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Tecsun PL-990x vs Sangean ATS-909X2: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Tecsun PL-990x if shortwave, SSB, bandwidth control and antenna experimentation are the reason you’re spending this much. Buy the Sangean ATS-909X2 if you want Air Band, FM RDS, excellent station organization, AA battery flexibility and the more polished all-round travel receiver.
Sangean announced the ATS-909X2+ on August 27, 2026. The new version specifically improves SSB performance, adds selectable 1.2, 2.2 and 3 kHz SSB bandwidths, increases station presets to 1,755 and adds customizable shortwave memory pages.
The original ATS-909X2 compared here is still actively sold and remains especially relevant where the X2+ is not yet readily available. But if both are available at similar prices and SSB is important to you, compare the X2+ before buying the older X2.
Quick Verdict
Tecsun PL-990x
The better choice when the radio hobby itself is the point: SSB, five SSB bandwidths, sync, fine tuning and more flexible external-antenna experimentation.
- + 0.5 / 1.2 / 2.3 / 3.0 / 4.0 kHz SSB bandwidths
- + Synchronous detection
- + 3,150 memories + microSD playback
- − No Air Band or FM RDS
Sangean ATS-909X2
The better choice when shortwave is only part of the job and you also value Air Band, RDS, excellent memory organization and replaceable AA power.
- + Air Band 118–137 MHz
- + FM RDS/RBDS
- + 1,674 presets in three memory banks
- − Original X2 lacks the new X2+’s adjustable SSB bandwidths
Tecsun PL-990x vs Sangean ATS-909X2 Specs
| Feature | Tecsun PL-990x | Sangean ATS-909X2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortwave | Full shortwave coverage to 29.999 MHz | 1.711–29.999 MHz | Tie for normal SW listening |
| SSB | USB / LSB + dedicated fine tuning | USB / LSB + fine tuning | Tecsun for control |
| SSB bandwidths | 0.5 / 1.2 / 2.3 / 3.0 / 4.0 kHz | Original X2 does not have the X2+’s new selectable SSB bandwidth set | Tecsun |
| Synchronous detection | Yes | No | Tecsun |
| Air Band | No | 118–137 MHz | Sangean |
| FM RDS / RBDS | No | Yes | Sangean |
| Memories | 3,150 25 pages |
1,674 3 banks |
Tecsun for count |
| Station labels / organization | More enthusiast-style memory structure | Editable station names + structured memory banks | Sangean |
| External antenna input | 3.5 mm input for FM / LW / MW / SW | Dedicated SW external antenna input | Tecsun for experimentation |
| Included SW antenna | Depends on package | Portable SW reel antenna included | Sangean out of box |
| Battery | Single rechargeable 18650 | 4 × AA | Depends on use |
| In-radio charging | Micro-USB charging | NiMH AA charging + faulty-cell detection | Sangean for AA management |
| microSD playback | Yes | No | Tecsun |
| Travel / everyday interface | More enthusiast-oriented | More polished and organized | Sangean |
Swipe to compare →
Watch: Tecsun PL-990x vs Sangean ATS-909X2
Our Wholly Outdoor video walks through the same decision—SSB, sync, memories, Air Band, FM, external antennas, battery power and which type of listener each radio fits.
Shortwave Reception: Closer Than the Feature Lists Suggest
Do not buy the Tecsun because somebody tells you the Sangean simply cannot compete on shortwave.
Both are premium portable receivers capable of excellent shortwave reception.
The real difference is what each radio lets you do around that received signal.
The PL-990x is more obviously designed for somebody who enjoys sitting on a band, changing bandwidth, switching sidebands, adjusting antenna gain and experimenting with external antennas.
The ATS-909X2 is designed to make listening feel organized and finished. It still gives you RF gain, bandwidth control, SSB and strong shortwave capability, but its larger identity is as a premium multiband receiver rather than a shortwave experimenter’s instrument.
Independent testing of the ATS-909X2 has found its current whip sensitivity competitive with other high-end portable receivers. So I would not expect the Tecsun to reveal an entirely different world of stations simply because it has the more enthusiast-looking control set.
SSB Is Where the Tecsun Makes the Strongest Case
If listening to amateur radio operators, maritime traffic, utility stations or other single-sideband signals is a major reason you are spending this much, I would buy the Tecsun.
Its current PL-990x design gives you USB and LSB plus five selectable SSB bandwidths:
- 0.5 kHz;
- 1.2 kHz;
- 2.3 kHz;
- 3.0 kHz;
- 4.0 kHz.
That range is useful because SSB listening is not always the same job.
