10 Best Rated Work Site Radios – In-Depth Reviews

W orking in construction and having to be surrounded by heavy equipment and noise all day does not have to be as unpleasant as it sounds. To make your life easier when you are performing your job, you could turn up the radio and listen to some music to unwind.

But the harsh conditions of work sites does not allow the use of traditional radios, and this is why worksite models have been designed and manufactured. Created with portability and durability in mind, these compact devices become a worker’s best friend fast as they make the professional environment more pleasant.

To make your search easier, we have assessed and ranked the best worksite radios. Stick with us, and you will learn what makes these products better than their competitors and decide on a qualitative model that is surely worth every cent.

Top 10 Work Site Radios Compared

Photo	Product Name	Type	Charge Time	Runtime	Station Memory Presets	Power Outlets	Charge Capable	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Bosch PB360S	Hybrid	N/A	8 hours	20 FM, 10 AM	4		1 year	Check Price
Our Choice	2. DeWalt DCR015	Hybrid	90 minutes	8 hours	10 FM, 5 AM	2		3 years	Check Price
Best for iPod	3. DeWalt DC012	Hybrid	1 hour	8 hours	10 FM, 5 AM	3		3 years	Check Price
	4. Milwaukee 2890-20	Hybrid	1-2 hours	12 hours	10 AM/FM			1 year	Check Price
Best for the Money	5. DeWalt DCR018	Hybrid	1 hour	8 hours	5 AM/FM	USB only		3 years	Check Price
Best with Bluetooth	6. Makita XRM04B	Cordless	1-2 hours	20 hours	5 AM/FM			3 years	Check Price
	7. Porter-Cable PCCR701B	Hybrid	N/A	8 hours	6 AM/FM			3 years	Check Price
	8. Makita XRM08B	Hybrid	1-2 hours	32 hours		USB only		3 years	Check Price
	9. Porter-Cable PCC771B	Hybrid	1-2 hours	7 hours	12 AM/FM			3 years	Check Price
	10. Sangean LB-100	Hybrid		48 hours	6 FM, 6 AM			1 year	Check Price

1. Bosch PB360S

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The 360-degree sound output is ideal for the workplace as not only you, but all of your colleagues will get to enjoy the soothing sound of music, being more productive as a result of a friendly work environment. It provides a total of 30 AM/FM presets to choose from, and as it can be linked to your smart device, you can stream the exact songs you want directly on it.

On a full charge, it provides up to 8 hours of continuous music listening, so it has you covered throughout the whole workday. Additionally, it integrates 4-way speakers and a subwoofer to output quality, crisp sound throughout the whole space.

Design

It measures 13.5 inches in height, 13.5 inches in width, and 13.5 inches in depth, so you won’t have much trouble finding a spot for it among your gear. As it weighs only 24 pounds, relocating it when you move won’t be a difficult task either.

Since it is a hybrid model, you can either utilize it as a corded or a battery-operated device. It is surrounded by an aluminum and rubber roll cage that ensures it won’t receive any damage when dropped as it acts as a damper.

Bluetooth

Due to this technology, you can stream tunes from your phone to enjoy your preferred playlist while working. As the transmission range is wide, more precisely 150 feet, you can walk around freely without worrying that the connection will be interrupted. This quality-enhancing technology adds to the device’s versatility, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Boasts an IP54 rating ensures it withstands the dampness and dust in your workplace.
• Separate bass and treble controls let you customize the sound output as you prefer.
• The illuminated LCD makes the settings visible even in poor light conditions.

Warranty

There is one department where the product doesn’t necessarily excel, and that’s the warranty. Sure, the 1-year backing provided for it suffices in the sense that the product does receive free repairs for a decent amount of time. However, other top-rated products are backed against defects for considerably longer periods.

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2. DeWalt DCR015

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Another hybrid model worth considering is the DCR015 from DeWalt. Since it is among the biggest and most renowned manufacturers out there, DeWalt never fails customers when it comes to product durability and enhanced performance.

