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Last updated on March 5, 2021 by qualified builder Aaron Barnett
When it comes to the time to stream your favorite music outdoors the best Jobsite radios can make all the difference to your ears. When choosing a new radio it can be more convenient to get a cordless radio that matches the current cordless tools you have.
For example, if you have Dewalt batteries already, get a radio that also uses Dewalt batteries as it works out well to have interchangeable battery’s between your cordless power tools.
However, most work-site speakers have inbuilt lithium-ion chargers, meaning if you have a system outside of your current tool range you would not need to get an additional charger but only a single compatible battery. Some people, therefore, opt for the best-sounding speaker system.
Best Bluetooth Jobsite radio
#1 Loudest Jobsite radio
Dewalt Tstak DWST17510 Bluetooth radio
- Loudest worksite radio with 65watts of high-quality sound (Comparison chart below).
- Runs on and charges 20v max lithium-Ion batteries.
- Heavy-duty durable radio, with decent device storage box.
- Compatible with t-stack portable toolboxes.
- Has USB power ports, a digital tuner, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- IP54 dust and water-resistant.
- Enjoy 4 full Range speakers and a built-in sub-woofer.
#2 Best Milwaukee Jobsite radio
Milwaukee Packout Bluetooth radio
- Works with Bluetooth 4.2 and Fm radio.
- Great sounding Milwaukee outdoor. speaker system.
- Compatible with Milwaukee’s rolling toolbox.
- Fits even large batteries, with extra storage room for your phone.
- A little bit more expensive than the Dewalt radio.
- Doesn’t clearly state the total watts.
#3 Best Bosch Bluetooth radio
Bosch PB360C
- The Bosch Bluetooth range reaches up to 150 feet.
- Stereo sound via the four-way speakers and subwoofer.
- Precise control over the equalizer.
- Has a built-in lithium-ion charger.
- Has 4 inbuilt power outlets, ready for your other power tools and USB ports.
- Durable and rugged construction with an aluminum and rubber roll cage.
- Bit bulkier than most of the best Jobsite speakers.
#4 Best Milwaukee radio
Milwaukee 2792-20
- Full and rich audio quality sound via the 40-watt amplifier and quality speakers to listen to music.
- Built-in battery charger for quick charging. of Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion batteries.
- Has a durable weather-sealed. compartment for storing phones and other audio devices.
- Customizable equalizer, and easy to read time display.
- The antenna commonly falls off.
- Heavy to move around.
#5 Another Dewalt Bluetooth radio
Dewalt DWST08810 tough system
- Compatible with Tough-systems workshop shelf.
- Has a built-in charger for the lithium-Ion batteries that run the unit.
- Included durable device storage box.
- Dust and water-resistant IP54.
- Enjoy 4 full-range tweeters in the side-firing speakers and the thumping sub-woofer.
- Only recommended if you have the tough-system shelf’s.
#6 Best Makita radio
Makita XRM06B XRM04B
- Good range of controls for the radio. functions, and easy to read time display.
- Extremely long battery life.
- Compatible with a wide range of Makita lithium-ion batteries.
- Has protective bumpers that safeguard against bumps.
- Good quality sound for a small and light unit.
- Can be hard to sync some phones, and has no built-in battery charger.
- Needs finer control over the EQ.
#7 Best worksite portable radio
DeWalt DCR025
- Has a large storage compartment for phones or an mp3 player.
- The decent audio quality for the price.
- Has two onboard AC power outlets.
- Has aux and USB power.
- Electrical circuitry is quite sensitive.
- The vault door lock could be better designed.
- Static can be heard when charging.
Best Jobsite Bluetooth speaker
#1 Best value Bluetooth speaker
Makita XRM08B
- Woofer and tweeter design results in good quality sound reproduction packed in a small compact device.
- Lasts for a long time whether you use the aux port or Bluetooth.
- Light and portable.
- Quick charging and has a USB port or auxiliary input for a phone or mp3 players.
- Simple to use.
- No Radio.
#2 Best DeWalt Bluetooth speaker
DEWALT DCR006
- The sound is crisp and clear at moderate volumes.
