The Best Dewalt Radios for 2023

Best Dewalt Radio Reviews

1. Dewalt 20V Max Bluetooth Jobsite Radio and Battery Charger

This heavy-duty radio is hard to beat according to Dewalt radios reviews. It’s built like a tank, making this the perfect choice if you are in rough and rugged settings such as the outdoors or big worksites. The roll cage framework effectively protects the internal mechanisms from wear and tear.

It has a lot of cool and useful features like the cell phone storage area. If you want to use your phone to play music, you can do that. Just place it under the radio. It is spacious enough to fit even bigger phones like an iPhone 6 Plus.

One thing that sets this apart from the others is that it has multiple ports. You can find two 120V ports on one side. It comes with a 120V cord as well. You can remove the cord or you can go corded, whatever your needs are.

The digital screen is big. However, be careful not to put it in direct sunlight. It tends to be glitchy when it gets too hot.

Another thing that can get glitchy is its Bluetooth function. It’s easy to use and you can connect your phone to it right away but there are times when it needs resetting, which can get really annoying. However, you can connect to its Bluetooth function from a maximum distance of 100 feet, which is great if you are using it in a big room or jobsite.

It has a decent charging power. You can charge your 20V or 60V Dewalt batteries as long as it is plugged into an AC outlet.

The control device is quite straightforward. It’s not hard to tinker and figure out if you are not used to these radios. It also comes with AVRCP technology or Audio Video Remote Control Protocol that allows you to operate your radio through its radio interference.

As for sound quality, it is comparable to more expensive radios. It plays loudly but remind yourself to turn down the volume when switching to AM/FM.

The AM/FM function is quite good as well. It can even pick up signals from afar. I did not have any issues with static as well.

2. Dewalt DCR010 20V Max Bluetooth Jobsite Speaker

Cut down on costs and get this speaker-only jobsite radio. This got a high rating from Dewalt radio review because of its reliable functions. I would also give this a good Dewalt jobsite radio review because of its multiple connectivity features.

This portable speaker has a nifty design. It’s like a portable bag but in a housing that can resist impact. The front grille is made from a metal material that will ensure your speaker will not get damaged easily. It also has a top carry handle with a slot for your phone so you won’t have to place it anywhere when using it.

Listening to your favorite music by this radio is enjoyable because the dual speakers inside create rich and high-quality sound. I have nothing bad to say about its sound quality except if you are looking for something with a stellar subwoofer and other high-end features, you won’t find it here.

It has a control screen on the surface of the speaker. It will let you pause or play your music as well as skip tracks. You can use this to control the volume as well.

Its Bluetooth connectivity has a range of 100 feet, making this an ideal choice when working in bigger jobsites. The connectivity is good and I haven’t experienced losing connection.

Speaking of volume, this one has a reliable volume. Whether you are working in a small or a big jobsite, the sound quality is still good. With other radios, the sound quality tends to get distorted once you turn up the volume. But with this one, it stays consistent.

I don’t recommend it for bigger jobsites and industrial use though. It’s not for such a purpose. You can use this for your workshop or garage but for bigger purposes, it might not suffice.

3. Dewalt ToughSystem Radio and Battery Charger

Versatile and durable, these are two words I can use to describe this product from Dewalt. It is a radio that also has ample storage space inside for hobbyists and professionals. It’s not as expensive as other Dewalt radios but the sound set up is comparable to speaker brands.

This radio offers a premium sound quality thanks to its 4 full range tweeters plus a subwoofer and an assisted bass resonator. With this line-up of audio features, you can expect only good quality sound. In fact, even if you increase the volume, the quality of the sound remains consistent, quite unlike other more expensive models that tend to have sound distortions when the volume is too high.

This one has an IP54 rating, allowing this to be resistant to water and dust. I think its weatherproof capabilities are good but don’t expect it to be too resistant to water. Don’t expose it to heavy rain as it can still leak. The best it can do is resist moisture.

You can directly connect it to an outlet or use a battery to run it. It has charging functions as well once it connects to an outlet. You can also use it to run your Dewalt power tools as long as they are 12V Max or 20V Max power specifications. Even simple drill batteries can be used to run this.

I like how it charges batteries quickly. There is even an LED indicator that will tell you the charging progress. It even tells you when you are running out on batteries and will let you know if the temperature of the battery.

The reception for AM/FM is also good. However, once you use the power cord, it can result in static. The reception somehow diminishes once the unit is plugged in.

