DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth Radio | 12V and 20V No-Charger Option

DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth Radio Packs Big Sound in a Small Package

The DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth Radio throws sound at you and your crew from a tough and space-saving design. At only 8.25 lbs, it’s considerably smaller than the similar-looking DeWalt DCR025 Bluetooth speaker.

DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth Radio Key Features

We can hit the “legacy” features first. Many of us still listen to the radio, so we like that the DeWalt DCR028 has both AM and FM and stores 6 presets. It also includes a 3.5mm aux port—something we’re finding less and less use for in the age of Bluetooth. Speaking of that wireless connection, you can use your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to stream audio directly to the radio.

The DeWalt claim of 100 feet of range, however, might be a bit untenable unless you have perfect line-of-sight…or you live in outer space. That’s more a commentary on the state of Bluetooth than DeWalt.

You also get a USB port that can charge your phone or tablet using the inserted 12V or 20V battery. DeWalt protected both the USB and auxiliary ports with rubber covers that open up to allow access. They don’t spec it, but we’d assume this radio has a decent level of dust and water resistance.

The DeWalt DCR028 features a two-way speaker design. It uses two 3.5-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters. You also get a bass reflex port to extend the bass a bit beyond what you might expect from such small drivers. An onboard EQ also lets you customize your sound with separate treble and bass controls.

Small Radio with Big Sound

At just 10″ x 20″, the DeWalt DCR028 takes up 45% less space than the similarly designed DCR025. It weighs about 8.25 pounds before adding a battery.

A job site radio needs protection—or you just have a radio. DeWalt increased durability on the DCR028 with a roll cage to protect against bumps and drops. The antenna even fits within the top carry handle to help protect it from damage.

You have a few options for powering the DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth radio. First, it comes with a standard 120V AC power cord. The real portability comes when you insert one of your own 12V or 20V Max DeWalt batteries.

Comparing the DeWalt DCR028 vs the DeWalt DCR025

When comparing the DeWalt DCR028 vs the DeWalt DCR025 to see the differences, we can find many. This radio seems to target users at a different price point and with different needs. The smaller DCR028 lacks an integrated battery charger. It does, however, add support for 12V batteries (the larger DCR025 does not).

The lack of mention of support for 60V FlexVolt batteries leads us to believe that the frame may not support those larger packs—but it might. We have to get one in and test it to find out. We compiled a list of differences and similarities in the table below:

Price

The DeWalt DCR028 Bluetooth radio retails for $149 as a bare tool. It comes with DeWalt’s 3-year warranty, 1-year free service agreement, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. That comes in $100 less than the larger DCR025. You’ll likely get a bit less output, and you don’t get the integrated battery charger—but we like the savings.

DeWalt Bluetooth Radio Specs

• Model: DeWalt DCR028
• 45% smaller than DRC025
• Speakers: 2 x 3.5-in woofers + 2 x 1-in tweeters
• Bass reflex port
• Onboard EQ
• AM/FM radio with 6 FM presets
• 3.5mm aux input
• Bluetooth wireless streaming
• USB charging port
• Power: AC cord or DeWalt 12V Max/20V Max battery (sold separately)
• Roll cage protects radio from bumps and drops
• Dimensions (HxW): 10 x 15 in.
• Weight (without battery): 8.25 lbs
• Warranty: 3-year
• Price: $149