by Philip |
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Have you spent far too many years of your life straining to hear the radio while you showered? No matter how much you turned the volume up, it never seemed to be enough?
If you answered yes, then what you need is a waterproof shower radio. In the past, we shared our top picks for the best bluetooth speakers. They’re the best for blasting out your favorite Spotify or Soundcloud playlist. However, if you love your AM and FM radio, then shower radios it is.
Unlike regular bluetooth speakers, it’s a bit harder to find really good waterproof shower speakers so we’ve put together this handy guide.
Top 5 Best Shower Radios
Best Overall: Sangean H201 Portable Bluetooth Shower Radio
We love the Sangean H201 Portable Bluetooth Shower Radio for its impeccable sound quality and ease of use.
With 25 preset radio stations across FM, AM, and WX, you can always find something you want to listen to quickly and easily. There’s an auto-seek function to make this even easier — saving you precious time in the morning! Unroll the antenna for crystal clear FM reception.
The large, back-lit display that makes it easy to see the time as you shower is a great feature. It’s ideal for keeping track of the time if you have an important meeting or event to attend.
The unit is waterproof to JIS7 standard and has a water-resistant speaker. You can take it right into the shower with you. (1)
It comes with a swivel handle if you want to hang the radio from a hook in your shower or bathroom. The handle folds away neatly when not in use, making it easy to store and transport. Alternatively, there’s also a wall mounting plate that you can use to fit the device to your shower or bathroom wall.
This radio has access to all seven National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels, allowing you to get accurate, up-to-date forecasts and information at all times. (2)
It features an emergency LED light and buzzer in case you need help — or the power goes out — while you’re in the shower.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Includes an emergency light and buzzer
- Clear, easy-to-read display
- 25 preset radio stations and auto-seek function
Cons
- For some buyers, the buttons became less responsive after a time
- IPX7 Waterproof
- AM/FM Reception with Pigtail Antenna
- Sleep Timer
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Weather Radio: Sangean H205 Waterproof Shower Radio
The Sangean H205 Waterproof Shower Radio is a powerhouse in design and function. With a JIS7 rating, this unit is completely waterproof.
With a sleek, vertical design, the Sangean H205 slips effortlessly into any bathroom without compromising space. This means you can use the precious storage space for soap, shampoo, razors and anything else you need. It comes with a strap so you can hang it anywhere inside or outside the shower.
The large LCD screen is easy to read, even through steam and water. There’s a built-in clock that will help you keep track of time during those morning showers!
Despite its size, this radio emits a beautifully clear sound. It also offers both AM and FM radio reception, with 20 preset channels. It can also tap into seven weather channels.
To listen on AM, use the built-in antenna. For FM and weather alert channels, there’s a pigtail wire antenna.
If you don’t feel like listening to the radio, you can always connect to your cell via Bluetooth. This will allow you to listen to your favorite tunes, podcasts or audiobooks as you wash.
The Sangean also doubles as a weather alert radio, making it a great addition to your emergency or travel wash bag. It provides accurate weather information during storms or other emergencies. It even has a siren to alert you to extreme weather so you can help your family stay safe and sheltered.
Pros
- Vertical design means it takes up less room in the shower
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Doubles as a weather alert radio
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- You may find this bulkier compared to the photos
- 20 station memory presets (10 FM, 5 AM and 5 WX)
- Receives all 7 NOAA weather channels
- Waterproof with JIS7 standard
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Design: Sony ICF-S80 Splash Proof Shower Radio with Speaker
The Sony ICF-S80 Splash Proof Shower Radio is an adorable addition to any bathroom. As the name suggests, it’s entirely splash-proof, so you don’t have to concern yourself about it getting sprayed with water in the shower.
The detachable rubber strap means you can use it your way. Remove the strap for easy storage, packing away for a holiday, or when using it on a shelf in your bathroom. If you want to take it into the shower, pop on the strap and hang it over your showerhead or from a hook.
The radio provides fantastic sound quality — you can listen to your favorite stations or songs without straining to hear them over the sound of running water. It comes with five preset buttons for your go-to radio stations.
The battery lasts a decent amount of time — around 100 hours — so your whole family can get good use out of it. The radio features a countdown timer and auto-off feature to save battery life even further.
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality
- Detachable strap for hanging in the shower or bathroom
- Splash-proof
- Countdown timer and auto-off feature saves battery
Cons
- Pricier than other options
- Buttons are on top of the unit — these make them difficult to see or reach when the radio is hung over the showerhead
- Splash proof - Enjoy listening to your favorite radio stations while showering
- Comes with detachable rubber strap for ease of hanging in the shower
- Great sound, loud enough for the shower
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Budget Option: CIYOYO Shower Radio
If you’re on a budget, the CIYOYO Shower Radio Bluetooth Speaker could be a fantastic option.
It has excellent sound quality thanks to its dual acoustic drivers. It is loud, clear, and well-balanced.
You can listen to FM radio stations or connect this shower speaker to your cell phone via Bluetooth to customize your showering experience fully. This is a great time to turn up the latest album, your favorite podcast, or your current audiobook.
The radio comes with a lithium-ion 100mAh rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours. Although the battery life isn’t as good as other radios on this list, we like that it’s rechargeable, meaning you won’t have to worry about replacing batteries regularly.
The casing is IPX4 water-resistant so that it will withstand the steam and splashes of your shower. This also makes it ideal for boat or beach trips or when camping in bad weather. (3)
The Bluetooth can connect up to 33 feet away so you can crank up the tunes in the shower while your cell is staying dry in the living room!
