You’ve been following SHTF Blog for a bit of time now and you’ve seen the importance of a shortwave receiver within your preps. You like the ability it gives one of gathering intel from far away in the event of some form of disaster, and these shortwave receivers have a long history in household use.
There’s just one problem.
From what you’ve seen after browsing online, there’s no way you have hundreds of dollars to drop on a shortwave radio.
That’s where we come in.
Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly shortwave radio receivers out there to accommodate any budget.
6 Budget Shortwave Receivers Worth a Look
Consider adding one of these low-cost shortwave receivers to your preps and then print off a list of military shortwave frequencies.
1) Retekes V115 ($25)
- AM FM SW radios; FM 87-108MHz; AM 520-1710KHz (9/10K); SW 4.75-21.85MHz; In radio mode; long press "MENU" to enter the setting page; find "FM band set"; select FM1/FM2; confirm and exit
- Recording radio; MIC recording and line in recording ; insert the TF card to record your voice or radio voice; three recording settings to choose from; simple record 64kbps/Quality record 96 kbps/Super record 128kbps; note that the TF card is not in the package
- Digital radio am fm; V115 supports automatic/manual search and storage of stations; number keys to directly input frequency; custom favorite station order; when manually storing radio stations; programming radio station order via digital keys
- Portable shortwave radios is only 4.73 x 3.15x 0.9 in; which is very suitable for shirt pockets; it is amazing to find so much functionality in such a compact radio
- Small multi-functional radio with MP3 player; 32GB TF card can be inserted (not included in the scope of supply); Support 3.5mm headphone connection
4900 reviews on Amazon and it has a 4.5-star rating. That should tell you something here. I really enjoy this little receiver and have been amazed at the reception quality I can get out of it. It easily fits into a front jean pocket – meaning you can carry it with you everywhere – and even inside of a house I can pick up a strong signal.
It has AM, FM, and SW modes available on it, giving you a wide range of broadcasts that you can tune in to, and it has a built-in recorder within it as well. This means if you’re listening to a broadcast you find particularly pertinent that you want to come back to later so that you can listen to it once more, you now have the ability to do so.
You get all of this and for only $25. That’s pretty hard to beat. The only cons I can see here with this radio is that A) it feels kind of cheap when you’re holding it in your hand, and B) it doesn’t have access to SSB.
You get what you pay for, I suppose.
2) Tecsun PL330 ($90)
- A digital portable receiver with comprehensive radio frequency coverage including AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band
- Adopts modern DSP digital demodulation technology as well as synchronized detection for enhanced and unparalleled reception sensitivity, selectivity, and anti-image interference capability across the bands
- A premium full-range 8 ohms / 250 mW speaker delivers loud, rich, crispy, dynamic and distortion-free sound for utmost entertainment experience, a 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack for private listening (stereo earphones included)
- Other convenient features include an alarm clock; a sleep timer of up to 120 minutes; external antenna input; 3.5mm audio output; 850 memories for easy access to frequently listened stations; keylock function for preserving settings
- Powered by one single 3.7V / 1,000 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery with built-in charger, battery and USB-C charging cable are included
Tecsun is a Chinese brand that makes some pretty awesome budget SW receivers. Once you get into the $80 range or so you start to find that you can get SSB capabilities with your SW receiver. The PL330 is an example of that.
You also get AM, FM, and LW capabilities in addition to shortwave here, meaning you have a massive chunk of the radio spectrum that you can tune into. I’m personally always a fan of SW receivers that have an actual dial rather than just buttons as well. To me, I feel like they last longer than a button does.
Other cool features of this radio are that it can store 850 different channels, has a built-in alarm clock (no more having to rely on your iPhone!), and is of a small, portable size.
3) Kaito KA500 ($50)
- 6-way powered portable emergency radio with hand crank generator, solar panel, compartment for 3 AA batteries (not included), 5V USB input, 5V AC/DC input with a wall power adapter (sold separately), built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack
- Comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels for entertainment, sports, talk-shows, breaking news around the world, and 24/7 real-time weather forecast (USA and Canada ONLY) with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System)
- Works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices, such as smart phones, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras, and etc. Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light
- Telescopic antenna extends up to 14.5" for high sensitivity reception assisted by advanced semiconductor circuitry design and LED signal strength indicator for pin-point tuning accuracy, and built-in speaker delivers loud and crispy sound
- Made of strong premium impact-resistant and water-resistant ABS material, suitable for both indoors home/office use and outdoors recreational activities
This is one heck of a cool SW receiver that I’ve been taking a serious look at of late. It has close to 10,000 reviews on Amazon and with a 4.5-star average rating as well. Aside from just looking awesome, this SW receiver also operates as a cellphone charger and has both a wind-up crank and a small solar panel to help keep its batteries charged.
I think that both of those features alone – the power generation – should be cause enough for you to give this SW receiver a closer look if you’re in the market for such. Other cool features are its ability to pick up NOAA broadcasts, and it has a small flashlight and reading lamp on it as well.
If you’re looking for the Swiss Army knife of SW receivers, this is it.
4) The Mesqool Solar/Hand Crank SW Receiver ($30)
- 【𝗡𝗢𝗔𝗔 Weather Alert Radio, 𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗠 Radio, 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 Radio】To choose the station you want, just rotate the knob smoothly instead of tuning up and down the dial. When there are urgent news from the national weather service, the emergency radio will warn you in time for life saving, keeping safe during evacuation. Without danger, you can also listening to AM FM SW bands, enjoy your time with free music, talk shows, sports, traffic, stories and much more.
