Customer reviews for HD Radio Portable Player
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HD Radio Portable Player
When you're on the go, listen to your favorite HD and FM radio stations using this portable player that features a belt clip for easy portability.
Overall rating:
3.8
/ 5
(325 reviews)
Rating breakdown 325 reviews
5 Stars
136
4 Stars
89
3 Stars
29
2 Stars
32
1 Star
39
73%of customers recommend this product.
(
238 out of
325)
Customer reviews for HD Radio Portable Player
Review 61 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: AustinGeek
from Austin, TX
I was excited about this radio when I read about it. It was hard to find, but finally found one at local Best Buy. Unfortunately it's going back. It picks up the analog FM stations just fine, but reception of HD channels is sporadic to non-existent. I can see the local radio transmission towers from where I jog, yet it couldn't lock onto over half the HD stations. The ones it does receive are intermittent, even when used at the same location from one day to the next.
What's great about it: Portable HD Radio
What's not so great: Poor HD Reception
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Sound Quality
2
Durability
4
Review 62 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: Anonymous
from St. Louis, MO
Great deal for $50!! We've got a batch of new HD2 and HD3 stations in the St. Louis area, and this portable unit does a great job of picking them all up. Nifty readout screen too. If a signal contains HD2 and HD3 stations, it gives you song/artist info for all 3 stations simultaneously on the screen (if the stations are transmitting that info). Very nice! I've let 3 friends borrow mine since I got it last week, and all 3 are buying one for themselves. And 2 of them will drop Sirius/XM because they like this better. But again, it's only great if you live in a city that offers HD stations.
What's great about it: Listening to HD stations; pocket size; portability; station info on screen.
What's not so great: Arm band is kinda awkward.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 63 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: Jorjor
from Miami FL
I love talk radio and I could never get good reception as I travel across the state.
This little gadget is clear as a bell..wherever I am.
Fits in my shirt pocket.
Would not have bothered to write this review if I wasn't thrilled with the product.
This little gadget is clear as a bell..wherever I am.
Fits in my shirt pocket.
Would not have bothered to write this review if I wasn't thrilled with the product.
What's great about it: A cheap little radio that works well. USB recharge a great feature.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 64 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: peacerider
from Oregon
A very compact HD radio that fits easily into my cycling apparel. Very good sound quality.
What's great about it: Compact and easy to operate
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 65 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: elgeek
from Colorado Springs, CO
What I Liked:
Small Size. I used it outside whle working. The radio didn't switch stations accidentally on me after getting bumped. It was easy to adjust volume. I liked that it came with an armband except the armband needs stretchy material to work better. I liked that it has a more standard jack for charging, so I can take one USB cable and charge up several of my devices. I bought an adapter so I can plug it into the wall. I think the sound quality is pretty good but I'm only listening to talking programs. The battery lasted a lot longer than the MP3 player I was using.
Small Size. I used it outside whle working. The radio didn't switch stations accidentally on me after getting bumped. It was easy to adjust volume. I liked that it came with an armband except the armband needs stretchy material to work better. I liked that it has a more standard jack for charging, so I can take one USB cable and charge up several of my devices. I bought an adapter so I can plug it into the wall. I think the sound quality is pretty good but I'm only listening to talking programs. The battery lasted a lot longer than the MP3 player I was using.
What I didn't like:
*This radio didn't work at lower temperatures. At 40 degrees or below I had to put it inside my jacket or it would just make a terrible noise and not tune in any station.
*The NPR HD2 station in my area isn't on all the time and I found it very difficult to tune in. HD1 had no issues but even though I'm in line of sight from the transmitting towers I had trouble tuning in HD2 unless I went to specific spots. After getting it tuned in it would stay on the station.
*It was somewhat difficult to set the presets and then sometimes it would set a new preset instead of switching to the next station when I was pushing the button.
*An MP3 player would be a bonus
*Only a 90 day warranty
*6 months into it and now I have no sound output. So it goes into the trash.
*This radio didn't work at lower temperatures. At 40 degrees or below I had to put it inside my jacket or it would just make a terrible noise and not tune in any station.
*The NPR HD2 station in my area isn't on all the time and I found it very difficult to tune in. HD1 had no issues but even though I'm in line of sight from the transmitting towers I had trouble tuning in HD2 unless I went to specific spots. After getting it tuned in it would stay on the station.
*It was somewhat difficult to set the presets and then sometimes it would set a new preset instead of switching to the next station when I was pushing the button.
*An MP3 player would be a bonus
*Only a 90 day warranty
*6 months into it and now I have no sound output. So it goes into the trash.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Sound Quality
4
Durability
2
Review 66 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
The radio works very well and is a good size.
on October 4, 2013
Posted by: Llewellyn
from Memphis, Tn
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is my third Insignia radio. That is the only complaint. They seem to wear out fast. Obviously I like the radio or the ability to listen on public radio on HD or I wouldn't keep buying another radio.
