Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio

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74%
26%
88%
Value for Money
91%
Portability
79%
Battery Life
83%
AM & FM Reception
62%
Shortwave Reception
74%
Sound Quality
81%
Ease of Use
67%
Build Quality
77%
MP3 Playback
61%
Recording Function
41%
Frequency Memory
82%
Charging & Power
78%
Versatility
More

Overview

The Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio is a surprisingly capable pocket-sized receiver that covers AM, FM, and shortwave bands without asking much of your wallet or your bag space. At just 4.73 x 3.15 x 0.9 inches and 5.6 ounces, this compact receiver slips into a jacket pocket without a second thought. It runs on a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery — and it can play while plugged in, which is a small but genuinely useful detail. Beyond radio, a TF card slot adds MP3 playback and audio recording. For a device sitting at #12 in its Amazon category with a 4.2-star average, it punches above its weight class.

Features & Benefits

The V115 covers AM with a switchable 9 kHz or 10 kHz step for international compatibility, FM, and shortwave, and you can either let it auto-scan for stations or punch in a frequency manually. Load a TF card with audio files and you have an offline music player with multiple repeat modes; use the same card for recording and it captures radio or external sound at three quality levels. Plug a phone into the AUX input and the unit becomes a compact speaker. Six EQ presets, a sleep timer, preset station memory, and a Type-C charging port round out a feature list that feels generous for this price tier.

Best For

This pocket shortwave radio is a natural fit for campers and hikers who want to catch international broadcasts or local emergency alerts without lugging a bulkier device. It also belongs in any emergency kit — the rechargeable battery and pass-through charging mean you can top it up from a power bank and keep it ready. Commuters who want one carry-along for both radio and offline audio will find it practical. That said, compact antennas and city interference do limit shortwave performance, so urban users should keep expectations realistic. For first-time shortwave explorers or budget-conscious hobbyists, though, it genuinely delivers.

User Feedback

Owners tend to be positive about the sound quality relative to what they paid and appreciate not needing to hunt for AA batteries. The rechargeable setup and USB-C port earn consistent praise. On the downside, a notable number of buyers flag that the V115 does not remember your last frequency after powering off — it simply defaults on restart, which gets old quickly. Shortwave reception in cities draws mixed marks; suburban and rural users report noticeably better results. The recording feature has its fans, but lower-quality settings leave some disappointed. Overall, buyers view it as strong value for casual listening rather than a tool for serious radio enthusiasts.

#Shortwave Radios
#Radios
#Portable Audio & Video
#Electronics

Pros

  • Fits in a jacket pocket at under 5.6 ounces — genuinely carry-anywhere portable.
  • Rechargeable via Type-C USB, so no scrambling for AA batteries in the field.
  • Pass-through charging lets you use the V115 while it is plugged into a power bank.
  • Auto-scan and manual frequency entry give you flexible ways to find stations.
  • AM step is switchable between 9 kHz and 10 kHz, covering both North American and international standards.
  • TF card support adds offline MP3 playback, making it a two-in-one carry device.
  • Six EQ presets let you shape the sound to the content without any extra gear.
  • Sleep timer and preset station memory add everyday convenience that budget radios often skip.
  • AUX input turns the unit into a basic speaker for your phone when radio is not needed.
  • Solid 4.2-star average across a large number of reviews reflects consistent satisfaction for the price tier.

Cons

  • The radio does not reliably retain the last-used frequency after powering off, requiring manual retuning each session.
  • Shortwave reception in cities or areas with heavy electrical interference is noticeably limited.
  • The built-in antenna is short; do not expect the same range or sensitivity as a larger dedicated receiver.
  • Audio recording quality at the lower of the three settings disappoints users expecting usable files.
  • The 1000mAh battery, while convenient, means heavy users may need to recharge daily.
  • No external antenna socket, ruling out easy upgrades to improve shortwave range.
  • No clock or time display, which limits usefulness as a bedside or alarm radio.
  • Speaker volume may feel insufficient in noisy outdoor environments like windy campsites or busy streets.
  • Build materials feel lightweight, which suits portability but can give an impression of fragility.
  • Not a fit for advanced listeners who need SSB or fine-tuning controls found on higher-end shortwave receivers.