- Pretty light and easy to carry around.
- Good wireless range.
- Runs on both AC power or a Dewalt battery.
- Doesn’t sound good when turned up.
- You cant listen to your favorite FM stations.
#3 A compact DIY Bluetooth speaker
Milwaukee 2592-21
- Rechargeable battery Included making it a good DIY choice.
- Good run-life (up to 10 hours) from a standard M12 battery.
- Crisp clear sound reproduction with a good amount of bass.
- This small radio can easily clip onto your toolbelt or woodworking apron or fit inside your toolbag.
- This radio also has a good wireless range.
- Not loud enough if you don’t keep it close.
- Buttons can be a bit hard to press.
Jobsite radio [Without Bluetooth]
#1 Milwaukee compact radio
Milwaukee 2890-20
- Small compact radio is easy to move around the building site.
- This speaker really does crank loud, high-quality sound, with plenty of deep bass.
- The storage compartment has a built-in charger port.
- Convenient stackable design for easy storage and transport.
- Durable and built to withstand shock and impact.
- No wireless connectivity.
#2 Makita Jobsite Fm radio
Makita XRM05
- Surprisingly rich and detailed sound via the two side-firing speakers with an easy-to-read time display.
- Extremely long battery life.
- Protective bumper guards against impact.
- The radio antenna is very sensitive to lighting or electical current fluctuations.
#3 Dewalt worksite Fm radio
DeWalt DC012
- The DeWalt dc012 is rugged and durable in design for hardworking construction environments.
- A good amount of bass.
- Has three 120-volt plugs.
- No wireless capability.
- No USB ports.
Introduction
Worksite radios make work more fun, play your favorite tune, and build. They make excellent gifts for tradespeople, DIY’ers, and anyone looking to play music while working or even as a more rugged portable speaker for camping.
Some of the best Jobsite radios are pretty impressive from a technological standpoint, with a host of features that rival home entertainment systems. Built-in Bluetooth capability is one particular feature offered by the best worksite radios, allowing you to connect a wide variety of media devices such as mp3 players or live streaming devices without having to deal with cables and clutter.
In terms of great sound quality, you really do have to spend a bit to get a model that provides quality audio reproduction. Some of the better models from DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch are known for their excellent sound, with rich and clear highs and thumping bass that can cut through the din of the workplace, a true power box.
Jobsite radios are built stronger and more durable than standard portable speakers to withstand the rigors of the workplace. Features such as roll bars and ergonomic design help ensure durability and reliable performance.
These are especially important in a workplace where the Jobsite conditions can be pretty harsh and unforgiving to electronic equipment.
Features to consider
- Bluetooth connectivity. Make sure it enables you to connect with your smartphone wirelessly.
- USB port. It can be used for USB charging of devices or to connect and play media like an mp3 player or flash drive.
- Charging capability. It can be used to charge smartphones and tablets, or Li-ion batteries.
- Cordless operation. It makes the unit easier to transfer and place anywhere. It also reduces clutter in the workplace.
- FM Radio. For listening to Fm stations, live news, sports, music, and talk radio via a modern digital tuner.
Before you buy a Jobsite radio…
Get the right cordless brand.
The brand is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a job site radio. With reputable brands such as DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee, you are pretty much sure of getting a quality product with outstanding durability and with a great performance device.
If you are planning on giving someone a job site radio as a gift, you should consider a radio that is the same brand as a cordless power tool they already own already have.
This will ensure compatibility with regard to battery charging capabilities and the like. If who you are buying for doesn’t have cordless power tools yet, start them off with a Dewalt or Makita radio.
Get a Bluetooth enabled speaker.
A lot of compact speakers nowadays are actually Bluetooth-only devices, although some have both Bluetooth and radio functionality.
If you are accustomed to using your smartphone device for music streaming or media playback, a compact Bluetooth-only power box would be best suitable for you. Depending on whether or not you go for a free or paid service to stream music, you could enjoy an ad-free listening experience.
