CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G Review: The Ultimate Fusion of Old-School Radio and Modern Streaming?

I’ve always been a radio enthusiast. From my earliest days, I remember twisting the dial on an old analogue set, trying to coax a clear signal from a distant city late at night. There’s a magic to the airwaves, a sense of connection to faraway places. But in today’s world, that magic is often lost in a sea of static, limited local programming, and the frustrating reality of poor reception. For years, my quest has been for a single device that could not only recapture the thrill of traditional band-scanning but also embrace the limitless potential of the internet. I wanted to listen to a news broadcast from Tokyo, a jazz station from New Orleans, and catch up on ham radio conversations, all from the comfort of my study or even on a camping trip. The alternative was a cluttered desk: a shortwave receiver here, a separate Bluetooth speaker there, and my phone constantly tied up streaming internet stations. The search was on for a unified solution, a device that could truly do it all without compromise.

What to Consider Before Buying a Modern Internet Radio

An Internet Radio is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a global audio experience. It bridges the gap between the finite world of local FM/AM broadcasting and the near-infinite universe of over 40,000 streaming stations from every corner of the globe. The primary benefit is variety. You’re no longer restricted by geography. You can explore niche music genres, listen to news in different languages, or tune into sports commentary from your home country while living abroad. For hobbyists, advanced models that incorporate traditional bands like shortwave and SSB offer a gateway to exploration, connecting them with a worldwide community of broadcasters and enthusiasts. It’s about breaking down the barriers of traditional radio to create a listening experience that is truly personal and boundless.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing audio limitations—the radio hobbyist wanting to explore shortwave, the expatriate longing for a taste of home, the news junkie who needs global perspectives, or the music lover tired of the same repetitive playlists on local FM. They value versatility and connectivity above all else. However, a device this feature-rich might not be suitable for those who simply want a powerful, room-filling sound system for their living room or someone who only needs a basic Bluetooth speaker for casual listening. For those users, a dedicated home stereo system or a simpler portable speaker might be a more straightforward and cost-effective choice. The beauty of a hybrid device like the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G is that it aims to serve the enthusiast without completely alienating the casual user.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Connectivity & Bands: This is the most critical factor. Does the radio rely solely on Wi-Fi, or does it offer true portability with a 4G SIM card slot? Beyond internet radio, what traditional bands does it support? Look for FM and AM (MW) for local listening, but for the true enthusiast, Longwave (LW), Shortwave (SW), and Single Side Band (SSB) are essential for global DXing (long-distance listening).
• Audio Quality & Performance: A radio can access thousands of stations, but it’s worthless if they sound terrible. Look at the speaker configuration. A simple single driver may be adequate for voice, but for music, a multi-speaker setup with dedicated drivers for bass and treble (like a two-way system) will provide a much richer, more detailed sound. The inclusion of a passive radiator can also enhance low-end frequencies, giving the audio more depth.
• Portability & Power Source: If you plan to use the radio away from a power outlet, battery life is paramount. Check the battery capacity (measured in mAh) and whether it’s rechargeable via a modern standard like USB-C. Also, consider the device’s physical dimensions and weight. A truly portable radio should be compact and light enough to carry easily without feeling flimsy.
• Ease of Use & Interface: A feature-packed radio can be overwhelming. A clear display, intuitive controls, and thoughtful design choices like a backlit keyboard for nighttime use are crucial. Consider how stations are found and saved. Features like voice search or the ability to manually add station URLs can significantly enhance the user experience and make navigating tens of thousands of options manageable.

Understanding these factors will help you move beyond the marketing and choose a radio that genuinely fits your listening habits and aspirations. The goal is to find a device that feels both powerful and effortless to use.

While the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G 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:

First Impressions and Unboxing the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G was its purposeful, utilitarian design. It feels solid and well-constructed, with a reassuring heft of 640 grams that suggests quality components within, yet it remains compact enough for true portability. The layout is logical and packed with functionality; the front panel features a clear display, a full keyboard, and a prominent tuning knob, all of which are backlit for easy operation in low light. It has the look of a serious piece of communication equipment rather than just a lifestyle speaker. Inside the box, we found the radio itself, two 5000mAh rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries, a USB-C charging cable, and a basic manual. Getting started was straightforward: insert the batteries, power it on, and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The interface was immediately responsive, and within minutes, we were scrolling through a seemingly endless list of global internet radio stations. It’s a device that feels like it was designed by radio lovers, for radio lovers, offering a depth of control that is immediately apparent and genuinely exciting to explore. Its thoughtful design is evident from the very first interaction.

