There’s a unique magic in turning a dial and pulling a voice out of the ether from thousands of miles away. As a lifelong radio enthusiast and licensed amateur operator, I’ve spent countless nights chasing faint signals across the shortwave bands, listening to air traffic control guide planes through stormy skies, and simply enjoying the rich sound of a local FM broadcast. But this passion often comes with a cluttered desk: one radio for ham operations, another for general shortwave listening, a separate scanner for VHF/UHF, and a Bluetooth speaker for everything else. The dream has always been to find a single, powerful device that can do it all without critical compromises. The challenge is that most “all-in-one” receivers are jacks of all trades but masters of none, leaving you with weak reception and frustrating limitations. This is the exact problem the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB aims to solve.
- [Full Band Radio] - This is a very well-built radio with a super cool high-tech look. FM, AM (MW), SW, UHF, VHF, WB, CB, LW, and AIR are all here, along with SSB. It is built from the ground up for...
- [External Antenna Ports] - There are three different external antenna jacks: VHF/UHF SMA-m, LW/MW/SW, and 3.5 mm MW/SW ports, allowing you to use an external antenna to enhance sensitivity and elevate...
- [Dual Display & Seven Backlight Colors] - Equipped with two display screens, the 3.54-inch main display shows information on various modes, and the secondary display shows information such as time or...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Shortwave Radio
A Portable Shortwave Radio is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for emergency preparedness, a gateway to global communication, and a tool for a fascinating hobby. Unlike a standard AM/FM radio, these devices unlock a world of international broadcasters, amateur radio operators, and utility signals that are inaccessible to most. The primary benefit is independence—from the internet, from cellular networks, and from local infrastructure. In an emergency, it can be a lifeline for receiving NOAA weather alerts and critical information. For the hobbyist, it’s a portal to different cultures and perspectives, heard directly from the source.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a curious mind, a “prepper” mentality, or an existing passion for radio communication. This includes licensed ham operators looking for a portable “shack-in-a-box,” DXers (long-distance listeners) wanting to log new stations, or even campers and travelers who want a robust entertainment and information device off the grid. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who just want a simple, turn-key radio for background music. If you have no interest in bands beyond AM and FM and find multiple knobs and settings intimidating, a simpler Bluetooth speaker or a basic tabletop radio might be a better and more affordable choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Band Coverage & Sensitivity: This is the most critical factor. Does the radio cover only the basic bands (AM/FM/SW), or does it extend into more exotic territory like the AIR band, VHF/UHF for local scanning, and importantly, Single Sideband (SSB) for listening to amateur radio nets? A radio’s sensitivity determines its ability to pull in weak, distant signals. Look for features that enhance this, like external antenna ports and bandwidth filters.
- Audio Quality & Power: A sensitive receiver is useless if the audio is tinny and fatiguing to listen to. A larger speaker, measured in watts (W), and features like a bass radiator or equalization (EQ) settings can make the difference between an appliance and an enjoyable listening experience. The 20W speaker on the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB, for example, is a significant feature that sets it apart from smaller portables.
- User Interface & Features: How do you interact with the radio? Look for clear displays, tactile buttons, and intuitive tuning methods. Modern radios may offer digital tuning, extensive memory presets (1600 on the ZWS-C919), and even Bluetooth app control. However, more features can mean a steeper learning curve, which is a trade-off you must be willing to make.
- Power & Portability: For a portable radio, battery life is paramount. Large, rechargeable, and ideally replaceable batteries (like the dual 5000 mAh cells in this model) are a huge plus. Consider the unit’s physical size and weight, and whether it includes practical accessories like a carrying case and strap for field use.
Navigating the world of feature-rich radios can be daunting, but understanding these core pillars will help you make an informed decision and find a device that truly meets your listening needs.
While the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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- Large Speaker Ensures Clear Loud Sound: DreamSky portable radio comes with big high performance speaker which provides loud and great sound quality that can easily fill a room. Listening to music,...
First Impressions: Unboxing a Radio That Means Business
Unboxing the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB, the first thing we noticed was its substantial presence. At 2.4 pounds, it has a satisfying heft that immediately communicates durability—this is no flimsy, plastic portable. The unit arrived securely packed in a quality carrying case, a thoughtful inclusion that underscores its field-ready design. Alongside the radio, the box contained a comprehensive set of accessories: a USB-C charging cable, an audio cable, a carrying strap, a small screwdriver for the battery compartment, and, most notably, an external MW loopstick antenna for boosting AM reception.
Picking it up, the controls feel solid. The tuning knobs have a satisfying, notched “click” with each turn, providing precise tactile feedback. The buttons are firm, not mushy, which is crucial when navigating the radio’s extensive menu system. Powering it on reveals the brilliant dual LCD displays. The main 3.54-inch screen is large, bright, and packed with information, while the secondary screen is perfect for at-a-glance time and signal strength checks. The customizable seven-color backlight is a fantastic touch, allowing you to tailor the look to your preference or environment. It feels like a modern, feature-packed piece of equipment, a far cry from the analog radios of yesterday.
