Battle of the Radios

​The jobsite is alive with the sound of music… or, well, it should be. Nothing lifts up spirits more than a good dance anthem to keep you moving and grooving throughout the workday. Big tool companies have made it their mission to bring out a range of radios designed to withstand the wear and tear of the jobsite whilst also keeping a high sound quality. But which brand has got it right? Which is the best?

Bosch GML 18VLI 14.4V-18V

Bosch is constantly pursuing a vision of mobility and that’s no different with this lightweight jobsite radio. Not only does it have a small weight of 1.4kg but also has two easy to grip handle for efficient portability. However light this radio is, doesn’t really matter; the true question is – how good is the sound quality? Well, this little guy has 20 volume levels as well as an equaliser for bass and treble control so yeah, it’s pretty good for such a small light machine.

​Features: Lightweight Design: The GML Sound Boxx Professional has been designed to be very light. This 18 volt radio weighs less than two kilograms even when including a 4.0 Ah battery. This lightweight makes it easy to carry and move when working in different locations. Access to Music: This professional radio makes it possible to store five AM and five FM stations for your listening pleasure and is able to connect with external devices such as MP3 players via an Aux-in port.

Milwaukee M18JSRDAB 18V M18 Jobsite DAB Radio Bare Unit – 4933451252

Milwaukee have designed their radio to be small and lightweight, perfect for hiding away in a small alcove out of the way of all the other power tools lying about. The AM/FM tuner has a digital processor for signal clarity so you never lose a minute from your favourite radio station. It can also be completely cordless as it can be powered by batteries, or if you want it to play all day and don’t mind keeping it in one place there is also a mains adapter.

​Features: Customizable equalizer: This DAB radio has a customizable equalizer on the body for enhanced sound quality as well as the give you the capability to pre-set up to 10 different radio stations so you can easily tune in to your favourite channel. Shock absorbing end caps: For added durability this Milwaukee radio has shock absorbing end caps which prevent damage to both the body and the internals of the radio. This jobsite radio also has metal speaker grills to protect it from drops, water and debris in the workplace.

Makita DMR110 7.2V-18V CXT / LXT DAB / DAB+ Blue Job Site Radio Bare Unit

Makita is one of the biggest tool brands out there and this extends to their radio collection. This radio offers a 2-speaker sound system, each speaker is 76mm in diameter to aid in producing a loud and clear sound quality. The Elastomer bumpers on this Makita radio make it perfect for outside use so you can play music anywhere. With an 18V LXT Li ion 6.0 Ah battery, the radio can run for an impressive 33 hours and is compatible with all Makita CXT and LXT batteries.

​Features: 2 speaker stereo system: This jobsite radio employs a 2-speaker system, these twin stereo speakers are 76mm in size and so can perfectly amplify your music with a near perfect sound quality. Flexible antenna: This Bluetooth radio has a flexible antenna that can be removed and stored inside the radio. This means that if it’s getting in the way and you’re not using the radio that you can put it away easily.

DeWalt DWST1-81079 18V Bluetooth DAB TSTAK Jobsite Radio Bare Unit

DeWalt designs their tools for the jobsite and that’s where they are tested and make adjustments according to any problems they find. This is the most expensive and the heaviest radio is this list but are these factors justified? The sounds quality is brilliant due to the number of speakers and the Bluetooth Low energy keeps you connected without using your battery. DeWalt also has a mobile app that you can use to check battery life from wherever you are.

​Features: High Sound Quality: This DAB jobsite radio utilizes 4 mid-range speakers and 2 sub-woofers which work together to produce an incredible sound quality. You can also connect with a microphone for announcements in which the sound is clear without distortion. TSTAK storage: DeWalt has designed this radio to be compatible with TSTAK storage for easy storage as well as increasing efficiency in portability. This also means it remains constantly stable no matter where you put it.

So back to the question at hand which is the best radio to buy? Well, this might seem like a cop out, but it depends. And before you bite my head off there’s a method in my madness.

Each of these radios prioritise sound quality so if you want a good sounding radio you can really take your pick. If you are looking for something small and light the Bosch GML radio is the obvious choice, you can easily move it wherever you go. If you have 10 radio stations you love and want to accurately switch between then the Milwaukee DAB radio is a great choice. Want a long running radio for those long work days than the Makita Bluetooth Jobsite radio’s 33 hour runtime makes it the perfect purchase. Want to be reassured it can last on the jobsite than the DeWalt one is the radio for you, it’s highly durable and has the most speakers to reach each corner of the work site.

What do you think? Do you have a favourite? Go check them out – could be a great gift for the upcoming holidays.