Either plug it in or use it as a battery-operated radio, but never forget to leave for work without this music listening device. Its portability and the weatherproof and dust-resistant design make it the ideal solution for people who don’t work in the friendliest of conditions.

For power, it relies on a lithium-ion battery that will take only 90 minutes to fully charge and provide an impressive 8 hours of continuous use. Unfortunately, it does not feature Bluetooth technology, so you won’t be able to stream tunes directly off your phone through it.

However, you shouldn’t let this small flaw change your opinion regarding the product as it provides clear, quality audio that is sure to make your workday better. It features a backlit LCD perfect for low light conditions. To keep you aware of the battery status, it integrates a charging light bar that visually shows when recharging is needed. Of course, we cannot end without saying any words about the warranty, especially considering that the product is guaranteed to be free of defects for 3 years as of making the acquisition.

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3. DeWalt DC012

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As aforementioned, DeWalt is a leading manufacturer, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there is another entry from this brand. A full charge takes only 1 hour, and it can continuously run for 8 hours before the battery power depletes.

If there are poor lighting conditions in your workplace, don’t fret as the LCD is backlit so you won’t have trouble switching stations or adjusting the volume as you like without having to use another light source for guidance. Additionally, it shows the clock on the display so that you know exactly how much time is left until you can go home from work.

It features a 3-stage charging system to prolong the battery lifespan and enhance the unit’s runtime. Additionally, it comes with an 11-inch dual pivoting antenna that provides enhanced durability and top-notch reception. Of course, we can’t overlook the waterproof and dust resisting design that makes it ideal for such harsh work environments.

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4. Milwaukee 2890-20

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It is intended for harsh job site conditions due to its rugged design, withstanding even drops as it features metal speaker grills that protect it from any eventual incidents. It delivers clear and loud sound with a deep, accurate base due to the dual 3” speakers with passive radiators it integrates.

It is a cordless model, which enhances convenience in use as you can relocate it around the workspace as you please. The unit is powered by M18 lithium-ion batteries that provide up to 12 hours of playtime before recharging is necessary.

It comprises a weather-sealed auxiliary compartment where you can place small items that you want to keep out of the rain if the weather gets harsh. The 2.1A USB charger provides power to other electronics when needed, so you can even use it to power your tools or smartphone.

The digital AM/FM tuner features 10 station presets to set your favorite stations and enjoy toggling through them at the touch of a button. For privacy, you can even plug your headphones in the 3.5mm aux port. Furthermore, the manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty for the unit.

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5. DeWalt DCR018

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The storage box this DeWalt product comes with protects the unit from damage if it accidentally falls off a high surface, and it doesn’t allow debris to enter interior pieces so that potential damage is impeded. This heavy-duty design and the roll cage it is surrounded by increase its durability.

A full battery charge for this hybrid model takes 1 hour, and it delivers up to 8 hours of uninterrupted runtime. You can use lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries to power it. Since it features a clock too, you always know how much time is left until the end of the workday.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to this product, more precisely the fact that it doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity. To end the evaluation on a high note, we mention that DeWalt backs the unit against defects for 3 years, exceeding the industry standard.

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6. Makita XRM04B

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The cordless design of the XRM04B makes it the perfect companion on the job site. This world-class product is powered by lithium-ion batteries, it charges the batteries in only 1-2 hours, and it delivers a 20-hour continuous runtime if you power it with an 18V LXT Li-ion battery. It features a pivoting cord antenna that enhances its reception.

Of course, the most impressive highlight of this product, by far, is the Bluetooth connectivity that it boasts. Additionally, because the transmission range is approximately 30 feet, you can stream stations from the internet or listen to songs off your smartphone without having to be in its immediate proximity.

For enhanced convenience in use, it also integrates a backlit LCD and illuminated button controls. Additionally, the dial control lets you turn the volume up or down or shuffle through songs with ease.

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7. Porter-Cable PCCR701B

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As the Porter-Cable PCCR701B lets you either listen to the radio or stream audio content and music via plugging in a device into the aux port, you enjoy versatility when it comes to the manner you can utilize this portable unit. You are sure to like that it can either be used as a cordless or corded unit, so you have full freedom in terms of power.

