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Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 814 ratings

$79.98
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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand TECSUN
Color Black
Special Feature Longwave, Shortwave, Single Side Band, Alarm Clock, Memories
Connectivity Technology USB
Product Dimensions 5.5"L x 3.5"W x 1"H
Tuner Technology AM/FM
Style Single
Power Source Battery Powered
Radio Bands Supported AM/FM
Included Components Owners Manual

About this item

  • A digital portable receiver with comprehensive radio frequency coverage including AM, FM, longwave, shortwave, and single side band
  • Adopts modern DSP digital demodulation technology as well as synchronized detection for enhanced and unparalleled reception sensitivity, selectivity, and anti-image interference capability across the bands
  • A premium full-range 8 ohms / 250 mW speaker delivers loud, rich, crispy, dynamic and distortion-free sound for utmost entertainment experience, a 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack for private listening (stereo earphones included)
  • Other convenient features include an alarm clock; a sleep timer of up to 120 minutes; external antenna input; 3.5mm audio output; 850 memories for easy access to frequently listened stations; keylock function for preserving settings
  • Firmware Version 3306

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Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver
Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver
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    Tecsun Digital PL330 AM/FM/LW/SW Worldband Radio with Single Side Band Receiver


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    Product Description

    Functions: SSB capacity, direct frequency input, synchronous AM detection ETM+ portable, lightweight, rechargeable lithium ion battery BL-5C included. Technical data: frequency range: LW 153-513 kHz, MW 520-1710/522-1620 kHz, SW 1 711-2999 kHz, FM 64-108/76-108/87-108/88-108-10. 8 MHz F 8 MHFrequency adjustment steps: LW/MW:9/1kHz, SW:5/1kHz, SSB 5kHz/1kHz/10Hz Z, detection synchronous: 5kHz/1kHz/100Hz, FM:100/10kHz Frequency memory: LW: 100 , MW: 150, SW: 300, FM: 100, SSB: 100, Sync: 100 Noise limit (for 26d) B S/N): LW: <10mV/m, MW<1mV/m, SW: <20uV, FM (for 30dB S/N) <3uV Selectivity: 60 dB on all bands. Sync detection range: +/- 1 kHz DSP IF frequency: AM 45 kHz, FM: 12 kHz, FM: 8 kHz FM stereo Crosstalk: 35 dB (headphone output), speaker: 8 ohms, 0.2 5 W, maximum Audio Output: 200mW, Power Drainage: FM/MW/LW: <25mA, SW: <45mA, Standby Current: <90uA na Micro USB 5V 500mA Dimensions: 139 x 85 x 26mm Weight: 210g

    Customer reviews

    4.4 out of 5 stars
    814 global ratings

    Review this product

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    Customers say

    Customers find the radio has good reception and sensitivity. It's portable and fits comfortably in their purses, backpacks, or carrying cases. Many customers appreciate its small size and value for money. However, opinions differ on functionality, sound quality, and battery life.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    78 customers mention "Radio quality"78 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's sensitivity and audio quality. They find it useful for emergency situations and describe it as a delight to use. The FM reception is good, and the radio has similar capabilities to the PL-330. It's suitable for sharpening CW listening skills and starting out with listening to SW.

    "...been crazy for solar storms, but they've produced some great "northern lights" displays!..." Read more

    "...The Brandenburg Concerto sounded crisp, the radio is a delight to use, and to operate...." Read more

    "...still be on the lookout though for a portable with a really high quality tuning knob (weighted would be nice) and smooth SSB/CW tuning on shortwave...." Read more

    "...battery lasts up to 22 hours on a single charge – ample time for extended listening sessions. **Additional Features That Delight** *..." Read more

    57 customers mention "Reception"46 positive11 negative

    Customers generally like the radio's reception. They mention it has good shortwave SSB reception using the whip antenna, and it gets signal from everywhere. The radio pulls in signals with ease and is a quality shortwave radio that doesn't want a toy. It's an excellent small radio with SW that's good for travel and camping.

