The radio makes for a great background companion. My grandmother always had her favorite station on when she cooked, and my mom tuned into NPR whenever we were on the road. I’ve been continuing the tradition, listening to my favorite radio station from my teenage years now that I live within its range again.
I’ve tried a lot of radios over the years. Most reviews of audio products focus on the performance of the speaker, but for radios it doesn’t matter how great the speaker sounds if it only picks up static. I’ve compiled a list of the best radios that can deliver great sound with great reception. Design also has a big part to play—our picks will look great wherever you place them. After all, what’s the point of buying an ugly radio when your smart speaker or phone can do the job just as easily?
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.