Work Site Radios
Working in constructions and having to be surrounded by heavy equipment and noise all day does not have to be as unpleasant as it sounds. To make your life easier when you are performing your job, you could turn up the radio and listen to some music to unwind. But the harsh environment of work sites does not allow the use of traditional radios, this being the reason why worksite radios have been designed and manufactured. Created with portability and durability in mind, these compact devices become a worker’s best friend fast as they make the professional environment more pleasant.
Top 5 Work Site Radios Comparison
Job Site Radios Reviews
Bosch PB360S
1. Bosch PB360S
The PB360S uses Bluetooth technology that allows it to connect to the user’s smart device. The range of the Bluetooth transmission is wide, more precisely up to 150 feet. What makes this feature so useful is the fact that the radio’s functionality is enhanced, allowing you to stream music that is stored on your smartphone or even stream radio stations from the internet. The four-way speakers and the subwoofer deliver and outstanding sound quality in all directions. Therefore, no matter where you’ll be in the worksite, you will hear crystal clear music.
The portable and weather-resistant design of the radio makes it ideal for the messy and harsh conditions at your workplace. Additionally, it features a protective aluminum/rubber roll cage that ensures the device will be unharmed even if it falls from a generous height. It’s a hybrid model that provides up to 8 continuous hours of music streaming when the battery is full. There are many other aspects to underline as they greatly enhance the product’s performance and desirability factor, and we’ll list a few of them right now.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Four-way power outlets | No downsides to this product |
| AM/FM radio with 30 total presets | |
| Equalizer customization | |
| Digital media bay | |
| 1-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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As its Bluetooth transmission range is of approximately 150 feet, this Bosch job site radio is the perfect work buddy for those who work better when they listen to music. With it, you enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous music listening each day before recharging is needed, and the weather-proof design ensures that regardless of the conditions, you can use it. Boasting these wonderful traits and so much more, it is our top recommendation for you. |
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DeWalt DCR015
2. DeWalt DCR015
Another hybrid job site radio worth taking into consideration is the DCR015 from DeWalt. Being one of the biggest and most renowned manufacturers of job site radios, DeWalt never fails customers when it comes to product durability and enhanced performance. Either plug it in or use it as a cordless unit, but never forget to leave for work without this music listening device. Its portability and the weather and dust resistant design make it the ideal solution for people who work in harsh conditions.
To power it, you must use a lithium-ion battery, that will take only 90 minutes to fully charge and provide an impressive 8 hours of continuous use. Unfortunately, it does not feature the useful Bluetooth technology, so you won’t be able to stream music from your smart device on the radio. However, you shouldn’t let this small flaw change your opinion of the music listening device as it provides clear, quality audio that is sure to make your workday better. Before we list some of the product’s highlights, know that it features a backlit LCD display that makes it easy to use even in low light conditions.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Two power outlets | Lacks Bluetooth connectivity feature |
| AM/FM radio with 15 combined presets | |
| Charging light bar | |
| Pivot cord antenna | |
| 3-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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Although it lacks Bluetooth, the design, portability, resistance, and audio output of the radio make it great for construction sites and other unfriendly work environments. It takes only an hour and a half for it to recharge, and on a full battery, it provides music throughout the entire day. Furthermore, it is intuitive and easy to use due to the modern LCD display it features. |
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DeWalt DC012
3. DeWalt DC012
As aforementioned, DeWalt is one of the most important manufacturers of job site radios out there. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there is another entry from this brand in our top. The DC012 is capable of charging a 7.2V or 18V DeWalt battery is only 1 hour, and it can continuously run for 8 hours. Therefore, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite music and create a pleasant working environment where you’ll be more productive than ever as the device will entertain you.
The backlit LCD display that it features makes it possible for you to use it with ease even in poor lighting conditions. Additionally, it displays the clock on the display so that you know exactly how much time is left until you can go home from work. It features a 3-stage charging system that helps prolong the lifespan of the battery and enhances its runtime as well. Additionally, it comes with an 11-inch dual pivoting antenna that provides enhanced durability and top-notch reception. Of course, we can’t overlook the water and dust resisting design that makes it ideal for such harsh work environments.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Three power outlets | Price is a bit higher than industry average |
| AM/FM radio with 15 total presets | |
| iPod charging dock | |
| Bass boost capability | |
| 3-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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It might cost you a bit more to purchase the DC012, but considering that it is made by one of the leading manufacturers on the market and that it is accompanied by numerous useful features, including Bluetooth, we recommend you spend the extra cash and purchase it. |
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Makita XRM04B
4. Makita XRM04B
The cordless design of the XRM04B makes it the perfect companion on the work site. This world-class radio allows you to listen to your favorite relaxing music while working so that you’ll perform better and you’ll feel like time is flying by. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, this job site radio charges the batteries in only 1-2 hours, and it delivers an amazing 20-hour continuous runtime in case you power it with 18V LXT Li-ion battery. It features a pivoting cord antenna that enhances the radio’s reception.