It does have a Bluetooth function that allows you to connect to it within 100 feet. This is great if you want to use your phone to play your favorite music. The compartment at the top fits most sizes of phones. You can even leave your phone there to charge.

I also like the overall design of this radio. It’s not very small and compact but not too clunky either. It is somewhere in the middle, which makes this good for big jobsites.

4. Dewalt DXFRS800 Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies

This is a pair of walkie talkies with radio functions. It’s one of the most reliable walkie talkies out there, giving you up to 300,000 square foot of range. That is equivalent to 25 floors of distance.

It comes with 22 different preset channels. I did not have issues with interference as all the channels come with privacy codes.

Like many of Dewalt products out there, this one is waterproof. It is also dustproof. In fact, you can immerse it in waters as deep as 1 meter for 30 minutes. If you work in an environment where it might be exposed to harsh external conditions, this is the perfect choice for you.

It’s quite the ruggedly-built radio as well because of its shock resistance. You can drop it from a height of 2 meters and it will still survive.

I like how handy and ergonomic it is. The anti-slip edges allow me to grip the radios properly. It comes with a holster that swivels to up to 180 degrees as well, which I find very convenient.

Another convenient feature is its Voice-Activated Transmission function. It allows for hands-free transmission. You can operate it by using your voice.

As for its radio functions, its UHF and FM functions can pick up receptions well, even on challenging terrains. I can play through its radio functions for a long time using its battery. The battery life is quite long, thanks to its power saver function.

There is also a thick volume knob at the top of the radio. You can adjust the volume to different levels easily.

5. Dewalt 20V Max/18V/12V Jobsite Radio

Working in a small jobsite doesn’t require a big radio to use. A small and compact one like this Dewalt portable radio should suffice. Its compact and portable size is perfect for smaller jobsites. Don’t expect it to be as loud as the bigger jobsite radios though, this is why it is better for the use of people working in smaller jobsites.

For its size, its quality is top-notch. First, this product features a roll cage design that ensures it will not get damaged in your jobsite. It can be accidentally knocked over or you can accidentally hit with a piece of metal or wood and it won’t get damaged easily.

It is a versatile jobsite radio, allowing users to operate it using AC or DC power. You can use different sizes of battery packs, which are 12V, 18V or 20V MAX to operate this radio. However, it doesn’t come with the battery pack though. You will have to buy it extra if you don’t have it yet.

AM/FM reception is quite decent. So far, I very rarely have issues with static. The sound quality is good. Don’t expect it to be on the same level as more expensive jobsite radios though. It still has some minor issues such as too much bass. It’s not a dealbreaker but if you tend to nit-pick and your ears pick up these minor issues, you are better off buying a different one.

There is a storage box that can fit your phone if you want to use it to play music. This is a great feature because it will protect your device from damage in a place as busy as a construction site. However, you do need to have an auxiliary port; if you want to use your phone. Moreover, if you want to use your phone while it’s charging, you need that extra port.

6. Dewalt DCR015 Jobsite Radio and Battery Charger

If you are looking for a less expensive option, check out the DCR015. From the reviews, you will arrive at the conclusion that it is a good choice for a jobsite radio because of its mid-range features.

This construction radio is not just a radio but a charger for 20V MAX and 12V Max batteries as well. Although less expensive than others from the Dewalt line, it offers a lot of useful features including the AC power outlets. There are two of them, offering more options for charging.

There is also a USB port that you can use to charge your phone or other USB devices as long as the radio is plugged to an AC outlet. When not plugged in, you can use your 12V or 20V Max batteries to run it, making this an ideal option for off-grid needs such as camping. You can also connect this radio to a CD MP3 or even a portable satellite receiver, thereby offering more versatility and range when it comes to what it can do.

The sound quality is fairly good. It’s not up there with more expensive brands and models but if you only need it to play background music while you work, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The Class D amplifier and woofers included still create enjoyable sound.

Like many of the Dewalt outdoor radio models you can find, this one stands up to a lot of damage. It has been subjected to impact every now and then but it still remains intact and its internal functions have not suffered. In fact, some people said the old version of this particular model lasted them for more than 10 years. That is a testament to the build and construction of Dewalt radios.

The cord is also durable. Even when you coil it or it gets tangled up, it doesn’t get worn out.

