The best radio headphones are a practical all-in-one piece of audio gear if you want to tune in to your preferred FM or AM stations while you’re on the go without relying on cell service or Wi-Fi. They come in designs that sit over, on, or inside your ears, and they provide variable degrees of noise cancellation. There are solutions to fit your demands, whether you want to use your radio headphones to play music or listen to the news in a noisy environment or on relatively calm city strolls.
Consider which features are most essential to you before buying if AM station availability, the number of preset stations you may programme, and an LCD display differ amongst radio headphone models. Some headphones also have Bluetooth functionality for even more adaptability. Some versions also have an aux input for playing music from external devices. You should also think about whether you like to use conventional batteries or choose a set of rechargeable headphones, which is a matter of personal preference.
Consider options that offer hearing protection if you want to use your radio headphone in a workshop, on a job site, or in other settings where you want to listen to music over a lot of background noise. This will help you avoid hearing damage from excessive noise and improve your ability to hear the radio. The CDC predicts that most industrial work environments will benefit from a noise reduction of 10 decibels (dB), and the over-ear headphones that provide noise protection below are rated considerably beyond that. On-ear radio headphones or a handheld radio with built-in in-ear headphones are more discrete options if you don’t need hearing protection.
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Howard Leight by Honeywell Sync Hi-Visibility Digital AM/FM Radio Earmuff
- DIGITAL AM/FM TUNING: LCD display auto-searches for radio stations; clear...
- HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY: Hi-Viz bright green earcups and reflective headband...
- EAR PROTECTION & COMFORT: Patented Air Flow Control technology reduces...
The Honeywell Howard Leight digital radio headphones are a high-quality pair that are mostly comprised of a sturdy plastic. But the headband and the hinges are made of steel. They stand out a lot more when wearing the reflective headband and high visibility neon green colour scheme, especially when working near large machinery or in dimly lit environments.
The headphones appear and feel quite durable. The cups were made out of thick plastic. Steel makes up the frame of the headband. The paddings are plush and substantial. The edges of the headband are nicely stitched. The vivid green/yellow colour of the cups is matched by the embroidery. The top of the headband has some branding. The control plan is straightforward. Two tuning buttons, a power button, and an AM/FM mode selector are located on the right cup’s lid. A tiny LCD that displays the frequency is located directly above the buttons. A 3.5mm audio input, volume slider, and thick external antenna are also located in the right cup. The left cup contains the battery compartment. 2 AA batteries are needed for the headphones.
The headphones are comfortable and effectively isolate noise. They may be a little bit tighter, but they fit your ears well and can reduce outside noise by up to 25dB. Batteries are needed to operate the headphones in AM/FM mode. One pair of batteries should last up to 140 hours of playtime, claims the maker. In reality, 100h at 50–60% volume is achievable. Receiving AM and FM signals is excellent. The headphones can discover at least 10 crystal-clear AM stations while they are in AM mode. In FM mode, the outcomes are significantly better. One can store up to ten presets. Batteries are not necessary when used in wired mode (attached to your phone or MP3 player).
Considering the cost, the sound quality is acceptable. The midpoint is articulate and completely transparent. The vocals are the main focus. The highs are a little bit too bright, and the bottom response is rather flat. These are the Best Radio Headphones in 2023.
3M Worktunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection with AM/FM Radio
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) 24 dB*
- BLUETOOTH WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY lets you seamlessly stream entertainment from...
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE lets you make and take phone calls without removing...
These well-known over-ear radio headphones are AM and FM compatible in addition to having Bluetooth, so you may choose to listen on the radio or on your phone. For those who work in noisy surroundings, it also provides 24 dB of hearing protection. The 3M headphones offer “audio assist technology” to help you set them up if you have trouble using gadgets. According to one reviewer, this technology is “very helpful and allows you to use all choices without taking the headset off.”
Manufacturers of various types of safety equipment include 3M. (equipment for personal protection, for cleaning, for healthcare, etc.). Their noise-cancelling headphones are arguably the most widely used type of hearing protection gear. Their headphones are very reasonably priced and provide excellent value. We recommend the 3M Worktunes Wired AM/FM radio headphones as the best option under $40. Great hearing protection, excellent FM reception, and reasonable sound quality are the main benefits (considering the price). The absence of Bluetooth connectivity is the only drawback that comes to mind. The 24dB noise reduction rating. Although they are not the best headphones for noise reduction, 24dB is more than enough to reduce the discomfort of lawn mowing.