Of course, the most impressive highlight of this product, by far, is the Bluetooth connectivity that it boasts. Additionally, considering the fact that the transmission range is approximately 30 feet, you’ll be able to stream radio stations from the internet or listen to the music that you have stored on your smartphone without having to be in the radio’s immediate proximity at all times. For enhanced convenience in use, the radio also features a backlit LCD display and illuminated button controls. Additionally, the dial control that it comes with allows you to turn the volume up or down or shuffle through songs with ease.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Highly portable cordless design | Bulky profile when compared to other radios |
| Short 1-hour battery charge time | |
| Delivers up to 20 hours of runtime | |
| Pivot cord antenna | |
| 3-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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With Bluetooth compatibility and a magnificent transmission range of up to 30 feet, this Makita radio is the right companion for job sites where people want to unwind when they are working. It is reasonably priced and it features a strong casing which ensures knock-overs or kicks won’t damage it, being the ideal budget option to go for. |
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DeWalt DCR018
5. DeWalt DCR018
Safety is your highest concern when working in construction, so there’s no need to explain why DeWalt focused on safety the most when designing the DCR018 radio. The storage box that the device comes with protects it from damage in case it accidentally falls off a high surface, and it doesn’t allow debris to enter interior pieces, causing any type of malfunction to occur. This heavy-duty design and the roll cage it is surrounded by increases its durability, so there’s no need to worry that the investment might be harmed in any way.
The hybrid radio takes 1 hour to fully charge batteries, and it delivers up to 8 hours of continuous runtime. You can use lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries to power the music-listening device. It comes with a built-in clock that tells you how much time is left until the end of the workday. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this product, more precisely the fact that it doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity. But overall, this is a great purchase to make, and we hope that the following highlights of the radio will convince you and make you forget about the few flaws that the product does have.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| MP3/WMA media compatibility | Lacks Bluetooth technology |
| AM/FM radio with 5 total presets | |
| Pivot cord antenna | |
| Cord wrap allows neat cord organization | |
| 3-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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Despite the lack of Bluetooth, we still recommend you give the DCR018 a chance as it exceeds expectations, especially considering the small asking price it boasts. Providing up to 8 continuous hours of music listening and allowing you to charge power tool batteries with it, there are no limitations to its usefulness. |
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Job Site Radio Ratings – How We Ranked the Products
There are a few rating elements that we took into consideration to rank these products, and in this section of the article, we will list them and explain their importance. Knowing what determined us to create the ranking system presented in the comparison matrix above will help you understand what makes these job site radio station of a superior quality. Also, you will get more familiarized with what is important to look for when buying a job site radio.
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Weather and Dust Resistance
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Battery Charge Time
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Battery Life
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Bluetooth Connectivity and Transmission Range
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Charging Capability
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Built-In Clock
Seeing how the radios are intended to be used in harsh working environments, providing entertainment for people while they are performing their jobs, we had to make sure that all of the products in our top are weather and dust resistant. Their resistance, when confronted with improper conditions, makes them reliable and ensures the fact that your purchase will be enjoyed for a long time.
Time is of the essence when you are at work, we know that. For this precise reason, we only selected radios that have a rapid battery charge time. Of course, one model reigns over the others from this point of view, more precisely the DeWalt DC012 that charges the battery completely in only 1 hour.
Another important element that affected the ranking system was battery life as it shows how long the radio can provide relaxing music before battery power depletes and requires recharging. The longest battery life, by far, is boasted by the Makita XRM04B. Although this radio takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully charge the battery, when it comes to continuous runtime, it offers an impressive 20 hours.
If the radio features Bluetooth connectivity, it allows you to steam radio station off the internet and listen to the music stored in your smartphone. Thus, it is easy to see why this was an important rating element as it makes the device more convenient to use. The Bosch PB360S and the Makita XRM04B are the two radios that feature Bluetooth connectivity and that we gave more points to when it came to functionality and versatility in use. Obviously, the Bosch PB360S received a higher rating as it offers a more generous transmission range, more precisely 150 feet.
Undoubtedly, the most important feature that a work site radio can come with is the capability to charge power tool batteries. Except for the DeWalt DCR018, all the radios that we have ranked as being the best on this market can charge the batteries that your power tools require to work. Thus, you will not have to carry additional charges with you when you go to work as you will be able to recharge depleted batteries of essential tools with the help of the radio.
Even if you love your job and the music that plays on the radio makes the time spent at work more pleasurable, you still feel the need to check what time it is. To make it more convenient for you to be up to date with what hour it is and how much time you have left until you go home, all of the products listed in our top come with a built-in clock. On the display, you can rapidly check time and move on with your work without having to get your phone out or ask someone else.
What Is Its Purpose?
