CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker Review: The Ultimate Go-Anywhere Audio Hub?

For years, my audio life has been a story of compromise and clutter. On the kitchen counter, a trusty but limited FM radio for the morning news. In the workshop, a dusty Bluetooth speaker connected to my phone, constantly draining its battery just to stream a podcast. And for camping trips, a separate, clunky shortwave receiver for that off-grid connection to the world. Each device did one thing well, but the dream was always a single, elegant solution—a portable powerhouse that could seamlessly switch from a local FM broadcast to a niche internet station from Tokyo, play a Spotify playlist via Bluetooth, and still have the chops to pull in distant shortwave signals when adventure calls. The constant juggling of chargers, devices, and apps felt inefficient, and the audio quality from my phone or a cheap speaker always left something to be desired. This search for a unified, high-quality, and truly portable audio hub is what led us to the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker, a device that promises to be the master of all trades.

What to Consider Before Buying a Modern Internet Radio

An Internet Radio is more than just a modern take on a classic item; it’s a key solution for accessing a virtually limitless universe of audio content. Unlike traditional radios limited by the range of terrestrial transmitters, these devices tap into the internet to stream tens of thousands of stations from every corner of the globe. This solves the problem of poor reception for your favourite local station and opens up a world of music, news, and culture previously inaccessible. The main benefits are unparalleled choice, often crystal-clear digital sound quality, and multi-functionality, with most models also serving as Bluetooth speakers, podcast players, and alarm clocks, consolidating multiple gadgets into one.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an audio enthusiast facing a desire for variety and high-fidelity sound. This includes world music lovers, expatriates wanting a taste of home, news junkies who follow global events, and anyone living in an area with poor FM/AM reception. It’s also perfect for the tech-savvy individual who appreciates a single, versatile device for home, garden, and travel. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer absolute simplicity and are intimidated by Wi-Fi setup, menus, and multiple buttons. For someone who just wants a basic, reliable radio for emergencies with no setup required, a simple battery-powered transistor radio might be a better, albeit far more limited, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is a key factor. A device like the CHOYONG LC90, at around 20 x 12 cm and weighing 1.2 kg, strikes a balance. It’s substantial enough to feel robust and house powerful speakers, yet compact enough for a bookshelf, bedside table, or to be packed for a weekend away. Consider where you’ll use it most and whether you need true “go-anywhere” capability or a more stationary unit.
• Capacity/Performance: This is the heart of the device. Look beyond just speaker wattage (the LC90 boasts a powerful 15W stereo setup). Key performance metrics include connectivity options (Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth), battery capacity (a 5000mAh battery is excellent for portability), and the breadth of radio bands supported (FM, SW, MW, LW in addition to internet). The ability to connect via a 4G SIM card is a rare and powerful feature for off-grid listening.
• Materials & Durability: A portable device needs to withstand some movement. Look for solid construction and quality materials. The use of aluminum alloy for controls, as seen on the LC90, suggests a focus on durability and a premium tactile feel compared to all-plastic competitors. A replaceable battery is also a massive plus for long-term durability and sustainability.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern radios can be complex. Check for a clear screen (an IPS display is a good sign) and an intuitive interface. However, as some users note, more features can mean a steeper learning curve. Also, consider how the device is updated; over-the-air (OTA) updates are simplest, while manual updates via a TF card require a bit more technical comfort. You can see the full interface and control layout online to gauge if it fits your comfort level.

Ultimately, choosing the right internet radio is about matching its features to your lifestyle. Do you need rugged portability or a stationary audio centerpiece? Is endless variety your goal, or is simple, reliable performance enough?

While the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker 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:

Unboxing the CHOYONG LC90: First Impressions and Core Features

From the moment we lifted the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker from its box, it was clear this wasn’t a lightweight, flimsy gadget. With a reassuring heft of 1.2 kg, it feels solid and purposefully built. The design tastefully blends retro and modern aesthetics. The front is dominated by the speaker grille and the clear, bright IPS screen, while the sides feature large, satisfyingly tactile aluminum alloy knobs for tuning and volume. These controls have a precise, weighted feel that harks back to high-quality analogue Hi-Fi equipment, a welcome departure from the cheap plastic buttons found on many competitors. One knob handles main tuning, while the other offers fine-tuning, a feature that shortwave and AM DXing enthusiasts will immediately appreciate.

