Eton Elite Mini AM FM Shortwave Portable Radio Review

The Eton Elite Mini AM FM Stereo Shortwave portable radio does a great job on the bands with a little help on the shortwave via a long wire. The MW band is fairly good considering how thin this radio is. Does the "Elite" moniker add any extra bells and whistles? Time to find out!
▶ The Eton Elite Mini at Amazon: amzn.to/2NHETDa
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Features I like about this radio:
Thin and Compact design.
Solid FM reception.
Decent Shortwave reception with a wire.
Good Local AM reception, and decent reception during the evenings.
Quick Tune, a feature on the Clock button that let's you get through any of the bands quickly.
Twenty-Four Hour Clock.
Alarm, wake by radio.
Sleep feature.
Lock feature.
Leather Slip Case.
Decent speaker audio.
Takes a 3V DC input to run the radio without batteries.
FM Stereo sounds good.
Very pocket friendly.
Features that could be added or improved on:
Add memories of some type.
Use a normal LCD display.
Move DC input jack to a different location.
Overall, for a radio priced under $30, you are getting a fun package. It may not excel in every category, but it is a joy to own and tune. It gets a recommended buy from me. I love the thin form factor and how well it sounds playing my locals.
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[@todderbert]

▶ The Eton Elite Mini at Amazon: amzn.to/2NHETDa (paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.

[@racinchef]

This radio is generally my “go to” radio for nighttime dxing. Currently, I’m compiling a 520-1710 roster of radio stations I’ve tuned in. So far I’m up to 880 WCBS. I’ve covered every 10 kHz starting with 530 AM CMBQ Havana, Cuba. My furthest is WBAP Fort Worth, TX 1066.6 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC.

[@racinchef]

Did some scanning last night with the mini. Always a delight to work with a quality radio receiver like an Eton.

[@johnbailey1085]

I bought a two pack of these on woot for $19 a few months back. Mine have Great fm reception and decent am and shortwave. Sounds very good for small radio. I love the size, thin makes it easier to carry. Has become my carry around “travel radio”.

[@madmax2069]

I've always liked these kinds of screens, the color and the inverted backlight is easier on the eyes.

[@Onyx88]

Ordered it based on the Amazon sale price of $19.99 that Todd let us know about in December, love the size and look of this radio, performance is good for the price,

[@paulschmolke188]

Mine just arrived. 2AA’s and on the air in minutes. For me, headphones are almost mandatory but the audio quality through headphones is great. AM reception is good for mid day…more tonight. SW isn’t happening at noon but the background noise is audible. The manual is adequate. The case is a problem…after inserting the radio, the only way to remove it was carefully with a pocket knife. I’ll work on that one. Very happy with it after just a few minutes. Operation is pretty much intuitive. Time is easily set for either MST or UTC. Likely won’t use the alarm feature. Speaker volume is just OK, headphone volume is great. It’s physically tiny! It’s listening ability is huge. I think it’s very worthwhile…shortwave in my shirt pocket…amazing! Thanks for your honest, thorough and convincing review and demo.

[@wesedwards8925]

WCCO brings back memories when AM DXiing at night as a teen in the 60s from LA. Where’s my QSL card?? 😎

[@jeffreyarnold2929]

I have this radio too. It has amazing AM reception as well as SW. What a little gem!

[@sidneycavalcant]

E o FM gosta ?

[@unclegator]

SW lower frequency’s at night. Higher frequency’s during the afternoon and middle frequencies late afternoon or early evening. WABC is awesome. I can also get it daytime in winter in So. FL. After sunset in Ireland, England, and Scotland WABC comes in around 1 to 2 am GMT. It is 5 hrs earlier EST and sunset happens approximately 5 hours before GMT. Thank for your videos.

[@unclegator]

CC Pocket runs circles around the Eton. I give this model a. D. It works but lacks sensitivity. For local it is ok.

[@tonyperone3242]

Its not a bad radio for the price and for what its limitations are. Local stations are good om MW,and at night there are a lot of 50K stations out there. The less powerful are a challenge for it,but then I wasn't expecting any super radio. On FM its very good. Picks up lower power FM stations from about 50 miles away and some more. FM sound is good for its size. Thanks.

[@troyvalentinoriedel]

Wow, it's surprisingly effective on AM. Quite impressive.

[@hdofu]

Passport to world band radio... that takes me back

[@ronmendoza1274]

Just bought this radio today from ABT Electronics in Glenview.

