Best Jobsite Radios Reviewed and Rated

Criteria for Evaluation

How we decided which Worksite Radios were the Best

When compiling, organizing and eventually ranking this list, we had to dig through a mountain of competing (and somewhat similar) products. In order to organize this huge selection of radios, we had to create a criteria from which to judge and rank them. While typically a radio will simply be graded on the quality of its sound, we had to factor in a number of other elements such as durability, battery life, volume level, and a few other things including additional features. The price was also a major factor. A good point on cost that was made by the team was the idea that a typical worksite would actually benefit from the versatility of two or three decent radios -thus allowing different selections for different teams in different areas. This differs from using a rather than a more expensive, albeit better, radio that only provided a single music selection in a single geographical location. This really becomes pretty subjective at a certain point. Regardless, we have provided the logic behind our factors and judgments for you here:

Price

I just covered this a little bit, but I will elaborate. Value can be a pretty subjective thing given the situation or job you are working. I mean a Dewalt radio that uses the same batteries as your power tools may be immensely more valuable than a slightly better and/or cheaper radio that isn’t compatible with anything else on the worksite. Having said that we tried to work price into a value/output ratio. If a radio is roughly 75% as effective (volume, durability, etc.) as another radio, but 50% the price – then it can roughly be said that the radio provides a better overall value.

Battery Life/Power Options

Some work site radios will utilize power cords, some have solar panels, while others are compatible with the same batteries you use on your tools. Which version is more useful for your site is up to you – but we gave deference to the more versatile products.

Auxiliary Hookups

Radio is a dying medium. The selection and quality out there is only a fraction of what it used to be. Because of that, it is crucial that a good worksite radio allows individuals to hook up phones or other tech and play podcasts or music from their selections. Some will also have Bluetooth options, and/or can charge phones that are plugged in. These are all extremely useful features in today’s world.

Durability

This is why you buy a worksite radio and not some plastic thingy. You need a radio that can withstand a hazardous environment. Armored outer layers, waterproofing, dust and dirt proofing, etc. A work radio is only as good as the work it can withstand being around.

Sound Quality

This is fairly self-explanatory. The higher the volume, therefore reach, the better. The overall quality of the sound at high volumes is also imperative. These radios are made to work in noisy environments and they better sound like it. Products with added sub-woofers, for example, got a deference.

FAQs

Should I Buy the Same Brand Radio as My Power Tools?

Unlike staying brand loyal to companies that don’t actually give you a reason to past clever commercials, many tool companies have invested in proprietary battery systems that also overlap with their worksite radios. This isn’t the case for all of the brands or their radios – but if you have invested a lot of money into a particular series of batteries for your tools, then it makes sense that you would want a radio that can utilize those same products.

How Waterproof are Jobsite Radios?

While most Worksite radios will have some degree of water resistance, it’s important to note that there is a difference between “water-resistant” and “waterproof”. Due to the nature of electronics these days, there is typically always some way for water to negatively affect the product unless it utilizes extensive water protection. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the typical rule is that something like a “waterproof” watch is made to go underwater for long periods of time without breaking down, while a “water resistant” phone or radio can be accidentally dropped in a puddle for a second or can accidentally take a spray from a hose with no side effects.

Long story short, a water resistant worksite radio can handle some accidental spraying or even light rain, but it shouldn’t be left out during a storm or thrown into a swimming pool.

What Features of Worksite Radios Should I Most Care About?

This is entirely up to your needs. If you work outside with no overhead, then perhaps the solar powered device or one with good rain resistance is best. If you work with many individuals using a lot of power tools – then the battery charging aspects may be suited for you. Weigh your needs against what the radios offer.

As was stated in the opening paragraph, studies have shown overall happiness and productivity increases when workers are able to listen to music. But do you need a worksite radio rather than a general stereo system? If you are working indoors painting, probably not. If you are outside with dirt, dust, heavy objects bouncing around and/or some inclement weather, yes. If you need a hardhat, your radio probably needs one too.

Making Your Decision

This list should hopefully have given you all the features, tips and info you need to go out and make a smart worksite radio purchase. We know making larger purchases of this sort can be a frustrating and confusing experience with so many different opinions and conflicting reviews, but we have done our best to ensure that you are presented with the best quality items with a thorough justification for their inclusion. No one ever fully agrees on what the best tools are, and the goes for working radios as well – so whether you agree or disagree with certain aspects or opinions presented here, the hope is that they have helped you form your own views on the subject and led to a successful purchase. Weigh our options and always see for yourself if a product fits the needs you are looking for or need. If you do that, it is unlikely you will come away from any purchase wholly dissatisfied.

So whether you are a site manager looking for the perfect moral boosting device, or a worker looking for something sturdy to plug his phone into, Good luck – and remember – build smart, build safe, and build big.