Veteran-built.
We own it, we use it
Jobsite radios: the boombox shootout
DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, Milwaukee and Bosch. Buy the radio that runs on the batteries you already own; a radio that also charges packs pays for itself.
How to choose
- Battery first: a radio from another brand means another charger and another set of packs.
- Charges packs: radios with a built-in charger save you a charger on site.
- Bluetooth range: through walls and concrete, real range is 30 to 60 feet.
The comparison
| Model | Battery | Why pick it | Typical price* | Buy or compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GPB18V-5CN | 18V | PTR best overall | $199 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT 2950-20 radio + charger ★ We own it | M18 | Charges batteries, locks into Packout | $299 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Milwaukee M18 2952-20 Bluetooth radio ★ We own it | M18 | Our everyday radio | See today We paid $132.78 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Milwaukee M18 2792-20 radio + charger | M18 | Charges batteries | $229 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| DeWalt DCR025 | 20V / FlexVolt | Big sound, charger | $250 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| DeWalt ToughSystem radio | 20V | Stacks in ToughSystem | $209 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| DeWalt DCR015 | 20V | Compact | $179 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| DeWalt DC012 | 20V | Classic cage | $169 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Makita XRM04B | 18V LXT | Light and simple | $150 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Ryobi ONE+ PCL601B | 18V ONE+ | Speaker | $199 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Ryobi ONE+ P746 | 18V ONE+ | Budget | $99 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Ridgid R84087 | 18V | Budget with Bluetooth | $129 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Hilti R 6-22 | 22V | Pro, very loud | $285 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
| Flex FX5351 | 24V | Value | $129 | AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart |
* Typical street prices we saw at Home Depot, Lowe's, Acme Tools and other stores and in reviews between February and October 2026. They are not Amazon prices and are not updated live. Prices change daily; the store's page shows today's price.
Get our deal roundup by email
We send it when we post new, dated deals. No spam; unsubscribe any time.