What makes it appropriate for the toughest conditions stands in the protective roll cage it comes with. Thus, no matter if you drop it by accident or something falls on it, the PCCR701B won’t necessarily be damaged.

In terms of backing, the producer covers it with a 3-year guarantee, and you are provided with a convenient 90-day money-back guarantee as well so that you receive a full refund if you are displeased with the acquisition.

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8. Makita XRM08B

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You have to make the time fly faster when you work, and what better way to do it than listening to music. Reasonably priced and granting a rich and clean music listening experience, the XRM08B makes for a perfect addition to a noisy job site. In terms of convenience, it is hard to top as it integrates an aux port for MP3 connections and a USB port to charge your other devices with it.

It is equipped with Bluetooth, which implies that you can even link it to your phone to directly stream music off of it. The control panel makes it one of the more user-friendly selections out there, which is good news considering that you need to focus on the actual work you have to perform, not on other surrounding elements.

When the 18V lithium-ion battery is completely charged, it provides approximately 32 hours of unremitting operation in auxiliary mode. Furthermore, it is backed with a 3-year assurance on parts and workmanship.

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9. Porter-Cable PCC771B

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With two high-performance speakers that ensure clear audio throughout your entire music listening experience, the Porter-Cable PCC771B is a must-have in the toughest job site conditions. Moreover, it is encased in a protective cage that prevents any damage in case objects fall on it or if you drop it by accident.

It plays AM/FM stations, and it even integrates an auxiliary port. Of course, its most obvious upside stands in the Bluetooth connectivity since it permits streaming music off of other devices.

It puts at your disposal a total of 12 presets to switch between your favorite stations at will at the simple touch of a button. Combine its versatile nature with the reasonable asking price, and you won’t have a difficult time understanding why it is worth acquiring. It can be utilized as a corded or a cordless unit, depending on your preference.

As it weighs only 3.2 pounds, you won’t have any trouble moving it around the job site as you like. Moreover, the manufacturer backs it against defects for the first 3 years, so you are covered in case any reparation costs are needed down the road.

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10. Sangean LB-100

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It impresses not only through the durable design that makes it withstand the harshest conditions but through the cutting-edge features it integrates. Even better, it comes at an astoundingly cheap price considering its overall quality. The ABS plastic build makes it impact-resistant, as well as dust and water-resistant.

The tuning knobs are rugged enough to guarantee they won’t decrease in quality not even a bit as time passes. It integrates a 5-inch speaker that offers a full range of sound and high audio quality.

To make your job easier when selecting stations, it comes with 6 AM and 6 FM station variants. There are 5 touch memory buttons to access your favorite stations more rapidly. Another convenience-enhancing feature is the backlit LCD that measures a hefty 2.24 inches by 0.98 inches so that you can see what time it is and what station is playing from across the room.

The cable measures 2.7 meters in length, and you can roll it on the back of the device to avoid tripping over it by accident. Furthermore, the producing company offers a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

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Buying Guide

• Durable Design: Of course, because the work environment is not a friendly one in the sense that there is a lot of dust, you have to first pay attention to the design elements. Purchase a model that is weatherproof and dustproof so that it won’t be harmed by the typical conditions in your workplace.

  You should also consider a model like the DeWalt DCR015 that features a protective roll cage. Its purpose is to prevent any damage to the unit when it drops off a tall surface. As you are working, likely, you will accidentally knock it off the table or surface that it is lying on, so this is a design element worth checking out.

• Portability: Another important element that you must pay attention to is the device’s portability. You will likely move it from one location to another as you will walk around the workplace, so you need a light and compact device that is not hard to move. The transportability aspect is important as it ensures you will not have a hard time carrying it from home to work and vice versa every day.
• Convenient Controls: It must be easy to use as you do not have time to waste on an intricate device during work hours. It is preferable to go with a model like the Makita XRM04B that features illuminated controls as you will be able to see what buttons you are pushing even in poor lighting conditions.
• Illuminated Display: An illuminated display is necessary as it lets you see what song is playing, volume settings, the clock, and other elements that are on the display with ease. If you happen to work in an environment where there are poor lighting conditions, it is practically essential for it to come with this feature.
• Equalization: Equalization represents the ability to change bass or treble levels. This is an important feature with any sort of radio since it lets the user tailor the song listening experience to their preference.