7. Dewalt TSTAK Portable Bluetooth Radio and Charger

It’s not a toolbox. It’s a portable Bluetooth radio! It doesn’t look like the other jobsite radios from Dewalt. I like its portability though. You can carry it like a toolbox and take it with you anywhere.

This is primarily a Bluetooth-enabled device that still has an AM/FM function. If you check out Dewalt TSTAK radio review out there, you will know that this is one of the most portable radios with a Bluetooth function. It has a slim profile, which makes this easier to move from one place to another and store when needed. It fits the back of a car so you can also take this with you for camping and not feel like you are bringing too many things.

It doesn’t take up a large footprint as well. If you are working in a small jobsite, you will find this a good option for your needs.

To play music, simply connect your phone to its Bluetooth functions and play your favorite music. However, one thing you should know is that the app it comes with does not allow you to stream from other music apps. You need to download the music you want and use the app to play it. It’s not a big issue but if you prefer the convenience of streaming from streaming sites like Spotify, this won’t be a good choice for you.

The app, however, makes it easier to control. You don’t have to tinker with a lot of buttons. You can control what kind of music you will play from your phone.

The sound quality of this radio is good. The bass is good as well and it also comes with excellent volume levels. Even when used in bigger jobsites, the sound quality remains good.

8. Dewalt DC012 Radio and Battery Charger

This Dewalt 18V radio is an affordable and versatile radio that also doubles as a charger that is the perfect choice for small to big jobsites. It can run on 12V up to 18V Dewalt batteries, so you can use it anywhere, even in camping sites.

It can still be plugged in. When plugged in, this becomes a 3-stage charging setup that will charge your devices including its internal batteries, allowing it to extend battery juice.

It comes with an AM/FM functional and a digital tuner to make it easier to find your preferred station. While its reception is good, the antenna is quite small and might not receive signals when you are in a farther location.

This radio also comes with a built-in clock and it is also capable of storing 15 stations in its memory. The only problem is that these functions require a separate battery. The battery that it comes with is dead, so you will have to replace it with a new one.

As for sound quality, it’s a fairly good one. It’s not for audiophiles but it’s still good due to its dual bass ports. The speakers are durable as well with their weather-resistant properties. It’s not a Dewalt radio with CD player though but this has an auxiliary port where you can connect it to an external CD player or even an MP3 player.

I think the overall build of this radio is not as good as the others simply because it feels slightly flimsy. Time will tell if it’s going to hold up against damage and harsh external conditions that is what you can expect in a construction setting or a jobsite. I would suggest putting it in a safer location and take it inside once it rains.

What to Look for When Buying a Dewalt Radio

Most Dewalt radios are a great buy. But since there are a lot of options out there , you should still find the one that works for your needs. Here are a few things that you need to consider to make sure that you are buying the right one:

Size

Dewalt radios come in different sizes. Some are more compact than others. Obviously, the compact ones are easier to lug around. If you frequently go from one place to another, you will need the smaller and more portable ones as they don’t take up a lot of space, they are not heavy and they are easier to store.

The downside of smaller radios is that they usually don’t work well in bigger jobsites. However, if you only have a small jobsite or a garage where you need the radio, this should be the perfect choice for you.

You might also want to consider the ones that come with a storage space inside. An internal storage can help you save more space since you can store some of your tools in there. Some Dewalt radios are compatible with other power tools and systems to make them easier to store together. They can be stacked on top of each other for space efficiency.

Sound Quality

It’s not going to beat the speaker and radio brands out there but you will be surprised how well-made the sound functions of these radios are. If you want the best sound quality comparable to the high-end radios out there, you should look for the ones with multiple speakers and a subwoofer or pick one where you can connect a subwoofer to it. Also, check its bass quality.

Find out if you are satisfied with how well the sound quality is even if the volume is turned up. There are some radios where the sound quality tends to get distorted and the bass goes all over the place once you turn up the volume.

Volume

How high can the volume go? What you should choose will depend on where you will use the radio. If you are going to use it in a bigger jobsite, you should choose a radio with volume that can go high up without it distorting the sound quality Most Dewalt radios have fairly good volume, so you shouldn’t have a problem with this.

Reception

If you are going to use the AM and FM function, it should be able to pick up local radio stations. Make sure it has a good reception and it should have an easy-to-use tuner as well. If it has a small antenna, it might not be able to pick up reception signals.