[@gmorgan1118]

Just got an older one of these in the mail today on a very nice eBay deal -- new in box. It's the older "Grundig" edition, black finish with black nylon slipcase. I was surprised at how compact this radio is, much slimmer than I had originally thought! Will be putting it through its paces later on this evening. Initial impressions are good -- liking the slim form factor very much. Thanks for turning me on to this particular radio! Arriving next week: an older Sony ICF-5100 analog mini. Looking forward to that one!

[@MMA-oc9hl]

I got this radio from Amazon,,, it is OK in general but the quality of the tunning wheel is not good as it has some friction in one location .Also, the selector switch for the bands is rough and you can not change the position from on band to another by simply using your finger without having the switch to jump to the next position. Other performances compared to the price and size are good.

[@pokepress]

Picked up the predecessor model a few years ago to better pick up a local LPFM station. Works decently well.

[@garyblackerby3226]

Your humor always knocks me out on your videos. I want to buy everything you showcase... you demon.

[@todderbert]

Can't beat that with an Ironman stick :) said that in one of my Dreamsky radio reviews...made myself laugh.

[@_theBeast]

I have gotten this radio and it works great for 30$ which I bought off Amazon

[@theresewillis5584]

Great review...had one for years...I must say it took a lot of abuse. Going to order a new one.

[@Alfredolunafoto1]

Too bad it doesn't at least starts with the 60m SW band. There are up two stations that I regularly hear on that band. I also hear one radio station in the 75m band in the morning.

[@MrSparks54]

Very cool Todd. Seems like a capable radio. Might be the thing for hiking or just a walkin' around radio. Thanks!

[@todderbert]

I found it perfect for what you mentioned above :)

[@pokepress]

Since you seem to be in the Chicago area, I’m curious-what’s the broadcast range like on that FrankenFM LPTV station on channel 6? I assume it covers most of Cook county and perhaps some of Dupage.

[@todderbert]

You can hear it up in Wisconsin, and in Lake and McHenry Counties.

[@dinyardalal]

Nice review. Could you please give me information on the Antenna you used? Actually I am looking for an Antenna to get stronger FM reception on my Sony am/fm Stereo Receiver. Thank you,

[@richardmerriam7044]

One of my favorite travel radios. The other is the Sangean DT 400W.

[@digitalmediafan]

Tempted but I guess no 9 hkz step option on MW ?

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

They also have 9 KHz step change if the radio is off.

[@bernardovargasc]

So, no presets? That's a big minus...

[@randyspears9827]

This is a great looking radio. I just might have to have it. Thanks for the review.

[@todderbert]

It has a clean design. Shortwave works, but is limited. AM is a bit on the weak side, good for locals though. Speaker audio is pleasing.

[@KidFrom90s]

Bought this, but had barely an AM (MW) reception. Watched your video and don’t understand how you picked up all those AM stations. I kept the antenna retracted just like you had, and I rotated the Mini Elite just like you did. No luck in getting any but my two local AM stations. Am I doing something wrong?

[@todderbert]

It has a slow acting AGC circuit. Wait on station for a bit. Of course Evening Reception will improve.

[@saldomino1639]

Good video ! Why do you use the same music for every radio review ? Why not do a live scan during your reviews !

[@a1smith]

Do any of the portable am/FM/SW radios have Bluetooth for the ear/headphones ? I think that would be useful.

[@erikbetancourt7194]

Nice, im looking for a AAA pocket radio. I was going to get a new radio. What is your opinion about the eaton 750?? Was going to use that as my receiver to pick up more channels on all bands. For sound power i was hooking it up to my sangean ub-4. Thanks.

[@todderbert]

The 750 is an old standby for many people. I would get one, but there are so many newer radios in the works I am planning to wait and see.

[@erikbetancourt7194]

Thanks for the insight. I can say i really trust your opinion on radios. I wacth your channel before i purchase a radio.

[@todderbert]

@@erikbetancourt7194 Thank you, I try to take a practical approach.

[@Jdub41Utube]

I purchased this radio and I think I got defective one as SW will work with the wire attached to the antenna. When I attach a wire to antenna all in get is noises unless I keep my thumb and forefinger on the antenna then it seems to work great . With the anntena alone I can get a few strong stations. John

[@todderbert]

Sounds about right, the antenna is not very long for this radio. It needs a wire for decent SW reception.

[@dgordon12]

Todd, it seems like the Elite Mini is performing better than the Grundig Mini you tested before. You seem happier with the FM performance with the Elite and can you confirm that for the Elite, you don’t have to wait for the volume to increase on weaker AM stations which was the case with the Grundig Mini? Thanks.

