Best Jobsite Radio | Reviews | Fantastic Work Radios You’ll Love

If you’re looking for the Best Jobsite Radio you’ve come to the right place. We review some fantastic work radios that will make your day go quicker with style and high quality sound. Let’s be honest, sometimes the days are long especially if you’re working in difficult working conditions. Listening to your favorite music, or podcasts, or audio books can truly make a significant difference to your peace of mind.

Intro | Best Jobsite Radio

Music on a job site is a great way to get through the day. Having your favorite songs playing as you work, can actually help make you more productive. As the old saying goes: A happy worker is a busy worker. A job site radio is not like a regular portable stereo. The most important difference is that a job site radio needs to be tough enough to withstand the working environment of a job site. Even though they’re intended for demanding job sites, their robust design which is usually dust-proof and water resistant is also great for camping and boating. Basically, anyone who wants a radio that can handle outdoor conditions and take some rough treatment will really appreciate a quality job site radio.

These days, the best job site radios do so much more than simply give us the opportunity to listen to the radio while we work. While a job site radio is great for music and keeping up with the latest news, often we want to know what’s happening with the weather – this knowledge can be vital when casting concrete and doing other jobs that can be affected by rain or snow. Then there’s a whole bunch of other features that the best modern worksite radios provide, many have Bluetooth connectivity and most will have USB ports and auxiliary inputs. This means that you can play music from your phone, either by streaming or you can play favorite albums that have been saved on your phone’s memory card. The USB port will allow you to charge any of your USB devices using the Jobsite radio. Some of the best job site radios even have satellite receivers. Phone apps have become quite common and they give you even more user interaction with your job site radio.

Exceptional Sound plus Charger | DEWALT DWST08810

Also, fully compatible with the DeWalt ToughSystem.

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What to look for in a job site radio.

Choosing the best job site radio for your needs should take some careful consideration. A job site radio might not be as expensive as most of your tools, but the best job site radios aren’t all that cheap. So you want to make sure that you’re getting a lot for your money.

The best job site radios are manufactured by top tool brands. This would include DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch – we’ll be reviewing some of the best job site radios from all three of these companies a little later in the article. If you’re using tools from any of these brands, it might a good idea to buy a job site radio from the same brand. This means that you can share the same batteries as you use in your tools. Most job site radios will be able to use both 120V AC power and a powerful battery. This means that if you’re using the job site radio plugged into the mains power, it can double up as a second charger for your tool batteries. That’s if the job site radio and the tools use the same battery. You’ll also be using the same charger for all your batteries, there’s no need to have a separate charger for your job site radio.

Naturally, you want something that’s seriously robust. Though if you choose the best job site radio from any of the brands that I mentioned earlier, you’ll be getting a radio that’s designed and built for job site working conditions. You can rest assured that all the best job site radios that we’ll be reviewing meet a high standard when it comes durability and quality.

Even though it’s a good idea to choose a job site radio offered by a tool manufacturer whose tools you’re already using, it may not be the best job site radio for your needs. So I’d suggest that you take the time to read the reviews for all of the best job site radios that we’ve chosen. They’re all fantastic radios with amazing features. Though they don’t all have the same features and one may stand out as being exceptional in your opinion because it does something that the others can’t. This may make it a better idea to go for a particular job site radio and disregard the convenience of using a battery that matches your tools.

You could, for example, be using mostly (or only) DeWalt cordless tools, but some of the features that the Bosch PB360S provides may sway your opinion in favor of this job site radio. This could mean that the Bosch will end up being the best job site radio for you, despite the fact that it means using a different battery and charger to those used in your tools.

In the end, you’re going to want the best job site radio that you can get at a price that you’re willing to pay. This review of the best job site radios is going to give you the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision and enable you to spend your hard-earned cash wisely.

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DEWALT DCR018

Best jobsite radio.

Features:

• Able to be powered by 18V NiCad/Li-Ion, 12V Max* or 20V Max* DEWALT power tool batteries making it compatible with the largest system of DEWALT batteries
• AC/DC power allowing the flexibility to be powered by AC power cord or DEWALT power tool batteries
• Device storage box protects digital audio devices from job-site debris and damage
• USB power port allows device to be charged via USB when radio is plugged into AC wall outlet
• 3.5 mm Aux input allows for connection to CD, MP3, Portable Satellite Receivers, and other digital audio devices (Aux cable included)
• Heavy-duty design with roll cage increases durability to withstand job-site conditions
• Radio Only – Charger sold separately

Overview

We’re going to start off this review of the best job site radios with the cheapest option. The DeWalt DCR018 is an extremely affordable compact job site radio. This makes it a small lightweight job site radio that’s easy to carry with you anywhere, it weighs only 6-pounds. While it doesn’t have all the features that you’ll find in many of the other more expensive job site radios in this review, it is a very tough little radio with a strong roll cage to protect it from being damaged by the demanding conditions of a job site.