Initial setup was straightforward. After powering on with the included USB-C cable, the screen guided us through connecting to our 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The interface is menu-driven, navigated by the side dials which also function as push-buttons for selection. While some users have noted a learning curve, we found the logic fairly intuitive after a few minutes of exploration. It quickly downloaded the vast list of 40,000 internet radio stations, and within five minutes, we were listening to a jazz station from New Orleans. The initial impression is one of immense potential and robust engineering, a device built for those who genuinely love radio in all its forms. You can explore its full specifications and design to see if it matches your style.

A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of the CHOYONG LC90

A device with this many features requires rigorous testing to see if it delivers on its ambitious promises. We spent weeks with the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker, using it as our primary audio source in the home, the workshop, and on a weekend trip to see how it performs in the real world. From its core sound quality to its unique connectivity options, here’s our in-depth breakdown.

Sound Quality That Defies Its Size

The first and most critical test for any audio device is, of course, how it sounds. Here, the CHOYONG LC90 punches far above its weight class. The spec sheet lists two 15W stereo speakers, but the story is in the details: a dedicated bass driver, a passive bass radiator, and a silk dome tweeter. This is an acoustic design more commonly found in high-end bookshelf speakers, not portable radios. The result is a sound profile that is remarkably rich, detailed, and balanced. We put it through its paces with a variety of sources. Streaming a high-bitrate classical station from Vienna, the strings were crisp and clear without being harsh, thanks to the tweeter. Switching to a rock station, the bass radiator and driver provided a tight, punchy low-end that you can feel, not just hear, without muddying the mid-range vocals. One user perfectly captured this, stating the “sound quality is so much better” than their phone, and we wholeheartedly agree. It fills a medium-sized room with immersive audio that is never tinny or strained, even at higher volumes. For podcasts and talk radio, voices are rendered with exceptional clarity and presence, making for fatigue-free listening. This isn’t just a radio; it’s a genuinely capable portable stereo system whose audio performance is a standout feature.

Unrivaled Connectivity: The World at Your Fingertips

The LC90’s true genius lies in its comprehensive connectivity suite. At home, it connected to our 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network without a hitch, giving us instant access to its staggering library of over 40,000 internet radio stations. The ability to browse by genre, location, or language is a portal to endless discovery. But the real game-changer is the 4G connectivity. By inserting a nano SIM card, we turned the LC90 into a completely autonomous streaming device. We took it to a local park, far from any Wi-Fi, and were able to stream our favourite podcasts and internet stations flawlessly. This feature is a massive win for campers, boaters, or anyone wanting high-quality streaming audio without being tethered to a home network or draining their phone’s data and battery. Beyond the internet, its traditional radio performance is stellar. The sensitive receiver and fine-tuning dial made it a joy for shortwave (SW) listening, pulling in distant international broadcasts after sunset. The FM reception is clear and stable, and the inclusion of Longwave (LW) and Medium Wave (MW) will appeal to serious radio hobbyists. Add to this a reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connection for phone streaming and a TF card slot for playing your own MP3/FLAC files, and you have a device that can play virtually any audio from any source, anywhere. This level of unparalleled connectivity is what truly defines the LC90.

The User Experience: Power vs. Simplicity

With great power comes a certain complexity, and the CHOYONG LC90 is no exception. This is not a simple, one-button radio, and prospective buyers should be aware of this. As one user noted, “The radio has a myriad of buttons, with dials on the side… used for selecting items on various menus.” We found this to be an accurate assessment. The twin dials, which turn for navigation and push for selection, are the primary way to interact with the device’s deep menu system. While we found it logical after about 15 minutes of dedicated exploration, a user expecting a simple “plug-and-play” experience might initially feel overwhelmed. The device forgoes a touchscreen in favour of these tactile controls, a decision that enhances durability but steepens the initial learning curve. However, for the enthusiast, this is a feature, not a bug. It feels like operating a serious piece of equipment. One reviewer favourably compared it to the legendary Sony ICF-2010, another famously complex but incredibly capable and beloved radio. This comparison is apt. The LC90 rewards the user who is willing to invest a small amount of time to learn its system, unlocking a level of control and customization that simpler devices can’t match. It’s a radio for listeners, not just users.