A very narrow filter can help dig intelligibility out from interference. A wider filter can make a clean voice signal substantially nicer to listen to.
The dedicated fine-tuning control also fits this style of operating better than treating SSB as an occasional extra mode.
The Sangean can receive USB and LSB and its fine tuning is perfectly capable of normal SSB listening. But the original ATS-909X2 does not give you the same SSB-filter toolkit.
That difference matters enough that Sangean specifically added adjustable 1.2, 2.2 and 3 kHz SSB bandwidths to the new ATS-909X2+.
Choose the PL-990x for: frequent amateur-radio listening, utility monitoring, ECSS-style listening and anybody who enjoys changing filters to match the signal.
Do not choose it only because: it has more SSB settings on the specification sheet. If you mostly listen to broadcast AM, those controls may spend most of their life untouched.
Synchronous Detection: A Tecsun Advantage, Not a Reason to Stop Comparing
The PL-990x has synchronous detection. The original ATS-909X2 does not.
That gives the Tecsun another technical advantage for a listener who spends a lot of time on shortwave broadcasts.
Sync can sometimes help stabilize reception through selective fading or let you use one side of an AM signal when interference is stronger on the other.
But do not expect a button that transforms every weak fading station into clean local-radio audio.
Even among enthusiasts, the quality of synchronous detectors is something people compare radio by radio rather than treating “SYNC” on the front panel as a guarantee.
→ PL-990x ADVANTAGE
YOU MOSTLY TUNE ORDINARY SW BROADCASTS
→ DO NOT LET SYNC DECIDE THE WHOLE PURCHASE
Controls, Display and Memory Organization: Sangean Wins
Tecsun wins the raw memory-count contest: 3,150 memories across 25 pages versus 1,674 presets on the Sangean.
But memory count is not the same thing as memory experience.
Sangean divides its presets into three separate memory banks and supports editable station names of up to ten characters.
That matters if you actually use the radio every day.
Instead of remembering that memory 427 is a favorite station, the display can show a useful label. The ATS system can scan and populate memories, while stored stations can be organized in a way that feels closer to a finished consumer receiver than a laboratory notebook.
The display also shows far more than frequency alone, including signal information and RDS data on FM.
This is where I agree most strongly with the “premium travel radio” description: the Sangean is designed so that the information you need is visible rather than hidden behind another layer of enthusiast controls.
Choose the ATS-909X2 for: daily listening, large memory collections, travel and anyone who values station names and an information-rich display.
Skip it if: almost all your listening is manual band scanning and you rarely save stations anyway.
Air Band: An Easy Sangean Win
If you want to listen to civil aviation, this part of the comparison is simple.
The ATS-909X2 covers the 118–137 MHz Air Band.
The PL-990x does not.
That makes the Sangean much more useful for:
- listeners near airports;
- travelers;
- people living under busy flight paths;
- anybody who wants one premium receiver for both HF and aviation monitoring.
Do not buy the Tecsun expecting a menu option or antenna upgrade to add Air Band later. It is simply outside the receiver’s supported bands.
FM Listening: RDS Pushes the Sangean Ahead
Both radios are capable FM receivers, but the Sangean gives everyday FM listeners more information.
Its RDS/RBDS support can display:
- station identification;
- program type;
- radio text;
- clock information where transmitted.
That is not relevant to shortwave DXing, but it is exactly the sort of feature that makes the ATS-909X2 feel more complete when it becomes your hotel-room, bedside or travel receiver.
If you only switch to FM occasionally, it should not change your purchase.
If FM is half your actual listening, it probably should.
External Antennas: Tecsun Is the More Flexible Experimenter’s Platform
Both radios benefit enormously from getting the antenna into a quieter location.
Tecsun’s current specification lists a 3.5 mm external antenna socket that can be selected for FM and the AM-family bands—LW, MW and SW.
That fits the PL-990x’s larger personality: it expects the owner to try things.
You also get a three-position DX / Normal / Local antenna-gain switch to help deal with very strong signals and overload.
The ATS-909X2 has a dedicated external shortwave antenna input and ships with Sangean’s portable SW reel antenna.
That gives Sangean the better out-of-box travel story:
↓
UNROLL INCLUDED SW ANTENNA
↓
PLUG IT IN
↓
LISTEN
The Tecsun is the stronger platform when the next step is an active loop, outdoor wire or experimenting across several bands.
Whichever radio you choose, our best shortwave radio antennas guide is the more important next purchase than replacing one premium receiver with the other simply because a weak station is difficult indoors.
Antenna and Noise Environment Can Matter More Than the Radio
A premium receiver does not remove noise generated inside your home.
LED lighting, switch-mode power supplies, chargers, displays and networking equipment can raise the noise floor enough that a better radio sounds like a bad one.
Before returning either receiver because shortwave seems disappointing:
- run it on battery;
- switch off nearby chargers and unnecessary electronics;
- take the radio outside;
- try the included or another passive wire antenna;
- compare signal-to-noise ratio rather than only the signal-strength display.
If reception suddenly improves, you found an environment problem rather than a receiver problem.
Power: 18650 Convenience vs AA Flexibility
The two radios take completely different approaches to portable power.
Tecsun PL-990x
Tecsun uses a single rechargeable 18650 lithium battery and charges it through a 5V micro-USB connection.
The advantages are straightforward:
- one rechargeable pack;
- easy battery swapping if you carry another compatible 18650;
- simple USB charging;
- no four-cell set to manage.
The downsides are equally clear: micro-USB is now an older connector, and the radio depends on the 18650 format.
Sangean ATS-909X2
The Sangean uses four AA cells.
Use rechargeable NiMH AAs and the radio can charge them internally from its power adapter. Its charging system monitors battery abnormalities and can identify a faulty cell.
Or install ordinary alkaline AAs when recharging is not practical.
That flexibility is why I prefer the Sangean’s power system for travel and backup use.
Travel / replaceability / backup: Sangean’s four-AA approach is easier to support almost anywhere.
Media Playback: Tecsun Has the Extra Trick
The PL-990x includes microSD audio playback and supports formats including FLAC, WAV, APE, WMA and MP3.
That lets the Tecsun double as a small audio player.
For most shortwave buyers this should sit near the bottom of the decision list.
But it is a real differentiator if you regularly use the radio at a desk, campsite or hotel and like loading recordings, music or other audio onto a card.
The Sangean’s philosophy is different: AUX input, line output and a premium receiver interface rather than turning the radio itself into a media player.
Which One Is Better for Listening to Ham Radio?
The Tecsun.
Not because the ATS-909X2 cannot receive amateur SSB—it can—but because the PL-990x gives the operator more control over the signal.
Five SSB bandwidths, dedicated fine tuning and sync make sense when you spend an evening moving between amateur bands rather than listening to one international broadcaster.
If amateur SSB is only something you occasionally sample, the Sangean’s wider multiband advantages may still matter more.
Which One Is Better for Travel?
For most travelers, I lean Sangean.
The reasons are not raw shortwave performance:
- Air Band;
- FM RDS;
- AA batteries;
- included portable shortwave antenna;
- station labels;
- three organized memory banks;
- large information-rich display.
That combination makes the radio easier to treat as one premium receiver for whatever you want to listen to during the trip.
The Tecsun becomes the better travel radio when the purpose of the trip itself includes serious shortwave listening and antenna experimentation.
Which One Is Better for a Home Listening Setup?
If you intend to connect a loop or outdoor shortwave antenna and spend most of your time manually exploring HF, I prefer the Tecsun.
If the radio will live on a table and serve equally as an FM, medium-wave, shortwave and Air Band receiver with lots of stored stations, the Sangean makes the stronger case.
Neither replaces a serious communications receiver or SDR when spectrum display, recording, decoding and sophisticated filtering become central to the hobby.
Does the ATS-909X2+ Change the Verdict?
Yes—especially for somebody who was choosing the Tecsun primarily because of SSB bandwidth control.
The new ATS-909X2+ adds exactly the feature that made the original comparison easiest:
- 1.2 kHz SSB bandwidth;
- 2.2 kHz SSB bandwidth;
- 3 kHz SSB bandwidth;
- upgraded SSB performance;
- 1,755 memories;
- three customizable shortwave memory pages.
That does not make it a Tecsun clone.
The PL-990x still gives you synchronous detection, its five SSB bandwidth choices extend both narrower and wider, its external-antenna setup is more experiment-friendly, and the Tecsun retains microSD playback.
But the original article’s cleanest Tecsun advantage is much smaller against the X2+.
PL-990 vs PL-990x Naming
You may see the Tecsun listed as PL-990, PL990 or PL-990x depending on seller and market.
The comparison here is about Tecsun’s current PL-990/PL-990x flagship portable family. Firmware and package contents can vary, so verify the exact unit, included battery, antenna accessories and seller description before ordering.
Which Is the Better Value?
Do not use a permanent rule like “Tecsun is cheaper” or “Sangean costs more.”
Pricing and bundles move enough that you should compare the current listings on the day you buy.
Instead, ask what the extra money buys you.
Then reserve part of the budget for the antenna.
A less expensive receiver moved into a quiet location with a sensible antenna can outperform a premium radio sitting beside a noisy computer with only its telescoping whip.
Final Verdict
The PL-990x is the radio I would choose for a shortwave-first hobbyist.
The ATS-909X2 is the radio I would choose for somebody who wants a premium world-band receiver that happens to be very good at shortwave.
What to Avoid
- Do not buy the PL-990x simply because it has synchronous detection. Sync is useful, but it is not a magic weak-signal button.
- Do not assume the Sangean is weak on shortwave because it has fewer enthusiast controls. Its raw reception is competitive with other premium portables.
- Do not buy the ATS-909X2 for Air Band unless you will actually listen to Air Band. Otherwise you are paying for a feature that adds no value to your use.
- Do not compare memory counts without considering organization. 3,150 slots are not automatically more useful than 1,674 well-labelled presets.
- Do not buy the original ATS-909X2 for SSB without checking the new ATS-909X2+ first. The new model directly addresses the older X2’s SSB-filter limitation.
- Do not compare either radio inside a noisy room and conclude the receiver is bad. Test on battery, outside or away from household electronics.
- Do not attach an extremely long wire and assume more signal is always better. A portable receiver can overload; use attenuation/RF gain or less antenna when necessary.
- Do not spend the entire budget on the receiver. Your antenna and listening environment are part of the system.
Related Wholly Outdoor Guides
Tecsun PL-990x vs Sangean ATS-909X2 FAQ
Which is better, the Tecsun PL-990x or Sangean ATS-909X2?
The Tecsun is the better choice for shortwave-first listeners who regularly use SSB, bandwidth control, sync and external antennas. The Sangean is the better all-round premium receiver when Air Band, FM RDS, memory organization and AA batteries matter.
Which radio is better for SSB?
I prefer the PL-990x for SSB-heavy listening because it provides five selectable SSB bandwidths from 0.5 to 4.0 kHz plus dedicated fine tuning. The newer ATS-909X2+ narrows this advantage substantially by adding three selectable SSB bandwidths of its own.
Does the Sangean ATS-909X2 have synchronous detection?
No. The Tecsun PL-990x includes synchronous detection; the ATS-909X2 does not.
Does the Tecsun PL-990x have Air Band?
No. If 118–137 MHz civil aviation reception matters, the ATS-909X2 is the clear choice between these two.
Which one is better for FM?
Both perform well, but the ATS-909X2 is the stronger all-round FM radio because it supports RDS/RBDS station information and provides a highly polished FM listening interface.
Which radio has more memories?
The PL-990x has 3,150 memory positions across 25 pages. The ATS-909X2 has 1,674 presets across three memory banks. Tecsun wins on quantity, while Sangean’s station labels and organization can make its smaller number easier to use.
Which radio is better with an external antenna?
Both work well with external shortwave antennas. I give the PL-990x the advantage for experimentation because its external antenna system can be selected across more of its received bands and it provides a DX/Normal/Local gain switch.
Which is better for travel?
For most travelers, the Sangean. Air Band, RDS, AA power, organized presets and the included portable shortwave antenna make it an especially flexible one-radio travel setup.
Should I still buy the ATS-909X2 now that the X2+ exists?
Yes if the original X2 is substantially cheaper or the X2+ is not readily available. If the prices are close and SSB matters, compare the X2+ first because its improved SSB system directly addresses one of the original model’s biggest disadvantages against the Tecsun.
Is the Tecsun PL-990 the same as the PL-990x?
The PL-990/PL-990x naming varies with distribution and market. They belong to the same flagship product family, but firmware and bundle details can vary, so verify the exact listing before buying.
Useful Receiver Resources
- Tecsun PL-990x Specifications — official frequency coverage, memories, sync, antenna input, microSD and power information.
- Sangean ATS-909X2 — official specifications, Air Band, RDS, battery system and manuals.
- Sangean ATS-909X2+ — current 2026 successor with improved SSB and adjustable SSB bandwidth.
- Wholly Outdoor Shortwave Antenna Guide — reel antennas, loops and permanent outdoor antenna options.
- HFCC A26 Shortwave Schedule — current international shortwave frequency schedules.
Model note: Product names, bundles and accessories can vary by seller or market. Confirm the exact Tecsun PL-990/PL-990x version and Sangean ATS-909X2/X2+ model before ordering.
Wholly Outdoor is not affiliated with Tecsun, Sangean or HFCC.