On the other hand, if you want to listen to live radio while on the job, an actual radio with a digital tuner might be better for you. Even so, you might want to consider a model that has both Bluetooth connectivity and radio capability so you can simply switch functions as you see fit.
Get a radio that is durable for a construction site.
Your job site radio will probably be used in pretty rough–and even harsh–environments. Durability is, therefore, one of the most important factors to consider.
Some radios even have a rubber roll cage or at least an extremely durable case, the best Jobsite radio can withstand some pretty heavy use (abuse) and still keep on cranking out the tunes without a hitch.
On the other hand, some lesser models will simply give up the ghost if you so much as look at them wrong!
Get a cordless radio.
Portability and cord-free operation are pretty much essential in a typical construction site. Having a radio that isn’t tethered to a power source outlet means you can simply place it anywhere or move it out-of-the-way as needed. Even if you have electrical power outlets around, you don’t necessarily want to tie one up just for one radio when it can be put to better use for power tools and the like.
On the other hand, a corded radio won’t run out of juice and never has to be charged. When choosing between a corded and cordless model, think about whether portability and convenience are more important than continuous use.
Most worksite radios have both a corded or lithium-ion battery option. Not all are sold with battery’s and sometimes need to be purchased separately.
Spend the right amount?
With Jobsite radios, you typically get what you pay for. Settling for the lowest-priced devices isn’t generally such as a good idea, as there is usually some compromise in durability and performance.
Instead of settling for the cheapest model you can find, try to find a radio that has the features and capabilities you want at the price you are willing to pay.
Make sure you can charge your phone with a USB port
Included USB ports and a battery charging feature are a lot more useful than you might think. Models with charging capabilities can be used to charge phones and even battery packs in a pinch.
Of course, the best worksite radio has charging capabilities with its own internal batteries, with either 12v max, 18v, or Dewalt’s 20v max range. Most units will also display the time on its display panel so you know when it’s time to have smoko.
Choosing the best Jobsite radio…
#1 The loudest Jobsite radio
The TSTAK DWST17510 is a good choice for anyone who is looking for the best Dewalt radio and the loudest radio with Bluetooth speakers. It has a decent-sized storage compartment at the front and can play your music at full volume while keeping a crisp high-quality sound. Light years ahead of the younger Dewalt dc012 this radio has a built-in subwoofer, and the quality sound system has plenty of base making this radio pretty hard to beat.
The Tstak DWST17510 really is a power box with awesome sound, it is easy to move around, and is also compatible with the Dewalt Tstak the best rolling tool box , as well and as it sits nicely on top to be rolled around with you.
But blasting at full-tit, you can still work at the other end of the building site and still listen to music with the thumping base running on just a single 20V max Dewalt battery.
#1 Milwaukee Jobsite radio
The Milwaukee Packout radio is a solid, well-built unit that can pump out some really high-quality sound in even extreme working conditions. It has a shape very similar to the Dewalt competitor while also being compatible with the Milwaukee rolling toolbox. This job site radio also has space to store and charge your phone inside the device, so if you are wanting to stick with Milwaukee for your radio this is your best option.
#1 Bosch Jobsite radio, with a roll cage
The Bosch PB360C radio is a solidly-built, rugged unit that certainly looks like it could handle the most extreme work conditions. It has an aluminum rubber roll cage made supported with aluminum which protects the more sensitive areas of the exterior from bumps, jostling, and rough handling.
It is also designed to be weather and dust-resistant so it can pretty much take a beating and still keep ticking with 360 degrees of sound.
The unit is Bluetooth capable at up to 150 feet, giving you a good degree of flexibility to move it around and set it down. The stereo sound quality is excellent as well, thanks to the four-way speakers and built-in subwoofer. There are even individual bass and treble controls so you can tailor the sound however you want.
#1 Portable Jobsite speaker from Makita
The Makita XRM08B is an affordably-priced Jobsite speaker that provides very good bang-for-the-buck. The good sound quality is pretty impressive for a unit of this size. The inclusion of a woofer for low-frequency sounds and a tweeter for high frequency sounds actually give the XRM08B sound reproduction capabilities that go beyond that offered by most speakers.
