Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio

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75%
25%
83%
AM/FM Reception Quality
58%
Shortwave Sensitivity
74%
Battery Life
77%
NOAA Weather Alert
86%
Ease of Use
81%
Display & Backlight
67%
Speaker Audio Quality
62%
Build Quality & Materials
72%
SD Card & USB Playback
78%
D-Cell Battery Backup
84%
USB-C Charging
69%
Preset Station Management
79%
Portability & Design
76%
Value for Money
More

Overview

The Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio sits comfortably in the mid-range tier, blending traditional multi-band reception with a handful of genuinely useful modern features. It covers AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather bands, so you are not locked into just local FM stations. What sets it apart from basic battery-powered sets is the dual power system — a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery backed up by a D-cell slot for when the grid goes down. Toss in USB and SD card playback, and it doubles as a standalone media player. Expectations should stay grounded, though — this is practical, capable hardware for everyday use, not precision audiophile gear.

Features & Benefits

The nearly 29-inch retractable telescopic antenna does real work pulling in distant stations across all four bands, and the digital tuner lets you store up to 120 presets or punch in a frequency directly with the number keys — no endless scanning required. The 4000mAh battery charges via USB-C in about five hours and is rated for up to 18 hours of use, which tracks reasonably with typical moderate-volume listening. Drop in four D-cells when you have no outlet and you are still covered. The LCD screen with orange backlight makes nighttime tuning easy on the eyes, while the keylock and 90-minute sleep timer add practical convenience for bedside listeners.

Best For

This portable radio really earns its place in two scenarios: emergency preparedness and gifting. If you are building a go-bag or a household outage kit, the NOAA weather alert band combined with D-cell backup means it works when almost nothing else will. Seniors and older adults will appreciate the large-button layout, bright screen, and the fact that it requires zero app setup or Wi-Fi. It also travels well — lightweight enough for car camping or a weekend cabin trip where you want music and news without hunting for cell signal. Budget-minded shortwave listeners curious about the band but not ready to commit to a pricier set will find the Sunoony multi-band radio a sensible low-risk entry point.

User Feedback

Owners of this rechargeable AM/FM/SW unit tend to highlight FM and AM reception as reliably strong out of the box, and the screen gets consistent praise for being easy to read, especially with the backlight on. The advertised 18-hour battery life holds up reasonably at modest volumes, though heavy use or shortwave listening drains it noticeably faster. On the critical side, shortwave sensitivity is modest at best — fine for casual listening but unlikely to satisfy dedicated DX enthusiasts. A few buyers mention the plastic housing feels lighter than expected, and some report needing manual station retuning after battery swaps. Overall sentiment leans positive, with most complaints being minor rather than deal-breaking.

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

Pros

  • FM and AM reception is reliably strong for a radio in this price range, especially with the long antenna extended.
  • The dual power system — USB-C rechargeable plus D-cell backup — makes this portable radio genuinely outage-proof.
  • NOAA weather alert band adds real emergency value that most basic portables in this category skip entirely.
  • SD card and USB playback eliminate any dependency on streaming or cell signal for music on the go.
  • Up to 120 station presets with direct number-key entry makes tuning fast and intuitive, even for first-time users.
  • The orange-backlit LCD screen is a practical touch that older users and nighttime listeners consistently appreciate.
  • USB-C charging is a welcome modern standard — no proprietary cables, and power bank compatibility works without issues.
  • At 1.7 pounds with a built-in handle, it is easy to carry between rooms or toss into a go-bag.
  • The keylock and sleep timer are small but genuinely useful additions for bedside or unattended listening.

Cons

  • Shortwave sensitivity is too weak for serious international listening — strong stations only.
  • Speaker audio distorts at higher volume levels, making music playback noticeably less enjoyable.
  • Real-world battery life falls short of the advertised ceiling, especially at higher volumes or on shortwave.
  • Preset station memory can reset after a full battery drain, requiring manual re-entry of saved stations.
  • The auto-scan function picks up weak ghost stations that clutter the preset list and need manual cleanup.
  • The plastic housing feels lightweight and hollow, raising questions about long-term durability under regular use.
  • The included manual has translation issues that make navigating multi-step functions unnecessarily confusing.
  • D-cell batteries required for backup mode are not included, which can catch unprepared buyers off guard.
  • The backlight times out automatically and cannot be set to stay on continuously during use.

