CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio

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72%
28%
93%
Internet Station Coverage
88%
Shortwave Reception
54%
Ease of Use
84%
Sound Quality
81%
Connectivity Flexibility
76%
Build Quality
82%
Battery Performance
71%
Voice Search
58%
4G Band Compatibility
61%
Firmware and Updates
59%
Station Management
86%
Portability
67%
Value for Money
48%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio is one of those rare devices that refuses to pick a lane — it covers traditional broadcast bands while also pulling in tens of thousands of streaming stations over WiFi or a 4G SIM card. That SIM slot is worth flagging early: cellular streaming requires a separate data plan, so this is not a free pass to global radio without some ongoing cost. Weighing just 1.4 pounds and compact enough to pack in a carry bag, the LC90 appeals to shortwave enthusiasts, expats, travelers, and serious preppers. At its premium price point, buyers are essentially paying for two capable radios merged into one portable package.

Features & Benefits

The station library alone is hard to ignore — over 40,000 internet radio stations organized by continent, country, city, and genre give this internet radio a depth that dedicated streaming apps rarely match on a single device. On the traditional side, FM, AM, Longwave, and Shortwave coverage with SSB demodulation keeps amateur radio listeners and utility monitors well served. A voice search function powered by GPT and Google, available from firmware version 4.8 onward, lets you speak a station name or genre and get real results fast rather than scrolling endlessly. Bluetooth output, a microSD slot, and a 5000mAh battery round things out, while the dual-driver speaker system with passive radiator punches well above what the compact cabinet suggests.

Best For

This hybrid shortwave receiver fills a specific gap that neither a basic portable radio nor a smartphone app can fully cover. Shortwave hobbyists and DXers get SSB capability plus a massive streaming library in one carry-on-friendly device. Expats and frequent travelers who need reliable access to home-country stations will appreciate the 4G SIM backup when hotel WiFi proves unreliable. Emergency preparedness households gain real value here too — the built-in battery and independent cellular connectivity mean the LC90 keeps working when home internet goes down. Podcast listeners wanting a screen-free, dedicated listening experience rather than another phone app will find the setup worthwhile, provided they are patient enough to work through the initial configuration.

User Feedback

Owners consistently praise the breadth of internet stations and the LC90's ability to pull in weak shortwave signals clearly, with several noting the sound quality is noticeably better than similarly sized competitors from established brands like Sangean or Eton. That said, menu navigation draws persistent criticism — newcomers often describe a steep learning curve before the device feels truly intuitive. Adding custom stations requires visiting the Choyong website and pushing them to the device, which some find cumbersome. A handful of international users have reported 4G band incompatibility in certain regions, so checking supported bands before purchase is advisable. Brand support responsiveness appears mixed across reviews, making it worth buying from a seller with a clear return policy.

#Internet Radios
#Compact Radios & Stereos
#Home Audio
#Electronics

Pros

  • Access to over 40,000 internet radio stations organized by region, genre, and popularity is genuinely hard to match on a single portable device.
  • SSB demodulation on shortwave makes the LC90 useful for amateur radio operators and utility listeners, not just casual audiences.
  • The 4G SIM slot means streaming continues even without WiFi, a real advantage during travel or emergencies.
  • Sound quality from the dual-driver speaker system outperforms most radios of comparable size, according to consistent user feedback.
  • A 5000mAh rechargeable battery provides extended listening sessions without hunting for an outlet.
  • GPT and Google voice search actually locates stations and podcasts by spoken name or genre, saving significant time navigating a large library.
  • Build quality draws favorable comparisons to established brands like Sangean and Eton at similar price tiers.
  • Bluetooth output and microSD card support add playback flexibility beyond radio and streaming.
  • Backlit keys and multi-language menu support make the device usable in low-light conditions and across different regions.
  • Signal strength and SNR readout on the display give shortwave listeners real diagnostic information while tuning.

Cons

  • The menu navigation has a steep learning curve that can frustrate new users for days before it feels intuitive.
  • Adding custom stations requires visiting the Choyong website externally and pushing them to the device, rather than doing it onboard.
  • 4G SIM cellular streaming requires a separate, ongoing data plan — it is not a free or self-contained feature.
  • LTE band compatibility is not universal; buyers in certain countries may find the cellular function unusable with local carriers.
  • Firmware updates are reportedly cumbersome, and some features like GPT voice search only become available after manually updating.
  • Brand customer support responsiveness is inconsistent based on user reports, raising some risk for post-purchase troubleshooting.
  • Dependence on the Choyong platform and website for station management creates a single point of failure if the service changes.
  • The device leans heavily toward tech-savvy users; less experienced buyers may feel overwhelmed by the feature set.