My Best Buy number: 2851439480
My Best Buy number: 2851439480
What's great about it: I am able to listen to NPR on HD when I walk for exercise.
What's not so great: So far, everything is great
I would recommend this to a friend!
Review 67 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
Great for personal use
on January 28, 2014
Posted by: Noxoua
from Grand Rapids, Michigan
I got this on sale for $40 and decided to try this out. I owned portable radios for personal use in the past for a few years, they were great but didn't last long. This Insignia HD Radio has multiple analog and digital stations, which is a plus. Battery life averages a week of use on one charge, given 2-3 hours a day. Charging takes between 2-3 hours depending on battery level.
My Best Buy number: 7021272173
What's great about it: HD audio, clear sounds, easy to use
What's not so great: Durability, price
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
4
Review 68 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: RMore1996
from Highland, NY
I have had this radio since September 2011 and I have used everyday. I walk two miles to work 5 days a week and use it to listen around my house and this is the greatest radio I've ever purchased. I haven't had a problem with this radio, even when I dropped it onto hard concrete. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable portable radio. Two years, no problems, and I plan on getting at least two more years out of it.
What's great about it: Been Running Strong since Sep. 2011
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Sony - Earbud Headphones - Black
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 69 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
Awesome for Sporting events.
on February 10, 2014
Posted by: MrSuit
from Cumberland, RI
Verified Purchase:Yes
I wanted something to take to the Patriots Games that could get in the play by play without connecting via an app. This pc. of equipment was great. With the looking switch I can have it on for 10 hours without wording about charging it. Could not be happier.
My Best Buy number: 2815978581
My Best Buy number: 2815978581
What's great about it: Small enough for any pocket. And locks station.
What's not so great: Price is a little higher than I wanted to pay, but happy with the product.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 70 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
4
Great recption inside arenas
on February 14, 2014
Posted by: EThun
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bought it to listen to the play by play at NBA games and found it receives great for the small size and holds a long charge on it's battery
My Best Buy number: 0548623006
My Best Buy number: 0548623006
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
4
Durability
5
Review 71 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
4
Rechargeable FM radio that's pocket sized!
on February 15, 2014
Posted by: UPSManDan
from Dallas, TX
Verified Purchase:Yes
I used to have a Sanza Fuze that I used at work for FM radio. It died, a painful death. Using my phone for radio was annoying, due to spotty reception and frequent station announcements. I found this and couldn't be happier with it. The controls aren't that well marked and I generally only listen to one station (NPR) so it's not that big of an issue for me. The lithium ion batter is great, I can listen for 12 hours and still have enough juice to listen another day.
My Best Buy number: 0403671999
My Best Buy number: 0403671999
What's great about it: Reception
What's not so great: Controls are small, not well marked, hard to navigate
I would recommend this to a friend!
Review 72 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
Decent FM HD Portable Receiver
on July 9, 2014
Posted by: AdamFromNJ
from Washington, DC
Verified Purchase:Yes
This pocket radio gets great reception at the ball game and the battery lasts forever. My last one (like so many others') died without warning (no sound). There are blogs on the web that describe the very technical soldering fix. If you buy this radio, also buy the extended warranty! I am betting you will need it. I exchanged my dead unit for a replacement at my local Best Buy without incident since I had the extended warranty.
My Best Buy number: 0327882129
My Best Buy number: 0327882129
What's great about it: HD reception at Washington Nationals Park during a game!
What's not so great: Has known defects that make it stop working without warning.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
4
Durability
2
Review 73 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: PairofNoids
Verified Purchase:Yes
I was very skeptical about getting quality performance 35 miles away from my local HD station in East Tennessee mountains. In a nutshell, I love this little radio! I would love a belt clip. The only drawback is there is no AM, just CD quality HD FM and standard FM. Reception is so great that the drawbacks are minimal. Wish list would be a clip, AM, TV audio, and RDS.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
EL305
Hialeah, FL
Additional information about EL305 could not be loaded.
it comes with a clip
April 19, 2015
It comes with a clip to hold to your pants if that's what you are referring to, it also comes with a pair of earbuds if yours was missing these, then go back to the store.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Review 74 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
GREAT PORTABLE RADIO, I GAVE IT AS A GIFT
on December 18, 2014
Posted by: COCOALOVER
Verified Purchase:Yes
THIS RADIO IS GREAT FOR WALKING, JOGGING, OR JUST ANYWHERE. IT PICKS UP ALOT OF STATIONS AND THE SOUND IS VERY CLEAR
My Best Buy number: 0961883353
My Best Buy number: 0961883353
I would recommend this to a friend!
