The 10 Best Shower Radios of 2023

Photo: Sangean 

The shower radio is a specialized radio that has been designed specifically for wet environments like a bathroom. They are waterproof and can safely be used with wet hands.

They are usually small, so they will not occupy a lot of space when installed.

But above all, the shower radio will offer a clear reception to your favorite radio station. Not to mention that they deliver a clear and clean sound quality.

As a matter of fact, most models have multiple stations presets to store your favorite radio stations with ease.

If you listen to the radio all the time and take long showers, the shower radio is a must-have!

Without any further ado, let’s check our review below that contains some of the best waterproof radios for showers on the market.

10 Best Shower Radios – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Sangean H201 (Best Overall)	It can catch weak radio signals Public alert certified radio Large and informative display Buzzer and emergency LED light
	2. SoundBot SB518FM (Best Budget)	Very affordable. Excellent value Small and compact Stable Bluetooth connectivity Equipped with loud 40mm speakers
	3. BassPal F019 (Best Value for Money)	You get 2 speakers Great price and excellent value Small and compact
	4. Sony ICF-S80 (Best Build Construction)	Durable and long-lasting build quality Rubber handle for easy installation The digital display is easy to read
	5. BassPal MS-F013-10 (Best Waterproof Design)	Excellent price to performance ratio Fully waterproof with IPX 7 rating A bigger battery of 650 mAh
	6. Sangean H205 (Small & Compact)	Small and compact form factor Buttons are clearly marked Built-in clock with alarm Clean and crisp sound quality
	7. Hydro-Beat SYNCHKG095181 (Multicolored LED Mood Lights)	10 multicolored mood lights IPX 7 rating. Fully waterproof 650 mAh battery for a long playback time
	8. Sbode Bluetooth Speaker (Loud & Superior Sound Quality)	Superior sound quality Long playback of 15 hours Bluetooth 4.2 for better connectivity
	9. Hromen Speaker-II (Fully Backlit Mood Light)	Quality mood lights 30 radio presets IPX 7 rating. Fully waterproof
	10. Freshetech STPD Gold (Modern & Aesthetically Pleasing)	Aesthetically pleasing design Easy to install with suction cups Long playback time of 12 to 14 hours

1. Sangean H201 – Best Overall Shower Radio

Photo: Sangean 

• Power: 2 D Cell Batteries or AC Power Adapter
• Station Presets: 25
• Waterproof Rate: JIS7

The Sangean H201 is a popular shower radio that is feature-rich and comes with an impressive 25 station preset. It is reliable, and it can catch even weak FM radio signals with ease.

But above all, this model is public alert certified and can receive all 7 NOAA weather reports. This means that this model is reliable and will produce a clear sound.

Further, this radio is powered by 2 D cell batteries that are easily available everywhere. They will provide you with long playback. And since this unit is JIS7 certified, it can withstand a water spray while showering with ease.

Moreover, what we really like about this model is its large orange digital display. It shows you a lot of information like the battery life, the time, the radio station, amongst others.

Also, you can easily interact with this shower radio because it has a lot of buttons right at the front of the device. For more versatility, this shower radio is equipped with a powerful LED light and an emergency buzzer.

The swivel handle at the top will allow you to quickly and easily hang it anywhere. And if you want to lay flat, no problem. The base is perfectly flat and has good stability.

Clearly, this is more than a simple shower radio. In terms digital screen size, station presets, and overall features, this model is one of the best digital shower radios out there.

The only issue we have is that it is a bit bigger than the others. Also, it consumes batteries faster and has an average playback time.

Pros:

• Reliable radio that can catch weak FM signals
• Public alert certified radio
• Large and informative digital display
• Emergency buzzer and LED light

Cons:

• A little bigger than average
• Consumes batteries fast

2. SoundBot SB518FM – Best Budget Shower Radio

Photo: SoundBot 

• Power: 500 mAh Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery

If you have a small budget but still need a quality shower radio, then the SoundBot SB518FM is an excellent choice to consider.

This model is small and compact, so it will not occupy a lot of space, which can be beneficial for those with a small bathroom. Furthermore, despite its small size, it has powerful 40mm speakers that will deliver an excellent listening experience.

It has a skip button that will allow you to move on to the next track or to the next FM channel. Of course, there is also a previous button to the left. We like the fact that this radio can deliver up to 6 hours playback on a single charge thanks to its 500 mAh lithium-ion battery.

Moreover, you can easily pair this shower radio to your smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled devices with the push of a button. When paired, the connection is stable and does not suffer from interferences.

