Milwaukee Tool M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger 2950-20 Vs DEWALT TSTAK Radio for Sound Quality

The Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger might be the ultimate in radio solutions if you are already into the PACKOUT storage system solutions. Milwaukee Tool's New Radio has 10 speakers and delivers 360° sound. The Milwaukee M18 jobsite radio delivers full range connectivity with Bluetooth 4.2, an auxiliary input and an AM/FM radio. The Bluetooth speaker also features a built-in M18 charger. This heavy-duty jobsite radio has a 2.1 Ah USB output to keep user's M18 batteries and mobile devices charged all day long.
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► Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT Radio: thd.co/36KuwVx
► DEWALT TSTAK Radio: amzn.to/2Ps8j8M
► Another Fav - Bosch Power Box: amzn.to/38OIkQL
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What we liked about the Milwaukee Tool Packout Radio
- The fit is solid with other PACKOUT storage systems
- Fits and charges ALL Current M18 Batteries to 12.0 Ah
- Bluetooth 4.2 works from over 100 ft. away
- AM/FM radio with antenna
and great reception
- Built-in equalizer, adjustable bass and treble
- Weather-sealed storage compartment
- Water and debris resistant
- On board bottle opener
- No transformer, just a power cord
- Good Sounds Quality
Some of the items that could count against the PACKOUT Radio
- Overall the radio is heavy
- Lacking in bass compared to DEWALT TSTAK
- No rubber feet for use off the PACKOUT system
- 30 to 185 minutes to charge M18 batteries of various sizes (slow)
Overall we believe many people will enjoy the Milwaukee ToolPACKOUT Radio and Charger. FM reception is awesome compared to other jobsite radios on the market.
Most times, we have a sample size of 1, so there are variations. Let us know if you find something we did not show in this video.
#MilwaukeeTool #Packout #NothingButHeavyDuty

[@electricalron]

This is a great radio. The bluetooth range is EXCELLENT. Whenever I used to walk out to the van with my phone in my back pocket the bluetooth would disconnect. This no longer happens. The only thing I'm beginning to dislike is where the power button is (the knob in the middle) because it easily gets hit when reaching for one of the other packout cases in the set. That's a little annoying.

[@ariip]

That is why I think using bluetooth is nonsensical. If you are going to buy a radio, just buy a small dap to go with it and then keep the dap in the radio all the time. No bluetooth connectivity issues, no extra drain on your phone, no inferior sound quality due to the limitations on bluetooth versus an actual corded connection.

[@unitedgray]

I will say I have had the first gen Toughsystem speaker for probably close to two years and I love it. My only two gripes with that unit are 1) The Bluetooth seems to be weaker than I would like. If I walk out of my garage and put my truck in between myself and the speaker, the sound will cut out. It won't disconnect though. And 2) I dislike the old school plug and power brick. I would much rather have a permanent power cord since I mostly keep the unit plugged in anyway. This Milwaukee would be interesting to seemingly fix those two issues but the price would have to come WAY down for it to even be a consideration of mine.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Once you get used to the DeWalt sound it's hard to change to a Milwaukee radio as the sound does not feel is full. so after leaving the DeWalt radio and going to a very expensive Milwaukee you might be disappointed.

[@hatchet81]

First, for once... Still have my Milwaukee from 6 years ago. Speakers and buttons still going strong.

[@jamesbroadbent4559]

Thank you for taking the time to make your videos. You always are fair, precise, have well thought out testing methods and in my opinion do not favor one brand over others. Great content ! Thank you.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Thanks James!

[@greenskiis]

Thanks for the review and especially the comparison. I already have the TSTAK radio and have owned the Gen 1 ToughSystem, the TSTAK is my favorite in both sound and UI. Just ordered the Packout radio on sale and will return it if it doesn't exceed the TSTAK. I know music quality can be subjective. Great video!

[@josephvouis5301]

well. which was better? lol

[@promo130]

Toughsystem 1 sounds better on high volume then the tstack, the tstack will distort

[@BZ1340]

I’m a huge Red fan, Ill wait for the second Gen when they put the fast charge components in it. Others that I have talk to have the same issue with the on/off knob you discussed.