The XRM08B will last most of the day on a single charge with a 5 amp 18-volt battery. It has a Bluetooth range of over 100 feet. And the control panel is especially easy to use, providing an easy way to control connected media devices.
This has great stereo sound and is excellent value for money. It is also the speaker I use, I like the sound quality, long battery life, and how it is light and portable to move around, from building work, to BBQs, and camping sites.
Who else uses a Jobsite radio as a portable speaker
Most anyone will have a use for a good job site radio, but tradespeople such as builders, construction site personnel, carpenters, and painters will especially benefit from having one around.
For many people, having music or talk radio on while working makes tasks much more pleasant and enjoyable. In fact, studies have shown that listening to music can actually imporive efficeincy, enhance creativity, and generally result in better job satisfaction.
Jobsite radios are also useful for home DIY’ers, particularly those that don’t want to bother with a more complicated music system. With a job site radio, you can simply turn it on and forget about it without having to mess with a bunch of plugs, cables, CDs, and whatnot.
How to connect the Bluetooth to your phone
- Connect the lithium-ion battery pack to your speaker and turn on the device.
- Open wireless settings on either your phone, tablet or laptop device.
- Click scan for devices nearby, when it finds the Bluetooth speaker, it will display on the screen now press connect, from your phone, tablet or laptop.
- The speaker will now play any music from your connected audio devices.
Comparing top Jobsite radios
| Dewalt Tstak Dwst17510
| Milwaukee PACKOUT
| Milwaukee 2792-20
| DEWALT ToughSystem DWST08810
| Bosch PB360C
| Makita XRM06B
| Makita XRM08B
| DeWalt DCR006
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loudness: | 45 Watts | Not specified | 40 Watts | 40 Watts | 26 Watts | Decent | 10 Watts | 6 Watts |
| Weight: | 17.16 lbs. | 4 lbs. | 17.1 lbs. | 17.1 lbs. | 24 lbs. | 10.8 lbs. | 7.2 lbs. | 2.9 lbs. |
| Size: | 20.9" x 15.6" x 6.6" | 22" x 16."2 x 6.7" | 14" x 14" x 17.5" | 21.4" x 6.6" x 13.9" | 14.5” x 14” x 13.5” | 7" x 11.5" x 12.9" | 8.7” x 8.4” x 9.2” | 10” x 6” x 11.9” |
| Can Charge Battery's: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Conclusion
That’s our rundown of some of the best Jobsite speakers on the market. Get your DeWalt batteries ready, but before you make your final decision on what you would like consider the features and capabilities you actually need.
Considering the quality of the models we covered in this Jobsite radio review, you probably won’t go wrong whichever you choose. Just remember to keep back-up battery packs to keep the tunes rocking to stay and conducive to good workplace vibes.
DeWalt Tstak review
Pros:
- Compact and easy to move around the site.
- The sound quality is superb, with awesome bass.
- Can be run on ac outlets or 12v max Dewalt or 20v battery packs.
- Protected with IP54 water and dust resistance.
Cons:
- Doesn’t quite look like a traditional radio.
#1 Best Bluetooth radio
More information:
- How music affects job productivity, retrieved from, https://medium.com/the-mission/the-science-backed-ways-music-affects-your-brain-and-productivity-e11145079305
My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.
As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.
I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.
Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.
Dewalt DWST17510 and Craftsman CMST17510 are the best sounding jobsite radios,why were they not included?
Hi Robert, I wouldn’t recommend Craftsman for professional use the radio might be good but you would then be bias to get craftsman power tools, to have interchange battery’s. I wouldn’t ever use a craftsman tool on a construction site. I stick to Makita for all my battery powered tools. I might look at reviewing and adding the Dewalt DWST17510, to this review it looks very durable.
Dewalt DWST17510 and Craftsman CMST17510,overdue for an update
Hi Robert I have added the dewalt tough system as number 1# for dewalt users #2 overall based on the bosch being cheaper and having better blue-tooth range. I also added in the dewalt tstak as-well. Dewalt overall seems to have the most durable tools.
My orange ION jobsite radio has great bass better than my Bosch and Milwaukee