    "...General FM and Medium Wave AM reception is very nice, though I think my PL-600 may be a bit more sensitive on medium wave AM, and a little better..." Read more

    "...Impressive Reception and Sensitivity** The PL330 pulls in signals with ease, boasting impressive sensitivity on all bands – AM (520-1710kHz),..." Read more

    "Great features, good reception, good sound. The ETM seperate memory locations are awesome, as base memory is not being erased with new ETM scans...." Read more

    "It seems to have great reception and sound. And it has a dizzying array of features...." Read more

    50 customers mention "Size"39 positive11 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's small size. They find it portable, fits comfortably in purses, satchels, or backpacks, and is excellent for traveling or casual listening. The small form factor also makes it great for your "go kit" or casual listening.

    "...This is THE perfect travel radio! It has 850 memories, which is a ridiculous amount...." Read more

    "...The PL-330 will fit comfortably in your purse, satchel or backpack. In other words and clique "You can't go wrong"." Read more

    "...my expectations – outstanding reception, rich features, and portability make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, versatile radio...." Read more

    "...The build quality seems solid. Of course, it is light and tiny, but the buttons and the knobs seem like they will work for a long time to come...." Read more

    45 customers mention "Value for money"42 positive3 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's value for money. They find it offers good reception quality for the price, with a good amount of features and an inexpensive portable receiver.

    "...uses a DSP chip, which gives it good performance for it's size and price point...." Read more

    "...The Tecsun PL-330 is a outstanding value. Of course for $80 we are not seeing miracles. BUT this little giant punches well above the price point...." Read more

    "...For what the PL-330 is - an inexpensive portable receiver - I still think it is a really good value for the price, maybe the best deal going right..." Read more

    "...portable powerhouse delivers exceptional performance, features, and value – a true game-changer for radio enthusiasts like myself. **..." Read more

    28 customers mention "Sensitivity"24 positive4 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's sensitivity. They mention its compact size, signal sensitivity, battery life, and high quality. Some say it has a feel of tuning a ham radio with this neat feature.

    "...The PL330 pulls in signals with ease, boasting impressive sensitivity on all bands – AM (520-1710kHz), FM (76-108MHz), LW (150-519kHz), and SW..." Read more

    "...Great sensitivity and audio quality. Excellent device for an entry level radio enthusiast." Read more

    "...This is an excellent radio! Very sensitive, selective receiver. Great sound on all bands...." Read more

    "Single side band mode sounds good. Speaker sounds good. Very sensitive on all of its bands. Alot of memories...." Read more

    77 customers mention "Functionality"50 positive27 negative

    Customers have mixed opinions about the radio's functionality. Some say it works well on shortwave bands and has good results with the telescoping antenna. Others find it confusing to operate and difficult to follow the instructions in the owner manual.

    "...I just wanted to report back and mention that my radio is still working fine and the battery life is still about the same as when new...." Read more

    "...Concerto sounded crisp, the radio is a delight to use, and to operate. Once I get enough time with the PL-330, I will repost my views...." Read more

    "...For this reason, the radio is not as pleasant to use on the amateur radio bands, and not sure how long before the tuning knob may fail...." Read more

    "...This portable powerhouse delivers exceptional performance, features, and value – a true game-changer for radio enthusiasts like myself. **..." Read more

    69 customers mention "Sound quality"44 positive25 negative

    Customers have mixed reviews about the radio's sound quality. Some find it has good sound and low noise levels, while others mention issues with audio quality on the internal speaker, distortion, and loud volume. The volume and VFO dials feel cheap and may wear out over time. There are also complaints about klunky tuning on amateur radio bands and the radio not covering frequencies beyond FM.

    "...R-108, the Retekess V115 and the PRUNUS J-160 and all have excellent sound quality! Interesting broadcast info 03/16/22:..." Read more

    "...The Brandenburg Concerto sounded crisp, the radio is a delight to use, and to operate...." Read more

    "...weakness I've observed is the tuning knob, which has detents and fights you, combined with the receiver muting with each 1kHz step...." Read more

    "...international broadcasts come in crystal clear, with minimal noise or interference. **Feature-Rich and User-Friendly**..." Read more

    29 customers mention "Battery life"20 positive9 negative

    Customers have different views on the radio's battery life. Some find it excellent, with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 22 hours on a single charge and easily lasts the whole weekend. Others mention issues with the battery life, saying it needs charging about three times for every charge.