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Jobsite Radio 101

Do you work in construction or spend a lot of time on DIY projects that keep you in a messy environment? Do you feel the need to relax and unwind to better focus on the assignments you take up?

This is where the job site station comes in to save the day, giving you the chance to listen to your favorite songs when working so that you will finish faster, be more relaxed, and create a better quality working environment for yourself.

Wondering what makes it different from traditional radios? Well, the difference lays in the design. In woodworking shops, construction sites, or auto repair shops, the environment is too harsh for traditional radios as there is a lot of dust in the air and other environmental issues can appear.

Job site models are specially intended to resist these harsh conditions since their design is weather and dust resistant, most even featuring roll cages that impede serious damage when the unit falls to the ground from a high surface.

Some even buy the specialty stations because they can charge power tool batteries as well, thus proving to be real lifesavers in situations when you forget to charge the batteries yourself and you need specific tools to finish the project that you are working on. Therefore, depending on the purchase you make, it can play a more important role than simply entertaining you during a tiring day of work.

5 Reasons to Get a Radio for the Worksite

• Portable Music Listening Device – While classic radios aren’t all that heavy either, at least not all of them, a common trait of job site radios is their lightweight and compact design, providing portability as they are easy to relocate. Some people also like to take their radios home with them when the tedious workday is over, so it’s understandable why a smaller-sized device is preferable.
• Handles Harsh Conditions – Are you into DIY woodworking projects or do you work in a harsh environment where dust and high humidity or actual water might be issues? Job site radios are specially intended to handle these rough conditions as they feature dust and weatherproof constructions. This means that the units are manufactured to handle the mess created in woodworking shops or auto repair joints where DIYers perform their favorite activities. Additionally, high-end models like the Bosch PB360S feature protective roll cages that ensure the devices won’t be damaged even if objects fall on them or if they’re accidentally knocked to the ground.
• Relaxed Working Environment – Music relaxes even the most serious of people, it’s undeniable. It’s the one hobby that people worldwide have in common as it provides relief, listening to your favorite bands or songs taking your mind off of problems. When you work, you need to create a relaxing environment to raise your productivity, finish faster, and create better quality projects. By listening to songs on the radio, that’s exactly what will happen, the once annoying and disruptive noise that came from power tools and caused you to lose focus now being covered by delightful songs.
• Makes Time Pass Faster – Of course, time won’t distort, you’ll just feel like it’s flying by as you will be distracted by the beautiful audio in the background. When listening to tunes, endorphin levels rise and you will be put in a good mood that will help you take your eyes off the clock.
• Capability to Charge Power Tool Batteries – Models we listed here like the DeWalt DCR015, the Makita XRM04B, or the Bosch PB360S provide this capability. Thus, if you’re a woodworker, a mechanic, or you just like doing DIY projects in your spare time, you won’t have to carry additional chargers to power tool batteries when they deplete, but rather simply use the radio for the task.

Useful Instructions

Although it is normal for one model to differ from another, we will give you some general instructions that usually apply to job site stations and that you must follow to ensure proper use of the device. Of course, you should check the user manual to make sure that you follow all steps in it, thus preventing improper use that might end up voiding the warranty.

