Do you enjoy listening to radio tunes and melodies? Over the years, radio has been an intrinsic part of our daily entertainment lifestyles. It provides a soothing and melodious recreational background for most persons while they engage in various household chores, workouts, and enjoy lounging on their patios. Radio headphones are rechargeable headsets designed for listening to radio stations on the go. Nonetheless, how to find the best radio headphones is an onerous task, but you need professional guidance to easily handpick the most versatile, durable, and useful headset suitable for you because most of them are made to function for about 100 hours or less after a full charge.
Radio headsets function using Frequency Modulation (FM) radio waves and Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio signals to transmit information to listeners. Ordinarily, most radios are configured with both wavelengths while some come with only one. Therefore, it depends on your choice and especially the type of headphone you decide to buy.
This review will provide relevant information on how you can choose the best headset, with specialized features that can enable you to tune in to various radio stations and enjoy soothing tunes from the comfort of your home or elsewhere without hitches. Here is a table that can allow you to have a proper overview of the different headphones and their respective features accordingly.
Review of Top 10 Radio Headphones
1. 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector
3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector Radio has a beautiful AM and FM radio performance and bass boost option for your listening pleasure. This device is made to protect your hearing as you enjoy your favourite radio stations and music thereby blending entertainment and hearing protection simultaneously. The Bass Boost Technology will help you to experience a high-quality sound and musical performances. The Voice Assist feature and functionality is a great innovation made to help you in accessing the device quickly and enjoying every aspect without difficulties.
Self-Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL) is caused by exposing your auditory organs to noises at the rate of 85 decibels and above. This earmuff has a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24 dBs, and with a touch of the button, you can easily find available radio stations. The auxiliary jack will help you to listen conveniently using the padded headband for added comfort.
- The noise reduction rating (NRR) is 24 dBs
- 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector has a well-padded earmuff for enhanced protection from noises.
- There are two bass boost options to help you enjoy a greater listening experience.
- The battery cover is redesigned to minimize breakages and damages.
- It is difficult in determining the left or right sides.
- There is a constant disconnection of the Bluetooth signals.
3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector is ideal for individuals desiring to protect their auditory organs with padded earmuffs while enjoying classical musical tunes and listening to their preferred radio stations at the same time. This headset is user-friendly and worth buying.
2. Radio Shack AM/FM Stereo Headset Radio
Do you want to listen to AM / FM radio stations without carrying a separate radio? With Radio Shack AM / FM Stereo Headset Radio, you can listen to your favourite radio stations without holding a different radio set. This is possible with the aid of digital auto-seek tuner and LCD on the device as you can easily find your preferred and much-loved radio stations. You can as well enjoy your media players like MP3 and other audio devices using the 3.5 mm (1.8 ̎) input jack. Whether you are walking or engaging in other daily routines, this hands-free headset will help you to get clear tunes without blasting or blowing up your stereo.
There are twenty preset stations (ten FM and ten AM stations) for easy access to radio wavelengths, and the button lock can help you to continue listening to a particular station without accidentally changing it. Moreover, a pair of “AAA” batteries can offer you 42 hours of playtime while the e-bass function enhances the production of deep bass tones making you enjoy a full stereo sound.
- The controlling buttons are carefully located on the earcup.
- There are twenty preset stations for ease of access to your much-loved radio frequencies and bandwidths.
- With the help of a standard audio cable, you can listen to an MP3 player or other audio devices conveniently.
- The sound quickly fades off after few minutes of playing.
- The return window (warranty period) on this product is shorter than others.
Radio Shack AM / FM Stereo Headset Radio is made for persons that want to enjoy fascinating tunes while engaging in workouts, walking, or other activities without a cord getting on their way. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
3. Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
Bluetooth Stereo Headphones, Levin 3 in 1 Function Sports On-ear Stereo Earphones are compatible with iPhone, Ipad, Samsung, Blackberry, and other smartphone devices accordingly. This earphone is equipped with Bluetooth v4.1 technology and with the aid of TF card playing you can quickly take calls and switch FM radio by just tapping the headset. It has an ergonomic neckband for security and comfort fit especially during physical activities and other aerobics.
The crisp and clear sound you will enjoy from this system is due to the built-in Bluetooth technology. The headset uses Polymer Li-ion rechargeable battery to provide you with 175 hours of standby time on full charge, which will take about 3 hours. Meanwhile, the music playtime is about 5 hours and the talking time is about 6 hours on constant playing.
- This headphone is lightweight and portable.
