The Best Portable Satellite Radio For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Best portable satellite radio
Best portable satellite radio

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: SiriusXM Onyx Plus Satellite Radio w/ Home Kit

SiriusXM wants to make your world fun, and you can start with the new SiriusXM Onyx Plus Satellite Radio. With intuitive features like Tunestart, Tunemix, and Tunescan, you'll be able to find the perfect song for any occasion. The Home Kit brings satellite radio to your living room or bedroom with a sleek and discreet design that takes up minimal space. Read Review

2. Runner Up: TRAM 7732 Satellite Radio Low-Profile Mirror-Mount Antenna

This TRAM 7732 is a low-profile mirror-mount antenna that was designed to keep you connected. With high performance on XM service and compatible for use with XM & Sirius services, this antenna gives you extended range. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Use: SiriusXM Onyx EZR Satellite Radio w/ Vehicle Kit

SiriusXM's Onyx EZR Satellite Radio with Vehicle Kit is the ultimate in satellite technology. With built-in Bluetooth, enjoy hands-free calling, music streaming, and SiriusXM features right from your dash. Stay connected on the go with SiriusXM’s Traffic and Travel Link, which provides up to 5-day weather forecasts and real-time traffic updates. Read Review

4. Best Sound Quality: Tao xm2go Portable Satellite Radio Receiver with Home and Car Accessory Kits

The Tao xm2go is a revolutionary portable satellite radio receiver that allows you to listen to XM Satellite Radio on the go. The pocket-sized, portable satellite radio receiver offers 150 channels of the XM content and includes a home and car accessor kit. Read Review

Portable satellite radio lets you listen to commercial-free music, news, and sports broadcasts wherever you go. An antenna picks up the signal from a remote transmitter, and in-car speakers broadcast it directly to passengers. Many people prefer portable satellite radio over other listening options because of its reliability, range of content, and ability to continue listening even in remote locations with little or no cell phone service.

Whether you have a small car or an RV, there’s a compact satellite radio that will fit your space. Some models are built into car dashboards; others clip onto your belt or fasten to your clothing using snaps or magnetic strips. You can even install an aftermarket unit that replaces your car stereo’s CD player. Read on for our top five picks for the best portable satellite radio!