You’ll very often find that a compact job site radio doesn’t have the best sound and you’re probably not going to get the best volume either. This is where the DeWalt DCR018 come as a pleasant surprise, it has really great sound quality and can reach pretty high volumes without distorting. So don’t judge this one by its size – it packs quite a punch. Though, don’t expect it to match the systems with several large speakers and certainly not the job site radios that have a subwoofer. The DeWalt DCR018 has a single 4” speaker, you can’t expect it to deliver Hi-Fi sound quality – even though it beats many others with a relatively small speaker.

One of the great versatility aspects to the DeWalt DCR018 is that you can use the DeWalt 20V MAX or the older 12V MAX batteries. If you’re still using the old 18V NiCad or lithium-ion batteries, you’re in luck because it can use this these too. If I were going to complain about anything, it would have to be the exposed battery slot at the back of the radio. While this isn’t an issue with the old design batteries that clip into position, the new ones that slot in differently can slide out if the radio falls over and the battery knocks an object. I know, this really isn’t a big deal and I can’t see it being an inconvenience most of the time – I thought I should just mention it. Maybe another thing that isn’t too cool is that it doesn’t charge the battery when plugged into an AC socket – it will only run the radio off AC power. Of course, if you’re using DeWalt cordless tools already, this won’t be a problem. You’ll already have a charger and you’re also likely to have a bunch of extra batteries.

The coolest feature of the little DeWalt, to my mind, is the side compartment for stashing your USB device or iPod. There’s a door on the side that opens, inside is an auxiliary input and a USB port. This means that you can connect your phone; iPod or a CD/MP3 player. Though this on its own isn’t all that impressive, most job site radios have this. What I really like is that you can place your phone or music player inside this compartment and close the door. So these devices will always be protected from dust or anything that might damage it, something that’s important in these conditions.

It has very basic settings. A large volume knob, an on/off switch and directional arrows for tuning and track skip or back. It also has a clock and 5 programmable presets for your Am and FM radio stations. An LCD display gives the basic information that you’ll need. The directional antenna is tough, made from thick plastic and won’t break off if the radio falls over or if it is knocked. The top of the sturdy roll cage forms a convenient carrying handle.

The DeWalt DCR018 is a real bargain. It’s small and not the most powerful, but it’s built DeWalt tough and that’s enough for me to consider it to be one of the best job site radios, definitely amongst the budget options. Because it’s made by DeWalt, you get their legendary service and their 3-year warranty, 1-year free service plan and a 90-day money back guarantee.

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Bosch PB360C

Best jobsite radio.

Features:

• Bluetooth connectivity for internet radio and stored music with range of up to 150 feet
• Four-way speakers and a subwoofer project 360° sound
• Protective aluminum/rubber roll cage
• Four-way power outlets
• Runs on Bosch 18 V or 14.4 V Lithium-Ion batteries or plugged into a 120 V AC outlet
• Free Bosch PB360C App available thru Apple App Store or Google Play
• AM/FM radio with 20 FM and 10 AM presets
• Advanced digital tuning
• Built-in battery charger
• USB charging port with 5-volt /1.0-amp rating – for charging Apple and other phones and devices (works when Power Box is powered by a 120 V AC outlet or by a Bosch battery)
• Separate bass and treble controls
• Four preset equalizer setting plus equalizer customization
• Play your device through auxiliary input port
• Digital media bay – secure storage for most devices
• Weather- and dust-resistant design
• Illuminated LCD display

Overview

This is the most expensive radio of all the models that we’ll be reviewing here. Though it’s by far the best job site radio ever. I doubt that anyone can dispute this – it really knocks the socks off any of its rivals. As you read through the specs and features of the Bosch PB360S, you’ll come to see why it’s worth paying a little extra for this fantastic job site radio.