Ratings

Our AI rating system analyzed verified buyer reviews from global markets, actively filtering out incentivized and bot-generated feedback, to produce these scores for the CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio — a device that attracts passionate advocates and equally vocal critics. Scores reflect both where this hybrid shortwave receiver genuinely excels and where real-world frustrations surfaced consistently across multiple regions and use cases. Nothing has been smoothed over: the strengths and the pain points are both represented with equal honesty.

Internet Station Coverage
93%
Owners repeatedly describe the 40,000-plus station library as one of the most comprehensive they have encountered on a portable device, with organization by continent, country, and genre making it practical to navigate rather than overwhelming. Expats and international travelers in particular highlight finding home-country stations they could not locate on competing platforms.
The library depends entirely on the Choyong platform remaining active and well-maintained, which makes some long-term buyers uneasy about future availability. A handful of niche regional stations reported by users were found to be listed but occasionally returned dead stream links.
Shortwave Reception
88%
SSB demodulation is the feature that separates this internet radio from casual competitors, and users who actually use shortwave report clean signal acquisition across a wide frequency range, especially when paired with an external antenna. DXers and amateur radio hobbyists describe the SNR readout on the display as genuinely useful for fine-tuning reception during low-signal conditions.
Without an external antenna, shortwave performance in urban environments with significant RF interference is noticeably reduced. A few users noted that the internal antenna placement required careful physical positioning of the device to hold weaker shortwave signals.
Ease of Use
54%
46%
Once users invest time learning the menu structure — typically described as taking several days of regular use — most report that the workflow becomes manageable and the device feels logically organized. The backlit keypad helps during nighttime use and is frequently praised as a small but appreciated detail.
The initial learning curve is the single most recurring complaint across all review sources, with multiple buyers describing the menu as unintuitive compared to radios at a similar price point. Adding custom stations through the external Choyong website rather than on the device itself adds an extra friction layer that frustrates users who expect on-device control.
Sound Quality
84%
The dual-driver setup with a passive radiator consistently surprises buyers who expect a thin, tinny output from a 1.4-pound portable. Listeners using the LC90 for extended world-music and podcast sessions describe the sound as warm and detailed enough to justify dedicated listening sessions rather than just background audio.
At higher volumes, a small number of users noted slight distortion in the upper-mid frequencies during music-heavy content. The cabinet size still imposes physical limits on deep bass output despite the passive radiator, so audiophiles expecting room-filling low end will be disappointed.
Connectivity Flexibility
81%
19%
Having WiFi, a 4G SIM slot, and Bluetooth in a single portable device genuinely expands where and how the radio can be used — travelers inserting a local SIM on arrival abroad describe the experience as having their full station library available anywhere without hunting for open networks. Bluetooth output to headphones works reliably and opens up private listening without carrying separate adapters.
The 4G SIM functionality requires users to independently source a compatible plan, and the supported band set does not cover all global carriers, creating a real compatibility risk for buyers in certain countries. Some users also reported that switching between WiFi and SIM modes required navigating deeper into the menu than expected.
Build Quality
76%
24%
Several experienced buyers who own or have owned radios from Sangean and Eton describe the LC90 as holding up comparably well in terms of physical durability for its price tier. The buttons feel tactile and the housing does not flex or creak during normal handling.
The overall aesthetic and material finish reads as functional rather than premium to some buyers, particularly those paying a premium price who expect a more refined feel. A small number of users reported that the keypad backlighting on their units dimmed unevenly after extended use.
Battery Performance
82%
18%
The 5000mAh cell provides enough capacity for meaningful off-grid listening sessions, and users on camping or travel scenarios describe not needing to recharge for a full day of mixed traditional and internet radio use. The rechargeable design eliminates the ongoing cost and waste of disposable batteries.
