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Tecsun PL-880

Tecsun PL-880

Last price we saw

$179.99last seen Oct 29

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Our take on the Tecsun PL-880

The Tecsun PL-880 is a portable shortwave radio aimed at hobbyist listeners and international broadcast fans. It covers longwave, mediumwave and shortwave with single-sideband, sync detection and a selectable bandwidth filter, and runs on a rechargeable 18650 cell. It is one of the more capable portable receivers in its class, with a metal front panel and a backlit keypad. Prices move around with stock and import fees, so check the current listing against recent history before buying.

Best forShortwave hobbyists and DX listenersInternational broadcast fans who want SSBTravelers who want a radio with a rechargeable battery
People replacing a basic analog portable
Pros
  • Single-sideband and sync detection for weak or fading signals
  • Selectable bandwidth filters help separate crowded stations
  • Rechargeable 18650 battery with charging built in
  • Backlit display and keypad for night listening
  • Line-in and headphone jacks for recording or private listening
Cons
  • About 1 lb, so it is not a pocket radio
  • Learning the menus and hidden functions takes time
  • Shortwave reception depends heavily on a good external antenna
  • Speaker sound is adequate rather than rich
  • No Bluetooth or modern streaming features

Tecsun PL-880 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $179.99 on Oct 29. Tracked across 1 store since Oct 29.

What reviewers say

Owners and radio reviewers generally rate the PL-880 as a strong portable shortwave receiver for the money. They praise its sensitivity, SSB performance and battery life, and note that it rewards time spent learning its controls.

Pros
  • Good sensitivity on shortwave with a decent antenna
  • SSB and sync detection work well for utility and amateur signals
  • Long battery life from the 18650 cell
  • Solid build for a portable
Cons
  • Menu system is not intuitive at first
  • Internal speaker is thin for music
  • Some units show frequency drift until warmed up

Specifications

Signal Type
Shortwave
Portable
Yes
Weight
1 lb heavy
Voltage
3.7V

Questions and answers

Is the Tecsun PL-880 worth it for a beginner?
It is a good choice if you plan to listen seriously to shortwave and want SSB. A simpler analog or basic digital portable costs less if you only want local AM and FM.
How does it compare with the Tecsun PL-660?
The PL-880 adds selectable bandwidth filters, a rechargeable 18650 battery and a more advanced sync detector. The PL-660 is cheaper and simpler but less capable on crowded bands.
What is in the box?
Typical retail packages include the radio, a rechargeable 18650 battery, a wire antenna, a USB charging cable and a carry pouch. Check the listing, since bundles vary by seller.
Does it need an external antenna?
The included wire antenna helps a lot on shortwave. The built-in telescopic whip works for strong stations, but weak international broadcasts come in better with an external wire or loop.
How long does the battery last?
Owners report many hours of listening per charge, often a week or more of casual use. Heavy speaker use and the backlight shorten that.
When is it cheapest?
Prices tend to dip during holiday sales and when a newer Tecsun model launches. Watch the price history rather than buying at the first listing you see.

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