[@jrgaln]

Great review. I'm a huge fan of the channel. Keep it up.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Thanks Bud

[@jesseallen4184]

I listened to both the packout and the Tstak system And I preferred the Tstak. I’m a Milwaukee fan but Dewalt had the better system in terms of sound and price.

[@Zhen-Lin-CHN]

Tstak system Only have 4 full range speakers, this packout radio have 4 TWEEYERS & 4 FULL RANGE SPEAKERS, are you sure Tstak system have Better sound quality? I don't believe it.

[@jesseallen4184]

Zhen Lin CHN tstak has 4 speakers, one on each corner plus the two bass resonators on the bottom. Number of drivers isn’t everything. Audio is also a very subjective subject.

[@paulw9732]

I own 2 Milwaukee radios and the blue tooth speaker, they all sound awesome I’m sure this one is improved sound and love the idea this one can work with my pack out, how ever after owning 3 radios already I can’t see spending 300$ on another radio. A promo or a tradein lol mite help change my mind. Awesome review as always thanks for showing us!

[@WorkshopAddict]

This one sounds better than all previous Milwaukee radios or speakers. Its a similar sound with less bass.

[@joeframer9642]

It’s a red tool.for red guys..good sound, not really the best at anything. If your not all red and just want a great sounding portable radio , tstak is awesome...but hands down nothing beats the tough system gen 1...still unbelievable sound and thump....great channel 👍🇺🇸

[@joshuaware3304]

Just a yellow guy bashing the better brand. Typical.

[@Chris_dolmeth]

It honestly falls down to personal preference, both will do what you want. I'm a plumber and everyone I know uses Milwaukee stuff while most the framers I see use all DeWalt stuff. Different strokes for different folks.

[@nitrous07me]

That’s sick! I wish ridgid would get on Milwaukee’s level 😤😅

[@aaronwidder9624]

So I currently own every Milwaukee radio and speaker, i saw your review last year on the DeWalt toughsystem radio and how great the sound is, so I picked one up and ABSOLUTELY love it! The sound is top notch! But my question is, would you take this packout radio, or the new tough system 2.0 radio? If you had to choose. Forget if you already own the packout system. I'm talking just straight up picking one for life! Great reviews as always!

[@WorkshopAddict]

I need a little bit more time with the new dewalt system to answer this. currently I'm leaning towards the DeWalt system but I want to use them side-by-side for a couple weeks to figure it out

[@jonschlottig9584]

​@@WorkshopAddictwhat's the word 3 years later?

[@treebossmike8818]

Man, I swore up and down I wasn’t gonna buy this. Then I saw it in store. So, I bought it. The price sucks, but it’s got great sound. Maybe even a little better than there other Radio/Charger, which I have as well. This is almost equal I think to the Toughsystem .

[@WorkshopAddict]

In sound, it is Almost equal to the ToughSystem. I like that the DEWALT models have feet for those not using them on a stack.

[@treebossmike8818]

WorkshopAddict that’s right, I have both gen1 and gen2 of the toughsystem radios. I keep them stacked so I kinda forgot about that. Thanks brotha!

[@bw935]

Do you feel the volume level on this is on par or higher than the toughsystem 2.0? So far having issues keeping the toughsystem working. On my second one. Keep burning up the subwoofers at half volume and bass at factory setting!

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

It charges at 3.5A (not 1.0A to 1.5A as claimed in the video), which is 0.5 faster than Milwaukee's standard charger (48-59-1812).

[@jedmook4460]

Z93!!! Nice I saw you guys were in Michigan but mid Michigan that’s pretty cool found a local channel. Also am curious about that vs the new tough system 2.0.

[@WorkshopAddict]

I'm working on getting that out but I just need a little bit more time so that I have all my bases covered and I give you guys a solid answer rather than a couple days worth of guesses.

[@johnjames5020]

Needs more battery charger slots. One isn't enough.

[@elmerchudd8257]

😭😭😭😭

[@herramientasrodriguez9088]

I went tstak for bass and loudness all around. True one can't fit big batteries in it but the sound quality isn't even close. Also only 1 sub on the milwaukee. Vs 2 o tstak

[@Dotz155]

Good review I been looking at Milwaukee, rigid and dewalt speakers for camping/shop. Do you have a option and have you heard other brands? I'm looking at the new 2951 as well will you be doing a review on that?

[@WorkshopAddict]

2951 review will be up today!