    "...a common BL-5C Lithium Ion battery (included) and is rechargeable by a standard USB Micro cable...." Read more

    "...I really like the rechargeable lithium battery. It seems to run a long time on a charge. USB charging is also very convenient...." Read more

    "...: As expected, the volume and VFO dials feel cheap and will wear out with heavy use...." Read more

    "...Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 22 hours on a single charge – ample time for extended listening sessions. **..." Read more

    Compact performance
    5 out of 5 stars
    Compact performance
    This radio rocks. It pulls in so many more FM & AM stations than the other regular radios I own. Shortwave performance is also excellent compared to other cheap shortwave radios I own in its size class. If you're on the fence about getting this, I say go for it! It's well worth the money.I found a hard shell case on Amazon that fits it perfectly: Ginsco EVA Hard Carrying Case ASIN B078GHV79T See how the radio and a wire antenna fit in the photo.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    • Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2021
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      I've been a SWL (short wave listener) since the 70's and have owned most of the Grundig, Eton, Sangean and Sony radios. This one is the best performing "small" portable I've owned so far! It's nice to have actual tuning and volume knobs instead of the "up/down" buttons normally found on a radio of this size. The sound quality is good for it's size, but not as good as a bigger radio of course. I was surprised that it doesn't have a flip stand on the back.

      This radio uses a DSP chip, which gives it good performance for it's size and price point. I'm not going to compare it directly to larger portables that cost 5 times more, such as the Tecsun PL-990 or Tecsun H501, although it would equal them in some performance measures. I've compared it to other small & medium sized radios in the $100 - $150 price range. This is THE perfect travel radio!

      It has 850 memories, which is a ridiculous amount. I personally have never used more than 50-100, but it might be useful for someone out there.

      This is the first portable radio I've owned that has this many bandwidth settings. The bandwidths include 0.5 kHz, 1.2 kHz, 2.2 kHz, 2.5 kHz, 3.0 kHz, 3.5 kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.0 kHz and 9.0 kHz. Note that the bandwidth selections vary depending on what band or mode you are using.

      A cool "hidden" feature is the "SSB calibration" feature. You can zero beat on a known accurate signal on USB and then hold down the USB button. The frequency readout will then "calibrate" and the last 2 digits will display 00, and be right on frequency. (some radios might be 20-50 Hertz off and need this calibration) Then, you can repeat the process on LSB. The smallest tuning step is 10HZ, which is just fine for tuning SSB signals. (I listen to SSB most of the time)

      The AM Synchronous Detection feature works, but like all radios with this feature it can be tricky to adjust. For those who have never heard of this, it stabilizes and improves the sound of weak and fading AM stations. It accomplishes this by mixing in a very stable carrier signal generated by the synchronous detector circuit.

      Another unique feature is ETM+. How the ETM+ feature works is that every hour you can press and hold the ETM button to scan and automatically store stations that are receivable during that time. It then places the memories in 24 separate banks.

      I like that the radio uses a common BL-5C Lithium Ion battery (included) and is rechargeable by a standard USB Micro cable. (also included) The Nokia type BL-5C battery is available for under $10 for a pack of two, in case you need spares or if the original goes bad. One disadvantage of the 5 volt USB power input is the fact that most 5 volt USB wall warts are "switching" power supplies and they will introduce some noise on the SW bands. Some are worse that others, so you may have to experiment with different brands. I ended up using one of those 5 volt phone charger battery packs if I need to charge it up while listening to it.

      Radio Comparison on 5/5/21:
      Well, I've owned the radio a few weeks now and I have a few more comments to add.
      I've compared this radio to my Grundig G6, Grundig G3, Sangean ATS-505 and a few others.
      Those radios are small / medium sized in the $100 - $150 price range.
      The PL-330 easily outperformed every radio in my collection on SW, AM & FM bands, with the exception of the Grundig G3 that was slightly more sensitive on the AM Broadcast band. The slightly better AM reception on the G3 is most likely due to the larger internal antenna. Unfortunately that "soft rubber coating" that was popular in the late 90's / early 2000's is starting to get real sticky on the two Grundig radios. Fortunately, the PL-330 has no such coating.

