The Best Site Radios For Tough Working Conditions

When it comes to demanding work environments, our hand-selected site radios are up to the challenge.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Site Radio
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
DIY Works is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Find out more.

Site radios have improved massively over the years with the latest models featuring DAB, Bluetooth, USB, AUX and high-quality speakers. They are also far more durable than they once were and as you can see in the image above, our trusty Makita site radio stands as a testament to its ability to endure the most demanding working conditions.

To help you choose a suitable site radio for your requirements, our hand-picked selection features top-performing models chosen through our first-hand experience using multiple radios in various applications, testing, and thorough research.

Makita DMR115B DAB Site Radio
Best Overall: Makita DMR115B DAB+ Site Radio
DEWALT DCR020 Work Site Radio
Best Compact: DEWALT DCR020 Work Site Radio
Makita DMR110 Jobsite Radio
Best All-Rounder: Makita DMR110 Jobsite Radio
Einhell TE-CR 18 Cordless Radio
Best Value: Einhell TE-CR 18 Cordless Radio
Milwaukee M18JSR Site DAB Radio
Best For Performance: Milwaukee M18JSR Site DAB Radio
UEME DB322 Rugged Wireless Radio
Best Budget: UEME DB322 Rugged Wireless Radio

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates The Site Radios

Whether we are working in the garden, taking down a wall or painting a room, we always have a site radio nearby to listen to music. Although you could use a standard radio, the working environment may be too tough due to the dust, water and impact damage that could occur.

best jobsite radio

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

Over the years, we’ve tried and tested multiple site radios that include budget options to premium alternatives that are built by reputable trade brands.

As shown in the main photo in this article (at the top), our Makita site radio has seen plenty of use and it’s covered in dirt. However, we recently purchased a newer Makita model (as shown in the above photo) for use in “cleaner” environments. Before buying this model, we also tested other radios where we looked at their build quality, connectivity and sound quality.

As well as our experience and testing of a range of site radios, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the build quality, sound quality, connectivity, USB charging compatibility, weight, ease of operation, value for money and warranty.

Below is a video that we posted on our YouTube channel that shows us testing one of our top recommendations. As you can see, it certainly needs a clean but withstanding harsh conditions is what they are designed to do.

The Best Site Radios

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: Makita DMR115B DAB+ Site Radio

(How We Review →)

The Makita DMR115B is a popular and highly-rated site radio that’s packed full of functionality. It’s the brand’s “special edition” model that features black housing as well as the desirable Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging ports. In terms of its build quality, the brand states that the radio is both dust and shower-proof with an IP65 rating.

Pros
  • Receives FM, DAB and DAB+ stations
  • Robust aluminium diecast guard
  • Two speakers and a subwoofer
  • Fast USB charging (2.4A)
  • Latest Bluetooth Class 2 functionality
  • Dual power source (AC or a Makita battery)
  • Bluetooth range of 10 metres
  • AUX input for external audio sources
Cons
  • Quite heavy at 6.5 KG

To conclude, the Makita DMR115B is a premium job site radio but one that’s worth paying the extra for. It’s built to the highest of standards, provides excellent sound quality and includes all the connectivity you would ever need.

2. Best Compact: DEWALT DCR020 Work Site Radio

(How We Review →)

DEWALT are another reputable brand that produces a range of job site radios and this DCR020 model is one of their most highly rated. Unlike many of the alternatives, the DEWALT site radio is much smaller in size. However, compared to similar size radios, this model is still able to deliver loud and high-quality music through its speakers.

Pros
  • DAB, DAB+ and FM frequencies
  • Powered by DEWALT’s batteries or an AC adapter
  • USB charging (whilst using an AC power source)
  • Durable roll cage that protects the main body
  • Clever on-board storage
  • Weighs just 2.8 KG
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

If you don’t want to carry around a bulky site radio but still require loud music whilst at work, you can’t go wrong with the DEWALT DCR020. It’s by far the best compact site radio that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality due to its size.