[@tcacal2012]

Awesome Video! Just What I wanted to know about This New Milwaukee Bomb!!🍒 Gonna Grab Myself One & Keep Adding to My Packout Collection!! 💰👌🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@WorkshopAddict]

Right on!

[@rayrayokelly]

Does it have to be plugged in or can you use the battery?

[@lightweaverx4381]

Thanks for the video but why did you choose to compare it to the tstack and not the tough system 2.0 radio?

[@WorkshopAddict]

We have yet to put a review out on the TS2, so it will come out then.

[@ranchotools]

Is toughsistem 2.0 better than this packout radio?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Video will be coming soon.

[@Marts1499]

I really want to buy one but they are 400$ here in Canada I just can’t justify it

[@WorkshopAddict]

That is an expensive radio!

[@philipperiopel1911]

Same price here in Québec at my Sherbrooke Home Depot.

[@promo130]

350 euro in europe thats 526 canadian dollars

[@derdude8201]

Milwaukee stuff is so expensive in europe

[@milanroets9697]

I bought the ToughSystem 2.0 BF deal from HD. The radio was very loud and had great bass and the touch screen that rotates was great. Louder on radio than Bluetooth. Reception is just OK I only got a few station. No AM radio was shocking to me. The battery charging door latch shuts harder than it should and I can see it breaking. The UI was very disappointing.... pressing the power button doesn’t shut it off you have to long press. It was frustrating and you are better off pulling the battery to shut it off. The tuning and volume are on the same knob and you have to press the knob a couple times to change it. For these reasons I returned it.

[@toyo2502]

I just picked up the Packout Radio today and hadnt tried it out yet... i also have the TSTAK Radio which sounds awesome...i think the Packout will sound much better when the back is facing the wall or corner..try it and please comment!

[@WorkshopAddict]

I showed the speaker working better when the sub is facing down in this video. I also showed what you are suggesting on social media. It does sound better when the rear is up against a wall or cabinet.

[@rumchaser1able]

Still won't be as good as dewalt

[@gkk2001]

Great review. Very helpful to hear insight, opinion, and not just facts.

[@RaymondAndrews55]

Wish it came with a remote

[@nathanpalmer5533]

Just Bluetooth everything from your phone including radio then your phone is your remote 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RaymondAndrews55]

@@nathanpalmer5533 that doesn't help when charging your phone with it.

[@keweenawbee]

Hi does this lock to the base like the tool cases or am I misunderstanding this whole system? Thanks.

[@WorkshopAddict]

yes, it works just as the other Packout cases.

[@ariip]

You made a mention of the charging of m12, not 18 earlier in the video. The other question is does the usb operate when on battery and not just ac. Other previous milwaukee radios had the usb only work on ac which is stupid. I had to add usb jacks inside off the battery to the little m12 radio which I love. Why they ever make a radio with a compartment for a phone/dap player and not give charging ability while under battery or ac to keep the player going as well is beyond me.

[@benbjr]

Hey Brian, seems like a solid radio...even havier than the bosch model. The USB is just for charging or does it accept thumb drives? Thanks

[@WorkshopAddict]

Charging only

[@normanmillen3597]

Will it be loud enough in a factory with running machinery

[@WorkshopAddict]

I doubt it.

[@ariip]

Making this short meant smaller speakers. You need one of the bigger boom box style radios.

[@sonofwilliam4596]

Love the radio but there are a few cons - hitting the on off button all the time accidently - find the cable a bit annoying wrapped on the side - the arial on mine fell off somewhere and i didnt notice - room for phones is limited in charge compartment Other than that its mean as!

[@robert3667]

If I wanted to keep it stationary is there an aux. I can add an additional external sub woofer?

[@freecanadaland]

How does this Packout Radio Charger 2950-20 compared to the previous Milwaukee M18 Radio Charger 2792-20. Which one sounds louder and with more bass??

[@BassGrabber520]

For the bass test was the bass eq turned up at all for the Milwaukee? Or was that the out of box settings? Just curious 😁

[@WorkshopAddict]

Bass turned up.

[@BassGrabber520]

WorkshopAddict thanks for the update! Loved the video.

[@freecanadaland]

Which one sounds louder, the Milwaukee Packout or the Dewalt Toughsystem?? Thanks for the review!

