Tecsun PL-330 vs Tecsun PL-990
Buy the Tecsun PL-330 if you want a small, cheap shortwave radio for casual listening and travel. Buy the Tecsun PL-990 if you need strong weak-signal reception, SSB for ham and utility stations, and a bigger speaker. The PL-330 is $84.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, and the PL-990 is $275.99 at Digital Zakka as of November 3, 2026. That is about $191 more for the PL-990.
Today the Tecsun PL-330 costs $191.00 less at its best price.
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Tecsun PL-330
$84.99at AmazonObserved at 10:03 PM
Choose the Tecsun PL-330 if you want a pocketable, battery-powered shortwave radio at under $100 for casual listening and travel.
Pros
- Low price, under $100
- Small and easy to carry
- 100 FM presets
- Simple battery power
Cons
- No SSB listed
- No AM or longwave listed
- Small speaker
- Fewer memories than the PL-990
What separates them
| Tecsun PL-330 | Tecsun PL-990 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $84.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 | $275.99 at Digital Zakka as of November 3, 2026 |
| Size and portability | Pocket-sized and portable | Larger desktop-style receiver |
| Receiver design | DSP-based digital radio | Analog High-IF circuit with DSP triple conversion |
| Single sideband (SSB) | Not listed | Yes |
| Memory presets | 100 FM presets | 3,150 memories |
| Bands | FM and shortwave | FM, AM, shortwave and longwave |
| Audio | Small built-in speaker | 3 W ultra-dynamic full-range speaker, headphone jack |
| Power |
Price history
$289.99$79.08
- Tecsun PL-330: lowest $79.08 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $84.99 on Nov 3.
- Tecsun PL-990: lowest $248.39 on Oct 30 at Digital Zakka; $275.99 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
Tecsun PL-330
- kaito.usNew
In stock
$84.99Free shippingObserved at 10:03 PM - eBayNew
In stockSold by qingdaijie-2
$93.49Free shippingObserved at 12:02 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$84.99Free shippingObserved at 10:03 PM - banggood.comNew
Out of stock
$109.99Observed at 10:03 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Tecsun PL-330 | Tecsun PL-990 |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Type | Shortwave | AM, FM, Shortwave |
| Radio signal type | Digital Radio | — |
| Power type | Battery | — |
| Brand | Unbranded | — |
| Number of fm tuner presets | 100 | — |
| Model name | PL-330 | — |
| Input/output quantity | 1 | — |
| Portable | Yes | — |
| Hand Crank | — | No |
| Solar Powered | — | No |
| Frequency Range | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for listening to ham radio?
- The PL-990. It has single sideband reception, which ham and utility stations need, and the PL-330 does not list SSB.
- Is the PL-990 worth the extra money?
- If you chase weak or distant stations, yes. Its triple conversion design, SSB and larger speaker are real upgrades. For casual FM and shortwave listening, the PL-330 covers the basics for far less.
- Which one is easier to travel with?
- The PL-330. It is pocket-sized and runs on battery. The PL-990 is a larger desktop receiver.
- Does the PL-990 come with a battery?
- Yes. The box includes an 18650 rechargeable battery, plus an external shortwave antenna, earphones, a pouch and a USB adapter.
- Can either radio play music files?
- Only the PL-990. It plays audio files from a microSD card, which is not included. The PL-330 has no card slot listed.
- Which has more station memories?
- The PL-990, with 3,150 memories. The PL-330 lists 100 FM presets.