It has the powerful sound that can compare to any of the best stereos around. I can’t confirm this, but I think it produces 25-watts of clear sound with excellent bass, thanks to the large subwoofer at the bottom of the radio. What’s really great is the four directional speaker layout. At the top of the radio are four speakers at each corner, facing in four directions. So, unlike most radios that are only really any good when you’re in front of it, the Bosch PB360S will broadcast the sound across the entire job site – in every direction. Since you’re seldom standing in one place on a job site, this an excellent idea.

VIDEO | Bosch PB360C  : Absolute best jobsite radio

https://youtu.be/aVoGFJBbyH4

As far as robust design goes, the Bosch PB360S is certainly the best job site radio that you can get. The entire unit is suspended by rubber mounts inside a virtually indestructible aluminum frame. This not only protects the radio from any job site hazards, it’s also shockproof. The frame will absorb the shock, even if you drop it from quite a height (not that I recommend you do this). All this robust engineering makes the Bosch PB360S a really heavy radio – 24 LBS. So it’s quite a brute to carry, but the extra weight has its advantages, especially since much of the weight is concentrated at the bottom where the subwoofer is situated. The hefty weight and excellent design means that this job site radio is not going to tip over very easily.

When we move onto the advanced technology packed into the Bosch PB360S, it shines even brighter. This job site radio can use either the Bosch 18V or 14.4V lithium batteries – so it has the added bonus of this versatility. The battery is enclosed in a weatherproof protected slot at the back with a door to provide access to the battery. It also has a built-in battery charger, so when you plug it into the mains, it will charge the battery. I was impressed with the media device storage compartment on the DeWalt DCR018. That was until I saw this one. It has a large, sealed compartment to keep your phone or MP3 player perfectly safe and protected. It also has a USB port that will accept a thumb drive, as well as an auxiliary port and a slot for an SD card.

The King of Jobsite Radios | Excellent Quality

You have unlimited options for playing songs, stored in any format. Above this compartment, is a regular 12V auxiliary charging outlet – like those used in your car. It also has four 120V standard power outlets, so you can use the Bosch PB360S as power distribution point for your tools. Though you should note that these power outlets and the 12V charging outlet only work when the radio is plugged into the mains. All the power outlets have strong rubber covers that seal perfectly. The Bosch PB360S is very weather resistant on every level.

This job site radio also has Bluetooth connectivity, so can walk around with your phone in your pocket and still play music, using the Bosch PB360S. It has a great Bluetooth range of up to 150 feet. Technophiles will be glad to know that a free phone app is available from Google Play and Apple App Store. It has easy to use controls, similar to those on any portable stereo. This includes a graphic equalizer and it has an LCD display, giving the regular information – radio station frequency, music track number, clock, etc. The graphic equalizer also has four preset programs or you can customize the setting to your liking.

With arguably the best sound of any job site radio, the Bosch PB360S has so much more to offer. It’s easily the toughest that you’ll find and has excellent weatherproofing. Many will agree that this magnificent piece of equipment is truly the best job site radio ever made. So if you’re prepared to pay extra for the superior capabilities, you can’t do better than this job site radio.

Tech Specs (Bosch PB360C):

• AM/FM Presets : 10 AM/20 FM
• Antenna : Pivot
• Battery : Lithium-Ion Battery
• Battery Voltage : 18
• Unit Size : 14.5″ x 14″ x 13.5″
• Weight : 24.0lb
• Includes : (1) 6 In. Male-to-Male Auxiliary Cable, (2) AA Batteries for Clock

Visit the Bosch site to learn more.

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DEWALT DC012

Best jobsite radio.

Features:

• 1-hour charger for 7.2V to 18V DEWALT battery packs (except Univolt)
• Runs off of 12V to 18V DEWALT batteries making it a cordless radio
• Power outlets offer more versatility for jobsite power
• The DEWALT 3 – stage charging system provides maximum run-time and extends overall life of the battery
• AM/FM Digital Tuner with LCD display, built-in clock, and 15-station memory presets
• High efficiency weather resistant speakers with dual bass ports for maximum bass and range
• Auxiliary port allows connection to CD Players, MP3 Players, and portable satellite receivers with an audio cable (cable not included)
• Dual pivoting 11″ flexible antenna provides more durability and better reception

Overview

For a bit of extra cash, you can upgrade from the entry level DeWalt DCR018 to the DeWalt DC012. This model has quite a few extra features that the cheaper model doesn’t. The first noticeable difference is that instead of the single 4” speaker used for the smaller DeWalt DCR018, the DeWalt DC012 has two and these speakers are protected by a really tough weatherproof mesh.