Review 75 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
4
Great portable FM radio
on March 14, 2015
Posted by: radiohead
Verified Purchase:Yes
Crystal clear sound for FM stations that don't have any static.
My Best Buy number: 1016604022
My Best Buy number: 1016604022
I would recommend this to a friend!
Review 76 for HD Radio Portable Player
Customer Rating
5
Nice unit!
on May 18, 2015
Posted by: BassBruce
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this primarily to listen to ballgames that I couldn't stream while working. The sound quality is so amazing that I am also using it to listen to classical music as well as other radio stations.
My Best Buy number: 0061036864
My Best Buy number: 0061036864
I would recommend this to a friend!
Review 77 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: FM4me
from Fort Collins, CO
This radio makes listening to FM great again.
HD significantly improves:
- Greater dynamic range (no audible compression)
- Greater stereo separation
- Multipath interference disappears -- HD rides-through conventional FM 'flutter'
HD significantly improves:
- Greater dynamic range (no audible compression)
- Greater stereo separation
- Multipath interference disappears -- HD rides-through conventional FM 'flutter'
I use this as a passenger on a multi-hour daily commute in the Colorado Front Range, where there are about 12 commercial and 3 non-commercial stations broadcasting HD.
The battery lasts about 8 hours, re-charged by USB. There is no way to open the case to replace the battery.
The battery lasts about 8 hours, re-charged by USB. There is no way to open the case to replace the battery.
Sensitivity is amazing with the headphone cord antenna. On travel in Rock Hill, SC, I received distant stations from North Wilkesboro and Raleigh.
However, it DOES NOT give satisfactory reception through the Aux-In system jacks of 3 cars that I tried.
However, it DOES NOT give satisfactory reception through the Aux-In system jacks of 3 cars that I tried.
Some features not indicated in the manual:
It also receives RDS (giving basic id only). Some stations do broadcast both HD and RDS. When a signal is weak, only RDS will be decoded.
When the indicator shows HD1+ or HD2+, that simply means there is another 1 (or 2) more HD program(s) "above" the current one.
It also receives RDS (giving basic id only). Some stations do broadcast both HD and RDS. When a signal is weak, only RDS will be decoded.
When the indicator shows HD1+ or HD2+, that simply means there is another 1 (or 2) more HD program(s) "above" the current one.
Wished-for improvements:
0.1 MHz tuning resolution, for use outside North America.
Better local strong-signal rejection.
Drilled hole or ring in case for a cloth strap
0.1 MHz tuning resolution, for use outside North America.
Better local strong-signal rejection.
Drilled hole or ring in case for a cloth strap
What's great about it: FM sounds great
What's not so great: no strap
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Durability
5
Review 78 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: beto921
from houston,tx
I had waited a long time for a portable, compact HD radio like this one. However I should have known better to have purchased an Insignia brand electronics. The battery discharges itself slowly within 24 to 48 hours. It is too much trouble to recharge the battery with the USB port of a computer. It would be more convenient to charge with a portable recharger. This radio is a great idea and would give much enjoyment, if it wasn't an overpriced overrated product. I hope someone else comes up with a better HD radio at a better price.
What's great about it: reception/sound
What's not so great: poor quality
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Sound Quality
4
Durability
3
Review 79 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: NeedabetterHDradio
from Milwaukee
The radio has good reception, and seems reliable, BUT, every control on it is so counterintuitive, I got the impression that the engineers goal was to make this unit hard to use. The screen doesn't show you how many HD channels a station is broadcasting: By tuning up for example, you might get HD2 of the current station, or you might get the next higher frequency station. The volume control looks like a knob, but is actually a cheap up down switch. Holding the volume + will not continue to raise the volume. To raise it a lot, you have to press +, wait 1 second, let go, press + wait 1 second, let go, (repeat as necessary). There seems to be a 1 second delay in just about every function actually. To turn it off, you have to press the power button 3 times!!!! Once to get the screen to turn on,Another time to display the station you are listening to, and then a 3rd time and hold for 2 seconds, just to TURN IT OFF!!?? The preset function starts over at P1 everytime, so you cant jump from P4 to P5 with one press.
What's great about it: I paid $28
What's not so great: It's worth $19
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Review 80 for HD Radio Portable Player
Posted by: specba
from Pittsburgh
I bought mine over a year ago to use while I work out. Prior to this purchase I went through four other radios. Not only does it provide HD, it also does better than any of the other small radios I tried. The signal at our gym was rather weak. The analog FM even picks up the TV sound being rebroadcast from all the way across the building. None of the other radios I tried could do this.
The only downside is that the unit requires a USB power source to charge. On the up side the battery lasts for many hours when fully charged.
What's great about it: Works well in difficult reception areas.
What's not so great: Controls leave something to be desired. Also the only way to charge it is via USB.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
4
Durability
4