Best Shortwave Radios 2026
Shortwave radio opens a window to the world—international broadcasts, amateur radio operators, time signals, and mysterious transmissions from across the globe. Here are the best portable shortwave radios for listeners in 2026.
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What Can You Hear on Shortwave?
International Broadcasts
BBC World Service, Voice of America, Radio China International, NHK Japan, and dozens of other stations broadcasting news and culture worldwide.
Amateur Radio
Ham operators on voice (SSB) and digital modes. Listen to contacts between stations across continents during good propagation.
Time Signals
WWV (Colorado) and WWVH (Hawaii) broadcast precise time on 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz. Useful for calibrating clocks and checking propagation.
Aviation & Maritime
Long-range aircraft communications, VOLMET weather broadcasts, and maritime traffic on HF frequencies unreachable by VHF scanners.
Numbers Stations
Mysterious coded transmissions of unknown origin—a fascinating aspect of shortwave that continues to intrigue listeners.
Emergency Communications
During disasters, shortwave often carries emergency traffic when local infrastructure fails. Ham operators provide critical communications.
Flagship: Tecsun PL-990
The PL-990 is the current top of Tecsun's portable lineup. It keeps the high-IF analog front end that made the PL-880 popular and adds MP3 recording to a microSD card, USB-C charging, and stereo FM through a pair of small speakers. SSB tuning is in 10 Hz steps, the SSB AGC is smooth on weak signals, and the chassis feels notably more solid than the PL-880's. If you can stretch the budget past the PL-880, the PL-990 is the radio to buy.
- 100 kHz – 30 MHz SW/MW/LW, 64–108 MHz FM
- SSB with 10 Hz tuning steps
- microSD MP3 recording and playback
- USB-C charging on internal 18650
- Stereo FM through dual speakers
- 3.5mm external antenna and line-out jacks
Best for travel-and-camp shortwave listeners who want a single premium portable. See our full PL-990 review for the long version.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Value: Tecsun PL-880
The PL-880 is the predecessor the PL-990 was built around, and it remains an excellent radio at roughly $100 less. Sensitivity, selectivity, and the SSB front end are very close to the PL-990's. What you give up: the microSD recorder, USB-C, and stereo FM. If you don't need recording and Micro-USB charging is fine, the PL-880 is the better value pick.
- LW/MW/SW/FM coverage (100 kHz – 21.95 MHz SW)
- SSB reception with fine tuning
- Multiple bandwidth filters (wide/narrow)
- 3050 memory presets
- Line-out jack for recording
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- External antenna jack
Best for serious shortwave listeners who want the best portable performance
Check Price on Amazon →Best Audio for Desk Use: Tecsun H501
The H501 is Tecsun's desktop-leaning flagship. It shares the high-IF + DSP design with the PL-990, but pairs it with stereo speakers in a wider cabinet. AM and FM sound noticeably better than the PL-990 at the same volume, and the chassis dampens internal noise that matters at low listening levels. It's heavier (~1.4 kg) and less travel-friendly. Pick it if your shortwave listening is mostly at a desk.
- Stereo cabinet speakers, much fuller AM/FM audio
- SSB and SW coverage matching the PL-990
- microSD MP3 record + playback
- Larger battery than the portables (~30h SW)
- SO-239 plus 3.5mm external antenna jacks
Best for permanent desk listeners who want the best Tecsun audio
Check Price on Amazon →For Aviation Listeners: Eton Elite Executive
The Eton Elite Executive earns its place by covering the 118–137 MHz aviation band that the Tecsuns don't. Add SSB on shortwave, RDS on FM, and a leather travel case, and it sits in a niche the Tecsun line skips. The receiver isn't as quiet as the PL-990 on weak shortwave, but the airband coverage is the reason to buy it. Sangean's ATS-909X2 below is a stronger receiver at the same price; pick the Eton if airband is the priority.
- AM/FM/LW/SW + 118–137 MHz aviation band
- SSB upper/lower sideband
- RDS station info on FM
- Leather travel case included
Best for travelers who want shortwave plus aviation in one radio
Check Price on Amazon →Premium Pick: Sangean ATS-909X2
The updated ATS-909X2 builds on Sangean's legendary reputation with improved sensitivity and modern features. If you want the best of the best and don't mind paying for it, this is your radio.
- LW/MW/SW/FM/Air Band coverage
- SSB with USB/LSB selection
- Squelch control for utility monitoring
- 406 memory presets with alphanumeric naming
- RDS for FM station identification
- Dual alarm clock with radio or buzzer
- Premium build quality and ergonomics
Best for enthusiasts who want top-tier features and build quality
Check Price on Amazon →Classic Choice: Sangean ATS-909X
Sangean ATS-909X
$375.92The original ATS-909X remains available and is an excellent radio. If you find a good deal, it's still a top performer. The X2 offers incremental improvements, but the original holds its own.
