3 best portable radio for construction

A portable radio for construction is an essential tool for workers in the construction industry and other outdoor job sites. These radios are designed to provide reliable communication in challenging environments where traditional cell phones may not work well. Here are some key points related to portable radios for construction, including their connection to shortwave radios, radios in general, portable audio-video devices, and electronics:

Durability: Portable radios for construction are built to withstand harsh conditions, including dust, dirt, moisture, and impacts. They are often constructed with rugged materials and may be resistant to water and dust, meeting specific durability standards such as IP ratings.
Shortwave Radios: While some portable radios for construction use shortwave technology, many modern models utilize more advanced communication technologies such as UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) radio bands. These bands offer better range and reliability in construction settings.
Two-Way Communication: Most portable construction radios are two-way radios, allowing for both transmitting and receiving communications. This enables real-time coordination and collaboration among construction team members, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
Long Range: Construction radios are designed to provide communication over a considerable distance, depending on the specific model and environmental conditions. Longer range radios are often preferred for larger job sites.
Battery Life: These radios typically have extended battery life to ensure they remain operational throughout a workday. Some models come with rechargeable batteries for cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Channel Selection: Construction radios often have multiple channels and the capability to program custom channels to avoid interference with other nearby radios. This helps maintain clear communication on a busy job site.
Emergency Features: Some radios include emergency features such as built-in sirens or alert buttons that can be used to signal emergencies or summon help quickly.
Accessories: Various accessories are available for construction radios, including headsets with microphones, belt clips, and external speakers. These accessories enhance usability and hands-free communication.
Simple Operation: Construction radios are designed to be easy to use, with large buttons and intuitive controls. This simplicity is important for users who may be wearing gloves or need to operate the radio quickly.
Compliance: Depending on the location and regulations, certain types of construction radios may need to comply with specific frequency and licensing requirements. It's important for users to ensure that their radios are legally operated.

In summary, portable radios for construction are robust and reliable communication devices tailored to the needs of construction workers and outdoor job sites. While they may use various radio bands, they are primarily designed for two-way communication, offer long battery life, and come with features that enhance safety and coordination in construction environments.These radios are an integral part of ensuring efficient communication on construction sites.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable radio for construction on the market

Bosch Bluetooth Power Box Jobsite AM/FM Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo PB360C

BOSCH

Based on 792 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bosch Power Box PB360C jobsite radio/charger/digital media stereo features Bluetooth technology to connect to the user's smart device (with a range of up to 150 feet) and stream Internet radio and stored music. This portable, high performance, weather resistant entertainment system delivers 360 degree enriched stereo sound. Its four way speakers and a subwoofer provide outstanding sound quality in all directions. It is durable, with an aluminum/rubber roll cage and a weather resistant design. The portable radio features a powered USB port. The Bosch Power Box can be powered by Bosch 18 Volt Lithium Ion batteries or plugging into a 120 Volt outlet. Its built in battery charger will charge the user's Lithium Ion batteries as well. The PB360C also features four 120 Volt power outlets for connecting tools or other devices. Battery and charger sold separately.

BLUETOOTH: The Bosch PB360C Jobsite Radio features Bluetooth connectivity to pair with smart devices, stream internet radio and stored music with range of up to 150-feet, giving you more jobsite freedom
STEREO SOUND: Includes Four-way speakers and a subwoofer to project 360 degrees of outstanding sound quality in all directions. Includes separate controls for bass and treble and equalizer customization
DURABLE: Featuring a protective aluminum and rubber roll cage and a weather-resistant and dust-resistant design
POWER: Runs on Bosch 18-Volt batteries or plugged into a 120-Volt AC outlet. Includes a built-in battery charger for charging and four 120-Volt power outlets for connecting tools and other devices
PORTABLE: Take the Bosch PB360C Power Box wherever you need it with multiple carrying handles, compact size, and a weight of 24 lbs.
Voltage: 18.00 V