Charge time to full capacity can be lengthy, and the device does not support pass-through charging while in use on all firmware versions according to some reports. The battery is not user-replaceable, which is a concern for buyers thinking about multi-year ownership.
Voice Search
71%
29%
When the device is running firmware 4.8 or later, speaking a station name, genre, or country into the voice search returns accurate results quickly enough to feel like a genuine time-saver in a 40,000-station catalog. Users who have adopted it as their primary navigation method describe it as one of the more practical implementations of AI-assisted search on a dedicated audio device.
Voice recognition accuracy drops noticeably in noisy environments or with non-native English accents, making it unreliable in the field scenarios where quick search would be most useful. The feature requires a live internet connection, so it is unavailable during traditional band-only use when no network is present.
4G Band Compatibility
58%
42%
For buyers in regions where the supported FDD and TDD bands align with their carrier — including many markets across Asia, parts of Europe, and select US bands — the 4G SIM feature works as described and provides genuine backup connectivity independence. Users in compatible regions report stable streaming at quality comparable to WiFi.
Buyers in regions relying on carrier bands outside the supported set have reported the cellular feature as completely non-functional after purchase, with no hardware solution available. This is a significant risk for international buyers who do not verify band compatibility before ordering, and the product listing does not make this limitation prominently visible.
Firmware and Updates
61%
39%
Firmware updates have introduced meaningful new features over time, including the GPT voice search capability, indicating that the manufacturer is actively developing the platform rather than abandoning it post-launch. Users who keep the firmware current generally report fewer software-related issues.
The update process itself is described as cumbersome by multiple reviewers, and at least one significant feature requires a specific firmware version to function at all. Users who are less technically confident have described the update workflow as a genuine barrier rather than a routine maintenance step.
Station Management
59%
41%
The ability to push custom stations from the Choyong website to the device does technically work, and users who have mastered the workflow appreciate being able to build a personalized favorites library over time. Pre-organized categories make browsing the built-in library reasonably structured once the interface is learned.
Managing stations through an external website rather than directly on the device is an ongoing workflow friction point, not a one-time setup issue. If the Choyong platform changes, becomes unavailable, or removes a station, users have no on-device workaround for re-adding it manually.
Portability
86%
At 1.41 pounds and sized to fit in a side pocket of most travel backpacks, the LC90 travels easily without demanding dedicated packing space. Frequent travelers describe it as genuinely carry-on friendly rather than just technically portable in name only.
The depth dimension at 4.8 inches makes it slightly thicker than ultra-slim competitors, which matters in tight packing scenarios. Users who carry it in a jacket pocket rather than a bag find the thickness somewhat awkward for extended periods.
Value for Money
67%
33%
For buyers who actively use both the shortwave SSB capability and the internet streaming library, the feature density relative to purchasing two separate devices represents reasonable value. Enthusiasts who have priced out comparable multi-band internet radios from Western brands describe the LC90 as competitively positioned.
Casual listeners who end up using only the FM band or a small handful of internet stations are paying a significant premium for features they never engage with. At this price tier, buyers have high expectations for out-of-box polish and support quality, and the LC90 does not fully meet those expectations in either area.
Customer Support
48%
52%
Some buyers report receiving timely and helpful responses when contacting the brand directly, particularly for firmware-related questions where documented answers exist. The owner's manual covers basic setup steps adequately for straightforward use cases.
Across multiple review sources, inconsistent support responsiveness is a recurring theme, with a notable share of users describing unanswered or significantly delayed replies for post-purchase technical issues. For a device with this complexity and price point, the level of after-sales support available is below what most buyers reasonably expect.

