Photo by James Case from Philadelphia, Mississippi, U.S.A., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick verdict
The PR-D18 is a compact, durable AM/FM portable with good reception and a real alarm clock built in. It is an easy pick for a kitchen, garage, camp or nightstand.
The Sangean PR-D18 is a small digital AM/FM radio built to take some knocks. The PR-D18BK is the gray and black version, and Sangean also sells it in several white two-tone colors. It runs on AA batteries, so it moves easily from room to room or out to the porch.
What you get
The PR-D18 covers AM and FM with digital tuning, auto seek and an adjustable tuning step. It has five presets per band. The 2.25 inch speaker is rated at 1W, and plugging in headphones mutes the speaker. The backlit LCD shows frequency and time. You get two alarms that wake you to radio or a buzzer with gradually rising volume, plus snooze and sleep. Power comes from four AA batteries or an optional 6V DC adapter. Retailers sell it as a radio with a protective bumper. Sangean lists it at 6.54 x 4.26 x 1.59 inches and just over a pound.
What I like
Sangean describes AM reception as very good and FM as superb. I like that it feels sturdy enough to toss in a bag or leave in the garage. Two full alarms with a gentle wake-up make it more than a portable, since it can live on a nightstand too. The 1W speaker gives clear sound for its size.
Things to know
The speaker is mono, so stereo FM is only through headphones. Ten presets in total is enough for most people but not for heavy station hoppers. The AC adapter is optional, so plan on batteries or buy the adapter separately. There is no Bluetooth, aux input or weather band.
Bottom line
Buy the PR-D18 if you want a dependable, battery powered AM/FM radio that can double as an alarm clock. If you want a larger portable, compare it with the Sangean PR-D7.
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