ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio

ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 1
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 2
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 3
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 4
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 5
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 6
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 7
ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio — image 8
78%
22%
78%
AM/FM/Shortwave Reception
71%
NOAA Weather Alert Function
64%
Bluetooth Speaker Sound Quality
83%
Build Quality & Design
86%
Battery Life & USB-C Charging
68%
Ease of Use & Tuning Controls
79%
MP3 & Media Playback
74%
Antenna Performance
81%
Alarm Clock & Bedside Use
88%
Portability & Size
84%
Value for Money
77%
Included Accessories
More

Overview

The ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio is a small, dense little gadget that tries to do a lot in a body barely bigger than a deck of cards. It is styled after old military gear, with a boxy, camo-inspired shell that feels more rugged than your typical plastic radio. Underneath that retro shell sits a surprisingly versatile setup: AM, FM, shortwave, and weather bands alongside a Bluetooth speaker mode and a built-in MP3 player that reads files off a microSD card. It charges over USB-C with a replaceable battery instead of disposable cells, and it ships with a few practical extras, including an external antenna and a waterproof pouch, that make it feel like a complete kit rather than a bare-bones unit out of the box.

Features & Benefits

Where this pocket radio earns its keep is in how much reception range it crams into such a tiny shell. You get AM, FM, shortwave, and the NOAA weather band, with up to 114 station presets you can reach either by spinning the tuning dial or jumping straight to a saved spot with a button. Switch it into Bluetooth speaker mode and you get six EQ presets to shape the sound, which is a nice touch for something this small. It also doubles as an MP3 player, reading WAV and WMA files off a microSD card with folder browsing and shuffle. A built-in alarm clock with auto power-on and a sleep timer rounds it out, and the telescoping antenna plus the longer external wire antenna both help pull in weaker signals.

Best For

This multiband receiver makes the most sense for a few specific kinds of buyers. If you want a backup radio for storm season that can pick up NOAA weather alerts without relying on your phone, it fits the bill nicely. Campers and travelers who would rather carry one compact gadget than a separate speaker and a separate radio will appreciate the combo. It is also a reasonable entry point for anyone curious about shortwave listening who is not ready to spend serious money on a dedicated receiver. On top of that, the built-in alarm clock and auto power-on make it a workable bedside radio. Overall, it suits people who value flexibility and a fair price over chasing the best possible audio fidelity.

User Feedback

Feedback on this retro radio speaker tends to land in a pretty consistent place. Reception gets praised once the external antenna is hooked up, with several people noting that stations come in much clearer than expected for something this size. The compact, lightweight build is another recurring favorite, especially among people who toss it in a bag for trips or outdoor outings. On the downside, the Bluetooth speaker output is fine for casual background listening but will not satisfy anyone expecting real bass or volume from a 3-watt driver. A handful of users mention that the dial and button tuning takes a session or two to get comfortable with. Battery life and USB-C charging, though, are consistently called out as convenient day-to-day.

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Pros

  • This pocket radio packs AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather bands into a tiny, travel-friendly body.
  • Storing up to 114 station presets makes it easy to save favorites across AM and FM.
  • Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker with six EQ presets adds real everyday value beyond just radio listening.
  • USB-C charging and a replaceable lithium battery beat carrying around disposable batteries.
  • The included external wire antenna noticeably improves reception compared to using the telescopic antenna alone.
  • Built-in alarm clock with auto power-on makes it a genuinely useful bedside radio.
  • Playing MP3, WAV, and WMA files from a microSD card adds a nice bonus feature.
  • The rugged, military-inspired design feels sturdier than most budget radios in this price range.
  • Reception held up well for casual listening once the external antenna was connected, according to real owners.

Cons

  • The Bluetooth speaker output is noticeably thin compared to dedicated portable speakers in the same price range.
  • Tuning through the dial and button system takes some trial and error to get comfortable with.
  • The stock telescopic antenna alone struggles with weaker or more distant shortwave signals.
  • Some buyers may find the manual unclear when first learning the station-saving steps.
  • The orange backlight, while useful at night, is not adjustable for brightness preference.
  • This is not built to withstand heavy rain or rugged outdoor abuse despite its tough look.
  • Audio from the small driver can sound a bit flat at higher volume levels.
  • The included waterproof pouch is basic and not a substitute for a hard protective case.

Ratings

These scores for the ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio come from an AI-driven analysis of verified buyer reviews collected from real owners around the world. Before scoring, our system filters out spam, bot activity, and incentivized reviews, so what remains reflects genuine day-to-day experience with this multiband receiver. Both the strong points and the rough edges are shown here exactly as buyers reported them, without smoothing over the trade-offs.