Powering Your Adventures: Battery Life and Portability

A portable device is only as good as its battery, and this is another area where the LC90 excels. It houses a massive 5000mAh Lithium-Ion battery, which the manufacturer claims can provide up to 48 hours of continuous music. In our testing, we found this to be a bit optimistic but still deeply impressive. At a comfortable medium volume, streaming over Wi-Fi, we consistently achieved between 35 and 40 hours of playback on a single charge. This is more than enough for a full weekend camping trip or several days of use around the house without needing to plug it in. This longevity reinforces its value as an emergency-preparedness tool, a point highlighted by a user who included it in their disaster survival kit. Charging is handled via a modern USB-C port, which is a convenient touch. Even better, the battery is designed to be replaceable. This is a crucial feature for long-term ownership, ensuring the device won’t become a paperweight after a few years when the initial battery’s health declines. This thoughtful, user-centric design choice underscores the LC90’s role as a reliable, long-term audio companion, and its robust power system is a major selling point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker is broadly reflected in user feedback. Many, like one enthusiastic reviewer, claim it “really exceeded my expectations” and even called it the “best all around radio” they had purchased since the iconic Sony ICF-2010. This high praise often centres on the superb sound quality and excellent battery life, with many appreciating that it provides a superior listening experience without draining their phone’s battery.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, which gives a realistic picture of the product. The most common point of criticism revolves around its complexity. One user was frustrated by the “myriad of buttons” and the need to watch instructional videos to get the hang of it, highlighting that this device is aimed more at enthusiasts than casual users. Another valid critique pointed out the lack of over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, noting that at this price point, having to manually update via a TF card feels a bit dated. This balanced perspective confirms our findings: the LC90 is an incredibly powerful and versatile machine that rewards a hands-on user but may intimidate those seeking ultimate simplicity.

How the CHOYONG LC90 Stacks Up Against the Competition

While the CHOYONG LC90 carves out a unique niche with its focus on portability and 4G, it’s helpful to see how it compares to other popular internet radios that prioritize different features. These alternatives tend to be more traditional, stationary home audio systems.

1. Hama 00054891 Internet Digital Radio WiFi DAB+ Bluetooth

The Hama 00054891 is a capable all-in-one home audio system. Its key advantages over the LC90 are the inclusion of a CD player and DAB/DAB+ digital radio, which is a popular standard in the UK and Europe. It also integrates Spotify Connect for seamless streaming. However, it is a decidedly stationary unit that requires mains power, completely lacking the portability, built-in battery, and revolutionary 4G connectivity of the CHOYONG LC90. This makes the Hama a better choice for someone looking for a permanent audio centerpiece for a living room or kitchen, especially if they have a large CD collection or live in an area with strong DAB+ coverage.

2. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet/DAB+ Radio with CD Player

The Imperial Dabman i200 follows a similar philosophy to the Hama, packaging an internet radio, DAB+ tuner, FM radio, and CD player into a classic, wood-finished tabletop unit. Its appeal lies in its retro aesthetic and its comprehensive feature set for home listening. It offers solid stereo sound and a variety of physical connections like AUX-in and a headphone jack. Like the Hama, its biggest trade-off when compared to the LC90 is its complete lack of portability. It’s designed to live on a shelf, plugged into the wall. A user should choose the Dabman i200 if their listening is confined to one room and they value the combination of a CD player and DAB+ in a traditional-looking package.

3. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Radio 120W

The MAJORITY Quadriga represents the “power” option in this comparison. With a massive 120W 2.1 stereo system and an inbuilt subwoofer, its primary focus is room-filling, high-impact sound. It includes all the standard features of a modern home system: internet radio, DAB+, CD player, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. If your top priority is raw audio output for music and parties in a home environment, the Quadriga is a formidable choice. However, it is large, heavy, and entirely dependent on mains power. It sacrifices the LC90’s core strengths—portability, battery power, 4G connectivity, and shortwave capabilities—in the pursuit of maximum volume and bass. It is the antithesis of a go-anywhere device.

Our Final Verdict: Is the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the CHOYONG LC90 Portable Wi-Fi/4G Internet Radio BT Speaker is a phenomenal piece of engineering for the right person. It successfully bridges the gap between old-world radio hobbyism and new-world digital streaming in a way few other devices have. Its combination of outstanding sound quality, rugged portability, marathon battery life, and unparalleled connectivity options—especially the inclusion of 4G—places it in a class of its own. It is the perfect audio companion for the tech-savvy adventurer, the radio enthusiast, the discerning camper, or anyone who wants a single, high-performance device that can do it all, anywhere.

However, its complexity means it is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a simple, no-fuss radio, this isn’t it. But if you are an enthusiast who delights in features, control, and uncompromising versatility, the LC90 is an absolute triumph. It’s a device that doesn’t just play audio; it encourages discovery. For those ready to embrace its power, the CHOYONG LC90 isn’t just a good choice—it’s one of the most capable and exciting portable radios on the market today. If this sounds like the all-in-one audio solution you’ve been searching for, we highly recommend you check the latest price and user reviews to make it yours.