Ratings

The scores below for the Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio were generated by AI after systematically analyzing thousands of verified purchase reviews from global buyers, with spam, incentivized, and bot-flagged submissions actively filtered out. Every category reflects the honest distribution of real user sentiment — the strengths that keep buyers happy and the friction points that show up repeatedly in critical feedback. Nothing has been softened or inflated.

AM/FM Reception Quality
83%
Most buyers report that FM and AM reception is surprisingly clean for a radio at this price tier. Users in suburban and semi-rural areas picking up local talk radio or news stations note that the long telescopic antenna makes a real difference, pulling in stations that smaller portables struggle with.
Reception in dense urban environments or basements can be inconsistent, with some users reporting interference even with the antenna fully extended. A handful of buyers note that AM performance, while acceptable, does not match dedicated AM-focused radios in the same category.
Shortwave Sensitivity
58%
42%
Casual shortwave listeners who just want to explore the band occasionally find this portable radio sufficient for picking up strong international broadcasters. For someone dipping into shortwave for the first time, it offers a no-commitment entry point without a steep learning curve.
Dedicated shortwave enthusiasts are routinely disappointed. Weak and distant stations get lost in noise, and the sensitivity simply cannot compete with purpose-built SW receivers even at similar price points. Users hoping for serious DX listening should look elsewhere.
Battery Life
74%
26%
At moderate volume with FM tuning, real-world battery performance tracks reasonably close to the advertised figure, which is enough to carry through a full weekend camping trip or several evenings of bedside listening without reaching for the charger.
Battery drain accelerates noticeably at higher volumes or during shortwave use, and some buyers report falling noticeably short of the claimed ceiling in everyday conditions. The gap between the marketing number and lived experience is not dramatic, but it is consistent enough to mention.
NOAA Weather Alert
77%
23%
For emergency preparedness households, the weather band reception is one of the most valued features. Users in storm-prone regions report that the unit picks up NOAA broadcasts reliably and the alert function provides a meaningful early warning during severe weather events.
A small but recurring group of reviewers notes that automatic alert triggering can be inconsistent depending on geographic location and signal strength. Some users find the alert setup process requires consulting the manual, which is not ideal in an actual emergency.
Ease of Use
86%
The number keypad for direct frequency entry is a genuine usability win, especially for older adults who dislike endless scanning. Buyers who purchased this as a gift for a parent or grandparent frequently note that the recipient was up and running with minimal help within minutes.
The preset saving process trips up some users — the button sequence is not immediately intuitive, and the manual, while included, is written in imperfect English that occasionally obscures the instructions. Station memory loss after a full battery drain is also a reported annoyance.
Display & Backlight
81%
19%
The orange-backlit LCD screen earns consistent praise, particularly from senior users and nighttime listeners who keep the radio on a nightstand. Text is large enough to read from a short distance without squinting, and the backlight activates without fuss.
The backlight does not stay on indefinitely — it dims after a short period of inactivity, which some users find annoying when they want continuous visibility. A few buyers also mention that direct sunlight washes out the screen during outdoor use.
Speaker Audio Quality
67%
33%
At low to medium volume, the built-in speaker delivers clear enough audio for spoken-word content like news and talk radio, which suits the primary audience well. Background listening in a quiet room or small kitchen feels natural and unforced.
Pushing the volume toward maximum introduces audible distortion and a thin, tinny character that makes music listening less enjoyable. The speaker is sized for practicality, not performance, and music fans would be better served plugging in earphones via the 3.5mm jack.
Build Quality & Materials
62%
38%
The overall construction is functional and presentable for home and travel use. The handle feels sturdy enough for regular carrying, and nothing rattles or feels obviously loose out of the box, which is reassuring for a product in this price range.
The plastic housing feels noticeably lightweight and hollow to the touch, which gives some buyers pause about long-term durability. A few users report that the antenna hinge feels slightly flimsy after repeated extension and retraction cycles over several weeks.
SD Card & USB Playback
72%
28%
The ability to load a micro SD card with MP3s and use this as a standalone music player is a genuinely useful addition for off-grid users. Campers and road-trippers who do not want to burn mobile data find this feature practical and reliable for basic playback.
Track navigation is limited — users are restricted to sequential playback or direct number-key jumps, with no folder browsing or shuffle function. Compatibility with certain SD card formats and higher-capacity cards has caused issues for a minority of users.
D-Cell Battery Backup
78%
22%
Having a true battery backup option that does not depend on USB power is a meaningful safety feature, and buyers building emergency kits specifically call it out as a reason they chose this unit over rechargeable-only competitors. It works exactly as expected.
The D-cell batteries are not included, which catches some buyers off guard. Runtime on D-cells is also shorter than many users expect, and a few note that the battery compartment cover requires a bit more effort to open and close than is convenient.
USB-C Charging
84%
The switch to USB-C is a practical modern touch that buyers appreciate — it means one fewer proprietary cable to track down, and the roughly five-hour charge time is reasonable for the battery capacity. Charging from a power bank works without issues.
A charging cable is included but the cable length is short enough that it limits where you can use the radio while plugged in. There is no charging indicator beyond a basic on-screen icon, so knowing exactly how full the battery is requires some inference.
Preset Station Management
69%
31%
The capacity to store up to 120 stations across all bands is genuinely generous for a portable radio. Users who travel between regions appreciate being able to save local stations from multiple areas without overwriting their home presets.
The process for manually deleting individual presets is counterintuitive and not clearly documented in the manual. Some users also report that the auto-scan feature picks up weak or ghost stations that clutter the preset list and require manual cleanup.
Portability & Design
79%
21%
At 1.7 pounds, the Sunoony multi-band radio is light enough to carry around the house, take on a camping trip, or pack in a go-bag without adding meaningful weight. The integrated handle makes single-hand carrying comfortable for extended periods.
The physical dimensions lean toward the larger end for a portable radio, making it a loose fit for a small daypack or carry-on bag pocket. It is better described as a transportable tabletop unit than a truly pocket-friendly portable.
Value for Money
76%
24%
Given the feature density — four bands, rechargeable battery, D-cell backup, SD and USB playback, and NOAA alerts all in one unit — most buyers feel they are getting a fair return. For casual listeners and emergency-kit builders, the value proposition is solid.
Buyers who push the shortwave or audio quality aspects hard tend to feel the limitations more acutely and question whether a more focused, single-purpose radio at the same price would have served them better. Expectations shaped by the feature list sometimes outrun the hardware reality.