      DSP Radio comments 01/15/22:
      It's been several months since my last update and the radio continues to impress! I would like to address some complaints that this radio and "all DSP radios" exhibits "AGC pumping" on AM signals, selectivity issues and have "hollow sounding audio". I have not experienced "AGC pumping" and I do a lot listening to strong AM stations. As for selectivity issues, I regularly listen to WABC 770 out of NYC with no interference from the "flame thrower" WJR 760 which is 10 KHz away, less than 20 miles from me. As for the "hollow sounding audio", this statement couldn't be further from the truth. This radio sounds better than any of my similar sized "NON-DSP" radios I have owned. I've reviewed four other small, inexpensive "DSP" SW radios, the Raddy RF886, the SIHUADON R-108, the Retekess V115 and the PRUNUS J-160 and all have excellent sound quality!

      Interesting broadcast info 03/16/22:
      It appears that the covert "Spanish Numbers Stations" are back on the air. For the past 60 years, these stations are characterized as a woman's voice speaking a series of five-digit number sequences in Spanish. All available evidence indicates that these transmissions are connected to espionage activities. The first number stations were heard in World War 1 (in Morse Code) but were eventually transmitted in voice and became more widespread during the Cold War. The station I heard recently was on 9.065 MHz. At the end of the number string, there was a digital sound like a 56K modem connecting to the internet back in the 90's. These strange broadcasts have been also heard on 10.715 MHz, 11.715 MHz & 17.480 MHz.
      Pirate broadcasts can be heard between 6.815 to 6.970 MHz, with the most popular frequency being 6.925 MHz. Also, it is interesting to tune in the "Canada Trenton Military Weather Station" on 6754 kHz USB. (in the evening)

      Update on 01/22/23:
      It's been 10 months since my last update and there are no problems or issues to report. I'm still using the original factory battery and there is no noticeable degradation in run time.

      Update on 04/04/24:
      It's been almost 15 months since my last update. Time flies doesn't it? I still have no problems or issues to report. I'm still using the original factory battery and there is no noticeable degradation in run time.

      Update on 05/30/24:
      I've found out from another reviewer that the radios being shipped now are using a USB-C charging connector instead of Micro-USB. That may be more convenient for some, but doesn't really matter to me one way or the other because I still use Micro-USB for a lot of my radios & speakers. Another point I forgot to mention is that the internal rod antenna for AM Broadcast band and Long wave can be switched off and the external SW antenna jack can be used instead. I've never heard of that feature before on a portable radio in this price range. Another interesting point is that some people actually prefer Up/Down buttons for tuning and volume. In my opinion, the rotary knobs for volume and tuning are a huge plus.

      Update on 05/31/24:
      Due to the latest solar storm activity, most SW bands will have poor reception. These solar disruptions are only temporary and SW reception will return to normal. Check YouTube for the latest "solar weather" forecasts before posting negative reviews about poor receive. I'm a HAM radio operator and even rigs that cost thousands of dollars will experience degraded performance during these disruptions as well.

      Update on 11/15/24:
      I just wanted to report back and mention that my radio is still working fine and the battery life is still about the same as when new. This year has been crazy for solar storms, but they've produced some great "northern lights" displays! I think that we are approaching the peak of solar cycle #25 so enjoy it while you can.

      Conclusion:
      If you want a small portable radio that can out perform any radio in it's price range and hold it's own against much more expensive radios, then this is it!

      Final note:
      Now is a good time to buy a short wave radio because sun spot cycle #25 has started in 2020 and will peak sometime in 2025. In fact, this solar cycle is turning out to be better than predicted! Unfortunately, by the time the next sunspot cycle occurs, shortwave radio may very well be extinct. So folks, this may be the last time to enjoy shortwave radio. I've see many reviews in the past few years where people buy short wave radios and give them bad reviews due to poor reception, when in fact nothing was wrong with the radios. Inexperienced users don't know that SW stations are not on the air 24/7 on the same frequency like typical AM/FM broadcast stations are. Instead, they operate on multiple bands throughout the day and rely on the ever-changing atmospheric conditions. A general rule of thumb for short wave listening is that most stations transmit ABOVE 10 MHz in the day and BELOW 10 MHz at night. Short wave signals can be "hit or miss", no matter how much money is spent on the radio. The reception can vary greatly from day to day. In other words, don't just expect to pick up several stations across the dial at any time of the day like you would on a regular AM/FM radio.
      541 people found this helpful
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    • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      I am a career RF Engineer PE and hold a Extra Class Amateur Radio license. The Tecsun PL-330 is a outstanding value. Of course for $80 we are not seeing miracles. BUT this little giant punches well above the price point. Last night I charged the radio, and today I am receiving Toronto The New Classical FM 103.1 FM from Rochester NY, that is a 97mile distance over Lake Ontario. The Brandenburg Concerto sounded crisp, the radio is a delight to use, and to operate. Once I get enough time with the PL-330, I will repost my views. Don't expect miracles, but do expect to be pleased. This radio is so small, leaving it behind is not a good idea. The PL-330 will fit comfortably in your purse, satchel or backpack. In other words and clique "You can't go wrong".
      6 people found this helpful
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    • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2022
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      I got this little radio largely for it's shortwave SSB capabilities, listening to amateur radio bands. It works surprisingly well for the size of the small antenna attached. I bought a little retractable wire spool antenna to go with it, and have noticed that on longer wavelength bands, like 75-meters, the added wire helps a lot, even just 6 feet of extra wire brought signal to noise levels up quite a bit.