• Storing stations as preset: In the comparison table at the beginning of the article, you have probably noticed there are several preset stations that the devices come with. To put your favorite station among this preset list, you have to turn on the device, tune in to the station that interests you, press and hold on the preset button where you want the station to remain stored, and when the number appears on the display, you can stop as it means that the station has been saved.
• Using the AC power adaptor: To use the AC power adaptor, you must insert the adaptor plug into the DC socket with an appropriate voltage. If you have a hybrid model, don’t stress over the batteries as you won’t need to take them out.
• Setting the clock: To set the clock if it has not been displaying the right hour for whatever reason, you must turn it on, and press the time set button for a few seconds. Stop when the flash time set symbol appears and rotate the dial control or push control buttons to set the right hour. Press the time set button again and repeat the procedure to set the minutes. When you are finished, press the time set button one last time to save the desired setting.
• Display illumination: If you want to change the illumination setting of the display, you must first turn it on, and press any button or rotate the volume/tuning dial control. With most models, this action results in the display being illuminated for approximately 15 seconds. You should also know that the display will automatically illuminate whenever you’re scanning stations or changing settings.

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Rating Our Picks

Weather and Dust Resistance

Seeing how these devices are intended to be used in harsh working environments, providing entertainment for people while they perform their jobs, we had to check their weather and dust resistance.

Battery Charge Time

Time is of the essence when you are at work, we know that. For this precise reason, we only selected models that have a rapid battery charge time.

Battery Life

Another important element that affected the ranking system was battery life since it shows how long the unit can provide relaxing music before battery power depletes and requires recharging.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Transmission Range

This feature permits streaming stations off the internet and listening to the songs stored on your smartphone. Thus, it is easy to see why this was an important rating element as it makes the device more convenient to use.

Charging Capability

This feature permits you to charge other tools you use while working via the radio. Thus, you won’t have to end the workday quicker just because one of your tools ran out of juice since the radio can get you out of trouble fast.

Built-In Clock

Even if you love your job, you still feel the need to check what time it is, and this is where the built-in clock comes to help. On the display, you can rapidly check time and move on with your work without having to get your phone out or ask someone else.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Making your work day pleasurable has to be one of your main goals as you are more productive when you have a positive attitude, meaning that the quality of your work is better. For those working in a messy and loud environment, listening to music can be quite a luxury since normal radios can’t handle the harsh conditions. However, job site models, with their special highly-resilient design, provide a method of rejoicing while listening to songs. We already evaluated the best options available, and before we end, we would like to go over a few of the standout products again to help you make up your mind easier.

Best Work Site Radio for Sale: Bosch PB360S

The PB360S, as you likely concluded on your own by now, is the most desirable option to go with as it boasts a durable design that makes it resistant to elements like water and dust, and it grants a lengthy 8-hour music listening session on a full battery. Furthermore, as it can be utilized to charge power tools, it serves as an aid at the workplace.

Editor’s Choice: DeWalt DCR015

Although it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, an undeniable downside considering the usefulness of this feature as it would have allowed convenient music streaming off of smart devices, the DCR015 is still our favorite as it aces in all other departments. It is made to withstand harsh conditions, even rain, all without damage. It also offers upward of 8 hours on a full battery charge, which is more than enough to get you through a demanding workday.

Best Work Site Radio with Bluetooth: Makita XRM04B

As aforementioned, Bluetooth connectivity provides a major advantage as it lets you stream tunes from other devices at the simple touch of a button. As the Makita comes with this technology, providing connectivity between the radio and the other device you pair it with as long as the distance between the two doesn’t exceed 30’, you can see why it ranks so high. Best of all, it is among the most prolific options in terms of battery life as the runtime provided is an estimated 20 hours on a full charge that takes less than 2 hours.

Best Work Site Radio for iPod: DeWalt DC012

The DC012 impresses as it only takes 1 hour for its battery to charge, a point after which it provides up to 8 continuous hours of operation. It might be a rather costly acquisition, but it is one worth making nonetheless as it is backed by a 3-year warranty. Moreover, the specialized dock provides easy and convenient charging of your iPod so that it never runs out of power when you work and want to stream your favorite tunes or listen to them directly off the device.

Best Work Site Radio for the Money: DeWalt DCR018

In terms of convenient pricing, the DCR018 is your best choice as it comes at an affordable price. Not only this, but it boasts MP3/WMA media compatibility, and it features a roll cage design which increases its durability by making it withstand even impact with the floor, in case it falls.