Features
- Dual 3.5 in. woofers and 1 in. tweeters for stereo sound
- Bass reflex port for enhanced low-frequency response
- Heavy-duty roll cage with antenna slot and protected handle
- Bluetooth connectivity (streaming up to 100 ft)
- AM/FM radio with six presets per band
- USB power port for charging mobile devices
- 3.5 mm auxiliary input to connect external devices
- Detachable 120V AC power cord; can also run on compatible DEWALT batteries
Specifications
Battery Compatibility | 12V MAX, 20V MAX, FLEXVOLT (batteries sold separately) |
Bluetooth Range | Up to 100 ft (manufacturer-stated) |
Speakers | Dual 3.5 in. woofers; 1 in. tweeters (quad speaker system) |
Am/Fm Presets | 6 presets per band |
Usb Port | USB power port for device charging |
Auxiliary Port | 3.5 mm auxiliary input |
Power Options | Detachable 120V AC power cord or compatible DEWALT batteries (sold separately) |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
Product Height [In] | 18-1/2 |
Product Width [In] | 23.03 |
Product Weight [Lbs] | 0.02 |
Product Weight [Oz] | 0.32 |
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Cordless jobsite radio with quad speakers (dual 3.5" woofers and 1" tweeters) and a bass-reflex port. Can be powered by a detachable 120V AC cord or compatible DEWALT 12V MAX, 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT batteries (sold separately). Provides Bluetooth streaming, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner with presets, and a USB port for charging mobile devices. Housed in a roll-cage with an antenna storage area. Includes a 3-year limited warranty.
DeWalt 12V/20V MAX Bluetooth Cordless Jobsite Radio Review
First impressions and setup
I set the DeWalt jobsite radio on a sawhorse, hit the power button, and within a minute had it paired and streaming. The layout is straightforward: centrally located controls, a clear display, and obvious inputs for Bluetooth, AUX, and radio. I appreciate that DeWalt includes a detachable AC cord for shop use while also letting me run it off any 12V MAX, 20V MAX, or FLEXVOLT battery I already bring to site. That flexibility made it easy to move from the garage to the truck to the job without fuss.
The chassis is what you expect from DeWalt: a heavy-duty roll cage with a protected handle and an antenna slot that keeps the mast tucked away when you toss the radio in the truck. It’s not dainty, but it feels purpose-built. The controls are glove-friendly, the preset buttons are distinct, and there’s enough spacing that I wasn’t fat-fingering anything, even with dusty hands.
Sound quality and volume
For a compact jobsite unit, it sounds bigger than it looks. The quad-speaker setup—dual 3.5-inch woofers paired with 1-inch tweeters—and a bass-reflex port give this radio a clear edge over single-driver boxes. Vocals are intelligible, podcasts don’t get lost, and music has definition. The tweeters keep cymbals and acoustic strings crisp, while the woofers and port add real body in the low-mid range. It won’t rattle siding or replace a dedicated PA, but it has more punch and clarity than most jobsite radios in this class.
At 60–75% volume, it easily fills a two- or three-bay shop with balanced sound. Pushing to the top of the volume range compresses the low end a bit—as expected on a unit this size—but it stays listenable without getting harsh. The onboard bass and treble adjustments are genuinely useful. I bumped the bass one tick in an open yard and pulled the treble back slightly in a bare-walled garage to tame reflections. Those quick tweaks make a noticeable difference.
Bluetooth, AUX, and radio performance
Bluetooth pairing was quick, and the connection stayed solid. In line-of-sight tests, I could wander close to the manufacturer’s stated 100 feet before any hiccups. More impressive, the radio held a stable stream through a block wall across a commercial shop—no stutter, no drop. If you tend to keep your phone at a bench or toolbox and walk the floor, this radio keeps up.
The 3.5 mm auxiliary input is there for older devices or when you just want a cable. Audio through AUX is clean and a hair louder than Bluetooth at equivalent device output, which is typical.
FM performance is strong. With the antenna extended, I pulled in local stations cleanly and had better-than-expected luck with a couple of fringe signals. AM is more environment-dependent. In a quiet area or outside, it does fine; inside a vehicle or near chargers, welders, or fluorescent ballasts, you’ll hear interference. That’s the nature of AM on jobsites, but it’s worth noting. Small adjustments help: extend and angle the antenna, move the radio a few feet away from power supplies, and avoid coiling the AC cord near the antenna.
You get six presets per band, which is just enough to cover news, sports, weather, and music without scrolling.
Power options and runtime
Power flexibility is arguably this radio’s best trait. I alternated between a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery and AC power. On battery, I consistently got a full workday at moderate volume; at higher volume outdoors, I’d swap packs late in the afternoon. With a 3.0Ah pack, expect a shorter stint, though it’s still surprisingly capable at mid-to-high volume for a few hours. The ability to drop in anything from 12V MAX to FLEXVOLT means you can scavenge whatever’s charged and keep the music going.
The USB port is handy for topping off a phone. It’s not a high-watt fast charger, but it’ll keep a device from dying while you stream or run navigation. One thing this radio doesn’t do is charge your tool batteries. If you want a jobsite radio that doubles as a battery charger, this isn’t that model.
Build quality and jobsite readiness
The roll cage takes the brunt of bumps and scrapes, and the handle is protected so you can set it on its face or back without risking controls. The antenna storage slot is a simple, smart touch; I never worry about bending it when the radio gets packed between a compressor and a stack of lumber. Rubber feet keep it planted on smooth benches and concrete. After several weeks of dust, rides in the truck, and a couple of low drops, mine shows only cosmetic scuffs and plays like new.
