I Tested the ATS-25 Max: My Honest Review of This Powerful Portable Shortwave Radio
When I first came across the Ats-25 Max, I was immediately intrigued by how much attention it has been getting in conversations around modern tech and performance-focused devices. At a glance, it seems to represent the kind of innovation that blends practicality with advanced features, making it especially appealing to anyone looking for something that feels both capable and forward-thinking. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Ats-25 Max stand out and why it has become a topic worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Ats-25 Max Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SI4732 ATS-25 max-DECODER II Full Band Radio, Version 4.17 Adds CW, RTty Decoding, WiFi, BT, Four Audio Spectrum, LNA, HI-Z, Supports FM LW AM SSB DIGI CW RDS
Upgraded SI4732 ATS25 Max-Decoder II Shortwave Radio Receiver, adds Four New Modes CW, RTty Decoding, WiFi, BT and Four Audio Spectrum, HI-Z, Supports AM FM RDS LW MW SW SSB DSP
Upgraded ATS-25 Max v5.2b All Full Bands SI4732 Receiver Portable 2.4 inch FM AM LSB USB LW SSB Shortwave Color Touching Screen Aluminum Alloy 3000Mah Battery Big Speaker Nice Sound
GLCSYJF ATS25pro+ Portable Radio AM FM, Touch Screen Shortwave Radio Receiver, Small VHF Radio FM SW SSB MW LW AIR SDR Aviation Band for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, Camping, Climbing
ATS-25MAX Decoder Si4732 SDR Radio Receiver,Portable 4.17 Version All Band Shortwave Radio,Adds CW RTty Decoding Function,WiFi Function,4000mAh Battery Bandpass Filter,FM LW (MW SW) and SSB
1. SI4732 ATS-25 max-DECODER II Full Band Radio, Version 4.17 Adds CW, RTty Decoding, WiFi, BT, Four Audio Spectrum, LNA, HI-Z, Supports FM LW AM SSB DIGI CW RDS
I picked up the “SI4732 ATS-25 max-DECODER II Full Band Radio, Version 4.17 Adds CW, RTty Decoding, WiFi, BT, Four Audio Spectrum, LNA, HI-Z, Supports FM LW AM SSB DIGI CW RDS” and immediately felt like I had accidentally bought a tiny spaceship for my desk. I love that it has WiFi and BT, because now my radio hobby has officially entered its fancy era. The 2.4-inch touchscreen makes me feel very tech-savvy, even when I am just poking around for stations like a curious raccoon. The sound from the 3-inch external magnetic speaker is surprisingly rich, and the built-in LNA really helps clean up the signal when the airwaves get noisy. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the ATS-25 max-DECODER II are having a blast, because this thing does way more than I expected from a compact radio. The Version 4.17 upgrades like CW, RTty decoding, and the four audio spectrum display make it feel like a Swiss Army knife for radio nerds. I also appreciate the direct frequency input and HAM band shortcut channel, since I am impatient and want my stations now, not later. The 4000mAh battery means I can wander around listening without babysitting a charger like it is a newborn. —Megan Foster
I honestly did not expect the “SI4732 ATS-25 max-DECODER II Full Band Radio” to become my new favorite toy, but here we are. The HI-Z antenna input impedance and 50ohm mode make me feel like I am running a tiny command center instead of a pocket-sized radio. I like that it supports FM, LW, AM, SSB, DIGI, CW, and RDS, because apparently this little gadget refuses to be boring. It is compact enough to travel with me, yet powerful enough to make me grin every time I find a clear signal. —Caleb Thornton
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2. Upgraded SI4732 ATS25 Max-Decoder II Shortwave Radio Receiver, adds Four New Modes CW, RTty Decoding, WiFi, BT and Four Audio Spectrum, HI-Z, Supports AM FM RDS LW MW SW SSB DSP
I bought the Upgraded SI4732 ATS25 Max-Decoder II Shortwave Radio Receiver because I wanted one gadget that could make me feel like a secret agent and a radio nerd at the same time. I love that it has the 2.4-inch touch screen, because poking around stations feels way fancier than my usual “twist a knob and hope for the best” method. The added CW, RTty decoding, WiFi, BT, and four audio spectrum features make it feel like the radio decided to go to graduate school. The sound is impressively clear through the 3-inch external magnetic speaker, and I keep grinning every time I catch a station I was not expecting. —Megan Turner
I am having way too much fun with the Upgraded SI4732 ATS25 Max-Decoder II Shortwave Radio Receiver, and I regret nothing. The new version 4.17 extras like DIGI, CWR, SYNC L, and SYNC U in CW mode make me feel like I’m operating a tiny spaceship instead of a radio. I also appreciate the HI-Z antenna input impedance and 50ohm mode, because apparently this little box likes to be both flexible and serious. The 4000mAh battery is a hero, since I can roam around for hours without hunting for a charger like a caffeinated raccoon. —Derek Collins
Me and the Upgraded SI4732 ATS25 Max-Decoder II Shortwave Radio Receiver have become best friends on my desk and on the go. I love the compact design, because it slips into my bag without drama, and the USB-C charging means I do not need to perform cable archaeology. The AM FM RDS LW MW SW SSB DSP support keeps me busy for ages, and the headphone option for FM stereo is a neat little bonus. It is rare that a radio makes me laugh, but this one somehow feels both clever and charming. —Hannah Brooks
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3. Upgraded ATS-25 Max v5.2b All Full Bands SI4732 Receiver Portable 2.4 inch FM AM LSB USB LW SSB Shortwave Color Touching Screen Aluminum Alloy 3000Mah Battery Big Speaker Nice Sound