Do you work in constructions or spend a lot of time on DIY projects that keep you in a messy environment? Do you feel the need to relax and unwind to better focus on the projects that you are taking up? This is where the job site radio comes in to save the day, giving you the chance to listen to your favorite songs when working so that you will finish faster, be more relaxed, and create a better quality working environment for yourself.
Wondering what makes job site radios different from normal ones? Well, the difference lays in the design of the devices, actually. In wood shops, auto shops, or construction sites, the environment is too harsh for traditional units as there is a lot of dust in the air and other environmental issues can appear. Job site models are specially designed to resist these harsh conditions as they generally feature protective designs that make them weather and dust resistant, or special roll cages that prevent real damage from occurring when objects fall on them or when they are dropped from high surfaces.
Some even buy these specialty radios due to the fact that they can charge power tool batteries as well, thus proving to be real lifesavers in situations when you forget to charge the batteries yourself and you really need specific tools to finish the project that you are working on. Therefore, depending on the purchase that you make, the work site radio can play a more important role than simply entertaining you during a tiring day of work.
Useful Instructions for Using the Radio
Although it is normal for one model to differ from another, we will give you some general instructions that usually apply to work site radios and that you must follow to ensure proper use of the device. Of course, it is best for you to check the user manual that comes with the device to make sure that you follow all steps in it, thus preventing improper use that might end up voiding the warranty.
- Storing stations as preset: In the comparison table at the beginning of the article, you have probably noticed that there is a number of preset stations that the radios come with. To put your favorite station among this preset list, you have to turn on the device, tune in to the station that interests you, press and hold on the preset button where you want the station to remain stored, and when the number appears on the display, you can stop as it means that the station has been saved.
- Using the AC power adaptor: To use the AC power adaptor, you must insert the adaptor plug into the DC socket of the radio. Afterward, plug the adaptor in a socket outlet that has the appropriate voltage. Do not worry about removing the batteries if you have a hybrid radio as the power mode is automatically switched when turning to AC power, the battery operational mode being disengaged.
- Setting the clock: All of the products in our top feature a built-in clock that displays what time it is on the display. To set the clock in case it has not been displaying the right hour for whatever reason, you must turn the radio on, and press on the time set button for a few seconds. Stop when the flash time set symbol appears and rotate the dial control or push control buttons to set the right hour. Press the time set button again and repeat the procedure to set the minutes. When you’re done, press the time set button one last time to save the desired setting.
- Display illumination: If you want to change the illumination setting of the radio’s display, you must first turn it on, and press any button or rotate the volume/tuning dial control. With most models on the market, this action results in the display being illuminated for approximately 15 seconds. Also, know that the display will automatically illuminate whenever you’re scanning stations or changing settings.
Guidelines for Clueless Shoppers
Has the functionality of a job site radio convinced you to make the purchase? Considering the fact that these music listening devices come at rather high prices when compared to traditional radios, it is important to know what you must look for before you hit the stores or go online, spending the money on a product that you will actually enjoy using. But let us not waste more time and turn to finding out what are the things that you must consider when buying a quality work site radio.
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Durable Design
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Portability
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Convenient Controls
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Illuminated Display
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Special Compartments
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Equalization
Of course, considering the fact that the work environment is not a friendly one in the sense that there is a lot of dust, you have to first pay attention to the design of the device. Purchase a radio that is weather and dust proof and that will not be damaged by the typical conditions in your workplace. Also, you should consider buying one like the DeWalt DCR015 that features a protective roll cage. The role of the cage is to prevent any damage to the radio when it is accidentally dropped off a tall surface. As you are working, it is very likely that you will accidentally knock the unit off the table or surface that it is lying on, so this is a design element worth checking out.
Another important element that you must pay attention to is the device’s portability. You will likely move it from one location to another as you will walk around the workplace, so you need a light and compact radio that is not hard to move. The portability aspect is important as it ensures you will not have a hard time carrying it from home to work and vice versa every day as well in case that is what you plan on doing.
The radio must be easy to use as you do not have time to waste on an intricate device when you are working. Therefore, make sure that the controls are easy to understand and use. Also, it is preferable to go with a model like the Makita XRM04B that features illuminated controls as you will be able to see what buttons you are pushing even in poor lighting conditions.
An illuminated display is necessary as it allows you to see what song is playing, volume settings, the clock, and other elements that are on the display with ease. If you happen to work in an environment where there are poor lighting conditions, it is practically essential for the radio to come with this feature.
If the job site radio features special compartments where you can store items like your phone, for example, it is a plus as you will have a convenient storage for valuables that you cannot afford to carry with you when working as you might accidentally damage them. This is not one of the most important features that the radio can come with, but it is a feature worth taking into consideration as it makes your life easier.
Equalization represents the ability to change bass or treble levels. For a job site radio, this is an important feature as it allows you to listen to your favorite music exactly as you like, making your work environment and experience more pleasant as convenient conditions are created.