[@WorkshopAddict]

Both are pretty equal.

[@Zhen-Lin-CHN]

I own both, Dewalt Toughsystem radio 1.0 and Milwaukee 2950-20. According to my experience, Dewalt sounds louder, but if you turn the volume up at very High volume, dewalt sound quality will decrease, Milwaukee There is no such problem at very High volume. But I still choose DeWalt, dorp milwaukee away, Because DeWalt's bass is much better than Milwaukee.

[@promo130]

@@Zhen-Lin-CHN my toughsystem plays christal clear on full volume with no distortion at all, you probably have the equalizers set to high

[@anthonyrochon3907]

No one ever comments on Anvil Studios. Do they make all of Milwaukee audio systems?

[@Beachbum001]

The pack out Milwaukee Job Site radio and the Milwaukee 2792-20 Job site Radio which is louder, clear, and Bass ?

[@WorkshopAddict]

I think the packout, but it is very close.

[@owent2032]

Milwaukee should make all their radios DAB

[@MustPassTruck]

First tool company to do a joint project with JBL(Harmon Kardon) for a job site speaker system are going to have the highest selling job site speaker.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Dewalt worked with Polk on one and it rocked, but was pulled from the market in months.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Milwaukee used to be teamed up with Rockford Fosgate

[@promo130]

@@evictioncarpentry2628 yeah i had that radio, it sounded great and was build like a tank

[@promo130]

there are alot better speaker manufacturers then jbl out there

[@rubenduran100]

I’m probably gonna get one then get tired of carrying it around like with the large m18 Jobsite radio. Lol

[@jonathanstokes8493]

A company.... always on the run. A destiny.... ohh it’s the rising sun..

[@ariip]

You mention in the description that there are 10 speakers but where are they? One on each corner and a sub would only account for 5. Are the speakers full range or 2 way? I have the previous radio that has 2 way and it sounds better than most of the rest of them. They should not be making any radios without 2 way speakers.

[@freecanadaland]

Does this Packout Radio shows on the screen display details about channel station, the artist name or the title of the song playing, same as the Dewalt ToughSystem Music?

[@WorkshopAddict]

No.. wish it did.

[@freecanadaland]

WorkshopAddict The Dewalt ToughSystem Music have this fonction on the original 1.0 gen version, no color display or touchscreen either.

[@raymondeskridge834]

While your Video was well done and I enjoyed it, you left out a VERY important bit of information. It is EASILY $100-$125 OVERPRICED. I bought the DeWalt DCR025 for $179....heard them both the Dewalt sounds just as good...

[@mizzoustud73172309]

Can't decide on this radio or the other Milwaukee M18 charger radio...any suggestions and why?

[@WorkshopAddict]

If you wont use it on a packout box, get the other.

[@mizzoustud73172309]

@@WorkshopAddict I was actually thinking about getting into the packout system to use for tailgating. Especially hearing about a possible full size packout cooler. I'd only need the rolling tote, radio, and coolers. Just don't know if it would be worth the extra $100 to be a packout radio.

[@chrisjones6165]

Price,weight, and less bass than the DeWalt means I'll be skipping this one. Maybe if they had a radio and packout combo for 350$ id buy if not nope

[@WorkshopAddict]

With the huge sales on the packout systems, I have to assume this will go on sale sometime soon as it is priced very high, as you said.

[@RadSurfDad843]

Is it weather resistant? Like if I have it in the bed of my truck will rain destroy it?

[@kiwiridernz69]

So it charges batteries but must be plugged in all the time?

[@WorkshopAddict]

To charge a battery it has to be plugged in, yes. Just to play music it will work off the battery alone.

[@kiwiridernz69]

@@WorkshopAddict sickkkk

[@HVACToolReview]

hmmm don't tempt me. This radio looks awesome!

[@jasonbell1698]

i’m wondering if it’s loud enough to play in the back while driving around a rzr

[@WorkshopAddict]

Yes, but it will be turned all the way up and you will have a hard time finding a place to fit it. Rzr's are so freaking loud.

[@jeffclark5024]

I know this is an old video but I’m looking to upgrade from my tough system 1.0 and I’m mostly worried about sound quality and bass. I’ve been extremely happy with the tough system. Wish Dewalt would’ve figured out the bugs in the 2.0 but it doesn’t seem that’s ever gonna happen? What does a guy do? Just buy another tough system 1.0? Mine still works but it’s kinda beat up and the latches for the top compartment are broken.