Durability

The harsh conditions of a jobsite can expose how external wear and tear of the radio. See to it that you buy a radio that is impervious to external damage and has a good waterproof rating. It should resist impact and moisture as well so that you will be able to use it for a long time.

Auxiliary Ports

If you want to use a Dewalt CD player to play your favorite music without having to stream it, see to it that the radio has auxiliary ports that will enable you to connect your player. Look for auxiliary ports for the devices you plan on using.

Phone Compartment

If you plan on using your phone to play music, check to see if it comes with phone connectivity. You need Bluetooth settings for that or an auxiliary port for it. It should also have a USB port for when you want to charge your phone. The radio should also come with a compartment that will fit your phone.

Charging Capability

Not all the Dewalt radios out there can charge devices. If you want a versatile radio, choose one that is capable of charging your devices.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is a Dewalt Radio? Who Is This For? How Does It Work?

A Dewalt radio has many functions. It is primarily used as a listening device. You can connect your phone to it and play music from your phone. It acts as a speaker that you can use in jobsites or home work stations. It can be used as a radio for camping sites as well. Because of its rugged construction, it is better to use in settings where it might be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.

Dewalt radios can also be used to play FM or AM. It has a good reception that can pick up signals from different radio stations. Depending on what you are using, it may even have auxiliary ports where you can connect it to devices such as a CD player or an MP3 player.

This is for people who work in the construction industry. If you don’t like using earphones when working because this can be dangerous but you still want to enjoy listening to music, this can be a good option for you. It can also be for people who like going camping. Take it with you anywhere you want since these radios are portable. You can use a battery so there is no need to plug them in an outlet. You can either use an outlet and plug them in to use them or use a battery.

What are the Different Types of Dewalt Radios?

There are portable Dewalt radios that are smaller and more lightweight. They are perfect for small jobsites if you prefer being able to lug it around easily. Some are bigger because they come with a compartment inside that you can use to store your work items.

There are also stackable Dewalt radios. You can stack them up with the other Dewalt products with the same system.

Why Do You Need a Dewalt Radio?

It would be best if you had a Dewalt radio to make your jobsite livelier. It’s fun to listen to some music while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dewalt Radio Charge Batteries?

Yes, some Dewalt radios charge batteries. However, you need to check what kinds of batteries they charge. It’s not always the same for the models of Dewalt radios out there. Also, not all of the radios from Dewalt have a charging capability. Check to see if you are buying one with a charging function if this is what you are looking for.

Which Dewalt Radio is the Loudest?

There are a lot of good radios from Dewalt with excellent volume. Dewalt DCR025 and Dewalt DCR018 all play decently loud music. They are great for bigger jobsites that might need louder radios. I suggest checking the volume rating of what you are buying. Usually, the bigger the unit, the louder it is. However, be wary of those radios that are big but can get a distorted bass once you turn up the volume.

Is the Dewalt Tough System Radio Waterproof?

Yes, these systems have waterproof functionalities given their ratings. However, you should not submerge your radio or leave it out in the rain. Water can still seep inside if there is too much of it. If it’s starting to rain and you are using it outside, take it inside to prevent water damage.

How to Set Up and Use?

Most of the radios from Dewalt are plug and play. If you are using the battery settings, you just need to turn it on and then choose the channel you want with its tuner. There should be an LCD with these radios that will allow you to set it up and choose the channel you prefer.

If you want to play music from your phone, use a radio that has Bluetooth connectivity and activate the Bluetooth function of the radio. Pair up both devices and start playing using an application that you need to download on your phone.

If you want to use an external device such as an MP3 player or a CD player, you need to buy an auxiliary cord and connect it to the corresponding port.

How to Care and Maintain?

After using it, wipe it to remove excess dirt and moisture. While these products are built to last, you should still need to give it some care and attention. You can wrap a cloth over it when storing it and place it in a dry area.

What is the Warranty?

Most of the Dewalt radios come with a limited lifetime warranty. It depends on what you are buying but you can contact them anytime you experience issues if you think it is a manufacturing issue.

Where to Buy?

These products can be bought directly from Dewalt distributors. They are also available in Home Depots or construction supply shops. You can also buy them from Amazon and other online websites.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best Dewalt radio, you should take your needs into consideration first. Find out what features you want to see on the radio and look for the one that has durable functions backed by an excellent sound quality. That is how you will be able to maximize your purchase. Of course, you also have to consider your budget. Just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it is better.