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the SiriusXM Onyx Plus Satellite Radio w/ Home Kit as our top product. Or you can check the TRAM 7732 Satellite Radio Low-Profile Mirror-Mount Antenna as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 SiriusXM Onyx Plus Satellite Radio w/ Home Kit
Our Score:
9.9
SiriusXM
  • Siriusxm: Only Siriusxm Brings You More Of What You Love—All In One Place. Enjoy Ad-Free Music From Nearly Every Genre, Plus Exclusive Entertainment And Comedy, World-Class News, And More. Store Up To 20 Smart Favorite Channels For Quick Selection
  • Home Kit: The Sxpl1H1 Onyx Plus With Home Kit Allows You To Enjoy Siriusxm Through Your Home Stereo Or Powered Speakers On This Radio With A Full Color Display Featuring Album Art, Channel Logos And Graphics. Remote Included
  • Advanced Music Features: The Onyx Plus Has Advanced Music Features Including Tunestart, Tunemix, And Tunescan. Siriusxm Allows You To Pause, Rewind, And Replay Live Satellite Radio. Get Alerted When Your Favored Artists, Songs Or Teams Are Playing
  • 3 Months Free: The Onyx Plus Radio Includes 3 Months Free All Access Service With Subscription. Listen To 300+ Channels In Your Car Or On The App. When Calling To Activate, Mention “Never Miss A Beat.
  • Fully shielded NMO mount minimizes signal radiation loss & leakage
  • Compatible for use with XM & Sirius services
  • 2" tall
  • Extended range
  • High performance on XM service
TOP Choice #3 SiriusXM Onyx EZR Satellite Radio w/ Vehicle Kit
Our Score:
9.5
SiriusXM
  • Country Of Origin : China
  • Diy Installation: The Siriusxm Onyx Ezr With Vehicle Kit Includes A Powerconnect Vehicle Kit For Easy Installation. Listen To All Of Your Favorite Siriusxm Channels Through Your Existing Vehicle Stereo With Quick, Diy Installation.
  • Vehicle Kit: The Sxezr1V1 Onyx Ezr With Vehicle Kit Allows You To Enjoy Siriusxm Satellite Radio In Your Car And Beyond With This Dock And Play Radio. Listen To 150+ Channels In Your Car And Over 300+ Channels Online Or On The App.
  • Advanced Features: Store Up To 10 Of Your Favorite Siriusxm Channels Or Create Your Own Music Channel From Selected Channels With Tunemix. Use Split-Screen Mode On The Easy-To-Read High-Res Screen To See What Other Channels Are Playing.
  • Offers 150 channels of the XM satellite radio content
  • Measures 2.8 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches (W x D x H)
  • Built-in FM transmitter makes any FM radio an XM radio
  • Memory mode can store up to five hours of XM programming
  • Includes home and car accessory kit, headphones, remote control, belt clip/stand, carrying case
  • Hear exclusive entertainment only available on SiriusXM like Howard Stern, Today Show Radio, Fox News, CNN and Kidz Bop Radio. Plus live play-by-play sports from the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, the best games in college sports and NASCAR races.
  • Owner's manual
  • Compact size of this SiriusXM vehicle tuner hides discreetly behind the dash for a fully integrated look, Single interface cable connection to SiriusXM-ready car stereo simplifies installation
  • Vehicle Tuner, pigtail audio cable, antenna cable( does not include antenna)
  • User can hear a mix of songs from favorite channel, User can preview songs that have not yet been heard on favorite channels, Get alerts when a favorite song, artist or team is playing with this SiriusXM vehicle tuner
  • Hear dedicated channels from your favorite artists like The Beatles Channel, Elvis Radio, Eminem’s Shade 45, Pearl Jam Radio, Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, Pitbull’s Globalization, Bruce Springsteen E Street Radio, Tom Petty Radio and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.
  • Pauses, rewinds and replays up to 60 minutes of live satellite radio, Car radio tuner automatically starts songs from the beginning on favorite channels with TuneStart, Keep Moving with the most current updates using Traffic & Weather Now
  • Includes SXV300 tuner and magnetic-mount antenna
  • Pauses, rewinds and replays up to 60 minutes of live satellite radio, Car radio tuner automatically starts songs from the beginning on favorite channels with TuneStart, Keep Moving with the most current updates using Traffic & Weather Now
  • SiriusXM Connect Satellite Radio Vehicle Tuner
  • 3 MONTHS FREE OR 12 FOR $99: The Tour Radio with Vehicle Kit comes with your choice of 3 months free or 12 months for $99 of our Platinum Programming Package. Experience over 425 Satellite and Streaming Channels for as low as $8.25 a month. Plus Fees & Taxes.
  • LISTENING FLEXIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth Audio Streaming in equipped vehicles. Listen through your FM Stereo channel with the optional FMDA25 adapter (sold separately). Listen at home using your home WIFI and the optional SXDH4 home kit (sold separately). For even more listening options, Take the SiriusXM Tour camping or to the deck, beach or pool with the optional SXSD2 Boom Box.
  • SIRIUSXM WITH 360L: Transform your listening experience with our exclusive 360L technology. Combining satellite and streaming, receive personalization and access to most SiriusXM channels. Get recommendations curated just "For You" based on your history.
  • ADVANCED FEATURES: Listeners can Create Pandora Stations. Speak into the microphone for Voice Search and Tuning. Get Real-Time Sports Updates with Home and Away Broadcast Feeds, Access On Demand Content, and 100+ Xtra Channels. *Vehicle or Mobile Phone WIFI Hotspot required for vehicle use, home WIFI needed for home use.
  • SIRIUSXM: Only SiriusXM brings you more of what you love—all in one place. Enjoy ad-free music from nearly every genre, plus exclusive entertainment and comedy, world-class news, and more.
7 SiriusXM Roady BT Vehicle Satellite Radio
Our Score:
8.8
SiriusXM
  • AUDIO CONNECTION OPTIONS - Connect to your car's audio system via Bluetooth audio streaming, Aux audio output or FM audio output (requires FMDA25 adapter, sold separately). CLEAN INSTALLATION - A single wire connection from the Intelligent Power Adapter to the radio display create a clean install.
  • 3 MONTHS FREE OR 12 FOR $99: The SXVRBT1 comes with your choice of 3 months free or 12 months for $99 of our Platinum Programming Package. Experience over 425 Satellite and Streaming Channels for as low as $8.25 a month. Plus Fees & Taxes. Magnetically mount the Roady BT radio with either the vent or dash mount (included) or a compatible alternative mounting solution (sold separately). Subscription sold separately by Sirius. Channel lineup varies based on subscription package.
  • REPLAY - Pause, rewind and replay 30-60 minutes of live satellite radio. TUNESTART Automatically start songs from the beginning with TuneStar on your 20 favorite preset channels.
  • SONG, ARTIST AND SPORTS ALERTS - Get alerts when your favorite songs, artists ands sports teams play on another channel. Access to game alerts depends on subscription plan.
  • 3.2" COLOR SCREEN - Features a 3.2" full color, high-resolution display; 400 x 240 resolution. 20 PRESETS - Save up to 20 favorite channel presets in two banks, A & B. SCREEN BRIGHTNESS OPTION - Control the screen brightness with convenient day and night settings.
  • Built-in Wireless FM Transmitter for playing through any car stereo, home stereo, or boom box
  • XM Reception through XM Tuner (service required)
  • Built-in Memory records and stores up to five hours of broadcasts
  • Text information get a personalized stock ticker and sports scores on the brilliant LCD display.
  • Included rechargeable battery provides up to 5 hours play on a single charge
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best portable satellite radio?