User questions & answers

Question:	It says that it will stream Internet radio, what does that mean? Does it have a normal radio too or do you have to use a phone and bluetooth all of ti
Answer:	Hi! The PB360C acts as a normal radio with regular AM/FM stations. It can also play music from your phone via Bluetooth. For further assistance, contact us at 1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) from Mon-Fri 7A-7P CST.
Question:	Can i really use four tools at the same time plugged into the box
Answer:	Thank you for your question. You could plug in 4 tools, however, depending on the tool they may not run at full power. If you have further questions please feel free to contact our Bosch Customer Service Representatives at 1-877-BOSCH-99 (1-877-267-2499).
Question:	How many watts does this system have and how long does the battery last
Answer:	Thank you for your question. The PB360C has a 26 watt rating. The battery life will vary on the volume, functions you are playing (USB, AUX2 etc), how often you are changing functions etc. There are too many variations to determine battery life. On average a slim pack battery on volume 10 and not changing any functions can get approximately 2-4 hours of runtime. The fat pack batteries using same volume of 10 and not changing functions can get approximately 5-8 hours of runtime. Batteries are sold separately. If you have further questions please feel free to contact our Bosch Customer Service Representatives at 1-877-BOSCH-99 (1-877-267-2499)
Question:	Is this version louder than the S model
Answer:	Thank you for your question. The PB360C is the exact same model as the PB360S but has the added Bluetooth option. If you have further questions please feel free to contact our Bosch Customer Service Representatives at 1-877-BOSCH-99 (1-877-267-2499)

Product features

Bosch Bluetooth Power Box Jobsite AM/FM Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo PB360C

Description

The Bosch Power Box PB360C jobsite radio/charger/digital media stereo features Bluetooth technology to connect to the user's smart device (with a range of up to 150 Ft.) and stream Internet radio and stored music. This portable, high-performance, weather-resistant entertainment system delivers 360° enriched stereo sound. Its four-way speakers and a subwoofer provide outstanding sound quality in all directions. It is durable, with an aluminum/rubber roll cage and a weather-resistant design. The portable radio features a powered USB port. The Bosch Power Box can be powered by Bosch 18V Lithium-ion batteries or plugging into a 120V outlet. Its built in battery charger will charge the user's Lithium-ion batteries as well. The PB360C also features four 120V power outlets for connecting tools or other devices.

Sangean LB-100 Ultra Rugged Compact AM / FM Radio Yellow

Sangean

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sangean's compact-size utility work site LB-100 (Lunchbox) AM/FM Digital PLL synthesized tuner includes leading-edge features. It offers best-in-class reception, durability, rain/dust/shock resistant, superior sound quality and convenience. It makes this radio suitable for both in and outdoor not to mention its simple operation and made for tradesman who enjoy their music while at a job-site. The lunchbox features a flexible antenna and a digital PLL synthesized tuner for better reception and has an AM/FM digital tuner with a large back-lit LCD display to ensure excellent visibility. The lunchbox has durable ABS plastic construction. Its impact-resistant material is just one aspect that makes this radio suitable for use on building sites. The lunchbox is the best compact job-site radio in the industry. It also has 5 Easy touch memory presets for each of your favorite AM/FM stations. The lunchbox has rugged design that resists water, dust and shock. It's perfect for outdoor job site conditions. Rugged rotary tuner and volume control knobs make this radio easy to use. Equipped with a 5 inch weather-resistant speakers with high-quality full-range sound, providing sufficient audio quality especially in noisy environments.

From the Manufacturer

Rugged Industrial Grade Digital PLL Synthesized AM / FM Radio with 10 Station Memory Presets (5 AM, 5 FM) and Dynamic Loudness
Rain Resistant to JIS4 Standard, Dust and Shock Resistant with Rubber Shock-Blocks
Compact Roll-Cage Protective Design Resists Impacts and Drops while Remaining Highly Portable, Rugged Rotary Tuning and Volume Controls with Durable ABS Plastic Body
5 1/4 Inch Water Resistant High Powered Speaker, Backlit Display and Compact Flexible Antenna
Operates with 9-foot Attached AC Power Cord or 4 C Batteries (not included)