Ratings

The Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio has been scored by our AI engine after processing verified buyer reviews from global markets, with spam, bot-generated, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out before analysis. The scores below reflect a balanced picture of what real owners love about this pocket receiver and where it genuinely lets them down. Both the strengths that make it a top-12 bestseller and the recurring frustrations that hold it back from a higher rating are transparently represented in every category.

Value for Money
88%
For the asking price, owners consistently feel they are getting more than they paid for. The combination of AM, FM, and shortwave coverage alongside MP3 playback, recording, and a rechargeable battery in a single device is hard to match at this tier. Campers and emergency-kit builders in particular cite it as a smart, low-risk purchase.
A small segment of buyers who expected performance closer to mid-range receivers feel the value proposition is weaker once shortwave limitations in urban areas become apparent. Those who primarily wanted a capable SW radio and found the reception underwhelming tend to rate the value lower than casual AM and FM users.
Portability
91%
At 5.6 ounces and roughly the footprint of a large smartphone, the V115 disappears into a jacket pocket or a bag side-pocket without taking up meaningful space. Hikers and commuters especially appreciate not having to dedicate a dedicated compartment to it, and the included hand strap makes one-handed use comfortable.
The slim profile does mean the speaker faces constraints, and a few users note that holding it at certain angles while tuning can feel slightly awkward due to the control layout. It is a minor ergonomic trade-off that comes with the compact form factor.
Battery Life
79%
21%
Six to eight hours of runtime at medium volume is genuinely useful for a full day of casual outdoor listening or a long commute. The Type-C charging port means most people already have a compatible cable, and the pass-through charging capability lets you keep listening while plugged into a car adapter or power bank.
Heavy users who run it at high volume or use the recording function simultaneously find the battery drains faster than the rated estimate. The 1000mAh capacity means a daily user may need to charge it every night, and a fully depleted battery requires four to five hours to recover — not ideal in a true emergency.
AM & FM Reception
83%
FM reception draws consistent praise, with users in suburban and rural settings reporting clean, clear signal locks on stations across the dial. AM performance benefits from the switchable 9 kHz and 10 kHz step, which is a thoughtful inclusion that lets North American and international users tune correctly without workarounds.
In dense urban areas, AM reception can pick up interference from nearby electronics and building infrastructure, which is a hardware limitation common to compact radios at this price point rather than a flaw unique to this model. A small number of users report occasional FM sensitivity drops that required antenna repositioning to resolve.
Shortwave Reception
62%
38%
For users in suburban or rural environments, the V115 pulls in strong shortwave signals from international broadcasters reliably enough for casual listening and language learning. Hobbyists exploring SW for the first time report satisfying results tuning into BBC World Service, Radio China International, and similar high-power stations.
Urban interference significantly degrades SW sensitivity, and the compact fixed antenna simply cannot compete with external whip or wire antennas used on dedicated receivers. There is no external antenna socket, so there is no easy way to improve reception. Serious DX enthusiasts and anyone expecting performance beyond strong-signal catches will be disappointed.
Sound Quality
74%
26%
For a speaker this small, the audio output surprises most new owners — vocals come through clearly on talk radio and music is listenable at mid-volume with the EQ presets adding some useful texture. The Heavy Bass preset gets specific praise from users who primarily use it for music playback via TF card.
At maximum volume the speaker distorts noticeably, and outdoor use in anything more than light wind makes it hard to hear clearly. Headphone output quality is better and more consistent, but the speaker alone is not well-suited for noisy environments like a busy campsite or a kitchen with running water.
Ease of Use
81%
19%
The button layout and auto-scan function make initial setup accessible even for users with no prior shortwave experience. Older buyers and first-time radio owners consistently mention that tuning and saving presets felt intuitive within a few minutes of unboxing, with no need to consult the manual for basic operation.
Navigating the more advanced settings — such as switching recording quality levels or toggling AM step values — does require the manual, which some users describe as poorly translated. A handful of buyers found the small button size challenging to operate without accidentally pressing adjacent controls.
Build Quality
67%
33%
The unit feels solid enough for light travel and everyday carry, and most users who have owned it for six months or more report no structural failures. The battery door closes securely and the TF card slot holds cards firmly without wobble.
The plastic shell has a noticeably budget feel in hand, and the buttons have a soft, low-feedback click that does not inspire confidence over the long term. A few buyers reported cosmetic scuffing after minimal use, and the overall impression is that the construction is serviceable rather than durable.
MP3 Playback
77%
23%
Loading a TF card with audio files and using this compact receiver as an offline music player is a genuinely convenient feature for commuters or campers who want to avoid relying on a phone. The multiple repeat modes — including folder repeat and random play — and the ability to jump directly to a track by number save real time with large libraries.
Audio format compatibility is limited, and users with files in less common formats report playback failures. Navigation through large music libraries can also feel slow compared to a dedicated MP3 player, with no display search function to quickly locate a specific track by name.
Recording Function
61%
39%
The ability to record radio broadcasts or external audio directly to a TF card sets this pocket shortwave radio apart from most competitors at this price. At the highest quality setting, voice recordings from AM and FM radio are clear enough for archiving news segments or language study materials.
The two lower recording quality settings produce noticeably hissy audio that limits their usefulness. Background noise during shortwave recording is a consistent complaint, and the lack of a real-time recording level meter makes it hard to gauge whether a clean capture is happening before playback.
Frequency Memory
41%
59%
The preset station memory works reliably during a session — once you save your most-used stations, recalling them is fast and consistent. For FM listeners who stick to a handful of local stations, the preset system largely sidesteps the underlying issue during active use.
The radio does not retain the last-used frequency after powering off, which is one of the most frequently cited complaints across buyer reviews. Every restart requires retuning or selecting a preset from scratch, and there is no workaround short of always leaving it on a saved preset — a frustrating limitation that affects daily usability.
Charging & Power
82%
18%
The Type-C USB port is a welcome modern choice that eliminates the need for proprietary cables, and the BL-5C battery format is widely available as a cheap replacement if the original degrades. Pass-through operation during charging is confirmed by owners who use it plugged into a USB car charger on long drives.
The included charging cable is short and of basic quality, and a few users have noted slower-than-expected charge times when using lower-output USB adapters. The battery, while replaceable, requires sourcing a BL-5C cell, which may not be immediately available at local retailers in all regions.
Versatility
78%
22%
Few pocket radios at this price point offer AM, FM, SW, TF card playback, audio recording, AUX input, and a headphone jack in one package. For a traveler who wants to consolidate devices, the V115 genuinely reduces the number of gadgets needed for radio listening, offline audio, and casual recording tasks.
Each individual function — recording, MP3 playback, shortwave reception — performs at a competent but not class-leading level. Users who care deeply about any one of those features will find a purpose-built device outperforms it, meaning the versatility is most valuable to generalists rather than specialists.