The display is readable indoors and usable outside. Direct sun will wash it a bit—as most LCDs do—but button feedback is positive, so once presets are set, you don’t need to stare at it much. The overall layout is intuitive; power, source, tuning, and volume are distinct, and the EQ adjustments are easy to access without diving into menus.
I didn’t see an IP rating listed, so while it shrugged off dust and light splashes, I wouldn’t leave it out in a downpour. Think “jobsite tough,” not “submersible.”
Day-to-day usability
A few convenience notes after living with it:
- AC cord management: The detachable cord is a huge plus. It’s easy to throw in a tool bag and keeps the radio clean when you’re battery-only.
- Presets: Six per band hit the sweet spot. Setting them is straightforward, and the radio remembers them even after battery swaps.
- Carry and footprint: The protected handle and lateral rails make it easy to grab from any angle. It parks securely on shelves and tailgates without feeling tippy.
- Source switching: Bluetooth, AUX, and radio toggling is quick, with minimal lag when reconnecting to a phone after power cycles.
What could be better
No tool is perfect, and a few limitations are worth calling out:
- AM reception is hit or miss in high-interference areas. That’s common, but if AM is mission-critical, plan on placing the radio away from power supplies and metal structures.
- No integrated tool battery charger. Some jobsite radios double as chargers; this one doesn’t.
- USB output is for topping off, not fast charging. If you rely heavily on your phone all day, bring a dedicated charger.
- Weather resistance isn’t specified. It’s rugged, but I keep it under cover in heavy rain.
None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re good to understand before you buy.
The bottom line
As a daily driver for shop and site audio, this DeWalt jobsite radio strikes a smart balance: solid, clear sound; genuinely useful EQ; excellent Bluetooth range; and flexible power options that fit into an existing battery ecosystem. The woofers-and-tweeters combo, plus the bass-reflex port, deliver better clarity and fullness than you usually hear from a jobsite box, and it gets loud enough to be heard over impact drivers and compressors without turning into a distorted mess.
FM performance is strong, AM is acceptable with mindful placement, and the AUX and USB ports cover the basics. The build inspires confidence—the roll cage, protected handle, and antenna storage feel like they were designed by folks who actually toss gear into trucks. Add the 3-year limited warranty, and it’s a compelling package for tradespeople and serious DIYers alike.
Recommendation: I recommend this radio. It earns its spot with dependable sound, robust construction, long-range Bluetooth that genuinely works around obstacles, and power flexibility that plays nicely with the batteries many of us already own. If you need an integrated tool battery charger or you rely heavily on AM in noisy environments, look elsewhere; otherwise, this is an easy pick for a durable, great-sounding jobsite companion.
Project Ideas
Business
Vendor Audio Rentals
Rent the radio to farmers’ market vendors, food trucks, and craft fair booths as a compact, rugged PA alternative for music and announcements. Offer day rates, playlist curation, delivery/pickup, and extra battery packs. Upsell branded signage and rain covers.
Mobile Fitness Sound Kit
Bundle the radio with a phone clamp, spare batteries, and a quick-start card for outdoor yoga, bootcamps, or pop-up dance classes. Charge weekly or monthly subscriptions for instructors, include a weatherproof tote, and pre-program station presets for warm-up/cool-down channels.
Jobsite Morale & Branding Program
Lease radios to construction crews with rotating batteries, maintenance, and custom company decals. Preload AM/FM presets for weather and local stations, and include a USB charging hub. Offer bulk discounts and a swap service to keep sites supplied without downtime.
Charge & Chill Event Booth
Create a portable ‘charging lounge’ for community events: a small canopy, table, and this radio providing music while attendees charge devices via the USB port. Sell sponsorships to local businesses for signage and curated playlist shout-outs, and charge a venue fee or share revenue.
Guided Tour Audio Pack
Provide historical societies and real estate teams with a small-group audio solution. The radio amplifies narration or ambience via Bluetooth from a phone; include a travel case, spare batteries, and preset stations for relevant local broadcasts. Offer per-tour rentals and seasonal packages.
Creative
Tailgate Tunes Cart
Build a rolling tailgate entertainment cart with the radio as the centerpiece. Mount the radio in a custom crate with cup holders, a small folding table wing, and LED strip lighting. Use Bluetooth to stream playlists, AM/FM for game-day broadcasts, and the USB port to keep phones topped up. Add hooks for utensils and a small cooler bay for a complete mobile party station.
Backyard Cinema Audio Hub
Create a DIY outdoor movie setup by pairing a compact projector and screen with the radio for punchy, battery-powered sound. Pre-route cables through a weather-resistant tote, label the radio’s presets for quick ambient tracks and intermission music, and use the AUX input if Bluetooth latency is noticeable during films.
Sound Sculpture Bench
Turn the rugged roll cage into part of a functional art piece. Build a reclaimed-wood garden bench that houses the radio behind a perforated metal grille, with the bass reflex port vented through a decorative pattern. Add a small shelf for a phone and a hidden battery bay. Preset stations to local jazz/classical for a calm, interactive installation.
Bike Parade Music Rig
Mount the radio to a cargo bike or trailer using rubber-isolated clamps. Run on 20V batteries for long rides, stream playlists via Bluetooth, and add a simple sound-reactive LED strip. Keep weight balanced and include a weather hood for sudden showers. Perfect for parades, community rides, or mobile busking accompaniment.
Field Recording Listening Post
Set up a pop-up ‘sound kiosk’ in parks or galleries where visitors can listen to curated local field recordings. Use Bluetooth from a phone or the AUX input from a small MP3 player, print QR codes for track lists and submissions, and leverage the roll cage for durability. AM/FM presets can switch to local news or weather for context.