Best Jobsite Radios
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Top pickDEWALT DCR028BCheck price
A jobsite radio is a tool you hear more than you use, and the best one is the one that runs on batteries you already own. The decision is mostly about platform, then about toughness: how well it takes dust, rain and being kicked, and whether it keeps playing when the battery goes to the charger.
Quick answer: our top picks
- Best for DEWALT 20V usersMid-rangeDEWALT DCR028B 12V/20V MAX Bluetooth Jobsite RadioRuns on 12V, 20V or FlexVolt batteries or AC, dual 3.5 in woofers, AM/FM with presets
- Best budget speakerBudgetRYOBI 18V ONE+ Bluetooth Speaker PAD01BOver 10 hours on a P192 battery, 125 ft Bluetooth, 3.9 lb
- Best for Milwaukee PACKOUTProMilwaukee M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger 2950-20Radio plus M18 charger in one unit, built for the PACKOUT system
- Best for dusty and wet spotsMid-rangeMakita XRM11 18V LXT / 12V max CXT Bluetooth Job Site SpeakerIP65 rating, AC adapter included, links up to 10 speakers
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Best for | Platform | Water and dust rating | Weight | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top pickDEWALT DCR028B | DEWALT 20V MAX users | DEWALT 12V, 20V, FlexVolt, AC | None stated, roll cage | 8 lb | Mid-range | Check price |
| Ryobi PAD01B | Ryobi ONE+ users on a budget | Ryobi 18V ONE+ | – | 3.9 lb | Budget | Check price |
| Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT Radio + | Milwaukee M18 and PACKOUT | Milwaukee M18 | – | – | Pro | Check price |
| Makita XRM11 | Makita users in rough spots | Makita 12V CXT, 18V LXT, AC | IP65 | 6 lb without battery | Mid-range | Check price |
If your truck already runs one of these battery platforms, buy that brand’s radio. For AM/FM presets plus AC power, the DEWALT is the pick. For the lightest and lowest price tier, the Ryobi speaker runs on any ONE+ battery.
How to choose a jobsite radio
- Battery platform: the best radio runs on the batteries you already own
- AC power option, so it keeps playing when batteries are on the charger
- Ruggedness: look for an IP rating or a roll-cage design
- Bluetooth range and pairing, including stereo pairing of two units
- Radio tuner: AM/FM presets are useful where cell service is poor
- USB port to charge a phone
- Weight: radios run from about 4 lb to 8 lb
Pick the platform first
Every battery brand makes a radio, and they all sound like a radio. The practical difference is whether it uses the batteries already on your truck and whether it has an AC option. The DEWALT, Makita and Bosch radios can all run from the wall as well as batteries. The Ryobi is battery only.
The Ryobi is also a Bluetooth speaker. Ryobi’s page does not list a radio tuner, so if you want AM/FM for weather or local news where cell service is poor, look at the DEWALT, Bosch or other tuner-equipped models.
The jobsite radios in detail
Best for: DEWALT 20V MAX users who want a loud radio that runs on batteries or AC.
- Runs on 12V Max, 20V Max or FlexVolt batteries, or AC power
- Dual 3.5 in woofers and 1 in tweeters with a bass reflex port
- AM/FM with 6 presets; Bluetooth range claimed up to 100 ft
- 8 lb; 10 x 8 x 15 in
- Roll-cage design; no IP rating stated
Why it stands out
- Runs on 12V, 20V and FlexVolt batteries
- AM/FM with 6 presets
- Stereo speakers with a bass port
Keep in mind
- Heaviest here at 8 lb
- No IP rating stated
The heaviest radio here at 8 lb, with no IP rating stated. Roll-cage design. Bluetooth range is claimed up to 100 ft.
Best for: Ryobi ONE+ users who want an inexpensive speaker.
- Over 10 hours of runtime with a P192 battery (Ryobi)
- Bluetooth range 125 ft
- Two 3 in speakers
- 3.9 lb; 2.1 A USB charging port
- Runs on any Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery
Why it stands out
- Lightest and lowest cost
- Long stated runtime
- Works with any ONE+ battery
Keep in mind
- A Bluetooth speaker, with no radio tuner listed on the Ryobi page
- Smaller speakers than the DEWALT and Makita
A Bluetooth speaker with no radio tuner on the Ryobi page, and smaller speakers than the DEWALT and Makita.
Best for: Milwaukee M18 and PACKOUT users.
- Listed on Amazon as Milwaukee Radio + Charger M18 PACKOUT 2950-20
- Radio and an M18 battery charger in one unit
- Designed for the Milwaukee PACKOUT system
Why it stands out
- Doubles as a charger, so batteries top up while it plays
- Fits the PACKOUT system
A radio and M18 charger in one unit, built to lock into the PACKOUT system. Check Milwaukee’s spec sheet for speaker and rating details.
Makita XRM11 18V LXT / 12V max CXT Bluetooth Job Site Speaker
Best for: Makita users who work in dusty or wet spots.
- Runs on 12V max CXT or 18V LXT batteries (not included); AC adapter included
- 4 in woofer with passive radiator and 1.4 in tweeter
- Up to 10 speakers can link wirelessly; two can pair for stereo
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- 6 lb without battery; 7.3 to 7.4 lb with battery
Why it stands out
- IP65 rating, the highest stated here
- AC adapter included
- Link up to 10 speakers
Keep in mind
- Battery and charger are not included
The battery and charger are sold separately.
Other radios worth a look
Milwaukee sells M18 PACKOUT radio variants with different speaker configurations, and DEWALT sells a TOUGHSYSTEM radio (DWST08810). If your truck is built around a modular storage system, check the maker’s current lineup, because a radio that locks into your stack is easy to keep with the rest of your kit. For the rest of the jobsite power setup, see the power station guide and the extension cord reel guide.
Still deciding?
Best for DEWALT 20V users: DEWALT DCR028B 12V/20V MAX Bluetooth Jobsite Radio. Runs on 12V, 20V or FlexVolt batteries or AC, dual 3.5 in woofers, AM/FM with presets.
Check price on Amazon Budget pick: check price Upgrade pick: check price
Frequently asked questions
Is there a jobsite radio for plumbers?
Jobsite radios are not trade specific. Plumbers, electricians and HVAC techs all choose by battery platform, durability and sound, so pick the radio that runs on the batteries you already own.
Which jobsite radio is best for the batteries I already have?
Match the radio to your tool brand: DEWALT, Milwaukee and Makita radios run on their own batteries, which saves buying a second charger.
Do jobsite radios work with AC power?
It varies by model. Check each listing for AC power support, since some radios run on batteries only.
Keep reading
Sources
Specifications and product details were checked against these sources:
