Choosing a Satellite Radio Receiver

Although there is only one brand of satellite radio provider (SiriusXM), the company has worked hard to combat fierce competition from Apple and Google's streaming services. For this reason, the market has produced a nice variety of satellite radio receiver products to retain the loyalty of its customers.

Receivers for the Car

The car was the logical place for satellite radio to begin because it offered an alternative to standard FM/AM radio. Now, after years of product development, satellite receivers for cars offer some nice features.

Besides the basic ability to connect with satellite radio while you're cruising, car receivers are often equipped with features, such as GPS and dual-use portability, which allow you to remove the radio receiver and use it at home in a speaker dock.

Pros

The versatility of the car receiver makes it the most sensible choice, especially if you use the radio most often in the car but occasionally like taking it into your home or other locations where a speaker dock can be used.

Cons

Any car product that requires installation has the potential to be tedious. Satellite radio receivers have multiple parts that require careful installation (i.e. the antenna that must be placed in the right location in the car to get the best signal, and the primary radio interface that goes on the dashboard).

Product Features and Examples

The following examples, spread across the price range, will give you a sense of what features are available for a car satellite radio receiver.

Receivers for Home

For many satellite radio enthusiasts, having it in the car is not enough. For this reason, home-based satellite tuners are available. Most satellite radio receiver products for home are dual purpose, meaning you buy the receiver that works in the car, but it comes with a speaker base that allows it to function as a stereo for the home as well. Other receivers are speaker units meant for stationary home use only.

Pros

The satellite tuner products made for home are all portable, meaning you can easily tote them around the house or even bring them outside to provide audio for your next BBQ or pool party.

Cons

If you already own a stereo system for your home, adding more equipment just to have satellite radio capability can clutter up your home entertainment set-up. In addition, home systems tend to cost a little more than basic car tuners.

Product Features and Examples

The following examples, spread across the price range, will give you a sense of what features are available for a home satellite radio receiver.

Receivers for on the Go

The world of fitness and portability is a must-have market for any serious audio service company. SiriusXM is no exception. Thanks to app technology, it is very easy to get your SiriusXM programs in the mix of your exercise routine.

Features

Portable SiriuxXM options, through an app or mp3 player, offer digital playlists, music file storage, digital tuning, and an abundance of presets for easy access to your favorite programs.

Pros

These options allow you to listen to your favorite satellite radio programs on your ear buds when you're exercising or doing other on-the-go activities.

Cons

The options are few, though for good reason: when the SiriusXM mobile app became available there was less incentive for consumers to buy a separate mp3 player-style unit.

Detailed Product Features and Examples

You essentially have two choices: use the free app or purchase a standalone SiriusXM mp3 player.

Receivers for Motorcycles

Motorcyclists have not been left out of the satellite radio craze. Satellite radio tuners custom-designed for motorcycles are a standard product now.

Features

Satellite radio receivers for motorcycles have the same basic functionality as SiriusXM's other satellite players, but they're designed to integrate seamlessly into the bike's radio system and fit snugly onto the bike's handlebars without distracting you.

Pros

It allows you to enjoy the satellite radio experience safely in a system designed for the motorcycle experience.

Cons

There isn't a huge market for motorcycle satellite radio receivers so the options are limited.

Detailed Product Features and Examples

The products range from the basic SiriusXM Onyx made-for-bikes product to a fancier touch-screen version.

Satellite Radio Has a Bright Future

With the popularity of streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora, you might be wondering if satellite radio will eventually become obsolete. Sirius XM, however, shows no signs of slowing down. A December 2016 report from Forbes reported that Sirius XM might acquire Pandora, one of its main competitors. Although the company has had customer service complaints occasionally, Sirius XM's dominant success makes it clear: satellite radio is here to stay, and the diverse range of products will likely continue for years to come.