Performance in the Real World: A Deep Dive into the CHOYONG LC90

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true test of a radio is how it performs day in and day out, from tuning into a local morning show to pulling in a faint shortwave signal from across an ocean. We spent weeks putting the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G through its paces, testing every band, feature, and connection method to see if it truly is the all-in-one device it claims to be.

The Best of Both Worlds: Navigating Internet and Traditional Airwaves

The core promise of the LC90 is the seamless integration of modern and traditional radio, and in this, it excels magnificently. The internet radio functionality is the star of the show for daily listening. Connecting to our office Wi-Fi was painless, and the device immediately populated a massive, searchable database of over 40,000 stations. The directory is well-organized by genre, location, and popularity, but the real game-changer is the voice search. A long press of the ‘Lang’ button activates the feature, and simply saying “BBC Radio 4” or “Jazz radio, France” brought up the correct station almost instantly. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement over manually typing on small keypads. Where the LC90 truly separates itself from the pack is with its 4G capability. We inserted a data-only SIM card, and the radio transformed into a completely autonomous streaming device. On a weekend trip to a national park with no Wi-Fi in sight, we were still able to stream high-quality classical music from a station in Vienna. This feature alone makes the CHOYONG LC90 an indispensable tool for campers, caravan owners, or anyone who wants a reliable audio source on the go. Switching between internet radio, Bluetooth, the TF card player, and the traditional radio bands is handled by a simple mode button, making the entire experience feel cohesive and intuitive rather than disjointed.

The Heart of the Matter: AM, FM, Shortwave, and SSB Reception

For all its modern connectivity, the LC90 hasn’t forgotten its roots. We were deeply impressed by its performance as a traditional multi-band receiver. The FM reception is crisp and clear, easily locking onto stations even in our crowded urban environment where weaker signals often get lost in the noise. The AM (MW) band performed admirably, especially after sunset, allowing us to pull in distant talk radio shows with surprising clarity—a classic DXing pastime. However, the real test for any enthusiast radio is its performance on the less common bands. The Longwave (LW) reception was solid, picking up the few European broadcasters still using the frequency. The Shortwave (SW) bands are where the LC90 truly comes alive for hobbyists. Using just the built-in telescopic antenna, we successfully tuned into broadcasts from Radio Havana Cuba, the BBC World Service, and several other international stations. The ability to connect an external antenna via a dedicated port is a fantastic inclusion for serious users looking to maximize reception. The most scrutinized feature is often Single Side Band (SSB) reception, used by amateur radio operators. Here, our findings align with feedback from other users: the SSB performance is very capable for a portable radio in this price range. We were able to listen in on several conversations with good intelligibility. As one user noted, while it might not be perfect, “mine works okay… For the money, it’s a good value.” This perfectly encapsulates our experience. It’s an excellent and accessible entry point into the world of SSB, delivering performance that far exceeds expectations for an all-in-one device.

A Surprisingly Potent Sound System

Often, multi-function devices compromise on audio quality. We were pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case with the CHOYONG LC90. The product description mentions a “two-way frequency division design,” which sounds technical, but the real-world result is impressive sound. The system uses a dedicated bass speaker for mid and low frequencies and a separate silk dome tweeter for the highs, with a passive diaphragm to add extra warmth and depth. This is a far more sophisticated setup than the single-driver speakers found in most portable radios. When listening to spoken-word content like news or podcasts, voices were rich, clear, and forward. There was no tinny or muffled quality; it felt like the person was in the room with us. When we switched to music, the LC90 handled a variety of genres with poise. The bass on electronic tracks was present and punchy without being boomy, and the tweeter ensured that cymbals and high-hats in jazz recordings were crisp and detailed. It won’t replace a high-end home stereo, but the audio quality is more than capable of filling a medium-sized room and is vastly superior to a standard portable radio. This advanced audio system is a feature that really sets it apart from competitors.

Usability and Everyday Living with the LC90

Beyond its core functions, the LC90 is packed with thoughtful features that make it a pleasure to use daily. The backlit keyboard is a simple but brilliant addition, making it effortless to change stations or settings in the dark without fumbling for a light. The TF card player is another standout feature, and unlike many basic implementations, it supports proper folder management. We loaded a card with hundreds of albums, each in its own folder, and could easily navigate through them on the device’s screen. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection was rock-solid, pairing instantly with our smartphones and maintaining a stable connection from across the room. Powering the device are two included 5000mAh batteries, which provided excellent longevity. During our testing, we got well over a full day of mixed-use listening on a single charge. Recharging is handled by a modern USB-C port, which is a welcome convenience, meaning one less proprietary cable to worry about. The combination of these practical features transforms the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G from a powerful gadget into a reliable everyday companion.