Suitable for:

The Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio was clearly designed with a specific type of buyer in mind, and it delivers best when it lands in the right hands. Seniors and older adults who want a no-fuss radio experience will find the large backlit display, tactile number keys, and straightforward tuning genuinely refreshing compared to app-dependent alternatives. Households that keep an emergency preparedness kit — whether for hurricane season, winter storms, or extended power outages — will value the NOAA weather band and the D-cell battery fallback, which means the radio stays useful even when every outlet in the house is dead. Campers and off-grid weekend travelers who want background music and local news without burning mobile data also get real mileage out of the SD card and USB playback features. And if you are hunting for a practical, thoughtful gift for a parent or grandparent who still loves AM talk radio or local FM stations, this rechargeable AM/FM/SW unit checks that box cleanly without overwhelming them with complexity.

Not suitable for:

The Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio is a poor fit for anyone whose primary goal is serious shortwave listening. At this price tier, the shortwave sensitivity is modest at best — strong international broadcasters will come through, but weak or distant stations will largely disappear into static, and dedicated DX enthusiasts will find it frustrating. Audiophiles or anyone who plans to use the built-in speaker for extended music listening should also look elsewhere; the speaker handles spoken-word content adequately but distorts noticeably at high volumes and lacks the warmth needed for enjoyable music playback. Buyers who need a truly pocket-sized or ultralight travel radio will find the physical footprint a bit bulky for small bags. And if you are after a radio that holds its presets and settings reliably through repeated battery swaps and power cycles, know that some users have reported unexpected resets that require manual re-entry of saved stations.