All in all, the SoundBot SB518FM is one of the best cheap shower radios that you can buy. The only issue we have with it is the fragile build construction quality.

Pros:

• Very affordable. Good value for money
• Small and compact form factor
• Powerful speakers of 40mm

Cons:

• Fragile. Poor build quality

3. BassPal F019 – Best Value for Money

Photo: BassPal 

• Power: Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery
• Waterproof Rate: IPX5

One of the best things about the BassPal F019 is its very competitive price. But best of all, you get no less than 2 Bluetooth shower speakers with this purchase that makes it an incredible value.

The speaker is small and compact and will not occupy a lot of space when installed in your bathroom. Moreover, it contains 3D stereo sound and bass enhancements that allow the speaker to deliver a rich listening experience.

And since you get 2 speakers, you can position it in such a way that you get a better sound out of them. Experimentation will allow you to get a superior sound quality.

In addition, it has built-in FM radio as well as a built-in microphone. With this microphone, you can connect to your smartphone by Bluetooth to make phone calls while in your shower.

The BassPal F019 is one of the best wireless shower radios when it comes to price to performance. It is small and compact, competitively priced, and despite its small size, it has excellent sound quality.

The only problem we have with this model is that it does not have a handle or suction cup for mounting on your bathroom wall. It also has difficulty picking up weak radio channels.

Pros:

• Competitively priced. Great value
• You get 2 speakers with this purchase
• Small and compact
• 3D stereo sound with bass enhancements

Cons:

• Cannot be mounted on a wall
• It has difficulty picking up weak radio channels

4. Sony ICF-S80 – Best Build Construction

Photo: Sony

• Power: 3x R14 Size C Batteries or 4.5V DC
• Station Presets: 5

The Sony ICF-S80 is a premium grade shower radio that has a superior build construction. In fact, this shower radio uses quality construction materials that make it durable and long-lasting.

Moreover, Sony made it very easy to use anywhere in the shower. It comes with detachable rubber bands that act as a handle. So, you can attach it anywhere you want in the shower and you are good to go.

For a more enjoyable listening experience, this shower radio is equipped with quality speakers that emit a decent sound. You will not hear crackling or interference noises.

Also, it is fully splash proof and can withstand a steamy shower. We like the fact that there is a large and clear digital display right at the front of this radio. It will tell you the time, the radio channel, as well as the preset you chose.

But above all, this unit is equipped with auto power off in case you forget to switch off the radio. Best, it will automatically turn off after a few hours to save battery life. Talking about battery life, you get an impressive 100 hours of listening experience. Pretty neat!

Sony makes some of the best shower radios on the market. This radio is no different as it delivers superb sound quality and has an excellent built construction that will last. The only issue we have with this shower radio is its steep price and the limited number of station presets of 5.

Pros:

• Excellent built construction. Durable and long-lasting
• The handle is a detachable rubber band
• Clear and easy to read digital display
• Superb sound quality

Cons:

• Contains only 5 stations presets
• The price. It is expensive

5. BassPal MS-F013-10 – Best Waterproof Shower Radio

Photo: BassPal

• Power: 650 mAh Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery
• Waterproof Rate:  IPX7

When it comes to water resistance, the BassPal MS-F013-10 is one of the best waterproof shower radios in this review.

Indeed, it has an IPX7 rating and according to the manufacturer, you can submerge this shower radio 3 feet underwater for 30 minutes and no harm will come to it.

But not only does this shower radio output a clear sound, it is also equipped with a powerful 650 mAh lithium-ion battery.

With this large battery, you can enjoy long hours of playback time without worrying about her recharge.

Best, this shower radio comes with mood lights which makes it very appealing to use especially if you like to shower in lowlight conditions.

Clearly, it really outshines others with its rich feature set. The only thing we don’t like is that the suction cup is a bit weak.

You also do not get a screen with this shower radio, so it can be a bit difficult to know which track you are playing and which radio channel you are listening to.

Pros:

• IPX 7 rating. Can be submerged under 3 feet of water for 30 minutes
• Superior price to performance ratio
• The large lithium-ion battery of 650 mAh
• Equipped with mood lights

Cons:

• Weak suction cups
• Does not have a display

6. Sangean H205 – Small and Compact

Photo: Sangean

• Power: 2 D Cell Batteries or AC Power Adapter
• Station Presets: 20
• Waterproof Rate: JIS7

 Unlike the Sangean H201, we have just reviewed above, the Sangean H205 is the total opposite. Indeed, due to its width of 4.4 inches and height of 7.9 inches, it is small and compact. This radio will not occupy a lot of space in the shower.