Advantages
- Truly comprehensive all-band coverage including SSB, AIR, VHF, and UHF
- Exceptional audio quality from a powerful 20W speaker with EQ
- Extensive antenna options with three external ports and an included MW loop antenna
- Large, informative, and customizable dual-display interface
- Excellent battery life from dual 5000 mAh replaceable batteries
Drawbacks
- Steep learning curve due to the sheer number of features and settings
- Tuning mute, while improved in new firmware, is still present to a small degree
A Deep Dive into the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919’s Real-World Performance
A radio can have all the features in the world on its spec sheet, but the only thing that truly matters is how it performs in the real world. Over several weeks, we put the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 through its paces, from late-night shortwave DXing sessions to casual FM listening around the house and monitoring local frequencies. This isn’t just a radio; it’s a comprehensive listening station that surprised us at nearly every turn.
The Heart of the Matter: All-Band Reception and SSB Sensitivity
The primary job of any receiver is to pull signals out of the noise, and here, the ZWS-C919 is a formidable performer. We started with the basics: FM reception is crystal clear and rock-solid, easily locking onto stations and providing rich, static-free audio. On the AM (MW) band, performance was good with the built-in antenna, but it truly came alive when we connected the included external loopstick antenna. As one user confirmed, this addition makes a world of difference. We were able to pull in a faint talk radio station from over 120 miles away at night, a signal that was pure static on other portables.
The real test, however, is on the shortwave (SW) and Single Sideband (SSB) bands. Extending the 40-inch telescopic antenna, we began scanning the bands. The radio’s sensitivity is impressive, picking up major international broadcasters like the BBC World Service and Radio Havana Cuba with commanding clarity. We noted some user confusion about accessing SSB, with one reviewer stating it wasn’t available. We can confirm this is incorrect; it’s likely a matter of navigating the menu. Activating SSB (both LSB and USB) is straightforward, and once engaged, the dual-knob fine-tuning system becomes essential. We successfully tuned into several amateur radio nets on the 20-meter and 40-meter bands, and the voices, while requiring careful adjustment, came through intelligibly. The built-in antenna tuner for the SW bands is another professional-grade feature, allowing us to peak the antenna for specific frequencies and noticeably improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The inclusion of AIR, VHF, and UHF bands transforms this from a simple shortwave radio into a capable scanner, and we had no trouble listening to local weather channels and airport tower communications, where the adjustable squelch proved invaluable for silencing background hiss. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in its category.
More Than Just a Receiver: An Audio Powerhouse and Multimedia Hub
One of the biggest and most pleasant surprises with the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 is its audio performance. Most portable shortwave radios have small, tinny speakers designed for voice intelligibility, not audio fidelity. ZHIWHIS shattered that expectation. The 3-inch, 20W speaker, supported by a rear bass radiator, delivers room-filling sound that is simply unheard of in this class of radio. When listening to music on a strong FM station, the bass is present and warm, and the highs are clear. The six built-in EQ settings (Normal, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Country) aren’t just a gimmick; they genuinely tailor the sound profile and make a significant difference.
This audio prowess extends beyond radio broadcasts. We connected our smartphone via Bluetooth in seconds, and the ZWS-C919 instantly became a high-quality portable speaker, rivaling dedicated devices in its price range. The ability to play MP3 files from a microSD card and connect external devices via the AUX-in port further cements its role as a central entertainment hub. This versatility is a massive value-add. You can go from monitoring a ham radio conversation to streaming a podcast, to listening to your own music library, all on the same device. For camping, fieldwork, or just a backyard barbecue, this consolidation of devices is incredibly convenient. The audio quality is so robust that it makes long listening sessions, whether for talk or music, a genuine pleasure rather than a chore.
User Experience: Navigating a Feature-Rich Command Center
With great power comes great complexity, and the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB is, as one user aptly put it, “a BEAST.” This is not a radio for someone who wants to just turn it on and tune. It’s an enthusiast’s device, and exploring its deep menu system is part of the experience. The large dual displays are your command center, providing a wealth of data from frequency and signal strength to time, temperature, and battery status. The ability to customize the backlight color is a nice aesthetic touch that also aids visibility in different lighting conditions.
Tuning is handled through multiple methods: a fast-tuning outer knob, a fine-tuning inner knob, direct digital entry, and automatic scanning. The 1600 memory presets are more than enough for even the most dedicated listener to store all their favorite frequencies. One historical critique of similar radios has been “muting” between frequencies while tuning. Our test unit, running the latest firmware (V1.71), had this feature disabled by default, which is a massive improvement. While a very slight, soft muting can still be detected if you’re listening for it, it is no longer the jarring interruption it once was and did not hinder our ability to scan the bands effectively. The dedicated Bluetooth APP adds yet another layer of control, allowing for remote tuning and management, which feels futuristic for a shortwave radio. While the manual could be clearer, spending an hour or two experimenting with the controls is all it takes for an enthusiast to feel right at home with this radio’s immense capabilities.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly echoed by the wider community of users. The consensus is that the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB is an incredibly capable and feature-rich device that delights enthusiasts. One highly experienced user, a licensed amateur radio operator with numerous high-end radios, noted its impressive performance and confirmed it’s a serious contender in the general coverage receiver market. Another user praised its exceptional sensitivity, stating, “This radio picks up everything,” and specifically highlighted how the included medium wave antenna helped them receive a station over 100 miles away.