[@todderbert]

The MW is similar, the Elite may be slightly better with the AGC.

[@dgordon12]

todderbert Thanks. I just now ordered one. $19.99 today from Amazon.

[@tonyperone3242]

Ordered it on Amazon today.

[@braaji]

Great video, compare to the grundig edition, which one speaker sound better?

[@todderbert]

They are the same radio. only outside color has changed.

[@braaji]

@@todderbert thank you so much and stay safe

[@Wireless_Gadgets]

Picked up this radio, thanks for the review! How do you change the clock from 24hr time to 12hr time? 👍

[@richardmerriam7044]

I believe it's 24 hr only.

[@Wireless_Gadgets]

Thank you for the review. What is the difference between the Eton Elite Mini (black and black) and the Eton Mini Grundig Edition (black and silver band)? They booth look the same and seem to have same features is that it other than the lether case for elite/soft pouch for Grundig? Thanks.

[@todderbert]

Just color and the leather pouch, and the cool Elite name stenciled on it :)

[@Wireless_Gadgets]

@@todderbert Thanks! Keep the reviews going! So much to learn, always took my radio for granted, didn't know you could pick up so much more stations with a simple antenna extension. Amazon Canada only has the Eton Elite Mini, like this size because it is thin. Nice.

[@mobulusmoby3864]

The leather pouch needs design upgrade... The speaker holes do not line up with actual speaker, thus muffling half of it... And your comment about access to lock button and display is right on... I suppose one could rework the leather... Personally, I would have preferred the old pouch...

[@bhojarajpoudyal9871]

Nice piece. I want to own, but how? Nepal is so far from toderbert.

[@normanhill535]

Passport to World Band Radio and World Radio and TV Handbook no longer published.

[@adnanrizvi1926]

How can i purchase it ?

[@sidneycavalcant]

O mini grava em algum botão as estações sintonizadas ?

[@normanhill535]

The radio covers 49-31 metres and 25-16 metres. The only bands it should have 75 and 60 metres, maybe

[@1L6E6VHF]

A radio that covers only 75m and 60m is pretty much only usable at night. Note also that 75m transmissions are usually in single sideband. This means you'll want a second radio to act as a beat-frequency oscillator. Use the second radio to impart a carrier, by tuning the second radio 455kHz below the station you want to hear (a little complicated).

[@Mile_High_Prepper]

What attachment do you have on the antenna for shortwave?

[@todderbert]

Ah, I moved the radio upstairs in this video, and used my Kaito T-1 22' Wire that is strung outside to my balcony. I get great reception with it. Now my Wife uses this space for her Work at Home Office since the Pandemic started.

[@mannydeguzmanartist5081]

I could see it has only few buttons in this radio. So how do you save frequency in memory?

[@todderbert]

No preset memories.

[@gurneetsingh6100]

I want to take this radio to india, would it works overthere with their AM/FM frequencies. Is there any issue? Please assist me.

[@todderbert]

Should work, just change your MW to 9kHz stepping...if they use that there.

[@alfredobarrera1525]

Quisiera saber cual es el precio de esta radio Eton Elite Mini am fm stereo shortwave. ❓❔❓❔.

[@tonyperone3242]

Sounds like its a good one. BTW 890 is WLS not WGN.

[@todderbert]

correct, I was on autopilot when I was said that aloud. surprised I missed it on playback.

[@totallyfrozen]

I admit I’m impressed with this brand, but it’s a pocket radio with NO weather band!!😩 Why?!😩 BTW, I’ve only found 2008 and 2009 versions of the Passport book online. I wonder which publication year Eton is offering?

[@sidneycavalcant]

Após scanear as frequências ficam gravadas ?

[@robertjohnson2586]

I’m looking for a small radio 20-50 dollars - what’s the best for that range?

[@todderbert]

There are alot of choices there. If you need a solid AM FM portable radio the Sangean DT-200X is a great way to go, at Amazon: amzn.to/37Y7eiG , if you need Shortwave the Tecsun PL-310ET is a favorite of mine, at Amazon: amzn.to/3eamNVq

[@AMFMDX1980]

I bought this radio several months ago because I loved the look and size. I did probably spend near $30 for it and I admit, it's been disappointing. The volume is very low on this radio and I usually need to turn it up most of the way, which of course just kills the battery fairly quickly. I don't think it's worth $30 and I'd say I'd be somewhat happier had I just paid $20 - but, I still don't have any desire to sit down and DX with this radio. More of a novelty for me at this point to match my Elite Field and Elite Executive radios. A trio of Eton's. But, I rarely ever use the Mini.

