Retekess TR618 AM FM Shortwave Radio

Overview

The Retekess TR618 AM FM Shortwave Radio leans hard into nostalgia, and that's clearly the point. This is a tabletop radio built around a simple idea: tune in AM, FM, or shortwave without wading through menus or settings. It plugs straight into the wall, but it also runs on three D batteries, so a storm knocking out power doesn't mean silence in the kitchen. There's no app, no Bluetooth, no touchscreen to fumble with. Instead you get a wide analog dial, physical buttons, and a layout that makes sense at a glance. If you've been hunting for something that feels like the radio your grandparents owned, minus the static and unreliable tuning, this fits that mold pretty well.

Features & Benefits

Where this AM/FM/SW radio earns its price is in the listening experience itself. A DSP chip keeps stations locked once you find them, so you're not nudging the dial every few minutes to stop drift, even during long stretches of listening. The telescopic antenna extends reception noticeably, particularly for shortwave broadcasts that can otherwise sound thin and unstable. Beyond live radio, this plug-in radio doubles as a basic media player: load MP3 files onto a USB drive, SD card, or micro SD card and it plays them through a surprisingly capable 3.5-inch speaker. Sound comes out fuller and louder than you'd expect from something this size. A headphone jack rounds things out for anyone who wants to listen privately, and the buttons stay large and obvious enough that operating it never feels like guesswork.

Best For

This tabletop radio makes the most sense for a specific kind of buyer rather than everyone. It's a strong pick for older adults who want straightforward listening without menus, codes, or touchscreens getting in the way. Kitchens, garages, and workshops are natural spots for it too, since it's sturdy enough to handle daily bumps and spills better than something delicate. Because it runs on D batteries as well as AC power, households that want a reliable backup during outages will appreciate having it on hand. Anyone who already keeps music or audiobooks on a USB stick or SD card gets extra mileage out of it. And if you simply like the look of a vintage radio sitting on a shelf or nightstand, it works nicely as a decor piece too.

User Feedback

Feedback on this AM/FM/SW radio tends to follow a consistent pattern. Buyers who bought it for elderly parents or grandparents often mention how quickly they adapted to it, crediting the simple layout and large controls. Reception also gets singled out frequently, with several owners comparing it favorably to cheaper radios that drift or lose signal indoors. The speaker draws compliments too, described as louder and clearer than its compact size suggests. On the downside, some reviewers wish it included a clock or alarm, and the absence of station presets means retuning manually each time you switch between favorites. A handful of owners also note that the analog dial takes a bit of patience to land precisely on a frequency, especially with shortwave stations that sit close together.