Best for those who find it at a good price or prefer the original
Check Price →Best Portable: C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2
C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2
$189.99The Skywave SSB 2 packs serious capability into a pocket-sized package. SSB reception, air band coverage, and weather radio make this ideal for travelers and preparedness-minded listeners.
- Ultra-compact design (fits in a pocket)
- SSB capability for ham radio listening
- Air band (118–137 MHz)
- NOAA weather radio
- 400 memory presets
Best for travel, camping, and emergency preparedness
Check Price →Budget Pick: C.Crane CC Skywave 2
C.Crane CC Skywave 2
$109.99The non-SSB Skywave 2 is perfect for beginners or those who primarily want to hear broadcast stations. Excellent AM/FM/SW/Weather coverage in an affordable, compact package.
Best for beginners, international broadcast listeners, and budget-conscious buyers
Check Price →Best Times to Listen
Shortwave Propagation Guide
- Higher frequencies (15–25 MHz) work best during the day when the ionosphere is energized by sunlight — try European and Asian broadcasts in North American mornings.
- Lower frequencies (3–10 MHz) travel further after dark. Excellent for catching stations on 49m, 41m, and 31m bands.
- Dawn and dusk often bring the best DX (long-distance) conditions as propagation transitions between day and night modes.
- Winter means longer nights and extended low-frequency listening — some of the best shortwave conditions occur on winter evenings.
- During solar cycle peaks, higher frequencies become more useful. During solar minimums, stick to lower bands.
Shortwave Frequency Bands
| Band | Frequency | Best Time | What You'll Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120m | 2.3–2.5 MHz | Night | Tropical broadcasters, local stations |
| 90m | 3.2–3.4 MHz | Night | Tropical broadcast band |
| 75m | 3.9–4.0 MHz | Night | Regional broadcasters |
| 60m | 4.75–5.06 MHz | Night | Tropical broadcasters, some international |
| 49m | 5.9–6.2 MHz | Evening/Night | Major international broadcasters |
| 41m | 7.2–7.45 MHz | Evening/Night | International broadcasts, ham radio |
| 31m | 9.4–9.9 MHz | Day/Evening | Major broadcast band, very active |
| 25m | 11.6–12.1 MHz | Day | International broadcasts |
| 22m | 13.57–13.87 MHz | Day | International broadcasts |
| 19m | 15.1–15.8 MHz | Day | Major daytime band, global reach |
| 16m | 17.48–17.9 MHz | Day | Daytime long-distance |
| 13m | 21.45–21.85 MHz | Day (solar max) | Active during high solar activity |
Improving Reception
While portable shortwave radios work well with their built-in antennas, external antennas can dramatically improve performance. See our Shortwave Antenna Guide for detailed recommendations on wire antennas, loop antennas, and DIY options.
Quick Reception Tips
- Location matters — near windows or outside works better than inside surrounded by electronics.
- Always fully extend the telescopic antenna when listening to shortwave.
- Rotating the radio can null out interference or improve signal strength.
- Even 20–30 feet of wire connected to the antenna jack significantly improves reception.
- Move away from computers, LED lights, and switching power supplies to reduce interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you hear on shortwave radio?
Shortwave carries international broadcasts from stations like BBC World Service, Voice of America, and Radio China International. You can also hear amateur (ham) radio operators, aviation weather broadcasts, maritime communications, numbers stations, time signals from WWV/WWVH, and during solar events, propagation beacons from around the world.
When is the best time to listen to shortwave?
Shortwave propagation depends on solar activity and time of day. Generally, higher frequencies (15–25 MHz) work better during daylight hours, while lower frequencies (3–10 MHz) improve at night. Winter evenings often provide excellent conditions for long-distance reception. The best listening is typically during dawn and dusk when propagation transitions.
Do I need a special antenna for shortwave?
Most portable shortwave radios include a telescopic antenna that works reasonably well for strong stations. However, an external wire antenna significantly improves reception, especially for weaker signals. Even 20–30 feet of wire strung outside can dramatically increase the number of stations you can hear.
Is shortwave radio still active in 2026?
Yes, shortwave broadcasting continues worldwide, though it has declined from its peak. Many international broadcasters still use shortwave to reach areas with limited internet access. Amateur radio remains vibrant on shortwave bands, and there's a growing community of shortwave listeners (SWLs) who enjoy the hobby.
What's the difference between AM and SSB on shortwave?
AM (Amplitude Modulation) is used by most broadcast stations and is easy to tune. SSB (Single Sideband) is used by amateur radio operators and some utility stations—it's more efficient but requires precise tuning. Radios with SSB capability can receive ham radio conversations and other communications that AM-only radios miss.
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