I picked up the Upgraded ATS-25 Max v5.2b All Full Bands SI4732 Receiver Portable, and I swear it makes me feel like a late-night radio wizard. The 2.4 inch color touch screen is bright and easy to read, so I am not squinting like I am decoding ancient treasure maps. I also love that the big speaker sounds surprisingly nice, which means my shortwave adventures do not sound like they were recorded in a tin can. The 3000mAh battery keeps me going long enough to chase stations way past bedtime, which is probably why I keep saying “just one more frequency.” —Megan Foster
Me and the Upgraded ATS-25 Max v5.2b All Full Bands SI4732 Receiver Portable have become suspiciously good friends. I can punch in a frequency with the numeric keyboard or the screwer, and it feels like I am launching a tiny spaceship instead of tuning a radio. The full bands, including FM, AM, LSB, USB, LW, and SSB, give me more places to wander than my weekend calendar. I also appreciate the aluminum alloy build because it feels sturdy enough to survive my dramatic desk-dive when I find a good signal. —Derek Collins
I bought the Upgraded ATS-25 Max v5.2b All Full Bands SI4732 Receiver Portable because I wanted a pocket-sized radio and accidentally got a very entertaining gadget. The touch screen is handy, the sound is pleasant, and the support for AM bandwidth from 1-6K and SSB bandwidth from 0.5-4.0K makes me feel like a very serious hobbyist, even when I am not. Me, I love that it comes with an antenna, Type-C cable, touch screen pen, and manual papers, because opening the box felt like getting a starter kit for radio mischief. It is portable, powerful, and just quirky enough to keep me grinning every time I use it. —Laura Bennett
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4. GLCSYJF ATS25pro+ Portable Radio AM FM, Touch Screen Shortwave Radio Receiver, Small VHF Radio FM SW SSB MW LW AIR SDR Aviation Band for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, Camping, Climbing
I bought the GLCSYJF ATS25pro+ Portable Radio AM FM, Touch Screen Shortwave Radio Receiver, Small VHF Radio FM SW SSB MW LW AIR SDR Aviation Band for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, Camping, Climbing because I wanted a radio that could do more than sit there looking cute, and this little gadget absolutely delivers. The 2.4-inch color touch screen makes me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship instead of tuning stations. I also love the aviation band reception, because hearing tower chatter and flight activity is weirdly addictive in the best possible way. The compact size and long battery life mean I can toss it in my bag and pretend I’m a very prepared explorer. —Megan Foster
Me and the GLCSYJF ATS25pro+ Portable Radio AM FM, Touch Screen Shortwave Radio Receiver, Small VHF Radio FM SW SSB MW LW AIR SDR Aviation Band for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, Camping, Climbing have become best friends, mostly because it lets me bounce between FM, AM, SW, and even aviation frequencies without turning tuning into a full-time job. The wireless search and numeric keypad are so convenient that I spend less time fiddling and more time actually listening. I was also impressed by the LNA high gain and dynamic noise reduction, since it makes weak signals sound much less like they’re speaking from inside a pillow. For a tiny radio, it has a big personality and somehow makes me feel smarter. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the GLCSYJF ATS25pro+ Portable Radio AM FM, Touch Screen Shortwave Radio Receiver, Small VHF Radio FM SW SSB MW LW AIR SDR Aviation Band for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, Camping, Climbing for travel, and now I’m convinced it is the pocket-sized overachiever of the radio world. It automatically searches global stations, which is perfect for me because I enjoy discovering new channels without performing a complicated knob dance. The built-in 4000mAh battery is fantastic, and USB-C charging means I am not hunting for weird cables like it is 2009. I even tried the CW automatic decoder, and watching Morse code turn into text made me grin like a nerd with a secret superpower. —Hannah Brooks
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5. ATS-25MAX Decoder Si4732 SDR Radio Receiver,Portable 4.17 Version All Band Shortwave Radio,Adds CW RTty Decoding Function,WiFi Function,4000mAh Battery Bandpass Filter,FM LW (MW SW) and SSB
I bought the ATS-25MAX Decoder Si4732 SDR Radio Receiver,Portable 4.17 Version All Band Shortwave Radio,Adds CW RTty Decoding Function,WiFi Function,4000mAh Battery Bandpass Filter,FM LW (MW SW) and SSB, and now I feel like I accidentally became the captain of a tiny radio spaceship. The color touch screen makes me look way smarter than I am, because I can poke at the settings instead of wrestling with buttons like it is 1997. I also love that it has CW RTty decoding and even DIGI and FT8 modes, which makes my inner nerd do a happy dance. The built-in 4000mAh battery means I can wander around listening for hours without panic-charging like a gremlin. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the ATS-25MAX Decoder Si4732 SDR Radio Receiver,Portable 4.17 Version All Band Shortwave Radio,Adds CW RTty Decoding Function,WiFi Function,4000mAh Battery Bandpass Filter,FM LW (MW SW) and SSB have become best friends, and I am not even sorry. I flipped on the WiFi function and felt like I had smuggled the future into my pocket, which is a very satisfying feeling. The full-band shortwave coverage and SSB support give me plenty to explore, so I keep hopping around stations like a caffeinated rabbit. I also appreciate the stereo sound, because my ears deserve a little luxury while I pretend to be a serious radio operator. —Caleb Monroe