If you have a small bathroom then this model is an excellent choice. In addition, it has no less than 20 stations presets which will allow you to pre-program and store your favorite radio stations with ease.

Interacting with this shower radio is very easy because it has clearly marked buttons right at the front of the device. Despite being on the small side, it has a large speaker that produces a clear and crisp sound.

Moreover, it has a powerful AM and FM antenna, so you are guaranteed to get a clear reception regardless of where you place it in your bathroom.

This model is also waterproof as it is JIS7 certified and will receive 7 NOAA weather channels as well. Best, it has a built-in clock and you can easily set sleep timers if you wish. Quite versatile!

When it comes to size and feature set, the Sangean H205 is one of the best models that you will find in the shower radio review.

A few important caveats we can point out with this unit is that it does not have Bluetooth. This would have been a great addition. Furthermore, it sometimes gets stuck in the “WX” mode and will need some debugging.

Pros:

• Small and compact form factor
• The buttons are clearly marked
• A large speaker that produces a clear sound
• Built-in clock with nap timers

Cons:

• It does not contain Bluetooth for connectivity
• Sometimes get stuck in “WX” mode

7. Hydro-Beat SYNCHKG095181 – Multicolored LED Mood Lights

Photo: Hydro-Beat

• Power: 650 mAh Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery
• Waterproof Rate:  IPX7

This model by Hydro-Beat is a popular shower radio that has illumination that adds some mood while you shower. It contains no less than 10 multicolored LEDs. You have the possibility to switch between a fixed color and is scrolling light depending on your preference.

There is a dedicated FM radio button on this speaker. All you must do is push it and it will scroll between your different FM channels. The reception is quite good.

And when it comes to the sound, it is simply superb. This model is equipped with a powerful 5 W speaker that delivers its clear sound stage.

Moreover, there is a big 650 mAh lithium-ion battery inside that will give you 6 hours playback time. This battery also recharges quite quickly as all it takes is 3 hours to get a full recharge.

When it comes to water resistance, shock resistance, and mood lighting, this Hydro-Beat radio is one of the best shower radios that you can purchase.

It is not perfect, and that there is no screen that shows you which FM radio channel or music you are playing. However, for the price, this shower radio is an excellent purchase.

Pros:

• 10 multicolored LED mood lights
• Excellent resistance to shock
• IPX 7 rating. Fully waterproof
• Big 650 mAh lithium-ion battery

Cons:

• Does not have a screen

8. Sbode Bluetooth Speaker – Loud and Superior Sound Quality

Photo: Sbode

• Power: Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery
• Waterproof Rate:  IPX6

What demarks the Sbode from the rest of the competition is its loudspeakers. Indeed, since this shower radio is a bit bigger than average, it contains bigger speakers that can output a louder sound.

But it is not all about loudness. In fact, the quality of the sound of the speaker is a little better as well.

In addition, it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, so you are guaranteed to get a solid connection to any Bluetooth devices like a smartphone.

It will not consume a lot of power when connected via Bluetooth. Playback time is also very good in this model. You are guaranteed to get 15 hours of playback which is quite long.

Additionally, it has a dedicated FM button that will allow you to quickly and easily switch to your favorite radio channel.

Not to mention that this speaker is fully waterproof with a rating of IPX6. This means that it can withstand a heavy waterjet in the shower without taking damage.

Based on sound quality alone, this model is one of the best Bluetooth shower radios that you can purchase.

The only caveats are that it takes 3 hours to fully recharge the battery. Also, it has a slight difficulty in picking up weak radio signals.

Pros:

• Large speakers with loud and superior sound quality
• Long playback time of 15 hours
• Equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 for a solid connection
• IPX 6 waterproof rating

Cons:

• It takes 3 hours to charge the battery
• This model has difficulty picking up weak radio signals

9. Hromen Speaker-II – Fully Backlit Mood Light

Photo: Hromen

• Power: Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery
• Station Presets: 30
• Waterproof Rate:  IPX7

The Hromen Speaker-II is a fully backlit FM radio speaker that you can easily install in your bathroom using the inbuilt suction cups. This backlit speaker will add a subtle mood to your showering experience.

Moreover, since this speaker is IPX7 rated, it is fully waterproof and can safely be used even if it is submerged in order. If you are planning to install your shower speaker near or in water, then this model is an excellent choice.

Additionally, it offers you no less than 30 station presets. With such a big number of presets, you will be able to store your favorite radio stations with ease. You get a 5 W speaker with this purchase that is not allowed as we have heard but still more than decent for a shower radio.