Suitable for:

The Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio is a strong match for anyone who wants a capable, low-fuss radio without spending much. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the pocket-friendly size and the built-in rechargeable battery that can run six to eight hours on a charge — enough for a full day at a campsite or on a trail. It also belongs in an emergency preparedness bag: the pass-through charging means you can keep it topped up from a power bank, and AM and shortwave coverage means you can pull in news and alerts even without a cell signal. First-time shortwave listeners and older users who prefer simple controls will find the auto-scan and preset memory approachable, and commuters who want one device for both radio and offline audio playback via TF card will find the combination genuinely practical at this price point.

Not suitable for:

The Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio is not the right tool for serious radio hobbyists or dedicated DX listeners who need strong shortwave sensitivity across a wide range of frequencies. The compact antenna and entry-level tuner circuitry mean that shortwave performance in urban environments — where interference is heavy — can be frustrating, and the unit simply cannot compete with dedicated receivers that cost several times more. The lack of reliable frequency memory on power-off is a recurring real-world annoyance, so anyone who expects the radio to pick up exactly where it left off will be disappointed. Audiophiles or musicians looking for high-fidelity recording will also find the lower-quality recording settings fall short of their needs. If your main use is serious shortwave monitoring, foreign broadcast DXing, or precise audio capture, this compact receiver is the wrong starting point.