- 【5000 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery & 5 Power Sources】This weather radio comes with 5000 large-capacity rechargeable battery ensure your cellphone will be fully charged in emergency. 5 power options, never worry it power off anytime. When the built-in battery is power off, it will be charged by the backup power sources include winding up handle, solar crank, usb input connection or 3 pcs AAA battery.
- 【Handy Bright Camping Flashlight & LED Reading Lamp】When power failure in the emergency, wind up hand crank to work as a handy LED flashlight Lantern to light up in full darkness to keep you safe. Flip up the solar panel to become a reading lamp with built in 6 bright LEDs to illuminate your way to the bedroom at night, as well as a must-have for 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 & 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
- 【𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿 & Loud SOS Alarm】Your Cellphone will never power off even blackout and internal Li-ion Battery outages, hand crank continuously genarate power to recharge the built-in battery and connect the included usb output charging cable for cellphone charging. Allow you to make a phone call for help or get in touch with your family in emergency. The red SOS flashing beacon and audible siren will attract the attention of would be rescuers.
- 【3.5mm Headphone Jack,Package include Compass & Nylon Wrist Strap & Carabiner Clip for Easy Carry】It is updated with 3.5mm headphone jack to provide personal listening without disturbing others. Extra compass attached to strap is very helpful to show you orientation when you get lost outside.the strip is adjustable to carry, and you can also attach the clip to your backpack for your convenience outside.
If $50 is a bit too much for what you want to spend on a SW receiver, but you’re still wanting a radio that has a form of off-grid power, then check out this nameless radio instead. It has all the bells and whistles, but for $20 less than the Kaito model.
You get the solar charger, hand crank, flashlights, power bank, cell phone charger, and more, and still with access to AM, FM, and SW broadcasts. It won’t fit in your pocket, and it would be a bit bulky perhaps for a bug-out bag, but it’s versatility helps to make this one a winner.
5) C Crane CC Skywave ($90)
- Small Lightweight Portable AM/FM/Shortwave/Weather/Airband Travel Clock Radio With Alarm.
- Lighted LCD Display, Rotary Volume Knob, Stereo Headphone Jack, Sleep Timer
- 400 Memory Presets, Direct Entry Keypad, Autoscan Tuning, Signal Meter
- Runs approx. 60-70 hrs. at moderate volume on (2) AA batteries (not included) or can be powered by an optional AC adapter
- Includes Earbuds, Carry Case and Fold-out Backstand. 1 Year Warranty.
At the higher end of the budget spectrum is this C Crane SW receiver. One of the cool things about this little radio is that it also gives you access to airband frequencies. Personally, I never do a lot of listening within this part of the radio spectrum, but to each his own. It’s still a cool feature to have available to you.
Other cool aspects of this little radio are the year warranty, 400 memory channels, and it easily fits within your pocket as you go about your day. If you’re somebody who enjoys listening to SW broadcasts as you’re out in the field at work, this can be the perfect radio to do such with.
6) XHDATA D328 ($17)
- 【Portable Radio】5 x 3 x 1.2 inch. Small size and light weight, compact and easy to operate with Best Reception. It can fit in the pocket and carry everywhere for entertainment or study. It has a portable handle for carrying! A good gift for family!
- 【World Band Radio】High sensitivity 12 Band radio. Equiped with long antenna and upgraded DSP chip, D328 Radio is a Full band radio/ multiband radio receiver with FM MW SW DSP, also a MP3 Player Portable speaker supporting TF card.
- 【Product Accessories】1 x XHDATA D-328 Radio, 1 x USB Charging Cable, 1 x D328 English Manual, 1 x BL-5C Rechargeable Battery, 1 x Lanyard (handle for carrying), 1 x Timely customer service.
- 【Easy To Operate】Built-in high-performance drivers and built-in bass, XHDATA D328 radio with volume control, band selector switch, and tuning knob, is easily to select channel on am fm sw band to listen music, sports, and news!
- 【After-sale Service】for the details, please contact customer service. NOTE:D328 radio can be power by 2 ways: ①AC power up. ②Battery powered radio. Can use especially during storms/hurricanes when the electricity goes out.
This is the cheapest SW receiver out there that I’m aware of. It’s a little pocket-sized radio that doesn’t have as many features as many of the other radios on the market, but it’ll get you the ability to listen to SW broadcasts for a song. Is the SW reception quality going to be as high as some of the other receivers out there?
Nope, it’s not. But you’re looking at only spending $17 here, so I think it’s unreasonable to expect $300 quality out of something as budget friendly as this. These make a cool stocking stuffer for the prepper in your life as well.
Final Thoughts
Though something of a forgotten tool among modern preppers, there is a lot of benefit that one can get from adding shortwave receivers to one’s preps. I thoroughly enjoy listening to mine and am always impressed with the quality of the broadcasts that I can find. And I don’t mean quality audio-wise (though that’s okay too) but instead with the content of the talking points I’m listening to.
It’s a lot of fun and you’ll discover a lot of talk radio shows you would have never had the opportunity to learn about otherwise. So check these options out! You don’t have to wait until the apocalypse to put them to use.