When we move onto the specs and features, the DeWalt DC012 takes things up a notch. This model can use any DeWalt battery between 7.2V and 18V. It also has an excellent built-in 3-stage charger that will charge the battery to the maximum within an hour. Like the smaller DC018, the DeWalt DC012 has an excellent and very tough plastic roll cage that also gives you plenty of gripping positions when you want to carry the radio.

The DeWalt DC012 has an AM/FM tuner and a satellite receiver. Like all the best job site radios, it also has a USB and Auxiliary port. Three standard 120V AC receptacles on the side make it possible for you to plug your tools into the radio, you won’t need additional extension cords. It has very easy to understand electronic controls and 15 programmable presets for your radio stations. The LCD digital display is as good as you’ll find on any and it includes a clock. The 11” directional flexible antenna provides excellent reception as is as robust as the best of them. Portability really isn’t an issue, the DeWalt DC012 is incredibly compact and weighs only 14.25 LBS.

For a weather resistant tough job site radio that’s manufactured by one of the best brands in the industry, I think that the DeWalt DC012 is very reasonably priced. It has a lot of features for a small job site radio and this probably makes it the best in its class. Like every DeWalt product, you have the benefit of a 3-year warranty, 1-year service plan and a 90-day money back guarantee.

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DEWALT DWST08810

DeWalt ToughSystem Music Player with Charger. Best jobsite radio.

Features:

• Premium Sound – 4 Full range tweeters + 1 Subwoofer +1 Assisted bass resonator
• Charging capability – built-in charger ensures jobsite productivity by charging 12V MAX* and 20V MAX* DEWALT power tools
• IP54 Rated for water and dust resistance
• Connectivity to Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux. Input, 5V/1A USB charger
• ToughSystem Carrier cart compatible
• Can be stacked to other ToughSystem modules
• Can run on a 12V MAX* or 20V MAX* DEWALT Li-ion power tool battery or can be plugged into a wall outlet
• *With respect to 12V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 12 volts. Nominal voltage is 10.8.
• *With respect to 20V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

Overview

This is the best job site radio from the DeWalt stable. Having already voiced my opinion on the Bosch PB360C as being the best job site radio, I’ll have to call this one the second best. Though some may disagree, this is a magnificent radio and I’m a huge fan of DeWalt products. It costs about the same as the Bosch, perhaps a few dollars more or less, depending on where you buy it. The DeWalt DWST08810 and the Bosch PB360C have many of the same great features. Though the DeWalt doesn’t have the 120V AC outlets that you get on the Bosch. This might not be a big deal, but I find that having extra outlets on the radio where you’re working, is really convenient.

As far as sound quality and volume goes, the DeWalt DWST08810 is every bit as good as the Bosch PB360C. It has a very similar speaker layout with four full-range speakers at the top, pointing in every direction. So you have the benefit of the sound carrying across the entire job site. At the bottom, it has two subwoofers. Well, it’s actually one (active) subwoofer and a second bass resonator or passive subwoofer. Basically, the second subwoofer runs off the active one. Never mind all these technicalities, the DeWalt has amazing sound with enough volume to blast over the grind of your power tools.

VIDEO | See this DeWalt work radio in action

Even though I prefer the Aluminum roll cage on the Bosch, the DeWalt has a much sleeker, modern look and is far more compact. Don’t be fooled by the DeWalt’s good looks, it’s super tough and is IP54 rated for dust and water resistance. DeWalt equipment is always built to last and can withstand the treatment that goes with job site conditions. This job site radio exceeds even the high standards that we’ve come to expect from DeWalt. It has an excellent weatherproof compartment at the top that provides a perfect storage facility for your cell phone or any music device that you may be using. Inside this compartment are a USB port and an auxiliary input. For some reason, DeWalt has chosen to install a 1A USB port instead of the usual 5A used for most charging ports. This might not be a problem with most phones, but some of the larger (particularly Apple) phones need more than 1A to charge. It would be nice to see them change this in the future – I can’t think that a 5A USB port can affect the price in any significant way.

The DeWalt DWS T08810 can use either the DeWalt 20V Max of 12V MAX batteries. These slide into an enclosed port at the back of the radio. This keeps them perfectly protected from dust and moisture. Though unlike DeWalt tools, where the battery clips into position, they simply slide into the connection port in the radio. This won’t affect you too much, but when transporting the radio, the battery my slide out of position. This will cause the contact to be broken and you may have to slide the battery back into position. Not a big deal, but something to bear in mind if the radio won’t switch on. It has a built in charger which can take up to one hour to charge a 5AH 20V Max battery. This is not as quick as the DeWalt rapid charger that is sold separately.