It comes with a handy suction cup so you can stick it straight to your shower wall or mirror. Thanks to its size, it doesn’t take up much space either. It won’t get in the way while you’re washing your hair or practicing your America’s Got Talent audition in the shower (we’ve all done it).
Pros
- Affordable
- Rechargeable battery
- Excellent sound quality
- Strong suction cap that you can stick to your shower wall, bathtub, or mirror
- 24-month warranty
Cons
- Battery life isn’t as good as some other bathroom radios
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Tiny Bathrooms: AGPTEK Shower Radio Speaker
The AGPTEK Shower Radio Speaker is the smallest on our list, but it still packs a punch.
At 3.5 x 3 x 2.1 inches, this is one of the smallest waterproof portable radios on this list. This makes it super easy to store when not in use — you can even pop it in a bathroom drawer!
The buttons are right there on the front, so you (and your kids!) can reach them easily if you hang the radio on a hook or showerhead. AGPTEK made this radio from high-quality silicone, so it’s easy to see and press even when your hands are slippery.
The Bluetooth connectivity is fast and secure. You can connect up to 72.2 feet outdoors or 39.4 feet indoors, making this a great little radio for camping, barbecues, or pottering around the house.
You can even keep track of and answer calls, straight from the radio. This is great if you’re waiting on a call that you can’t miss. If you’re a seasoned multi-tasker, this could be an ideal option for you.
If good old-fashioned radio is more your thing, this device has decent FM reception and can hold up to 40 preset stations at a time. Alternatively, you can insert an SD card straight into the speaker to enjoy your stored music.
With a strong suction cap and detachable rubber lanyard, this device will stick or hang anywhere in your bathroom. Attach it to your bathroom wall to enjoy a relaxing bath or hang it from your shower rail, so it’s completely out of the way.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
- Easily accessible buttons on the front of the unit
- Excellent range — connect up to 72.2 feet away
- Answer calls from the radio when connected to Bluetooth
Cons
- FM reception is not the best
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Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Benefits of a Shower Radio
Listening to the morning news or your favorite album while you shower is difficult if you don’t have the right equipment. Here are some benefits we’ve found from owning a shower radio:
Convenience
You can adjust the volume of your radio, change the station, or skip a song straight from the speaker. You can fully enjoy your shower time without dripping water all over the bathroom floor.
If your radio has a calling feature, you can use it to answer calls when connected to your cell phone via Bluetooth. This is great for those of us with hectic lives or worried about missing an important call.
Weather Alerts
A shower radio is a great way to keep track of the weather in your area, particularly if there is a big storm or another emergency that could affect your plans. It’s also handy for planning your day — even something as simple as what you will wear if it rains!
Entertainment
A bathroom radio is fantastic for kids and adults alike. If your toddler or baby is a fuss at bath time, having fun or soothing music playing nearby could help calm them (and you!).
Adults can connect the radio to their cell phones and listen to podcasts, audiobooks or their favorite artist’s latest album. There is so much possibility for making your bathroom a fun place to be.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Radio
The best radio for the bathroom has excellent sound quality, a compact design, and waterproof or water-resistant features.
Sound Quality
Ever tried to listen to your cell phone or a regular radio while you shower? Even if you crank the volume right up, it’s usually not loud enough over the running water that’s literally raining down around your ears.
A waterproof shower radio brings your music into the shower with you. With the speaker right there, you won’t be straining to hear the weather forecast as you wash your hair. Look for a shower radio that has decent volume and crisp, clear sound so you can fully enjoy your music.
Design
You should consider how you want to store your radio — both in and out of the shower. If you have a small cubicle or limited storage space, we recommend opting for a slim, compact design. If you’ve got more space, you could go or a larger unit with more battery power.
Think about where you want to place the radio in your bathroom or shower. Many units come with a suction cup that you can stick directly to the shower wall or mirror. If you choose this design, look for a durable design in case it falls. Alternatively, you can go for a radio with a strap that you can hang from your shower head or a hook to keep it secure.
Water Resistance
It’s essential to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant when purchasing an electronic device for wet conditions. (4)
With a waterproof radio, you can fully submerge it in water, and it will still work. If you’re planning to use your device anywhere near the bath, a waterproof product is needed. It’s far too easy for it to slip into the water to choose otherwise — especially if you have kids splashing around!
A water-resistant radio can withstand splashing or rain, but you shouldn’t immerse it in water. These radios are great for positioning under your shower head where the water won’t directly hit them, but they may receive a bit of splashback.
The Final Note
The best bathroom radio for your household will have the design, sound quality, and water resistance that suits your lifestyle.
If you’re on a budget, the CIYOYO Shower Radio Bluetooth Speaker could be a great choice. It provides excellent value for money and won’t take up too much space in your bathroom.
If you’re looking for something even smaller, opt for the AGPTEK Shower Radio Speaker, which is small, powerful, and easily accessible.
The best shower radio we reviewed is the Sangean H202 Portable Bluetooth Shower Radio. It has a superior choice with FM, AM and WX radio stations and Bluetooth capability.
It’s fully waterproof, making it ideal for use near bathtubs or on boating trips. It’s handy in an emergency, too — with a buzzer and light to attract help!
References
- Japan Industrial Standards Water Resist Scale; wicentas.org
- NOAA Weather Radio; weather.gov
- IP Rating Chart; DSMT.com
- Difference between Water repellent, Water resistant and Waterproof; medium.com