Suitable for:

The CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio is purpose-built for a specific type of listener who demands more than a single radio can typically offer. Shortwave hobbyists and amateur radio enthusiasts will appreciate the SSB demodulation alongside a live internet streaming library, removing the need to carry two separate devices on a trip. Expats and internationally mobile people benefit enormously from the 4G SIM slot — when hotel WiFi is throttled or unreliable, inserting a local data SIM keeps home-country stations reachable without compromise. Emergency preparedness households get genuine value from the battery-powered, cellular-capable design that continues functioning when the home router goes dark. Podcast listeners and world-music fans who want a dedicated screen-free device, rather than draining a smartphone, will find the 40,000-plus station library and 10-million-episode podcast catalog more than adequate for daily use.

Not suitable for:

The CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio is not the right choice for casual listeners who simply want to catch local FM stations or stream a single favorite app with minimal setup. The menu system has a documented learning curve that frustrates buyers expecting plug-and-play simplicity, and adding custom stations requires visiting an external website rather than doing everything on the device itself. Buyers outside certain regions should verify 4G band compatibility before purchasing, as some users have reported that the supported LTE bands do not align with local carriers, making the cellular feature effectively useless in their area. The premium price tier is only justified if you actively need both traditional multi-band reception and internet streaming — paying for features you will ignore is a poor deal at this price. Anyone primarily interested in Bluetooth speakers or basic FM should look at far more affordable alternatives instead.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: The unit measures 7.87″ long by 1.57″ wide by 4.8″ tall, making it compact enough to fit in a travel bag without taking up significant space.
  • Weight: At 1.41 pounds, the LC90 is light enough for extended handheld use or easy packing in carry-on luggage.
  • Battery: A built-in 5000mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery powers the device, providing extended portable listening without requiring constant access to an outlet.
  • Connectivity: The device connects via 2.4GHz WiFi, a physical 4G LTE SIM card slot, and Bluetooth, giving users three distinct options for audio output or internet access.
  • Radio Bands: Supported broadcast bands include FM, AM (MW), Longwave (LW), and Shortwave (SW) with SSB (Single Sideband) demodulation for amateur radio and utility signal reception.
  • Internet Stations: Over 40,000 internet radio stations are accessible, organized by continent, country, city, station type, and popularity.
  • Podcast Library: Approximately 10 million podcast episodes are available through the platform, including content indexed from Spotify and Apple Podcasts directories.
  • Speaker System: Audio is produced by a two-way speaker configuration consisting of a mid-bass driver, a silk dome tweeter, and a passive low-frequency radiator for improved bass response.
  • Storage: A TF (microSD) card slot supports local audio file playback directly from removable storage media.
  • Voice Search: GPT and Google-integrated voice search for stations, podcasts, and music is available on devices running firmware version 4.8 or later.
  • Display: The backlit keypad includes a display capable of showing real-time signal strength and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) readings during traditional band reception.
  • Menu Language: The device menu supports multiple languages, making it usable across different regions without being locked to a single interface language.
  • 4G Band Support: Supported 4G LTE bands include FDD Band 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus TDD Band 38, 39, 40, and 41, which aligns with networks in many but not all global regions.
  • Power Source: The LC90 is battery powered with a built-in rechargeable cell; no disposable batteries are required or supported.
  • Model Number: The official model designation is LC90, manufactured by Shenzhen Chaoyuan Technology Co., Ltd.
  • Included Items: The package includes the radio unit and an owner's manual; no external antenna or SIM card is included in the box.
  • Antenna: The device supports connection to an external antenna for improved shortwave and AM reception beyond the built-in antenna's range.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity allows the LC90 to stream audio output to compatible wireless headphones or speakers.

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FAQ

It works in two distinct modes. Without any internet connection at all, you can still receive traditional FM, AM, Longwave, and Shortwave broadcasts just like any portable radio. Internet-dependent features like the 40,000-station streaming library require either a connected WiFi network or an active 4G SIM card inserted into the device.

The CHOYONG LC90 Multi-Band Internet Radio uses a standard nano or micro SIM card depending on the slot size, and no data plan is included in the purchase. You will need to source and activate a compatible SIM from a local carrier separately. Before buying a SIM, verify that your carrier supports the specific 4G bands the device uses, as not all regional networks are compatible.

Honest answer: plan for a learning curve. Getting WiFi connected and browsing preset internet stations is straightforward, but navigating the full menu system, updating firmware, and adding custom stations through the Choyong website takes time to learn. Most users report that after a few sessions it becomes second nature, but it is not the kind of device you hand to someone expecting them to figure it out in five minutes.

Not as standalone apps in the traditional sense. The LC90 accesses podcast content indexed from Spotify and Apple Podcasts directories through its own platform, but it does not run the Spotify app itself. Think of it as a curated index rather than a direct app login — you get access to much of the content, but not through your personal account or saved playlists.

SSB stands for Single Sideband, a modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, maritime services, aviation, and various utility stations on shortwave frequencies. If you are a licensed ham radio operator, shortwave DXer, or interested in monitoring non-broadcast signals, SSB support is a meaningful feature. If you only plan to listen to music and news stations, you will likely never use it.

From firmware version 4.8 onward, you can speak a station name, genre, country, or podcast title and the device uses GPT and Google to locate matching results from the library. It is genuinely useful for navigating a catalog of 40,000-plus stations without scrolling endlessly. That said, it works best with clear, specific requests — vague queries can return inconsistent results like any voice search system.

You need to visit the Choyong website on a separate device, search for or manually enter the station stream URL, and then push it to your registered LC90. It works, but the process is more involved than simply typing a URL into the radio itself. Users who prefer everything managed on-device may find this workflow frustrating.

The 5000mAh lithium polymer battery is built into the unit and is not designed for easy user replacement. It should hold capacity well for a few years under normal use, but eventual degradation is inevitable with any lithium battery. If long-term battery serviceability is a priority, that is worth factoring into your decision.

Owners frequently describe the audio as noticeably better than expected for the cabinet size, with the passive radiator adding some low-end body that most slim portables lack. Several reviewers directly compare it favorably to radios from brands like Sangean and Eton at similar price points. It is not a substitute for a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, but for a radio it performs well above average.

Probably not the best fit. The LC90 is designed for users who genuinely need both internet streaming and traditional multi-band reception with features like SSB and 4G SIM backup. If your goal is simple FM or AM listening at home, a much more affordable radio will serve you just as well without the setup complexity or premium cost.