Does it need batteries to work?

No. It runs on AC mains or batteries, so you can use it plugged in at home and switch to batteries when you take it outside or lose power.

Can I connect my phone or play Spotify through it?

No. It has no Bluetooth, aux input or Spotify Connect. It only receives AM and FM broadcasts.

How well does AM reception work?

AM works but is weaker than FM, especially indoors and at night. The telescopic antenna helps FM more than AM.

Does it have preset stations?

No. Tuning is analog with a dial and knob, so you find stations by hand and there are no memory presets.

No. It is a mono radio with a single small speaker, so music sounds narrow and light on bass.

What comes in the box?

The radio, a telescopic antenna and an AC power cord. Batteries are usually not included.

Studebaker Portable AM/FM

Last price we saw

$24.95at Best Buy, last seen Nov 9

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Price facts

Last seen at $24.95 at Best Buy on Nov 9.

Our take on the Studebaker Portable AM/FM

The Studebaker Portable AM/FM is a small analog radio that runs on AC power or batteries, with a telescopic antenna and a metal-look gold or rose gold finish. It is built for simple listening: AM and FM tuning, a dial and knob layout, and no digital presets, Bluetooth or streaming. Against digital radios and smart speakers it offers less convenience but needs no app, account or Wi-Fi. It suits people who want a basic radio for the kitchen, garage, garden or power outages, and who like the retro look.

Best forKitchen and garage listeningPower outages and emergency backupGarden and patio useBuyers who want a simple analog radio

Pros

Runs on AC or batteries, so it works without an outlet
Telescopic antenna helps FM reception
Simple dial and knob controls, no menus
Small and light enough to move around the house
Gold and rose gold finishes stand out from plain black radios

Cons