What Other Users Are Saying

In our evaluation, we find it’s always helpful to consider the experiences of other long-term users. The general sentiment surrounding the CHOYONG LC90 is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning its incredible value proposition. One user’s feedback particularly resonated with our own findings, stating, “All in All I’ve determined the L90 to be great. It’s not perfect, but I’ve tested mine out in the so-called problem areas like SSB, mine works okay.” This is a crucial, balanced perspective. It acknowledges that while a dedicated, thousand-pound amateur radio transceiver might offer superior SSB performance, the LC90’s functionality is more than adequate and highly impressive for a portable, all-in-one unit. The user adds, “I think some people just like to make noise. Just ignore these opinions. For the money, it’s a good value.” This highlights the radio’s key strength: it delivers an enthusiast-level feature set at a price point that makes it accessible to a much wider audience, representing a fantastic balance of performance and cost.

How Does the CHOYONG LC90 Compare to the Competition?

The CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G carves out a unique niche with its focus on portability and all-band reception. However, the internet radio market includes various models catering to different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet/DAB+ Radio CD Player

The Imperial Dabman i200 is geared towards a stationary, home audio setup. Its key advantages are the inclusion of a DAB+ tuner, which is a popular digital broadcast standard in the UK and Europe, and an integrated CD player for physical media enthusiasts. It’s designed to sit on a shelf or bedside table, offering rich stereo sound and extensive connectivity options like Line-Out and a headphone jack. However, it completely lacks the portability of the LC90. It has no battery, no 4G capability, and critically for hobbyists, no Shortwave or SSB bands. This makes it a great choice for someone who wants a versatile home audio hub but a poor fit for anyone needing on-the-go listening or access to the world of shortwave radio.

2. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Internet Radio

The MAJORITY Quadriga is less a radio and more a complete, powerful 2.1 stereo system. With a hefty 120W output and a built-in subwoofer, its primary focus is room-filling audio performance. It incorporates Internet Radio, DAB+, a CD player, and advanced features like Spotify Connect, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for a living room or office. It is designed to be the primary sound system for a space. Its trade-off, much like the Dabman, is a total lack of portability and the absence of the analogue bands (SW, LW, SSB) that make the LC90 so special for radio explorers. The Quadriga is for the user prioritizing sheer sound power and smart home integration over portability and broadcast versatility.

3. MAJORITY Fitzwilliam 2024 DAB+ Bluetooth Internet Radio

The MAJORITY Fitzwilliam represents a different philosophy entirely. It’s a dedicated hi-fi component, often called a “tuner.” It has no built-in speakers and is designed to be connected to an existing amplifier and speaker system via its RCA outputs. Its purpose is to add modern audio sources—Internet Radio, DAB+, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth—to a traditional hi-fi stack. This is the perfect choice for an audiophile who has already invested in a high-quality sound system and simply wants to upgrade its capabilities. The CHOYONG LC90, in contrast, is a fully self-contained, portable unit. It’s the entire system in one box, designed for flexibility and use anywhere, not just as one part of a larger, stationary setup.

The Final Verdict: Is the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G Right for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the CHOYONG LC90 Smart Internet Radio WiFi/4G is a remarkable and uniquely versatile device. It successfully bridges the gap between the nostalgic thrill of analogue band-scanning and the limitless world of internet streaming. Its greatest strength is its refusal to compromise: you get true portability with 4G and a robust battery, comprehensive band coverage that will delight any radio enthusiast, and a sound quality that punches well above its weight class. While the sheer depth of features might present a small initial learning curve, the intuitive interface and helpful additions like voice search and a backlit keyboard make it a joy to use in the long run.

We wholeheartedly recommend this radio to anyone with a passion for audio exploration. Whether you’re an expatriate wanting to tune into your favourite hometown station, a seasoned shortwave listener, a camper looking for a reliable off-grid entertainment source, or simply someone curious about the vast world of global radio, the LC90 is an exceptional tool. It offers a level of freedom and capability that is difficult to find in any other single device on the market today. If you’re ready to unlock a near-infinite world of audio from a single, portable device, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and see its full feature set.