
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.
Our Top Picks At A Glance:
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.

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.