3. Best All-Rounder: Makita DMR110 Jobsite Radio

(How We Review →)

Another Makita site radio that’s also one of the most popular options on the market is the DMR110. It’s a model that we personally own and it offers everything you would ever need from a site radio.

As with other models offered by the brand, it can be powered by the brand’s batteries as well as an AC power adapter.

Pros
  • FM, DAB and DAB+ reception
  • LCD backlit display
  • 10 pre-set radio channels
  • Soft grip handle
  • IP64 rated
Cons
  • Lacks USB charging and Bluetooth

Overall, the Makita DMR110 is an excellent all-round option and its popularity is a clear indication of its quality. Compared to the DMR115B model mentioned above, it does lack Bluetooth and USB charging. However, if this isn’t something you require, the DMR110 model is the better option to consider.

4. Best Value: Einhell TE-CR 18 Cordless Radio

(How We Review →)

If you don’t require a DAB site radio, the Einhell TE-CR 18 is a great option to consider. It’s an AM and FM radio that’s powered by the brand’s Power-X batteries and features a single 90 cm speaker for loud and high-quality music.

Compared to many of the alternatives, this particular model weighs just 0.65 kg (without the battery), which makes it much easier to transport and take out with you.

Pros
  • FM and AUX music playback
  • Clear and easy to use interface
  • Saves up to 10 radio stations
  • Ergonomic carry handle
  • Produces high quality sound
Cons

    To conclude, the Einhell TE-CR 18 is an affordable job site radio that’s built to withstand the tough building site environment. The only drawbacks with this particular model are the lack of DAB stations, Bluetooth and USB charging. However, the price tag of this model reflects the basic functionality, which makes it a great budget option to consider.

    5. Best For Performance: Milwaukee M18JSR Site DAB Radio

    (How We Review →)

    Milwaukee is another brand with a great reputation in the trade and they produce a range of site radios to suit all budgets. The M18JSR is their flagship model that features dual speakers to produce a loud and clear sound.

    A great bonus of this particular model is that it offers USB charging (2.1A) regardless of the power source.

    Pros
    • FM and DAB stations
    • Ergonomic carry handle
    • Mobile phone storage (weatherproof)
    • Intuitive power cable storage at the rear
    • Desirable AUX input
    Cons
    • Quite heavy at 5 KG
    • Relatively expensive when compared to other site radios

    Although expensive, the Milwaukee M18JSR is a well-made site radio that offers great-sounding music through its dual speakers. It also includes clever storage compartments for storing your phone, which is a great feature to have when working in dusty work environments.

    6. Best Budget: UEME DB322 Rugged Wireless Radio

    (How We Review →)

    One of the cheapest site radios that offers both DAB and Bluetooth connectivity is the UEME DB322. Although it isn’t produced by a reputable trade brand, its functionality makes it a great option to consider. In terms of its build quality, the brand state that its IPX4 rated and integrated robust frame protects against any impact damage.

    Pros
    • 20 pre-set channels
    • DAB, FM, Bluetooth and AUX music playback
    • Dual 2.5W speakers
    • Easy to use with a LCD display
    • Powered by batteries or an AC outlet
    • Lightweight at just 1.5 KG
    Cons
    • Not as high quality when compared to other branded site radios

    To conclude, if you require a cheap site radio that offers both DAB and Bluetooth connectivity, you can’t go wrong with the UEME DB322. It may not be built to as high of a standard when compared to the premium alternatives but the budget price tag with all of its functionality certainly won’t disappoint.

    Conclusion

    Whether you are a builder, carpenter, gardener or anyone else in the trade, investing in a site radio is highly recommended. They are built primarily to withstand tough conditions and most will last many years of heavy usage.

    However, to avoid disappointment, we would strongly recommend purchasing a model from a well-known brand with a great reputation for its robust and high-quality radios. We also recommend choosing a radio that offers DAB reception because FM signal can be an issue in some locations. If you need any further information regarding site radios, feel free to get in touch because we’ve owned and used multiple.

    Why Trust Us?

    We grasp the significance of trust and reliability in product reviews, but what sets us apart as a trustworthy source?

    Related Reads

    Follow #DIYWorksUK

    Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.