AM/FM/Shortwave Reception
78%
22%
Owners consistently note that this pocket radio pulls in local AM and FM stations cleanly, and shortwave reception holds up well for casual listening once the included external antenna is attached. For everyday use around the house or while camping, the coverage feels surprisingly complete for something this small.
Without the external antenna connected, shortwave reception can feel thin, especially for fainter or more distant international broadcasts. Serious shortwave hobbyists chasing weak DX signals will likely find the stock telescopic antenna alone limiting compared to a dedicated receiver setup.
NOAA Weather Alert Function
71%
29%
Households that want a backup option for storm season appreciate having direct access to the NOAA weather band without relying on a phone signal or Wi-Fi. It gives an extra layer of reassurance during severe weather season, especially for anyone living in storm-prone areas.
Some buyers wish the alert behavior were more clearly explained out of the box, since it works best as a tool you actively tune to rather than a fully automatic siren. It should be treated as a helpful backup rather than a sole emergency notification system.
Bluetooth Speaker Sound Quality
64%
36%
The Bluetooth speaker mode is a genuinely handy bonus for background music during car rides, campsite hangouts, or casual listening around the house, and the six EQ presets let you tweak the tone a bit. It is a welcome extra on top of the radio functions.
The small 3-watt driver simply cannot produce the bass or volume of a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, and louder rooms or outdoor gatherings expose its limits quickly. Buyers expecting club-level sound or deep low end will likely be disappointed by this aspect specifically.
Build Quality & Design
83%
The boxy, military-inspired shell feels noticeably sturdier than typical budget plastic radios, and the retro look gives it a bit of personality on a shelf or in a backpack. Many buyers mention it feels more solid in hand than its price would suggest.
While the design feels tough, it is not actually rated for heavy rain or rugged outdoor abuse, so the look promises more durability than the materials fully deliver. Treat it as sturdy for everyday handling rather than genuinely rugged survival gear.
Battery Life & USB-C Charging
86%
Switching to USB-C charging with a replaceable lithium battery is a clear upgrade over older radios that burn through disposable batteries, and daily charging fits naturally into most routines. Buyers frequently mention this as one of the more convenient parts of daily ownership.
A handful of owners note that heavy continuous use, especially with the Bluetooth speaker running at higher volume, drains the battery faster than light radio listening alone. Keeping a charging cable handy is recommended for frequent or all-day use.
Ease of Use & Tuning Controls
68%
32%
Once you learn the layout, switching between the tuning dial and direct button search becomes second nature, and saving up to 114 stations means you rarely have to retune from scratch. Repeat listeners tend to settle into a comfortable routine fairly quickly.
New users commonly mention a short learning curve when first figuring out the dial-and-button system, and the included manual could be clearer about the exact steps. Expect a session or two of trial and error before it feels intuitive.
MP3 & Media Playback
79%
21%
Being able to load a microSD card with MP3, WAV, or WMA files and shuffle through folders turns this into a decent personal music player, not just a radio. Campers and travelers especially like having music on hand without needing a phone connection.
The feature set here is fairly basic compared to a true MP3 player or smartphone, with no display screen for track titles or advanced playlist sorting. It is a nice bonus rather than a primary music device for most buyers.
Antenna Performance
74%
26%
The combination of the telescopic antenna and the longer external wire antenna gives a real reception boost compared to using the radio with the antenna fully retracted. Owners who take the time to extend and position the external antenna report noticeably better results.
Reception without the external antenna attached can feel underwhelming, particularly for shortwave, and indoor use near walls or electronics sometimes weakens the signal further. The performance gap between using and skipping the external antenna is fairly noticeable.
Alarm Clock & Bedside Use
81%
19%
The built-in digital clock with auto power-on and a sleep timer makes it a practical little bedside companion, waking you up to either the radio or saved music. Several buyers specifically picked this up to replace an aging alarm clock radio.
The speaker volume is moderate rather than booming, so very deep sleepers may want to place the unit closer to the bed than they would with a louder alarm clock. It is reliable but not the loudest wake-up option available.
Portability & Size
88%
At roughly 2.1 by 1.5 by 3.5 inches and only 4.6 ounces, this multiband receiver slips easily into a jacket pocket, glove box, or daypack without adding noticeable bulk. Travelers and campers consistently call out the compact size as one of its best traits.
The small size does mean smaller controls, which can be a touch fiddly for users with larger hands or anyone operating it in the dark without the backlight. It is a fair trade-off for the convenience it offers elsewhere.
Value for Money
84%
Combining a multiband radio, Bluetooth speaker, MP3 player, and alarm clock into one affordable package feels like solid value for budget-conscious shoppers who would otherwise buy several separate gadgets. Most buyers feel they got more functionality than the price tag suggests.
Buyers who specifically want top-tier audio or professional-grade shortwave performance may feel the value drops once they compare it against pricier, single-purpose devices. It is best judged as an all-in-one value pick rather than a specialist tool.
Included Accessories
77%
23%
Shipping with an external antenna, lanyard, USB-C cable, and a waterproof storage pouch means most buyers do not need to purchase anything extra to start using it right away. The waterproof pouch is a nice touch for travel or outdoor storage.
The included waterproof pouch is fairly basic and works better as light protection than as a true hard case, so it will not stand up to serious drops or rough handling. Buyers wanting heavier-duty protection may want to add their own case.

