We Review the 10 Best Garage Radios

There are two types of the garage, the home-based kind, and the professional mechanic’s shop. The only difference between the two is the level of activity in each one. Both garages maintain a well-stocked equipment and tool bench and shelving, and both are very loud when working on your favorite vehicle.

The 5 Best Garage Radios:

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All the information and opinions you find on Mechanicguides.com come from a team of automotive journalists and an independent mechanic, Steve “Whip” Whipple with 11 years of auto industry experience. We look at the latest market research, talk to experts, and draw from our own practical experience to bring you reviews and guides that reflect what you’ll encounter in your garage. For more information about the team, see here.

The one issue when working on your garage is entertainment that takes your mind away from the constant hammering and grinding noises, as well as offering you a calming, or exciting environment dependent on the music you like to hear.

We decided to check out the various radios on offer and tested them for key performance indicators (KPI’s) where we sought power, reliability, and durability in the garage workplace.

Best Garage Radios – Top-Up:

1. Bosch Bluetooth Power Box Jobsite AM/FM Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo PB360C – the best garage radio

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Introduction

The Bosch Power Box PB360C job site radio/charger/digital media stereo has one more advantage over many of its competitors; it has Bluetooth. This is a great add-on feature that allows you to play your favorite songs from any mobile device. Another great feature is its weight; a sturdy 24lbs keeps it in place.

Power

This model comes with four-way speakers and a subwoofer. It projects sound 360° and has bass and treble setting switches for quality sound.

The unit runs on the Bosch 18v battery pack or a 120V AC outlet adapter.

Reliability

The Bosch PB360C Jobsite has a wonderful Bluetooth delivery option that can reach a range of up to 150-feet, although I find most times I place the mobile device pretty close to the receiver.

Durability

What is really good about this model is its aluminum and rubber protective cage, which is one of the best, if not the best of the batch. We are talking nearly military-grade protection here, and all for a garage entertainment center. The unit is also water and dust resistant, so you can listen in a Sandstrom while taking a shower.

Conclusions

If it’s a tough nut you want, and your environment is hectic, perhaps a lot of kids, or a lot of cars and kids, well, this is the beastie you want nearby.

2. Dewalt ToughSystem Radio and Battery Charger; Bluetooth Music Player

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Introduction

There’s not an iota of doubt that Dewalt makes some good-looking, rugged devices. And when that device can offer a bit of entertainment while you’re trying to work on your beloved truck/car, what can be better than that? The Dewalt ToughSystem looks great and is packed with features, at a competitive price and will most likely put rivals to shame.

Power

Powering the ToughSystem out of the box is an AC adapter, but you can also pick up one of the Dewalt batteries. It can charge USB devices, but that’s not all. If you have a Dewalt power tool in the garage, you can charge that using the ToughSystem’s onboard charging system (valid for 12V and 20V tools). The speaker set includes four full-range tweeters, 1 subwoofer, and 1 assisted bass resonator.

Reliability

You can connect your preferred music player to Dewalt using Bluetooth or 3.5 mm auxiliary input. A Bluetooth-enabled smartphone can play on this as long as it’s in the 100-meter range. As mentioned above, it has a 15V/1A USB charger for charging your devices as well.

Durability

The ToughSystem as the name suggests is tough and how. The flat device comes with an IP54 rating, making it safe from water and dust — although not entirely. It’s not light — at 17.1 pounds. It’s not going to be as easy to transport as well; it measures 21.45 x 6.63 x 13.9 inches.

Conclusion

Backed by a 3-year warranty and filled with decent sound-related features, the ToughSystem looks like to be a good purchase for those who want a lot from their speaker but don’t want to pay a lot. The fact that you can charge other Dewalt power tools makes it a perfect system for the garage.

3. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Job-Site Radio

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Introduction

The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Job-Site Radio looks like the perfect radio for your garage if you’re looking for something that’s not too large but also has weather-sealed compartments. The clear button layout makes it easy to use whereas the claim that it’s got the highest reception accuracy and signal clarity makes it worth a second look. It can play MP3, radio, as well as directly from your iPod.

