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Are you looking for a solid audio system that can add a little bit of entertainment to your worksite? A jobsite radio doesn’t need conventional plugs to work. It runs on a battery or power sources that run your power tools. Since they are made for outdoor environments, most have good volume, a great frequency response, and clear sound clarity. Our buying guide provides insight into some of the best jobsite radios to make your workday go faster.
Benefits of a Jobsite Radio
- Connect multiple devices. Most jobsite radios can connect and play audio files from MP3 players, smartphones, and other smart devices. Moreover, most audio systems come with multiple USB ports that can charge devices when there’s no power outlet available.
- Flexibility. Jobsite radios are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are made to withstand the tough conditions of a jobsite as they are water- and dust-resistant. The systems also produce a loud volume suitable for the outdoors.
- Multiple entertainment options. Jobsite radios are not only good for playing AM/FM radio, but they can also stream online music, and play music files from secondary storage devices like CDs, and other USB and AUX compatible devices.
- Communicate with your team. Most jobsite radios feature built-in Bluetooth connectivity that wirelessly connects to your phone or walkie-talkie. You can use the system’s loudspeakers to pass crucial information to your groundsmen, managers, or team members.
Top Brands
DeWalt
DeWalt is a leading manufacturer of power tools and hand tools suitable for the manufacturing, woodworking, and construction industry. The company was founded 95 years ago, and is currently a subsidiary company of Stanley Black & Decker. It has its headquarters in Towson, Maryland, and is recognized by over 70 percent of tradesmen all over the world. Some of its best-selling worksite radios are the DeWalt DWSTO8810 ToughSystem Music Player and the DeWalt DCR018 20V Jobsite Radio.
Bosch
Bosch is a German-based engineering company that manufactures consumer goods, hardware, and software tools. As of 2015, the company ventured into manufacturing health care tools. Robert Bosch founded the company in 1886, and the business has a legion of loyal customers all over the world. One of its loudest jobsite radios is the Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio.
Porter-Cable
Porter-Cable has long been a well-known name in the tool world. Founded in 1907 in an upstate New York garage, it now calls Jackson, Tennessee home. Porter-Cable produces a wide range of power tools, from cordless impact drivers, drills, and saws to jobsite radios like the PCC771B Bluetooth Radio.
Best Jobsite Radio Pricing
- Below $100: Jobsite radios within this price range come with a basic AM/FM digital tuner with a few preset channels. Most don’t have Bluetooth functionality, but they do have USB ports, AUX inputs, and an SD card reader. They may not have the strongest construction, but most are dust- and water-resistant.
- $100 to $200: This price level is for mid-range products that include some of the best work radios. Most units here support FM stations, can play music from auxiliary storage devices and can stream online music. The units can blast loud music 360 degrees, and most products are backed by a one to three-year warranty.
- Above $200: A high price tag is not a guarantee that the product will deliver at the maximum level. However, a few features you can expect from the heavy-duty systems here is portability, a tough construction, long-lasting and rechargeable built-in batteries, and over 20 preset radio stations. The units also come with additional sound system components such as tweeters and a subwoofer.
Key Features
Sound Quality
Go for a model with high-quality speakers, and an external antenna to boost the sound quality of the radio waves. Speakers with an RMS rating of five watts and above are capable of producing high-quality sound. Some units come with additional tweeters and a woofer to deliver the best low, mid, and high frequencies.
Bluetooth Functionality
Most jobsite radios have Bluetooth technology. You can connect your smartphone to the system and play music even when you are 100 feet away. You won’t have to constantly monitor the sound system as you can manipulate the sound quality from your phone, as long as the unit’s battery doesn’t run out.
Runtime
Look into how long the radio model can last before it runs out of power. Consider its runtime on a single charge when it’s playing music or when it’s charging your power tools. The system should at least have a five-hour runtime. This feature doesn’t apply to radios powered by a 120-volt power supply.
Built-In Charger
A radio model with a built-in charger charges your radio when it’s connected to a 120-volt supply. If it doesn’t have that feature, you’ll have to remove the battery and charge it externally, which means that you would have to forego getting entertainment when the radio is charging.
Other Considerations
- Casing: Manufacturers make jobsite radio casings with either rubber or plastic. Plastic casings are cheap and more resistant to heat than rubber, but they can be easily damaged by knocks and bumps.
- Charging Capability: Go for a jobsite radio that can charge the batteries of your power tools and smartphone when connected. Also, ensure that the radio is compatible with your cordless power tools.
- Portability: Consider buying a compact radio that’s easy to transfer from one place to another. This feature will come in handy when changing duty stations or camping sites. It would also be great if it came with carrying handles for convenience.
Best Jobsite Radio Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Best Overall
DeWalt DWSTO8810 ToughSystem Music Player
Best Value
DeWalt DCR018 20V Jobsite Radio
Most Durable
Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio
Most Powerful
DEWALT DCR025 Portable Radio
Honorable Mention
PORTER-CABLE Bluetooth Speaker u0026amp; Radio
Honorable Mention
Milwaukee Wireless Jobsite Speaker
Honorable Mention
Makita RM02 Compact Jobsite Radio
Honorable Mention
Makita XRM05 Jobsite Radio
Honorable Mention
CRAFTSMAN Bluetooth Speaker
Honorable Mention
Ridgid R84087 Jobsite Radio
Tips
- For reference, 60 decibels represents the sound level of normal conversations in a standard work environment. On the other hand, 90 decibels represents a noisy work environment where everyone has to shout. In that case, you should go for a 10-watt speaker that gives off a loud sound that goes above the noise levels at work.
- If you are buying a radio for workers at a construction site, ensure that its volume is not too loud that it drowns out the voices of the workers. It could be a safety hazard if you couldn’t hear workers calling out for help.
- Maintain a safe work environment by placing the radio at a raised position away from stairs, walkways, and ladders. Also, wrap the power chords and store them safely when they are not in use. Secure wires to the floor when the system is being used for power.
FAQs
Q: Can I charge my smartphone with a jobsite radio?
A: Yes, you can. If the worksite radio is compatible with your cordless device, then it can charge it. However, the charging device may drain your radio’s battery faster if it’s doing multiple things at the same time like playing loud music, charging your power tools, and smartphone.
Q: Are all jobsite radios waterproof?
A: Most devices aren’t waterproof, but they are often water-resistant. This means that they may not survive being dunked in a pool of water, but will do their best to prevent water from damaging the internal components when it’s raining. Go for marine-style speakers if you are looking for a waterproof system.
Q: Do they make jobsite radios with control buttons?
A: Yes, most manufacturers make workstation radios with radio controls and buttons for user-convenience. Most units feature large and user-friendly rubberized buttons or dials that are easy to push, even when you have gloves on.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick is the DeWalt DWSTO8810 ToughSystem Music Player since it is one of the best sounding jobsite radios, all thanks to the additional speaker components that come with the unit. It also a Bluetooth radio that supports a variety of auxiliary storage devices.
The DeWalt DCR018 20V Jobsite Radio is a budget-friendly jobsite radio that delivers great value for the money.