 

Versatility

Your portable satellite radio can be a great companion for driving, but that doesn't make it useless. You should be aware of the many versatile devices available. You will find it useful if your satellite radio can be used in both your car and other locations, such as your home or office. Some subscriptions allow this, and you can even get a single one.

Display

All displays may not be created equally. There are some radios that have touch-screen, full-color displays. Others have black-and white displays and physical buttons. While some radios display information such as the station and song titles, or album art, others have much less detail.

Installation

Before you buy a satellite radio, make sure to consider how easy it will be to install. Most satellite radios are fairly straightforward to set up, but some may require more complicated setups. A lot of radios come with a vehicle kit, which includes an antenna and adapter. This allows you to transfer from one car to another on a single subscription. If you need help installing your radio, YouTube has many tutorials.

Sound Quality

Satellite radios can be used to listen to both music and spoken words. You want your satellite radios to sound great. Grace Digital Mondo+ has a professional-grade speaker built in, but it can still be connected to your home stereo system. Some products, such as the SiriusXM Onyx have no speaker and must be connected to a stereo system or powered speakers. Home stereos will provide a deeper, richer sound but radios that have built-in speakers can be an option for small spaces or bedrooms.

Ease Of Installation And Use

Although this may not be an important consideration, it is essential. You will want to purchase devices that can be installed in your car and easily fit into your house. Many are easy to use so you don't have to stress about getting things done.

Number Of Available Channels

The best thing about satellite radios is their ability to offer many channels. It is normal to look for devices that provide a wide range of channels when searching for one. Although the sheer number of options you have can be overwhelming and lead to selection headaches, it's better to have more than one option to choose from.

Bluetooth, SiriusXM, And AM/FM

You should consider what your plans are for satellite radio. Do you want to listen only to SiriusXM? Onyx by the company is your best option, as it offers a great value for money. Do you have a powerful smartphone and want to stream all your favourite content via apps such as Spotify or Amazon Prime? Grace Digital Mondo+ and other similar products will provide you with everything you need. Are you looking to enjoy listening to strange international radio broadcasts and civil aviation broadcasts while having fun? You should consider a radio with AM/FM and shortwave access, such as the Eton Executive Satellit.

Size

Portable satellite radios must be compact enough to carry around. The options range from smaller than a small checkbook to large radios. Consider the toting you will be doing.

 

FAQs

Can I Use My SiriusXM Subscription Across Multiple Radios?

Although there are restrictions, yes. Multiple radios can stream from one account. This is great for families who have different streaming requirements.

How To Choose The Best Satellite Radio?

Satellite radios can be very useful when you are out on the trails, hiking or simply looking to have more control over your listening. A portable satellite radio allows you to be connected at all times.

However, it can be hard to choose the best radio system for you.
Some people will find the radio that gives them greater freedom and updates the functionality of their cars the best. Satellite radio may be more like a communication tool than an entertainment option for others. Ask yourself these questions before you spend your hard earned cash.

What Is The Difference Between Sirius And XM?

Originally Sirius radio was a satellite service, while XM radio was a radio station. The companies eventually merged and became SiriusXM.

Is It Only For My Car?

No! It can be listened to at your home or office. These receivers offer many options. You just need to make sure the antenna is properly installed and then you can enter a subscription.

Are There Any Challenges Of Satellite Radio Reception?

Well, it depends. Sometimes the signal may not be very clear if there are many trees or hills in your area. If you're in a city, or live in a small village with fewer trees and hills than AM or FM networks, you will get a better signal.

What Is Satellite Radio?

Satellite radio functions in the same way as regular radio. There are many music stations, with various hosts and different genres. Access to these stations is subject to a monthly charge.

What Are Shortwave And Longwave Radio?

A transmission using shortwave radio frequency is one that transmits radio signals within a narrow range. This includes the entire frequency band. Shortwave radio's advantage is its ability to travel long distances and allow for easy listening to international broadcasts. On the other side, longwave radio is transmissions that use longwave radio frequencies. These radio frequencies are usually lower than the AM frequency, so they cannot be accessed by normal AM/FM radios. The longwave radio bands travel along the Earth's contours and are therefore not affected by large mountains or other geographical disturbances. Longwave radio can also be used to listen to foreign broadcasts that are not easily heard.

Is Satellite Radio A Better Option?

Compare satellite radio with FM radio. The most important thing to think about is the cost of a monthly subscription. XM radio can be compared to streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music. SiriusXM is typically less expensive and offers features such as personal playlists that can be used to rival music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.

Conclusion

So, what's the easiest approach to get the best portable satellite radio you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach. 

When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the XMp3i Portable Satellite Radio & MP3 Player will be your new buddy.


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.