VIDEO | Learn more by watching this video review

https://youtu.be/x0ggTymWKQQ

It has a fantastic and very modern control panel with sealed touch controls for the best protection against dust and water. The larger than usual LCD screen provides an excellent display and gives you all the information that could possibly want. It also has Bluetooth connectivity within 100 FT. If you’re using the DeWalt ToughSystem carrier cart, this job site radio is even more convenient, it is compatible with the carrier cart and makes for effortless transportation, along with your other tools and cases. For such a tough and powerful job site radio, the DeWalt is surprisingly light, weighing only 15.95 LBS.

Some might prefer the Bosch PB360C, it does have a few extra features. Though if you’re already using the DeWalt 12V MAX or 20V MAX batteries, the DeWalt DWST08810 might make more practical sense. The DeWalt also has the advantage of being more compact and lightweight. Whichever way you look at it, this is a fantastic product and is the only model in this review to rival the Bosch for the top position of best job site radio. The DeWalt 3-year warranty, 1-year free service plan and 30-day money back guarantee is always a reason to consider their products when it comes to peace of mind.

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Makita XRM04B

Best jobsite radio.

Features:

• Equipped with Bluetooth to wirelessly connect your mobile device to play music
• Menu controls to set FM mono/stereo, clock settings, volume and snooze
• Runs up to 20 hours with an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah battery and 6 hours with an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery
• Protective bumpers are engineered for increased durability
• One auxiliary port for MP3 compatibility and one USB port for charging your mobile device
• Delivers rich stereo sound from two powerful 3.5″ side-firing speakers
• Water and dust resistant construction is engineered for improved operation in harsh job site conditions
• Weighs only 10.4 lbs. with battery (battery not included) for reduced operator fatigue
• Illuminated control buttons and dial for improved visibility
• Compatible with Makita 7.2V – 18V slide-style and pod-style batteries
• 3-year limited warranty
• Battery and charger sold separately
• Only use genuine Makita batteries and chargers

Overview

Makita was the first hand tool manufacturer to use battery technology in their tools. For years Makita was the world leader when it came to cordless convenience. Many of top tool brands have done a lot to catch up with Makita in this regard. Though the Makita reputation has remained solid and the brand has a loyal following. So if you’re using Makita cordless tools, the Makita XRM04B might be the best job site radio for you. You’ll probably have enough Makita batteries to make this your first choice. While this job site radio is a good deal cheaper than the best models from DeWalt and Bosch, it doesn’t fall too short of the spec level that you’ll find on these top job site radios. It certainly holds true to the Makita reputation for building indestructible tools with excellent battery charge life.

The compact little Makita produces a quality of sound that one wouldn’t expect when looking at its small stature, it weighs only 10.4 LBS. The two 3.5” speakers give a clear and rich sound. These stereo speakers are on the side of the radio which gives it a good range when standing on either side of the radio, in front, or behind it. Granted, this is nowhere near the type of sound that you’ll get from the four speakers and subwoofer system used for the DeWalt DWS T08810 or the Bosch PB360C, it’s in a completely different class and price bracket.

It has all the modern technology that you’ll find in any of the best modern job site radios. So you’re getting Bluetooth technology, a USB port, and an auxiliary input. The backlit LCD screen is a good size, even though the radio isn’t all that big. You get all the usual settings and clock. The touch controls are illuminated which is great for visibility when lighting conditions are poor.

Using either the Makita 7.2V or 18V batteries, this radio offers both dual battery versatility and incredible runtime. The 18V LXT 5AH battery will give you an incredible 10-hours of music from a single charge. Even the smaller 18V LXT 2AH gives a reasonable 6-hours of runtime. It has very convenient fold down carrying handle and excellent shockproof housing with metal crash bars. If you know anything about Makita equipment, you’ll know that they handle more punishment than most. The USB and auxiliary inputs are easily accessed on the front control panel and are perfectly protected from damage, dust, and moisture.

For a virtually indestructible job site radio at a more than reasonable price, you really can’t go wrong with the Makita XRM04B. Quality and Makita-backed service are a given and their 3-year warranty is one of the best. This Makita job site radio is proof that dynamite can come in a very small package.