Suitable for:

The ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio works well for people who want one small gadget that covers several bases instead of buying separate devices. Anyone prepping for storm season will appreciate having a battery-powered radio that can pull in NOAA weather alerts without depending on a phone or Wi-Fi. Campers, RV owners, and frequent travelers tend to like having a radio, Bluetooth speaker, and MP3 player packed into something that fits in a jacket pocket. It also suits casual shortwave hobbyists who want to try the hobby before committing to a pricier dedicated receiver. Parents or grandparents who want a simple bedside alarm clock radio with auto power-on will find it functional without being overcomplicated. Overall, it is best suited to buyers who prioritize flexibility and a fair price over chasing audiophile-grade sound.

Not suitable for:

Audiophiles or anyone who cares deeply about speaker output should look elsewhere, since the small 3-watt driver cannot deliver the bass or volume of a dedicated Bluetooth speaker. Serious shortwave DXers chasing distant, weak signals will likely outgrow the ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio fairly quickly, since reception is solid for casual listening but not built for chasing faint international broadcasts. Buyers who want an intuitive, app-controlled experience may find the dial-and-button tuning system frustrating at first, since it takes a short adjustment period to learn. People who only want a Bluetooth speaker and have no interest in radio bands are better off buying a speaker built specifically for that purpose. It is also not the right pick for anyone who needs a heavy-duty, weatherproof emergency radio rated for rough field conditions.

Specifications

  • Radio Bands: It tunes AM, FM, shortwave, and the NOAA weather band for broad reception coverage.
  • FM Range: The FM tuner covers a range of 87 to 108MHz.
  • AM/MW Range: The AM/MW band covers a range of 520 to 1710KHz.
  • Shortwave Range: The shortwave band spans 4.750 to 21.850MHz.
  • Weather Band: The weather band covers 162.400 to 162.550MHz and includes a NOAA alert function.
  • Speaker Driver: It uses a 40mm speaker driver rated at 3 watts.
  • Bluetooth Mode: Bluetooth speaker mode includes six selectable EQ presets for adjusting sound character.
  • Media Playback: It plays MP3, WAV, and WMA files from a microSD card up to 256GB.
  • Station Presets: It can store up to 114 radio station presets across its supported bands.
  • Battery: It uses a USB-C rechargeable BL-5C lithium battery that is included with the unit.
  • Clock & Alarm: A built-in digital clock supports an alarm function with auto power-on.
  • Sleep Timer: A sleep timer function is built into the radio for bedside use.
  • Backlight: An orange backlight illuminates the controls for easier nighttime operation.
  • Antennas: It includes an 11-inch telescopic antenna plus a 9.84-foot external wire antenna.
  • Dimensions & Weight: The unit measures 2.1 x 1.5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces.
  • Included Accessories: The package includes an external antenna, a lanyard, a USB-C cable, and a waterproof storage bag.

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FAQ

It has a genuine shortwave band covering roughly 4.750 to 21.850MHz, not just AM and FM. Reception is solid for casual listening, and connecting the included external wire antenna noticeably helps pull in weaker or more distant signals.

It tunes into the NOAA weather band so you can listen for alerts when set to that frequency, but you should confirm the exact alert behavior yourself rather than assuming it works like an automated weather siren. It is best treated as a helpful backup, not your only emergency tool.

It runs on a small 40mm driver rated at 3 watts, which is fine for casual background music while camping or relaxing at home. Do not expect it to match the bass or volume of a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, though.

It supports MP3, WAV, and WMA files, and you can browse by folder, shuffle tracks, or repeat a song or folder on loop. Cards up to 256GB work, so there is room for a sizable music collection.

Yes, it uses a BL-5C lithium battery that can be swapped out down the line, and charging is done through an included USB-C cable rather than disposable batteries.

You can save up to 114 station presets across the available bands, and you can get to them either by turning the tuning dial or jumping straight to a saved spot with a button press.

It has a built-in digital clock with an alarm and an auto power-on setting, so it switches on and plays at your chosen time. Just keep the unit fairly close to your bed, since the speaker volume is moderate rather than booming.

The ZHIWHIS ZWS-701 Portable Shortwave Radio ships with an external wire antenna, a lanyard, a USB-C charging cable, and a waterproof storage bag, so you have most of what you need right out of the box.

There is a small learning curve at first since you tune using a dial alongside button-based station search, but most people get comfortable with it after a session or two of regular use.

The body has a tough, military-inspired look and feels sturdier than typical budget radios, plus it comes with a waterproof storage pouch for light protection. That said, it is not rated for heavy rain or rough outdoor abuse, so treat it as travel-friendly rather than truly rugged.