It also has a front clock that will not only show you the time but the radio channel as well. All in all, if you’re looking for a fully waterproof shower speaker that has decent sound quality, then we highly recommend this Hromen model.

A few caveats we have is that it is not the most aesthetically pleasing shower radio. Additionally, the instructions manual is of poor quality and contains many grammatical errors.

Pros:

• Contains some interesting mood lights
• Fully waterproof with an IPX 7 rating
• 30 radio presets to store your favorite channels
• Easy to install with suction cups

Cons:

• Poor quality instructions manual
• Not the most aesthetically pleasing

10. Freshetech STPD Gold – Modern and Aesthetically Pleasing

Photo: Freshetech

• Power: Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery

The Freshetech STPD Gold comes as a pair and is a great looker. Indeed, it has a gold finish that makes it very aesthetically pleasing in the shower.

But above all, this shower radio delivers excellent sound quality. It can connect to your smartphone by Bluetooth 4.0 and will offer a solid connection.

In addition, it offers a decent playback time of 12 to 14 hours which is simply superb. This is mostly due to its large lithium-ion battery inside. But best, the manufacturer claims that you only need 90 minutes of recharge time.

And when it comes to installation, no problem. There is no drilling required for the installation of this shower radio. It comes with heavy-duty suction cups at the back that does a great job holding the speakers in position.

Most certainly, when it comes to looks then the Freshetech STPD Gold is one of the best wireless shower radios that you can get.

Just note that this model does not have a dedicated FM tuner. It will require your smartphone or other Bluetooth capable devices to play the radio or music. Also, it is a bit expensive and the price could have been better.

Pros:

• Aesthetically pleasing with a clean finish
• Long playback time of 12 to 14 hours
• Only requires 90 minutes to fully recharge
• Easy to install with the suction cups

Cons:

• It does not have a dedicated FM tuner
• The price could have been better

How to Buy the Best Shower Radio

Photo: Sangean 

1. Sound Output

Sound quality matters when purchasing a shower radio. Ensure that your model of choice is equipped with a quality speaker that can reproduce sounds with good accuracy.

Of course, you can’t expect to get a home theater music quality out of a shower radio, but it should sound superior to regular smartphone speakers.  

If you are not sure what to look for, check the speakers. Products like the SoundBot SB518FM have 40mm speakers for clearer sound while still being highly affordable.

Also, check if the manufacturer makes any special mention the various sound technologies used in the shower radio. Look for keywords like “3D Sound” or “Bass Enhancements”.

2. Station Presets

The station preset allows you to store multiple radio channels. By doing so, you save time when switching to your favorite radio as you don’t have to constantly search for the channels repeatedly.

Some of the best digital shower radios on the market can have 30 or more station presets. The more radio channels you want to store, the higher the number of presets you should look for.

3. Waterproof

Of course, one of the most important aspects of a shower radio is how waterproof it is. You don’t want a shower radio that cannot withstand water as this will defy the purpose.

To ensure that it is waterproof, check for the IPX certification. Here is a brief overview of some common waterproof certifications of shower radios:

IPX5: IPX5 basically means that the shower radio can withstand a light water pressure jet coming from your showerhead.

IPX6: This IPX6 rating shows that the shower radio is resistant to heavy water sprays. You can basically put your shower radio under your showerhead with this certification.

IPX7: A shower radio with a certification of IPX7 means that the radio is waterproof even when submerged up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes. Some best shower radios on the market like the Hydro-Beat SYNCHKG095181 have an IPX7 certification.

4. Ease of Installation

One of the best things about the shower radio is how easy it is to install. Just make sure that your shower radio is equipped with a top handle or back mounting plate that will allow you to install it with ease almost anywhere in your shower.

In addition, if you don’t want to perform any drilling then you can go with a shower radio that is equipped with a suction cup.

5. Connectivity

Being able to connect to various devices like smartphones or other speakers will make your shower radio more versatile.

If you want your shower radio to have this functionality, then check if it has connectivity functions like Bluetooth to do so.

6. Battery Life

For better ease of use, most shower radios come with an inbuilt lithium-ion battery. Make sure that the battery has a capacity of at least 500 mAh and it can offer a playback time of at least 5 hours.

This will ensure that your shower radio offers a decent playback time without the need of frequent recharges between usage.

Conclusion

As we have seen, shower radios like the Sangean H201 are excellent all-rounders when it comes to overall value. It’s a great purchase for almost anyone looking for a shower radio.

But if the price is important and you have a low budget, you will find radios like the SoundBot SB518FM to suit your need better.