- It has three-in-one features such as FM radio, TF card playing, and Bluetooth.
- It connects quickly to an MP3 player
- This headphone is not durable and can break within few weeks.
- The connection to phones is weak and not stable.
This headset is made for those commuting and engaging in workouts or other physical activities as it kept them entertained and thrilled while carrying out their routines. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
4. Stanley Sync Digital Radio Earmuff
Stanley Sync Digital AM /FM / MP3 Radio Earmuff is made to provide high fidelity sound with perfect hearing protection and ideal for workers in a booming business or noisy industrial environment. According to experts, adding AM / FM radio tunes in a working environment can make workers more motivated and highly productive as the earmuff can block out the noise completely.
The padded headband and slim earcup design are made to provide greater wearing comfort. Additionally, the Patented Air Flow Control technology ensures superior hearing protection as it minimizes sound across all frequencies affecting the size or weight of the earcup. There are ten preset stations with digital AM / FM tuning using the auto-search LCD. You will enjoy a custom listening experience using the volume management technology. Moreover, you can link multiple devices by using the AUX input jack to connect to MP3 players, mobile phones, and other listening devices accordingly.
- This headphone has a Patented Air Flow Control technology for superior hearing protection.
- It guarantees prolonged comfortable use since the earcup design is slim and lightweight.
- The device uses snap-in ear cushions making the maintenance and replacement very simple.
- There are some ergonomic problems with the headphone like difficulty in getting off the battery cover and if it goes off determining the polarity of the batteries is another issue because the + – signs are not legible enough.
- There is no guideline on how to adjust the headband for those with large heads.
- The radio signal reception is quite low and limited.
Stanley Sync Digital Radio Earmuff is made for workers in noisy industrial or business environment, but with the AM / FM / MP3 player, they can be more productive and motivated. The headset is worth buying because it is user-friendly.
5. Venstone Bluetooth Headphones
This headphone is made with built-in microphone, TF card, FM radio, and additional audio cable suitable for most cell phones, laptop, television, and Bluetooth 4.0 devices. These functionalities are enabled by the advanced CSR Bluetooth 4.0 technology. Venstone Bluetooth Headphone has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can charge quickly in less than two hours but can maintain 30 hours of standby mode with a playtime of about 6 hours after a full charge.
You will experience hands-free solutions for music streaming and answering phone calls because of the in-line control and built-in microphone. There four control buttons such as volume control and music button, power ON/OFF switch, Multi-functional button, and Answer/End call button. It does not only function with Bluetooth technology but serves as a wired headset using a plug with audio cable measuring about 1.5m to enable you to listen to your favourite musicals without battery.
- The headphone is easy to carry as it has an adjustable folding design.
- It is compatible with almost all Bluetooth enabled devices such as televisions, PCs, laptops, cellphones, and tablets.
- Venstone has a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that charges quickly.
- The ear cups are tiny and wearing them for a long time can be very uncomfortable.
- The microphone is horrible for the phone.
- After functioning for some time, it hums and crackles in the background.
- It is an inferior quality product as the range is less than average and the OFF/ON button is stiff and painful to slide.
Vanstone Bluetooth Headphones is made for those persons engaging in workouts, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying their favourite sports. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
6. Howard Leight
Improve your lifestyle at work and other places with Howard Leight Honeywell Sync Hi-Visibility Digital AM / FM. Experts have postulated that workers are more productive and highly motivated in their areas of work by wearing safety earmuffs and integrating Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) radio services.
Additionally, music is preferable in the workplace than low volume white noise. No compromise on hearing protection as the headset delivers hi-fidelity sound with features such as an auto-search LCD, ten preset stations, digital AM / FM tuning, and volume management technology. For better performance and safety, you can connect multiple devices like mobile phones, MP3 players, and other listening equipment for your listening pleasure. The bright-green colour and reflective headband ensure hi-visibility for greater safety at work and promoting workplace compliance.
- The product is lightweight, foldable, portable, and easy to maintain or replace.
- It has a hi-fidelity digital stereo radio reception and volume control technology.
- The device has a reflective headband and bright green ear cups to promote safety and ensure workplace compliance.
- The Patented Air Flow Control Technology enhances superior hearing protection.
- The cord connecting this headphone to your iPhone does not stay connected most of the time.