The controls are simple to use and suitable for gloves. There is only a battery compartment on one cup. The other cup has two sizable buttons (AM/FM and MODE), a tuning dial, a volume/power dial, and a tuning knob. An external antenna that is rubberized is located on top of the cup. By pressing the AM/FM button, you can switch between two radio modes. You can modify the bass response using the MODE button (you can select one of two bass-boost modes). The tuning dial can be turned to manually select a station or pressed to automatically scan stations. The voice assistant will inform you of the station frequency and the battery level.
Reception of AM and FM signals is surprisingly good, especially given the cost. More than 25 FM stations and 10 reasonably clear AM stations may be found with the headphones. The headphones may operate in radio mode for up to 50 hours on two AA batteries. You don’t require batteries when using the gadget in wired mode (attached to your phone or another device using a 3.5mm audio connection). The sound quality exceeds what the pricing would imply. The lows and highs are perfectly balanced, with a light midrange emphasis. By clicking the MODE button, you can increase the bass if you like a bassier sound.
ZOHAN 027 AM/FM Radio Ear Muffs Digital Hearing Protection with Stereo Radio Headset MP3 Compatible
- Unrivaled Performance: Chip is the “brain” of an electronic product....
- Distinguished Comfort: We redefine the headband of muffs, and it’s wider,...
- Unbelievable Durability: Customers always complain some “BRAND”...
When it comes to design, there is nothing new. ZOHAN headphones are essentially a fusion of two or three different headphone styles from the past. They are sturdy and appear to be long-lasting, like all the hearing protection headphones. All of the cups were made of plastic. Steel makes up the frame of the headband. The padding on the headband may not appear sophisticated, but it is thick and comfortable. Although not particularly thick, the earpads are comfortable. Although not extreme, the clamping force is greater than typical. NRR is predicted to be 24dB.
Simple controls are used. The right cup has all of the buttons and knobs. A little LCD screen, a volume knob on the bottom, and four buttons (tune x2, power, and mode) are all that are present. One 3.5mm audio input and an external antenna are also housed in the right cup. On the left cup, there is a battery compartment (two AA batteries are required).
In radio mode, the headphones are entirely wireless. Both AM and FM tuners are available. There was a lot of static noise and poor AM reception. Regarding the FM reception, we are satisfied. Ten settings in total can be saved. 20–30 hours of gameplay at 50%–60% loudness are possible with two batteries. You can utilise the supplied AUX cord when your batteries die. The quality of the sound is comparable to the cost. It’s nothing special; the vocals and mids are very clear, and the bass is powerful in wired mode.
PROTEAR AM/FM Bluetooth Radio Headphones
- 25dB NNR NOISE REDUCTION&SOFT CUPS- Noise reduction rating NRR 25dB (ANSI...
- BLUETOOTH 5.0 VERSION&HANDS FREE- Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 wireless...
- DIGITAL AM/FM RADIO HEADPHONE- With digital LCD display, Store up to 20 AM...
PROTEAR headphones resemble some of the headphones that have been previously examined in terms of construction and design. They are not overly robust, yet they are strong enough to resist all the rigours of daily use. The headband structure is constructed of steel, while the cups are made of a sturdy plastic. The control strategy is comparable to the strategies used in the first two models. You still have four buttons despite the change in button placement: two tuning buttons (UP and DOWN), a MODE button, and a preset button.
To find stations or play the next or previous song, use the tuning buttons. On the LCD panel directly above the control buttons, you can see the input, frequency, and clock. The volume dial and the 3.5mm audio input are located on the bottom of the right cup. The radio antenna on the right cup is also substantial and rubberized. On the left cup, there is a battery compartment.
If you can tolerate a somewhat tighter fit, the comfort is not a problem. The padding is substantial and cosy. NRR is predicted to be 25dB. In Bluetooth or AM/FM mode, the headphones are entirely cordless. Less than 10 hours of playback at 50% volume in Bluetooth mode. You’ll receive up to 25 hours in AM/FM mode. AM/FM reception is comparable to that of the 3M WorkTunes, Honeywell, and Stanley headphones that were discussed earlier. There are only 8 presets that you may keep, though. Within a 20-foot range, a Bluetooth connection gives medium performance with dependable communication. You can use the headphones to take calls when they are in Bluetooth mode.
Even though the call quality could be better, the microphone is still functional and useful in some circumstances. You can always use the headphones in wired mode by connecting the AUX cable in case your batteries die. The sound quality does not particularly impress us. The volume-limiting feature on PROTEAR headphones is common among AM/FM radio headphones. The vocals are audible, but the bass is weak and muted.