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it work when wet? I am looking for a waterproof radio to use while tubing
Answer:	While rugged and weather resistant, it isn't waterproof and were it to be immersed in water, it might not function. Note this is a battery radio but it also operates on AC, so it isn't designed to be seriously wet.
Question:	how good is this radio dependable good reception strong
Answer:	hi catie , love this thing to death , the re-charge batteries are great , it runs for no less than 12 hrs at work , it has a very high volume output , my only gripe is the reception, it can be terrible at time`s , I have no idea why , but being digital , you can not simply turn the dial to make it come in better , but it does have the ability to use your phone or what ever type of electronics you might have , I do not have any of that crap , just the AM - FM , but for the durability and coolness of the radio , it is worth every penny , just needs a bigger antenna from radio shack or something .
Question:	Will it work in a heavily insulated aluminum siding with shop florescent lighting
Answer:	I have one in my large barn w/ florescent lighting, and it works better than the radio that was in there. I don't see where insulation would interfere with reception.
Question:	Can it get wet
Answer:	Yes it is stated as JIS4 on the Sangean site. The JIS4 Standard is not really a Water-Proof standard, but rather water-resistant. JIS4 in a nutshell means the product must be able to work without damage after submersion in water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. In other words, it is for products where expected use around water is not under high-pressure, but it could get wet and still be ok. Typical for products with intended use around pools, marine craft, or weather/rain use. Not intended for taking diving for example.

Product features

AM/FM Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Radio

SANGEAN LB-100 offers best reception, durability, rain and shock resistant, superior sound quality and convenience. This radio is designed for both in and outdoor uses, not to mention its simple operation and made for tradesman who enjoy their music while in different jobsite environments. LB-100 features a flexible antenna with digital PLL synthesized tuner for better reception with a large backlit LCD display to ensure perfect visibility.

10 Station Presets (5 AM/5 FM)

PLL synthesized tuning provides exact and fade-free reception. 10 station presets for 5 AM and 5 FM stations are available and easily visible with the large LCD display. There are 5 speed-touch preset buttons for quick access to your favorite AM/FM stations.

Roll-Cage Design for Maximum Shock Resistant

With its rugged roll-cage design against all possible dropping scenarios, its shock resistant feature makes it the perfect jobsite radio for all rough working environments and conditions.

IPX4 Rating Waterproof

It is IPX4 rating waterproof against water damage and protecting it from rain or splash from any direction. Rest assured that you can still enjoy your music even the sun is not in your favor!

Rugged Rotary Controls with Large LCD Display

An easy-to-read LCD display showing the station and time. The segment-style LCD screen measures 2.24" x 0.98" allowing it to be easily seen even across the room. Rugged rotary tuner and volume control knobs also make this radio fairly easy to operate.

Powerful High-Output Speaker

Equipped with a 5-inch water-resistant speaker with high-quality full-range speaker, the LB-100 provides sufficient audio output and quality eve under noisy environments.

Constructed from Durable ABS Plastic

The LB-100 is built with a very durable ABS plastic material. This impact-resistant material with the help of the roll-cage makes this radio suitable for all jobsite environments. SANGEAN LB-100 is you best choice as a compact jobsite radio in the industry.

Sangean TB-100 TOUGHBOX FM/AM/Aux Ultra-Rugged Digital Rechargeable Radio, Green

Sangean

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Sangean TOUGHBOX FM/AM/Aux Ultra-Rugged Digital Rechargeable Radio has best-in-class reception, durability, rain/dust/shock resistance, superior sound quality and convenience. When you're on the job, you want a tough radio that lets you listen to music and make the job go faster. That's what the TOUGHBOX is.

From the Manufacturer

Rugged design that resists water, dust and shock

Speakers are high quality and water resistant

Sangean's new compact-size utility worksite TB-100 TOUGHBOX AM/FM Digital PLL Radio Tuner includes leading-edge features, offers best-in-class reception, durability, rain/dust/shock resistance, superior sound quality and convenience. The TOUGHBOX also features simple operation and an Aux-in jack to connect your external devices, making this radio suitable for both indoor and outdoor work. The TOUGHBOX is the best compact job-site radio in the industry--especially made for the tradesman who enjoys their music while at a job-site.

Digital PLL Tuning

The TOUGHBOX features a flexible pivoting antenna and digital PLL tuner for better reception and has an AM/FM digital tuner with a large backlit LCD display to ensure excellent visibility. It also has 10 easy touch memory presets (5 FM / 5 AM) for each of your favorite stations.

The TOUGHBOX is the best compact job-site radio in the industry. View larger

Water, Dust, and Shock Resistance

The TOUGHBOX has rugged design that resists water, dust and shock. It's perfect for outdoor job site conditions. A ruggedly designed rotary tuner and volume control make this radio easy to use.

