The Best Woodshop Radios of 2024

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 To 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.

Updating Your Woodshop Radio

So, once you choose or buy your woodshop or jobsite radio, you may want to update it, especially if you opt for a model without bluetooth. Check the video from Tool Review Zone to check tips to add bluetooth to your radio.