      I really like the rechargeable lithium battery. It seems to run a long time on a charge. USB charging is also very convenient.

      The biggest weakness I've observed is the tuning knob, which has detents and fights you, combined with the receiver muting with each 1kHz step. This makes it difficult when tuning all around a band looking for SSB or CW stations. I also have the Tecsun PL-600, and it does not do this, but allowed smooth tuning without muting. The tuning knob also feels a bit flimsy. For this reason, the radio is not as pleasant to use on the amateur radio bands, and not sure how long before the tuning knob may fail. I have had to lubricate the tuning encoder on my PL-600 several times after it froze up.

      I miss the built-in stand to prop up the radio at a convenient angle when listening, but that's not a big deal.

      General FM and Medium Wave AM reception is very nice, though I think my PL-600 may be a bit more sensitive on medium wave AM, and a little better sounding due to the larger speaker. A small tunable medium wave loop antenna might enhance AM reception further.

      The different SSB filter settings work well, but I wish there was a filter width between the 2.7kHz and 1.2kHz widths - like 1.8kHz or so. The 4kHz width is too hissy and harsh sounding for pleasant listening on SSB, IMO.

      This will still likely be my go-to radio to throw in a bag for traveling now, as the SSB reception seems quite a bit better than my Tecsun PL-600, but for everyday listening on amateur radio bands, the klunky tuning with muting every 1kHz isn't great. The PL-600 seemed either too insensitive or too overloaded a lot of the time, so the PL-330 seems way better in that regard. It handles strong signals from a full size dipole antenna remarkably well also, without much AGC pumping or distortion.

      I will still be on the lookout though for a portable with a really high quality tuning knob (weighted would be nice) and smooth SSB/CW tuning on shortwave. Some of the portable HF transceivers are probably the next closest thing to what I'd like, but with pricing in the thousand dollar range are hard to justify, at least unless I get into portable QRP operating.

      For what the PL-330 is - an inexpensive portable receiver - I still think it is a really good value for the price, maybe the best deal going right now.
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    • Matthew Welling
      5.0 out of 5 stars Great little pocket sized radio
      Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2024
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      I wasn't expecting such amazing sound quality out of such a tiny machine. Overall ease of use very simple to operate with an updated usb-c charging versus the old micro USB. That was a very pleasant surprise for modernization of a classic little radio. Reception is great on all stations and all bands I'm surprised on how much this little thing is blowing a lot of my more expensive radios just out of the water. 10 out of 10 highly recommend
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      5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente radio pequeño me gusta
      Reviewed in Mexico on May 4, 2024
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      Muy sensible capta muchísimas estaciones extranjeras, muy cómodo para traerlo consigo muy sensible en todas las bandas tiene su lugar en mi colección lo recomiendo.
    • Amazon Customer
      5.0 out of 5 stars Very sensitive
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2024
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      This radio is powerful, sensitive and crystal clear. All this in a dinky compact size.
    • Ebby
      5.0 out of 5 stars Ricevitore incredibile
      Reviewed in Italy on October 11, 2023
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      La radioina non ha una costruzione resistente ma cavolo che ricevitore, messa a fianco del famoso 817 tiene testa alla grande, veramente uno spettacolo, l'audio è piacevole e la sensibilità elevata, brava Tecsun.
    • Dina
      1.0 out of 5 stars Not meeting expectations
      Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on August 10, 2023
      Style: SingleVerified Purchase
      The channels not eatable and charge and voice not clear in most of time. Also the battery getting finished in very short time