[@todderbert]

I use the mini as my vest pocket radio on walks.

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@todderbert Essa é minha ideia de uso.

[@paulschmolke188]

This one looks like a winner for portability and performance. Could they get any smaller!?

[@paulschmolke188]

Took the plunge, found a new in the box unit on eBay for $35 including shipping. The feature I like best is the contrasty illuminated display. My little Sony 26 will hear them but I’m never sure about the frequency. I’m in a good quiet location and can hear Nashville, Chicago, St. Louis and many other closer stations from my kitchen counter. I live in Santa Fe and I can easily catch stuff 1,200+ miles away. Also good are California, Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming. I have Omaha stations programmed into my car radio as they’re always good at night. Now that the weather is getting better I’ll be completing some antenna work…the big one is a 650’ long wire but the noise pickup is horrendous. I’m on 11 acres with plenty of room for wire antennas. Thanks for your review and demo, it was a big help in my decision making.

[@chancha807]

How does the audio speaker sound compared to the Sangean SR-35 ?

[@todderbert]

SR-35 Wins.

[@chancha807]

@@todderbert great thanks. I own it thanks to your review. I am a crane operator and enjoy my picket radio but I need one somewhat louder due to all the noise. Do you have any recommendations ?

[@todderbert]

@@chancha807 The Sangean SR-35 Maybe what you want: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGW8oqmnZ7hlbK8

[@normanhill535]

A.K.A Grundig, probably made by TECSUN. Still looks nice.

[@killercobra3744]

I like how you say “ no spot for the lock button” idk why but it’s funny to me.

[@Flux799]

Do you know if rechargeable AAA’s would work in this radio?

[@todderbert]

Yes they do. People have better run times with alkalines and lithiums though.

[@Flux799]

todderbert thanks for the reply.

[@richardmerriam7044]

EBL 1100 mah work quite well.

[@jimhansen1245]

Love mine

[@macrush17]

Can you change the time to 12 hour? vs 24 military time.

[@richardmerriam7044]

24 hr only. I've owned one for years.

[@eddiemoss5703]

Can you buy the 737 in the USA ?

[@todderbert]

Not that I know of, even Amazon shows they are coming from China. Best deals are on eBay: bit.ly/HanRongDa737

[@marcbrayton322]

Where can I find the AC Power Adapter?

[@todderbert]

probably on eBay. you are going to want an older linear supply that radio shack used to make. you could select voltages on it.

[@Phantasm1978]

I had closed my ebay account recently due to some of their policy changes. I'll have to snoop around on Amazon.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Qual a escolha melhor entre mini e cc pocket ?

[@todderbert]

CC Pocket if you don't need the SW band.

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@todderbert

[@tikaramlitule7270]

Sir namaste, ye, portebal radio, hame bhej dijiy, Nepal sunsari jilla, itahari up mahana gar palika, Tikaram Luitel, ward, no 5, purba Nepal

[@beachedbum8682]

WHICH pocket radios are better?!

[@todderbert]

My personal favorites are the Sangean DT200X and DT400W, C.Crane's CC Pocket. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-QhWttZ8mtgdU kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWfMi6mqnZybgac kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKqWpZVuf52fqLM

[@hdofu]

Depends on what you are looking for it to do. For dxing sangean has some good ones, like Dt 400 which also features weather. If you’re looking for one that features hd sangean pretty much is the option with the hd-14. If you are looking for the best options for shortwave in a pocket factor, the county com gp5 ssb/Tecsun PL-365 is a full coverage sw with ssb in the size format of a king sized candy bar.

[@jettorr3914]

just bought it

[@u2fanforever1]

What was that antenna you mentioned for sw?

[@todderbert]

A simple 22' wire, Kaito T-1 at Amazon: amzn.to/2PVRwhe

[@tikaramlitule7270]

Eton

[@Tykoon]

No Preset buttons, No RDS, No USB 🙄

[@todderbert]

The HRD-737 is a decent choice. RDS can be had on some small portables, but is not the norm yet.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

RDS on ETON TRAVELLER ELITE

[@MrUnix-cu9yy]

Hello Tobberbert. I love listening to you talk about radios. After watching this video, I also bought the Eton Mini. This little radio is very awesome. The short wave works better than my retekess v111. In the last video I watched, I saw the Vondior BB2 which has the power light and tuner light too - So, I bought it. :-). My pride and Joy is the C-Crane SSB. Thank you, I've learned so much from you. 🛸