Did you know that 92% of Americans from the age of 18 still listen to the radio? While in Europe the radio reaches 84% of people per week with an average listening time of 2 hours 22 minutes per day. It is an important electronic that everyone needs to have. Whether it's for entertainment, news, or weather updates, radios are here to stay. The modern radio has evolved from a simple electronic device to a smart device with enhanced features such as the clock, Bluetooth, and WIFI connectivity. These features don't come at a low price. As the technology in radios advances, the cost increases relatively. For this reason, people set aside different budgets to get a quality radio. In this article, I will guide you on how to choose a high-quality budget-friendly radio.
Go for a high-quality build
There is a wise saying that goes by, "cheap is expensive." That is entirely true, and I know that you may have experienced it directly or indirectly. A low-quality build radio will last for a short period and send you back to the market again. You will end up spending more money while trying to save money by acquiring a low-quality build. Therefore the first thing you need to consider while setting a budget is the quality.
This means the hardware should consist of long-lasting components. Additionally, it's not worth risking the sound quality, which is very important regardless of the budget. Let's be honest, a high-quality build might be slightly expensive, but it's worth it for the long term. This is the general thumb of rule in any industry, so as you budget for radio, keep that in mind.
Have a clear goal on the features that you want
The radio has evolved to become a smart gadget. More features mean you will dig deeper into your pocket. This is why it's important to have a clear goal on the feature that you need first. Once you have a goal, it will be easy for you to get a high-quality and less expensive radio. But do not forego important features that might send you back to the market soon. Some of the latest features, such as clock, alarm timer, and Bluetooth, are hard to ignore. As you check the features, make sure to remember the sound quality and battery range.
The design matters
The more complex the design, the higher the chances that the radio will cost you more. You can go for a simple yet stylish radio to save on the cost. However, if you have the muscle, go for the sleekest design and add it to your collection. If the manufacturers spend a lot of resources and time crafting a design, then that will not come in cheap. You can tell a simple or complex design by looking at it from the outside. A simple design will consist of less expensive cover material, while the latter will feature the finest material.
Choose a reputable brand
The easiest way to find a high-quality budget radio is by going for reputable brands. For example, companies that have many years of experience in producing radios that people love. That means you have great chances of getting a high-quality radio compared to a relatively new brand with no history. Once you decide on the brand you wish, you can filter the radios depending on your price target. You can tell a trustworthy brand by reading the reviews online.
Choose water and dustproof radio
If you are on a budget, it means that you want a radio that will last ages. Dust and water are the main culprits of shortening a radios life. For this reason, you need to choose a radio that is water and dustproof. Having a long-lasting radio will help you save money in the long run. Besides, these two features make a radio suitable for different applications since they can't get spoilt by dust or water.
Multi-purpose vs Purpose specific radio
Would you rather buy two gadgets or one with all features? If you buy a purpose-specific radio, then it means in the future, you might be forced to buy a different radio for another activity. A good example is buying a fixed radio but still needing a portable radio for walks, job-site, and other outdoor activities. In this scenario, it would be better to get a portable Bluetooth radio that you can use for different purposes. You can use this radio on many occasions hence saving you some cash. Why look for a Bluetooth speaker and radio separately when you can have them both in one device?
Buy from a certified dealer
It is a common practice for high-level electronic manufacturers to sell their products through trustworthy dealers. This strategy helps customers get original devices and fight counterfeit goods. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, fake goods constitute 3.3% of trade. Electronic goods hold the 4th largest share of counterfeit products sitting at 12% after footwear, clothing, and leather goods, respectively.
As you can see, billions of money are lost every year on fake goods. If you don't want your money to be included in such statistics, then you need to be careful when dealing with electronics. Before buying a radio, check for trusted dealers or distributors near you on the manufactures website.
Final Thoughts
We all have different budgets when it comes to electronics. If you have a good budget, then go all in to acquire the best features and class. On the flip side, if you don't have a lot to spend, you should narrow down on the features that you need first or get a multi-purpose radio. The general thumb rule to get a high-quality radio for any budget is to buy from reputable brands such as SANGEAN. This is one of the world-renowned manufacturers for making quality radios. We have a wide category of radios for any kind of budget. Whether you are in Europe or North America, you can get a radio of your choice at SANGEAN. These radios are available on top e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Capital Audio, DX Engineering, and Newegg. Contact SANGEAN if you have questions or any inquiries.
