weather. This radio also contains a useful flashlight that is powered by the crank. You can even charge your cell phone on this practical device!
This radio has an adjustable strap so you can comfortably carry it and move it around your woodshop. If you choose to take it on a camping trip, the included compass will undoubtedly be of use. It also has a headphone jack so you can listen to the radio with some privacy.
- Variety of charging options
- Seven preset weather stations
- Flashlight
- Headphone jack
- The knobs are a little fragile
Best Woodshop Radios FAQs
A: Having music in your place of work will make you feel happier and therefore more productive. It means your day will feel like it goes quicker. Also, if you are a lone worker, hearing people talk on the radio makes you feel less lonely.
A: Studies show that the best kind of music to increase productivity is classical music. This is followed by any instrumental music, like movie soundtracks or instrumental covers of songs. It seems that singing distracts people from their work - perhaps because it is tempting to sing along.
A: Studies show that the most popular radio station to listen to in the US is WTOP, a news radio station, followed by Lite 106.7 Lite FM, a popular music station.