Equipped with a 5-inch water-resistant speaker with high-quality full-range sound, the TOUGHBOX provides sufficient audio quality in noisy environments.

Durable ABS Construction

The TOUGHBOX has durable ABS plastic construction. Its impact-resistant material is just one aspect that makes this radio suitable for use on building sites.

Runs on Rechargeable and Alkaline Batteries

The Sangean TB-100 can be powered with 4 rechargeable or alkaline C batteries. When the radio is plugged in via the AC power, it will charge your rechargeable C batteries. The 2.7-meter-long rubber cable can quickly and easily be rolled up on the back of the unit to avoid tripping over while at a job-site.

Technical Specifications

Tuner: Digital PLL Tuner FM and AM
Speaker: 5.25-inch Full Range
Weatherproofing: Dust/Shock/Rain Resistant to JIS4 Standard
Power: Rechargeable Battery (with charging LED indicator), Alkaline, AC Power
Memory Preset Stations: 10 (5 FM, 5 AM)
Inputs: Aux-In for MP3, CD Player or iPod/iPhone
Case Material: ABS Plastic with Roll Cage
Display: Amber Backlit LCD
Cable Length: 2.7 Meters

Rain resistant (JIS4), dust resistant & shock resistant
Digital PLL AM/FM tuner
5 AM & 5 FM memory presets
Charging LED indicator
3.5mm aux input
Included components: product, manual
Wireless communication technology: Radio Frequency

User questions & answers

Question:	Help an old geezer out here...what is the purpose of being able to plug in an iphone? Just charging it
Answer:	My 9-year old keeps all of his favorite songs on his phone. Being able to listen to his phone music on an external speaker like this is important for him.
Question:	Are the 2 metal pieces above & below the display (shown in one of customer images) to protect display? Thanks
Answer:	I hope what I explain is the metal pieces you are referring to. Along the base top and front portions of the radio there are sturdy metal support bars to keep it protected in falls or what have you. Very structurally sound radio love it!
Question:	How is the sound and bass? Good enough for a small backyard party
Answer:	See my detailed review on this outstanding piece of equipment posted 9 April 2016. This is my comment on sound and bass performance: "The Fatbox's sound performance is among the best I've ever heard for a unit of its size. The sound is comparable to the Bose Wave radio, in my opinion. I'm a low-end fan; thus, I was concerned that the Fatbox might not perform as it has no subwoofer. However, other reviewers were correct. The Fatbox has impressive low-end performance, even without its `Loudness' function activated. Indeed, I found the bass to be a bit overpowering after I hit the loudness button" at low volume. However, approaching the Fatbox's maximum volume, the Loudness function makes a slightly noticeable improvement in low-end performance, in my opinion.
Question:	Can it withstand a good hard bolt of LIGHTNING
Answer:	Can you try to be more trivial and asinine? No electronic device can withstand "a good hard bolt of lightning", which is why there are lightning arrestors.

Product features

AM/FM/AUX Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Radio

SANGEAN TB-100 offers best reception, durability, rain and shock resistant, superior sound quality and convenience. This radio is designed for both in and outdoor uses, not to mention its simple operation and made for tradesman who enjoy their music while in different jobsite environments. A huge step up from its predecessor, TB-100 is now rechargeable with an AUX port for you to enjoy your favorite music from different sources.

10 Station Presets (5 AM/5 FM)

Rechargeable With LED Charging Indicator

Featuring the charging capability, running low on battery is no longer an issue! You may now charge your rechargeable batteries straight from TB-100 without the hassle of moving them in and out of the compartment.

IPX4 Rating Waterproof

It is IPX4 rating waterproof against water damage and protecting it from rain or splash from any direction. Rest assured that you can still enjoy your music even the sun is not in your favor!

Rugged Rotary Controls with Large LCD Display

Powerful High-Output Speaker

Equipped with a 5-inch water-resistant speaker with high-quality full-range speaker, the TB-100 provides sufficient audio output and quality eve under noisy environments.

Constructed from Durable ABS Plastic With Roll-Cage Design for Maximum Shock Resistant

The TB-100 is built with a very durable ABS plastic material. This impact-resistant material with the help of the roll-cage makes this radio suitable for all jobsite environments. SANGEAN TB-100 is you best choice as a compact jobsite radio in the industry.