[@WorkshopAddict]

@jeffclark5024 if I want super good sound, I pull out my large JBL speaker. Otherwise these radios sound pretty good.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The toughsystem 1.0 as well as the toughsystem 2.0 are both louder then the Tstak I do know that

[@bigviel3298]

Isn’t the tstak and tough system the same thing?

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@bigviel3298 no there not the same thing there totally different boxes and attachment systems

[@svnlgs129]

Hey wich one is the best for sound/base quality ?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Dewalt ToughSystem

[@naquinbrookssr7748]

Correction M18 2950-20 is the model number is my Radio that has no power !

[@svnlgs129]

Hello, why you dont compare to bosch radio?

[@anthonyrochon3907]

LMFAO why do companies insist on adding a bottle opener to products? Weve had twist off since the 80s. Cooler companies do this to. Maybe a Brio cola imported from Italy isn't twist off. 😅

[@AliceJaneSyndicate]

There is actually ten speakers. 2 subwoofers and 8 tweeters

[@alfredoalicea3586]

Price ?

[@naquinbrookssr7748]

M[lwaukee Packout radio M18 2959-20 is radio type has no power ?

[@mondragon199216]

Does this charge the battery rapidly

[@WorkshopAddict]

No. There is not one radio that I know of on the market that will charge rapidly. They are all slow chargers.

[@jps101574]

Can this run off the battery or just AC?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Battery or AC.

[@jamesarnoldherefordshire]

Dose it have DAB radio?

[@naquinbrookssr7748]

power button stop working how Can I repair this ?

[@kazmirzleszno]

why can't FM 102 be set?

[@austenkirschner3589]

It would be cool if we could hear it play music without you yappin at 100mph

[@loucifer323]

I have the versastack by craftsman its the same as the t-stack and it kicks ass, I never use the radio because the music stations suck ass so I use Bluetooth and play the music I want to hear

[@promo130]

But the cord will get wet with rain, thats pritty bad design also those openings on the top will fill with water with rain, alot better on dewalt toughsystem radio it has zero problems with rain

[@buddas805]

hello i just got mine. i think i blew it out. theres no sound. is tht possible

[@WorkshopAddict]

It is electric, I guess anything is possible. Can you exchange it?

[@hectorr.7483]

Mine broke after a year. It was user related. I’m hard on my tools. I was stacking the heavy pack out on top and would slam the pack outs to snap it in place eventually damaging internals I guess. Milwaukee did fix it. But it happened again. Maybe loose wiring. Just take it in for repair. They’ll take care of you.

[@fifdrawscockseverywhere8031]

Why no d.a.b tho ?

[@unvigorous4993]

2 subwoofers* also each corner is a mid and a tweeter so 10 speakers

[@RidgelineJames]

There’s only one. The other is a passive radiator.

[@samgalliers9314]

Can u convert it to 240v UK

[@WorkshopAddict]

I cannot answer that.

[@braniganirby3586]

🥹😊😨😧. 13m Boes 0:18

[@BrandonContracting]

Over $400 Canadian.. hard, hard pass. Milwaukee failed huge in this offering by basically taking the guts of the chunky box radio and putting it inside a packout design. A standard charger and a basic LCD screen? None rubber plastic cord and average sound quality? Fail. The fact there's no rapid charger in there is already a no go. Sounds like all you're getting is packout compatibility. Meh I'll pass.

[@thereefaholic]

Huge disappointment . Only charges one battery and for its size it not impressive for its sound. Oh that’s right, can’t ever seem to find a station with its antenna up or down. Yes that’s right I said antenna. No internal antenna

[@xtreambittech7859]

299 ??? For me is overpriced ...i could get a bose speaker with that amount of money..ill pass

[@phillipchambers8487]

You talked so much about what was inside of it, guessing, and speculating. Why didnt you just take the damn thing apart? I mean seriously you have a Shop completely full of top shelf Tools, and you are supposedly the "Workshop Addict" so do another video, and show us the inside. Go watch some AvE videos, he will show you how to review a Tool or piece of Electronic Gear, by disassembling it, and showing what panties she's wearing.