Power

Powering the Milwaukee M12 are M12 Red Lithium battery packs or if you want to plug it in, you can use the included AC adapter as well. It must be kept in mind that the M12 Red Lithium battery and the corresponding charger are sold separately. The backup time is said to be 12 hours.

Reliability

While Bluetooth is missing from the device, you can still enjoy high-quality audio on it, thanks to an auxiliary input cable, and a dedicated MP3 compartment, with the ability to connect to your iPod as well. The said MP3 compartment can hold small devices, and thanks to the weather sealing, you can put it to heavy-duty use without worrying about the devices. Perfect for the garage, we say!

Durability

The weather-sealed MP3 compartment is a strong point of the Milwaukee M12. But that’s not all — the aluminum speakers are also weatherproof. The overall quality seems to be rugged; this is ABS polymer housing that’s shock-absorbing as well. It weighs 5.15 pounds and measures 12.4 x 5.4 x 12.7 inches.

Conclusions

As a cost-effective option, the Milwaukee M12 looks like a good device. It comes with a 5-year warranty, so that’s a big positive. The weather-sealed compartment is a nice feature. Although the lack of Bluetooth isn’t going to sit well with a lot of customers who are used to newer devices. Another thing worth mentioning is that while users appreciate that it’s loud and clear, the small buttons can be difficult to operate when you have gloves on.

4. DEWALT 20V MAX Bluetooth Speaker for Job Site

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Introduction

The Dewalt Max Bluetooth Speaker for Job Site has a lot going for itself. Firstly, it’s not expensive, so you won’t mind spending on it. Secondly, it’s light, so perfect for carrying it back from your garage. And most importantly, it comes equipped with Bluetooth, so you don’t have to worry about wires or connectivity. And that’s not all, you can even connect your playback device directly or even charge it from the onboard USB port.

Power

You can opt for either a corded or cordless choice for this speaker. And while the universal AC cord is included, if you’re planning to use the cordless option, you’ll need to buy the relevant battery separately. That may not be a big bummer, as the overall price of the device isn’t much. It has two 3-inch speakers, so you can expect some high-quality sound from this light and compact device. The bass-reflex port adds to the aural performance. The overall output is rated at 30 watts.

Reliability

Since the Dewalt Max uses Bluetooth, you can pretty much play anything that’s on your device. It’ll still be operable up to 100 ft away, but you’ll need to make sure that the Bluetooth signal isn’t obstructed by walls, partitions, etc. There’s also a phone stand right on the speaker’s handle, so if you want to keep your phone close to you, that offers a good solution. And you can always charge it with the help of the onboard USB socket.

Durability

Given that Dewalt products look absolutely rugged, it’s no surprise that this one carries that appearance as well. The onboard buttons look nice and sturdy, and the impact-resisting housing is built to last. The metal grille on the speaker not just protects it but also makes the Dewalt Max look so much cooler.

Conclusion

At the price point, it’s hard to ignore the Dewalt Max speaker. It covers almost all aspects except the presence of any form of waterproofing. But otherwise, it looks like a great speaker for all needs, including in the garage. And since it’s just 3 pounds and 4.06 x 8.56 x 5.81 inches, you won’t have an issue in carrying it around. The speaker comes with a 3-year warranty.

5. Makita XRM02W 18V Compact Lithium-ion Cordless Job Site Radio

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Introduction

The Makita Compact Cordless Job Site Radio brings together a rugged body, compact dimensions, stereo sound, and fairly long battery backup for a price that matches the rivals’. The robust appearance is backed by its weight and build, making it an ideal choice for use in the garage.

Power

The 18V Makita Compact Cordless Job Site Radio can either be run using direct AC power (adapter is included) or if you want to make the most of its portability, you can use the sole Li-ion battery (that you’ll need to purchase separately) and enjoy the music for up to 19 hours (claimed backup). The job-site speaker has two side-firing speakers (3 inches, each) that create a stereo surround sound for absolute aural satisfaction.

Reliability

The connectivity choices for the speaker include iPod and MP3 players. You can also use the onboard radio functionality and store 10 AM/FM stations on the preset. There’s, unfortunately, no Bluetooth or any other form of Internet connectivity available on this.