The positive feedback consistently centers on the excellent speaker, the bright and informative displays, and the solid build quality. However, the feedback also serves as a fair warning. Several users mention the complexity, with one calling it “very complicated” and “way more than your average Joe needs,” while correctly pointing out that “a radio enthusiast is going to love it.” The most common critiques revolve around the learning curve and the user manual, which some found to be poorly translated and lacking detail. This confirms our assessment: this is a powerful tool, but one that requires a willingness to learn its intricacies to unlock its full potential.
How Does the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Compare to the Alternatives?
While the ZWS-C919 is a powerhouse, it exists in a competitive market. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against other popular, albeit different, options.
1. Sangean WR-22WL AM/FM/Bluetooth USB Digital Receiver
- 10 station presets (5 AM, 5 FM) with built-in Bluetooth wireless Audio streaming and USB MP3/ WMA playback
- Easy to read high contrast LCD display with automatic and adjustable backlight
- Clock available for FM rds-ct with 2 alarm timers by radio, buzzer or USB Settable alarm volume hws (Humane wake system) buzzer and radio adjustable Nap, Sleep and snooze timers
The Sangean WR-22WL is a different class of radio altogether. It is a tabletop receiver focused on delivering a premium audio experience for standard broadcasts. Encased in a beautiful walnut cabinet, its primary strengths are its rich, warm sound, RDS display for FM station info, and modern conveniences like Bluetooth and USB playback. However, it completely lacks the expansive band coverage of the ZWS-C919. There is no shortwave, no SSB, no AIR, and no VHF/UHF. A user should choose the Sangean WR-22WL if their priority is exceptional audio quality for AM/FM listening and Bluetooth streaming in a home or office setting, and they have no need for the utility and hobbyist features of a multi-band receiver.
2. Sangean WR-16SE Wooden Cabinet Radio
- Am/ Fm Analog Radio With Built-In Bluetooth Technology Version 4.1 Class Ii Wireless Audio Streaming
- Soft And Precise Vernier Tuning With Tuning And Band Indicators
- Deep Bass Compensation For Rich Bass With A 3 Inch 10 Watts Full Range Speaker
Similar to its sibling above, the Sangean WR-16SE prioritizes aesthetics and audio fidelity over band coverage. This 45th Anniversary Special Edition model boasts a stunning dark walnut and rose gold design, making it as much a piece of furniture as it is an electronic device. It offers excellent AM/FM reception, Bluetooth connectivity, and an Aux-in port. Like the WR-22WL, it is not a tool for DXing or monitoring utility bands. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants a simple, elegant, and great-sounding radio for their kitchen, study, or workshop and values classic design over the high-tech, feature-dense approach of the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919.
3. Eton Elite Field Radio Bluetooth
- AM/FM/SW Radio with RDS & Bluetooth: Stay connected with full coverage across AM, FM (with RDS), and Shortwave bands – and HD Radio in North America. This tabletop radio also features Bluetooth...
- Exceptional Reception & Anti-Interference: Designed for superior sensitivity and selectivity across all bands, with RF gain control and strong anti-interference technology for reliable, clear...
- Precision Tuning & Custom Sound: Enjoy dial-in-dial coarse/fine digital tuning with treble/bass control and RF gain control. Wide/narrow bandwidth selection ensures optimal signal clarity for a...
The Eton Elite Field Radio is the most direct competitor to the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 in this list. It also offers AM, FM, and Shortwave bands, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Its strengths lie in the trusted Eton brand name, a large and clear LCD display with RDS, and dedicated bass/treble controls. However, the ZWS-C919 pulls ahead in nearly every other technical specification. The Eton lacks the VHF, UHF, AIR, CB, and LW bands. Its memory presets are limited to 50, compared to 1600 on the ZHIWHIS. The speaker is less powerful, and it lacks advanced features like an antenna tuner and app control. A user might prefer the Eton for its simpler, more traditional field radio interface and retro design, but for the enthusiast who wants maximum capability, the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 is the clear winner in features and versatility.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 Shortwave Radio with SSB is a triumph of ambition and engineering. It successfully packs the features of multiple, more expensive devices into a single, portable, and well-built package. Its exceptional band coverage, outstanding audio quality, and wealth of pro-level features make it a standout product in the world of portable receivers. It is, without a doubt, a radio built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.
However, it is not a radio for everyone. If you are a casual listener seeking a simple device for FM news or music, this radio will be overkill. But if you are a curious explorer of the airwaves, a licensed ham operator, a seasoned DXer, or an emergency prepper who demands maximum capability, this radio is an absolute powerhouse. It rewards the time you invest in learning its functions with unparalleled performance and versatility. For the right user, the ZHIWHIS ZWS-C919 isn’t just a good value; it’s a phenomenal one. If you’re ready to take a serious step up in your listening hobby, we highly recommend you check the latest price and explore its full feature set.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API