Howard Leight by Honeywell Sync Hi-Visibility Digital AM / FM Radio Earmuff is made for people in aviation, farming, steel, lumber, transportation, manufacturing, military and law enforcement, sports, etc. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
7. Beyution Bluetooth Headphones
New Beyution@512 Black/White / Red Color Hi-Fi Stereo Bluetooth V 3.0 Headphones has a 3-in-1 function with FM radio; Micro SD card read function and Bluetooth with built-in microphone. It uses Bluetooth V3.0 and A2DP technology to connect to all Bluetooth devices. With the noise cancellation technology, you can make and receive calls undoubtedly without interruptions. There is a 3.5mm audio jack providing a simple wired connection to various devices using the 40 mm speaker drivers to offer you a full range sound for a dynamic audio experience.
New Beyution@512 Headphone has a foldable headband making it portable and capable of saving space, and it comes with a carrying pouch. This system functions with a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, which enables 7 hours of audio playback or playtime. There is also a micro USB to USB 2.0 charge cable making it easy to renew the battery’s energy. Finally, this headset works well with iPhone 5s/5c/5/4/4s/3/2/; iPad series/iPod/iTouch and Samsung Galaxy S4/ S3/S2/Note2/ Note 3/ Galaxy/ all Tablets/ Nokia/ HTC/aTT/ Toshiba/ Sony, all Smartphone and All Tablet/PC/ Laptop. Therefore, you can watch videos, listen to music, and talk with the phone without hitches.
- There is a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with 7 hours of audio playback or talk time.
- New Beyution@512 headset supports micro SD Card reading function as you can listen to music and MP3.
- The device has a reflective headband and bright green ear cups to promote safety and ensure workplace compliance.
- The 40 mm speaker drivers deliver a full range sound for dynamic audio performance.
- It is just a Bluetooth headphone; there is no FM /AM receiver built-in.
- You can’t tune into US FM radio stations.
This headset is made for those who want to watch videos, listen to music, or receive calls using their headset. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
8. Blue House 709B Wireless MP3 Headphones
Do you know that you can store your music on your headphone? Blue House 709B Wireless MP3 Headphones with 4 GB Memory Card FM Radio can save about twenty-five hours of music on your SD card. Although it has about nine hours of rechargeable battery, with this good storage mechanism, you do not need to connect your phone or any other device before listening to your favourite music. The headset has a built-in FM radio with upgraded ear cushions.
Again, you will not experience dangling wires or any external cords since most of the unique features are built-into the device. There is a 4 GB memory card capable of containing enough music but if you want to enjoy separate playlists, then, use your card for convenience. However, Blue House Wireless Radio is made for keen and devoted music listeners, commuters, persons engaging in workouts, and others.
- The rechargeable battery can last for about 9 hours after full charge.
- There is an upgraded ear cushion for better performance and enhanced the listening experience.
- The device has no Bluetooth, and the MP3 does not work.
- It is not noise cancelling because you have to turn the volume.
- You have to convert music files to MP3 before playing them.
Blue House 709B Wireless MP3 Headphones is made for avid and keen music listeners, commuters, and those engaging in workouts and aerobic exercises. It is user-friendly and worth buying.
9. Sony SRFHM55 Sports Walkman
Sony SRFHM55 Sports Walkman AM / FM Stereo Headphone Radio is a rugged, water-resistant stereo headset made for versatile usage with high impact plastic as it uses rubber gaskets, bushings, and high-quality seals to keep water, moisture, and dirt away. You will enjoy a drift-free reception with a digital synthesized tuning for your AM / FM stereo radio. The dynamic speakers are enhancing high-quality sound delivery while the auto volume limiter functions to reduce distortions as much as possible.
You can adjust the dual headband on each side to provide a secure fit on your head. There is a built-in clock, which functions as a battery life indicator. Meanwhile, you will find an FM antenna used as a light reflector to enhance safety, especially at nights. This headphone can function for about thirty-three hours using two AA-size batteries.
- This headset is a cordless design with an auto volume limiter to lessen distortions.
- There are a built-in digital clock and battery life indicator.
- It has a digital synthesized tuning for the drift-free reception.
- One side of the headphone (right side) never worked.
- The ON/OFF switch may be faulty, and it has no ear pads.
- The tuning screen is too small to see easily.
- It has an inferior quality sound, not loud enough.
- It is not reliable and sturdy.
Sony SRFHM55 Sports Walkman AM / FM Stereo Headphone Radio is made for sportsmen and women who want to continue listening to cool musicals while engaging in various sporting activities. The device is user-friendly and worth buying.