Durability

The Makita Job Site Radio carries an unmistakably rugged appearance. The onboard protective bumpers do help in the case of inadvertent bumps. Having said that, there’s no mention of water resistance, so you’ll need to be excessively careful when using this near spillage. It weighs 8.8 pounds and measures 11 x 7 x 17 inches.

Conclusion

The Makita Radio might look rugged but the lack of waterproofing/resistance and Bluetooth stop it from reaching the top spots in our list. It’s not the cheapest here, but you’ll need to shell out some extra on batteries. There’s a reassuring 3-year warranty on the device itself, and if you pick up a new battery from Makita, you’ll get a 1-year warranty on that as well.

6. ION Audio Garage Rocker Wireless Worksite Speaker with Tool Storage

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Introduction

Think of the ION Audio Garage Rocker Wireless as the Swiss-Army knife among speakers. Not only is the speaker itself immensely powerful, but it can also double up as a storage for your common garage tools. And that’s not all, it also includes a microphone, and the battery backup is other-worldly, to say the least.

Power

The built-in battery on the ION Audio Garage Rocker delivers up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge, and that’s a lot. It’s a battery-powered speaker, and with that good backup, you won’t need to worry about losing access to your music halfway through the day. It has a 2-way speaker system with an overall output of 50 watts with a bass boost.

Reliability

The connectivity choices on the ION Audio are endless. You have the standard Aux-in, digital AM/FM radio with six presets, NFC for easy pairing, and Bluetooth. Using the onboard USB, you can also charge your devices. The speaker also gets a high-quality microphone and cable.

Durability

Flanked by handles on both sides, the speaker has rubber parts for the socket tray and screw tray whereas the speaker is covered by a metallic grille. The buttons are rubberized and can be operated while wearing gloves. The ION Audio Garage Rocker has an IPX5 water-resistant rating, which declares it safe to be used in the rain as well. It’s heavy at 24.6 pounds, so you’re better off leaving it in the garage. The dimensions are as follows: 23.54 x 23.23 x 22.36 inches.

Conclusion

There’s everything you’d asked for in a garage speaker. The fact that it can hold your tools makes the deal even sweeter. It’s backed by a 90-day warranty. And while the features are certainly impressive, some users aren’t too keen on the overall sound quality of the device.

7. Bosch 18-Volt or 120V Compact AM/FM Radio with MP3 Player Connection Bay PB180

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Introduction

The PB180 18-Volt Compact Radio is a great contender for the top title. It is lightweight, powerful and also reliable. It ticks the boxes. Bosch is, after all, a leading brand that is known for its excellence. This box weighs in at 4.1lbs which makes it extremely light when compared to others of similar features.

Power

The PB180 is powered by 18V and works great with 2 rechargeable 4.0Ah battery that lasts for two days at a time when used constantly. The speakers are 5W high-performance Neodymium with external AUX port. It comes with the Bosch 18V adapter, so it can be plugged in for constant power.

Reliability

This model comes with an advanced digital signal processing optimizes AM/FM reception, and you can store up to 10 preset channels. It also comes with a 7” 360^o rotating antenna for greater reception.

Durability

This model comes with a high strengths shock absorbing housing and handles that can withstand a 2-meter drop.

Conclusions

A very powerful model, delivering an even more powerful audio performance.

8. Milwaukee Electric Tool 2792-20 M18 Job Radio/Charger

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Introduction

This is the Milwaukee Electric Tool 2792-20 M18 Job Radio with built-in-charger. This is one strong package and provides more than it appears to offer. The built-in-charger is used to charge all M18 battery packs, and if you want a drink while listening to music, it comes with a bottle opener too. Now, why didn’t you think of that before? It also comes with a 16″ auxiliary Input Cord and Two “aaa” batteries to start you off.

Power

Let’s start off the 40-watt amplifier that blasts the two speakers into overdrive, now add the recharging M18 Li-ion batteries, and you have a docking station that rocks.

Reliability

This unit gives you the 10 channel presets that is a standard for any normal modern RF receiver, and it also comes with a 100’ Bluetooth handshake. Impressive when you don’t want to hear yourself think.