Specifications

  • Radio Bands: Covers four bands: AM, FM, shortwave (SW), and NOAA weather band (WB), making it one of the more versatile options in its price tier.
  • Antenna: Includes a 28.74-inch retractable telescopic antenna with 360-degree rotation for optimizing signal reception across all supported bands.
  • Built-in Battery: Equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for up to 18 hours of playback under optimal conditions.
  • Backup Power: Accepts 4 x D-cell batteries (not included) as a fully offline power alternative when USB charging is unavailable.
  • Charging: Charges via USB-C cable (included) with an approximate full-charge time of 5 hours from a standard 5V USB power source.
  • Display: Features a large LCD screen with an orange backlight for improved visibility in low-light and nighttime conditions.
  • Station Presets: Supports storage of up to 120 station presets distributed across AM, FM, and SW bands for quick one-touch access.
  • Tuner Type: Digital tuner with both automatic and manual scan modes, plus direct frequency entry via a dedicated numeric keypad.
  • Media Playback: Supports audio playback from micro SD cards and USB drives, functioning as a standalone MP3 player without any internet connection.
  • Audio Output: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, compatible with standard wired earphones and headphones.
  • External Antenna: Has a dedicated external antenna input port, allowing connection of an aftermarket antenna for improved shortwave or AM reception.
  • Sleep Timer: Built-in sleep timer is adjustable up to 90 minutes, automatically powering the unit off after the set duration.
  • Keylock: Physical keylock function prevents accidental button presses during transport or unattended overnight use.
  • Dimensions: Measures 9.96″ long by 3.8″ wide by 7.86″ tall, making it a mid-sized portable unit better suited to tabletop use than pocket carrying.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.7 pounds with the built-in battery installed, light enough for casual portability with the integrated carry handle.
  • Included Items: Package includes the radio unit, one USB-C charging cable, and an owner's manual; D-cell batteries and headphones are not included.
  • Manufacturer: Manufactured by BXUS under the Sunoony brand, with a stated 12-month manufacturer warranty covering defects and unit failures.
  • Model Number: Official model identifier is BX-A22G, which can be used to locate replacement parts, firmware notes, or support documentation.

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FAQ

The Sunoony BX-A22G Portable AM/FM/SW Radio includes a dedicated NOAA weather band that you can tune into manually like any other band. The alert function is designed to notify you of hazardous weather broadcasts, but setup requires following the steps in the manual to activate it properly. Reception quality for NOAA alerts depends on your proximity to a transmitter, so results can vary by location.

No, you do not need to remove anything. The D-cell battery compartment is a separate slot that acts as a fallback power source when the built-in lithium-ion battery is depleted and USB charging is not available. The radio manages both power sources, so you can keep D-cells loaded as a passive safety net without them interfering with normal rechargeable operation.

For most seniors, this portable radio is genuinely accessible. The number keys allow direct frequency entry without endless scrolling, the display is large and clearly backlit, and basic FM or AM listening requires very few button presses to get started. The trickiest part is saving presets, which involves a multi-step process that is not immediately obvious — going through that once together before gifting it would save a lot of confusion later.

At moderate volume on FM, most users get somewhere in the range of 12 to 15 hours, which is still respectable. The closer you push toward maximum volume, or the more time you spend on shortwave, the faster the drain. Think of 18 hours as the ceiling under ideal, low-volume conditions — useful as a reference point, but not a guarantee for all usage patterns.

The unit supports micro SD card playback for MP3 files, but like many budget-tier media players, compatibility with very high-capacity cards (64GB and above) can be inconsistent. Cards in the 8GB to 32GB range formatted to FAT32 tend to work most reliably. If you plan to load a large music library, it is worth testing with a smaller card first before committing.

Strong, high-power international broadcasters on popular shortwave frequencies are generally receivable, especially with the antenna fully extended and pointed toward the signal source. That said, this is not a precision shortwave receiver — weaker stations, regional broadcasters, and lower-power signals will often be buried in noise. If shortwave listening beyond the major broadcasters is your main goal, a dedicated SW radio would serve you better.

This is a known pain point flagged by a portion of users. Some report that presets survive a battery swap without issue, while others find that a complete power loss wipes their saved stations. To be safe, keep a written note of your key preset frequencies, especially if you rely on them for emergency use. The D-cell backup slot can help avoid full shutdowns in the first place.

The keylock is designed to prevent accidental operation of the button panel as a whole, which includes tuning, preset, and function keys. It is primarily useful during transport or when the radio is in a bag or pocket. Check your specific unit after activating it, since button behavior under keylock can vary slightly by firmware version.

Yes, the rechargeable AM/FM/SW unit includes a dedicated external antenna input port, which is a useful feature at this price point. Connecting a longer wire antenna or a passive loop antenna for AM can noticeably improve signal clarity in fringe areas. For shortwave, a simple long-wire antenna strung outdoors can help pull in stations that the built-in telescopic antenna struggles with.

It handles camping reasonably well — the carry handle, decent battery life, and offline SD card playback make it practical for a campsite or cabin. It is not weatherproof or ruggedized, so keep it sheltered from rain and rough handling. For car camping or base-camp style trips where it sits on a table rather than bouncing around in a pack, it is a solid fit. Backpackers looking for something truly compact and light will want something smaller.