Specifications

  • Band Coverage: Receives AM, FM, and shortwave (SW) broadcasts across all three bands.
  • AM Step: AM tuning step is user-selectable between 9 kHz and 10 kHz to match regional broadcast standards.
  • Dimensions: The unit measures 4.73″ long by 3.15″ tall by 0.9″ wide.
  • Weight: Weighs 5.6 ounces including the installed BL-5C battery.
  • Battery: Powered by a removable 1000mAh BL-5C lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
  • Charge Time: A fully depleted battery takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach a full charge.
  • Playback Time: Delivers approximately 6 to 8 hours of continuous use at medium volume on a full charge.
  • Charging Port: Charges via a Type-C USB port, compatible with standard USB-C cables and adapters.
  • Pass-Through Use: The radio can operate normally while connected to a power source for uninterrupted listening.
  • TF Card Support: Accepts a TF (microSD) card for both MP3 audio playback and on-device audio recording.
  • Recording Quality: Offers three selectable recording quality levels to balance file size and audio fidelity.
  • AUX Input: Includes a 3.5mm AUX input jack for connecting an external audio source such as a smartphone.
  • Headphone Output: Features a headphone jack for private listening via standard 3.5mm headphones.
  • EQ Presets: Six built-in equalizer presets are available: Natural, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Country, and Heavy Bass.
  • Preset Stations: Supports saving favorite radio stations to preset memory slots for quick recall.
  • Sleep Timer: Built-in sleep timer automatically powers off the radio after a set duration.
  • Power Source: Operates on DC 5V supplied either via USB charging cable or the installed BL-5C battery.
  • Included Items: Package includes the radio, one BL-5C battery, a Type-C charging cable, a hand strap with bracket, and an owner's manual.

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FAQ

Unfortunately, this is one of the V115's known limitations. It does not reliably retain the last-used frequency after powering off, so you will generally need to retune or select a preset when you switch it back on. Saving your go-to stations as presets is the best workaround.

It uses a standard microSD (TF) card. While the documentation does not specify a maximum supported capacity, most users report success with cards in the 8GB to 32GB range. For simple MP3 playback or radio recording, even a small card will hold a substantial amount of content.

Yes, the Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio supports pass-through operation, meaning you can listen to radio or play back audio from a TF card while the battery is charging via the USB-C port. This is especially useful if you are using it at a desk or in a vehicle.

Realistically, it is adequate but not impressive in dense urban areas. The compact built-in antenna picks up strong shortwave signals reasonably well, but electrical interference from buildings, Wi-Fi, and other electronics can muddy weaker international broadcasts. If you are in a suburb or rural area, results are noticeably better.

Yes, plug a 3.5mm AUX cable from your phone into the radio's AUX input and it will play audio through the built-in speaker. It is not a high-powered speaker, but it works well enough for quiet rooms or casual outdoor use.

The BL-5C battery format is a common lithium-ion cell originally used in older Nokia phones, so replacement batteries are widely available online at low cost. The battery door is accessible, making swaps straightforward.

The AM step toggle is accessible through the radio's menu or a dedicated button sequence described in the owner's manual. Set it to 9 kHz if you are in Europe, Asia, or Africa, and 10 kHz for North and South America.

At the highest of the three recording settings, the output is clear enough for voice-based programs and talk radio. At the lower settings, audio quality drops noticeably and background hiss can become an issue. For anything more than casual archiving, stick to the top quality setting.

No, this compact receiver does not include a clock display or alarm feature. It does have a sleep timer that shuts the radio off after a preset interval, but there is no wake-to-radio alarm, so it is not a substitute for a bedside clock radio.

It is a practical choice for emergency preparedness. The rechargeable battery, USB-C charging compatibility with power banks, AM coverage for local emergency alerts, and shortwave access for international broadcasts all make it a sensible addition to a go-bag or home emergency kit. Just top up the charge periodically so it is ready when needed.

Where to Buy

eBay
Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio
In stock $28.42
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Retekess V115 Shortwave Radio
In stock $33.99
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