Durability

This model comes with a reinforced roll cage with metal handles that is great for protecting it against heavy objects, or when it falls. It is all weatherproof.

Conclusions

One of the best models on the market, and well worth the price.

9. Ridgid R84087 GEN5X 18-Volt Jobsite Radio with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

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Introduction

RIDGID GEN5X Jobsite Radio with Bluetooth Wireless Technology is a smartphone pairing machine with the appropriate app too. It’s operated via Bluetooth or manually but was designed to be hands-off. It weighs only 9.66lbs.

Power

This model uses dual power input, either from any Ridgid 18V battery or from an AC connector.

An antenna tip: When using the radio receiver, for best-receiving results, use a simple 1-meter (39.4 in.) length of 22 AWG stranded or solid copper wire. If the wire is insulated, strip one end to expose at least 1/2 in. of the conductor.

Reliability

The Ridgid comes with a USB charging and aux-in connection, so you can also charge your smartphones and other connectable devices.

Durability

It is weather resistant, and also comes with some great padding, its protective frame covers the sides completely, and together with the carry handle, makes this one of the more damage resistant models there are.

10. Sangean LB-100 Compact AM/FM Ultra Rugged Radio Receiver

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Introduction

This is the Sangean smaller brother of the TB-100. It’s more compact but gives similar level of performance. However, this model is smaller, doesn’t have that military look, and weighs in at 6.9lbs.

Power

This model also runs on three power sources, an AC connector to the mains, on standard batteries or on rechargeable batteries. It uses 4 rechargeable or alkaline C batteries. The AC line will recharge the batteries and maintain them charged when connected. It comes with a 5” speaker that is no less a match than the TB-100.

Reliability

The tuner is a digital PLL tuner for FM and AM and comes with a 12 memory preset stations, 6 FM and 6 AM.

It also comes with an Aux-in connector for your mobile devices and has an amber backlit LCD.

Durability

This model is made of ABS Plastic and comes with a roll cage that gives it extra durability. The model is JIS4 Standard Dust/Shock/Rain Resistant.

The speaker is also water resistant, so it will last a longer time than most.

Conclusions

If you want a nice tidy model, that can stand up to most hard knocks; then this is a good model for you. It’s also got a nice light and bright look and feel and is really easy to use.

What are the best garage radios?

The best garage radio is the one that you’re going to use without worrying too much about the chances of it getting damaged. So it’s got to be rugged, with a variety of connectivity options, and most importantly, it has to have good sound quality.

To us, the Bosch PB360C does almost everything without compromising much on anything. The DeWalt also enables you to charge other DeWalt tools with it, making it a perfect garage companion — and deserving of the number 2 spot on the list.

The Milwaukee M12 is a good cost-effective speaker, has a long warranty, and with the weather-sealed MP3 compartment that can hold an iPod, it can be a great rugged music player — although the lack of Bluetooth stops it from getting higher on the list. If you’re looking for music playback through a rugged wireless speaker, the DeWalt Bluetooth speaker is exactly what you’ll need. You can run it directly from the power supply as well.

The Makita setup has a boxy appearance, and like others, that works well for it. It lacks Bluetooth and there’s no word about water resistance, so you will need to be careful. The ION Audio is another relatively inexpensive system. You also get a good backup from the inbuilt battery, ensuring the long days spent in the garage won’t go silent.

The Bosch PB180 sits comfortably in the seventh spot. It comes with high-strength shock-absorbing housing that helps it withstand drops from up to 2 meters.

No one said the ideal garage radio doesn’t have to be multi-purpose, so Milwaukee went ahead and made one with a bottle opener! The M18 also has a 40-watt amplifier, reinforced roll cage, weatherproofing, Bluetooth connectivity, and a docking station.

The Ridgid jobsite radio comes with the ability to stow your phone/audio player, is weather-resistant, comes with a carry handle, and has a variety of connectivity choices including Bluetooth. The Sangean LB-100 is a cool-looking radio receiver with Aux input. While your connectivity choices might be limited, with a heavy-duty roll cage, water resistance, dust and shock resistance, and a fairly sturdy ABS plastic body, you won’t have an issue with durability.