The Top 12 Best Garage Radios for 2018

There are two types of the garage, the home-based kind, and the professional mechanic's shop. The only difference between the two is the level of activity in each one. Both garages maintain a well-stocked equipment and tool bench and shelving, and both are very loud when working on your favorite vehicle.

The one issue when working on your garage is entertainment that takes your mind away from the constant hammering and grinding noises, as well as offering you a calming, or exciting environment dependent on the music you like to hear.

We decided to check out the various radios on offer and tested them for key performance indicators (KPI's) where we sought power, reliability, and durability in the garage workplace.

Here are our top 12 picks for you

Introduction

The PB180 18-Volt Compact Radio is a great contender for the top title. It is lightweight, powerful and also reliable. It ticks the boxes. Bosch is, after all, a leading brand that is known for its excellence. This box weighs in at 4.1lbs which makes it extremely light when compared to others of similar features.

Power

The PB180 is powered by 18V and works great with 2 rechargeable 4.0Ah battery that lasts for two days at a time when used constantly. The speakers are 5W high-performance Neodymium with external AUX port. It comes with the Bosch 18V adapter, so it can be plugged in for constant power.

Reliability

This model comes with an advanced digital signal processing optimizes AM/FM reception, and you can store up to 10 preset channels. It also comes with a 7" 360 ^o rotating antenna for greater reception.

Durability

This model comes with a high strengths shock absorbing housing and handles that can withstand a 2-meter drop.

Conclusions Introduction

The Dewalt DCR015 worksite charger/radio is quite a piece of work and is a solid model weighing in at 13lbs. Dewalt is another well-known brand name and its no wonder they produced this garage radio; they want you to use their garage tools as you tune into your favorite channel.

Power

This model can be powered by a 12V power source, or by a 20V Dewalt lithium-ion battery pack. The radio has two AC outlets, so it can be used as a pass-through plug. The charge time is around 90 minutes.

Reliability

The DCR015 gives us a green backlit digital tuner display as well as a full range of woofers and tweeters, and a class D amplifier. The speakers are weather resistant. The backlight display also shows you the power status and charge states.

Durability

The outer casing is protected by a frame that assures it won't be damaged when falling from a 2-meter height.

Conclusions

This is a very solid box, it is also a good receiver, and the sound depth is excellent. You can twiddle around with the features for either bass and treble, and it does stand up in the rain.

Introduction

The Bosch Power Box PB360C job site radio/charger/digital media stereo has one more advantage over many of its competitors; it has Bluetooth. This is a great add-on feature that allows you to play your favorite songs from any mobile device. Another great feature is its weight; a sturdy 24lbs keeps it in place.

Power

This model comes with four-way speakers and a subwoofer. It projects sound 360 ^o and has bass and treble setting switches for quality sound.

The unit runs on the Bosch 18v battery pack or a 120V AC outlet adapter.

Reliability

The Bosch PB360C Jobsite has a wonderful Bluetooth delivery option that can reach a range of up to 150-feet, although I find most times I place the mobile device pretty close to the receiver.

Durability

What is really good about this model is its aluminum and rubber protective cage, which is one of the best, if not the best of the batch. We are talking nearly military-grade protection here, and all for a garage entertainment center. The unit is also water and dust resistant, so you can listen in a Sandstrom while taking a shower.

Conclusions Introduction

The Hitachi UR18DSALP4 is a misleading model to look at. This is a sturdy, streamlined triangular body, which runs off 14.4V -18V Hitachi Lithium Ion slide-type battery, as well as any 120V mains outlet. It is also water resistant and very light, weighing in at only 11.35lbs, essentially making it the second lightest of the lot under review.

Power

When there is no power outlet, this model can be powered by a 3.0Ah battery, and that will give you 11 hours of listening time. The model comes with two 7-watt side speakers that deliver a great punch of power.

Reliability

The Hitachi UR18DSALP4 uses Bluetooth for convenience, as well as just officer the standard but powerful RF channels. It also comes with a USB and can be used as a charging port for mobile devices.

Durability

The frame is a sturdy carbon plastic and provides ample shock absorption when the unit is dropped. It is also IPX4 water resistant its durable during light rain.

Conclusions Introduction

This is the Milwaukee Electric Tool 2792-20 M18 Job Radio with built-in-charger. This is one strong package and provides more than it appears to offer. The built-in-charger is used to charge all M18 battery packs, and if you want a drink while listening to music, it comes with a bottle opener too. Now, why didn't you think of that before? It also comes with a 16″ auxiliary Input Cord and Two "aaa" batteries to start you off.

Power

Let's start off the 40-watt amplifier that blasts the two speakers into overdrive, now add the recharging M18 Li-ion batteries, and you have a docking station that rocks.

Reliability

This unit gives you the 10 channel presets that is a standard for any normal modern RF receiver, and it also comes with a 100' Bluetooth handshake. Impressive when you don't want to hear yourself think.

Durability

This model comes with a reinforced roll cage with metal handles that is great for protecting it against heavy objects, or when it falls. It is all weatherproof.

Conclusions

One of the bets models on the market, and well worth the price.

Introduction

Do you remember the transformers little gizmo robot that played around in the hottie gals garage, well this is that unit, only refurbished into a hot little radio receiver. Its small, it's tight, and it delivers a mean audio punch and only weighs 9.5lbs.

Power

It's small and long-lasting, it can last 20 hours on an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah battery, and up to 6 hours on an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery. The charge time is also fast, in fact so fast that you end up tuning in to music more than you charge the power pack.

It has two 3.5" speakers that fire off from the sides, delivering a nearly circular effect.