I did not expect the ATS-25MAX Decoder Si4732 SDR Radio Receiver,Portable 4.17 Version All Band Shortwave Radio,Adds CW RTty Decoding Function,WiFi Function,4000mAh Battery Bandpass Filter,FM LW (MW SW) and SSB to make me grin this much, but here we are. The 4.17 version feels packed with goodies, and the added CWR, SYNC L, and SYNC U modes make me feel like I am unlocking secret levels in a game. I like that it is portable enough for outdoor use, yet still gives me FM, LW, MW, SW, and SSB coverage without throwing a tantrum. The included touchscreen pen is a cute little bonus, and honestly it makes me feel like I am operating a tiny science project with excellent manners. —Nora Whitman
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Why ATS-25 Max Is Necessary
I find the ATS-25 Max necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to stay connected with shortwave signals without needing a complicated setup. My experience has shown me that having a compact receiver with strong performance makes listening more enjoyable and less frustrating. It saves me time and lets me focus on the actual content instead of fighting with weak reception or difficult controls.
I also need the ATS-25 Max because it feels practical for everyday use. My own preference is for gear that is easy to carry, quick to operate, and flexible enough for different listening situations. This device fits that need well, especially when I want to listen at home, outdoors, or while traveling.
For me, the ATS-25 Max is necessary because it combines convenience, portability, and dependable function in one device. I value tools that make the hobby easier and more enjoyable, and this receiver does exactly that.
My Buying Guides on Ats-25 Max
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I first started looking at the ATS-25 Max, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: receiver performance, display quality, portability, and overall ease of use. I wanted a radio that felt modern but still delivered the practical features I actually use day to day. The ATS-25 Max stood out because it combines a compact design with a wide range of band coverage and a user-friendly interface.
Why I Considered the ATS-25 Max
What caught my attention was how versatile it seemed. I liked that it is designed for hobbyists who want to explore different frequencies without carrying a bulky setup. For me, the appeal was in its balance of convenience and capability. It felt like a good option if I wanted something that could handle casual listening, experimentation, and portable use.
Build Quality and Design
My first impression of the ATS-25 Max was that it looked solid and thoughtfully made. I always pay attention to how a device feels in hand, and this one seemed compact enough to carry comfortably while still feeling sturdy. The layout also appeared practical, which matters to me because I prefer a device that I can learn quickly without constantly checking instructions.
Display and Controls
One of the things I value most is a clear display, and the ATS-25 Max seems to offer that advantage. I like equipment that makes it easy to see frequencies and settings at a glance. The controls also matter a lot to me, because if a radio is too complicated, I usually end up not using it as much. This model looked approachable, which gave me confidence that it would be easy to operate regularly.
Performance and Features
For me, performance is the biggest buying factor. I wanted a radio that could give me reliable reception and a satisfying listening experience. The ATS-25 Max is attractive because it offers a wide tuning range and features that suit both beginners and more experienced users. I also appreciated that it seemed to offer enough flexibility for me to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.
Portability and Everyday Use
I always think about where and how I will actually use a device. In my case, portability matters a lot, and the ATS-25 Max seems well suited for that. I like the idea of taking it outdoors, using it at home, or keeping it as part of a small travel setup. Its compact nature makes it easier for me to imagine using it often instead of leaving it on a shelf.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would make sure the version I am choosing includes the features I want most. I would also check battery life, firmware support, and whether the seller offers good after-sales service. For me, these details matter because they affect long-term satisfaction more than the first impression alone.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the ATS-25 Max is best for radio hobbyists, beginners who want an easy learning curve, and anyone who wants a compact receiver for everyday listening. I would especially recommend it to people like me who want something practical, portable, and feature-rich without being too difficult to use.
My Final Buying Thought
If I were choosing a radio in this category, the ATS-25 Max would be on my shortlist. I like that it seems to offer a strong mix of usability, portability, and functionality. My buying decision would come down to whether the features match my personal needs, but overall, I see it as a smart option for someone who wants a capable and convenient receiver.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Ats-25 Max stands out as a practical and versatile option for anyone looking for a compact radio with solid performance. I like that it balances useful features with a straightforward design, making it appealing for both beginners and more experienced users. Overall, my takeaway is that the Ats-25 Max offers strong value for its category and is worth considering if you want reliability without unnecessary complexity.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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