10. OPD Digital for Work
OPD Digital for Work Headphones functions with the integration of AM / FM radio stereos and an input jack for playing music from MP3, iPod, and cell phones respectively. This Digital Yellow Earmuffs is used for hearing protection and the noise reduction rating is 24 dBs, as it can search, save, and preset about eight radio stations using the seek and scan easily to read LED screen. Two AA batteries can power the device, and 3.5 mm cable is used to input data from other external systems.
You can use OPD Digital headset if you are jogging, mowing the lawn, working on job sites, workshops, and other business places. It has an adjustable stainless steel headband with comfortable foam pads for extended and convenient wear.
- Two AA batteries power OPD Digital for Work Headphones.
- The stainless steel headband is adjustable with comfortable foam pads for extended and convenient wears.
- This is not a high-quality product because one side can break after wearing for few times.
- Not all the modes are user-friendly.
- The sound quality is terrible, and the display becomes illegible if you are using the auxiliary port.
OPD Digital for Work Headphones is made for those who are mowing the lawn, jogging, working on project sites, workshops, and various business places. The headset is worth buying because it is user-friendly.
General Buying Guide for Headphones
Before putting your hard-earned cash into purchasing headphones, you should carefully examine each of them using this general buying guideline aimed at enlightening you to understand the unique features of various headphones as the case may be.
Even though prices vary and sometimes, the most expensive ones may not be the best on the market, there is need to use an eagle’s eyes in searching out at least the ones with excellent features, durability, and versatility. Now, let us analyze the classification of headphones, as this will help you to pick your best earmuff easily.
The Two Classes of Headphones
1. Headphones with Hearing Protection for Professionals
This category of headsets is made for professionals working in industrial fields and construction sites. It is also ideal for workers mowing the lawn, working in the woodshop, and vacuuming the home. There is a noise cancellation feature limiting outside noise from machines, and you don’t have to increase the volume of sound you are receiving in your ears from the headphone. Most of these headsets come with noise reduction rating (NRR) on the product features; therefore, you should carefully examine them before buying.
2. Headphones with Built-in AM / FM Radio
Another category of headsets has built-in AM / FM functionality making it possible for you to enjoy music and radio presentations without limits and you don’t need a separate radio or music player for both services. Most of these headphones operate wirelessly using Bluetooth technology while others are wired using plugs connected to adapters before transmitting signals from the preset radio stations. With these features built-into your headsets, you can move from place to place while engaging in physical activities, aerobics, and other functions.
Other Buying Guidelines to Consider
There are other buying guidelines to consider such as
The Sound Features
The sound features of a headphone will determine the quality of enjoyment and thrill you will get from the device. Most radio headsets provide bass adjustments to help you listen to better beats with crystal-clear sounds. A good headphone should offer superior sound quality. Although, you cannot make a good comparison between professional headsets used by artists and musicians and regular headphones used merely for your listening pleasure.
Compatibility with Other Devices
Check to know if the radio headphone is compatible with other devices and if it has a built-in AM /FM radio stereo. Most headsets function with Bluetooth connectivity, therefore, its ability to connect wirelessly to other Bluetooth enabled devices is crucial for better performance. On the other hand, other headphones require a plug that can be connected to an adapter and a standard audio cable or an SD card reading functionality before you can enjoy your favourite music, playlists, and listen to radio stations effectively.
The Battery Life and Quality
There are various kinds of batteries used in powering a headphone such as rechargeable Lithium polymer or lithium – ion batteries. You can also use 2 AA batteries even though some are rechargeable too; it is just a question of preference and choice. Some AA batteries can last for twenty or thirty hours while others can function between 100 hours and more despite continuous usage.
The Volume Management
Considering volume management is vital if you are looking for a hearing protector device. Professionals working in industrial areas need to have headphones with auto adjustment and capable of limiting the volume to a safe level.
Consider Your Comfort While Wearing the Headset
Because you can wear this headphone for long hours, it is imperative that you think about your comfort while handpicking your favourites. The headband may be too tight or heavy depending on the cushioning or paddings, which will make it hard and stiff. Additionally, check whether the headband is adjustable because it will make the system more ergonomically designed with a proper fit for long hours of operations.
Our Top Pick
Having considered the various features of the 10 Best Radio Headphones in 2018, our top pick is 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector with AM / FM Radio because it is made for professionals working in industrial sites, woodshops, mowing lawns, and other construction projects as it has a noise reduction rating of 24 decibels. The headband is redesigned with ear cushions and softer earcup padding for more comfort while on the task. It is made to protect the auditory organs of users while providing entertainment using radio broadcast. Moreover, it has Voice Assist Technology to guide you on how to use the device successfully.