Reliability

This model comes with menu controls that manage all FM mono/stereo, clock settings, volume, and snooze.

Durability

Its small and tough, with protective bumpers that save you money on keeping it alive, being small has its disadvantages too, it's easy to overlook and bump over. Its also water and dust resistant, we were tempted to bury it in quicksand to find out how resistant but decided against that.

Conclusions

It is small, it is powerful, and it is a great little tool to have around in any garage, or car or bedroom or spaceX shuttle.

Introduction

RIDGID GEN5X Jobsite Radio with Bluetooth Wireless Technology is a smartphone pairing machine with the appropriate app too. Its operated via Bluetooth or manually but was designed to be hands-off. It weighs only 9.66lbs.

Power

This model uses dual power input, either from any Ridgid 18V battery or from an AC connector.

An antenna tip: When using the radio receiver, for best-receiving results, use a simple 1-meter (39.4 in.) length of 22 AWG stranded or solid copper wire. If the wire is insulated, strip one end to expose at least 1/2 in. of the conductor.

Reliability

The Ridgid comes with a USB charging and aux-in connection, so you can also charge your smartphones and other connectable devices.

Durability

It is weather resistant, and also comes with some great padding, its protective frame covers the sides completely, and together with the carry handle, makes this one of the more damage resistant models there are.

Introduction

Porter Cable 20V with Bluetooth Wireless Technology is a blast. Its design makes it look like a vamped-up ghetto blaster, the kind you would see "cool dudes" carry on their shoulders around Harlem. This version is modern, a transformerized radio receiver. It comes with Bluetooth tech.

Power

This model comes with a dual power supply, either from any 18V battery or with the attached AC cord connector. The radio unit has AM/FM/AUX with 12 Preset channels and comes with Bluetooth compatibility. There are two speakers that provide ample audio performance.

Reliability

The Porter comes with a USB charging and aux-in connection, and USB port that is integrated into their nifty onboard storage side compartment, this is obviously a hint to connect your mobile phone.

Durability

As expected, this model is fully weather resistant and comes with a good structured reinforced outer frame to protect it from falling.

Conclusions Introduction

The Ryobi RF receiver is fantastic. Its modern design, although not looking as tough as its competitors, does withstand hard knocks and falls.

The Ryobi P746 stereo system has larger speakers on a small body, so it looks delicate but is actually one touch and powerful cookie.

Power

The Ryobi P746 can be powered by an external AC source for continuous use, or it can be powered by the 18v Ryobi Lithium-Ion or NiCad batteries.

You can also plug in extra speakers to get the maximum decibel blast from whatever you are playing.

You can use this device to charge your mobile devices too, just use the USB port.

Reliability

You can plug in any smart device via the AUX-in port, USB port or handshake with a Bluetooth device. This model also comes with a built-in equalizer for enhanced sound tweaking.

Durability

This model is the least durable in this review since it does not come with a security frame, whoever, it is sturdy and withstood some serious knocks. We added it due to its performance, look and the fact that it was crafted to be used in the workplace.

Conclusions Introduction

For the military-minded that don't want to spend a fortune on a mil.spec. radio, this is the next level to take. It looks cool, delivers a good audio package and is versatile as well as rugged. This is the TB-100 tough box, and it's aptly named, since its simple to use but tough to break.

Power

This model can run on three power sources, an AC connector to the mains, on standard batteries or on rechargeable batteries. It uses 4 rechargeable or alkaline C batteries. This device comes with a 2.7-meter cable, which is perfect for most if not all sites.

It comes with a 5.25" speaker that delivers enough audio power to punch out your ears.

Reliability

The tuner is a digital PLL tuner for FM and AM and comes with a 10 memory preset stations, 5 for AM and 5 for FM.

It also comes with an Aux-in connector for your mobile devices and has an amber backlit LCD.

Durability

This model is made of ABS Plastic and comes with a roll cage that gives it extra durability. The model is JIS4 Standard Dust/Shock/Rain Resistant.

The speaker is also water resistant, so it will last a longer time than most.

Conclusions Introduction

This is the Sangean smaller brother of the TB-100. It's more compact but gives similar level of performance. However, this model is smaller, doesn't have that military look, and weighs in at 6.9lbs.

Power

This model also runs on three power sources, an AC connector to the mains, on standard batteries or on rechargeable batteries. It uses 4 rechargeable or alkaline C batteries. The AC line will recharge the batteries and maintain them charged when connected. It comes with a 5" speaker that is no less a match than the TB-100.

Reliability

The tuner is a digital PLL tuner for FM and AM and comes with a 12 memory preset stations, 6 FM and 6 AM.

It also comes with an Aux-in connector for your mobile devices and has an amber backlit LCD.

Durability

This model is made of ABS Plastic and comes with a roll cage that gives it extra durability. The model is JIS4 Standard Dust/Shock/Rain Resistant.

The speaker is also water resistant, so it will last a longer time than most.

Conclusions Introduction

It's great to finish on a really good model, and the Dewalt DCR018 is that great model. What we have here is a tight, compact and sturdy radio receiver that works well in any environment, but don't take it swimming with you.

Power

This model is powered by 12V MAX/18V/20V MAX battery packs as well as AC, and during the time it's on AC power you can charge your power pack in under 90 minutes.

Reliability

The radio comes with USB ports to charge mobile devices and has a LED diagnostic light for battery charged status. It also comes with a standard Aux-in connector.

Durability

This is crafted for heavy-duty sites, it is bang, bash and bonk proof, so you have no worries with it. Just don't drive over it by mistake.

Conclusions