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ToolGuyd > Power Tools > Cordless > Rock Out to the New Milwaukee M12 Bluetooth Radio and Cordless Battery Charger

Rock Out to the New Milwaukee M12 Bluetooth Radio and Cordless Battery Charger

May 19, 2020 Stuart 37 Comments

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Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio and Charger

Milwaukee has come out with a new cordless M12 radio and charger, 2951-20.

As far as we’re aware, this is the first 12V-class jobsite radio with a built-in charger. Milwaukee has this to say about it:

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This new jobsite audio solution delivers unmatched versatility for its size, allowing users to charge up, hang up, and turn up the sound with a full range speaker, a tweeter, and multiple hanging options.

Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio and Charger USB Smartphone Output

The radio can be powered via M12 battery or AC adapter, with the same 12V DC barrel jack also powering the battery charging feature.

There’s also a built-in USB charging port with 2.1A output.

Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio and Charger Rear Ports

Here’s a closer look at the rear ports. As minor a feature as it seems, I like that there looks to be a solid plastic port protector, rather than the typical flimsy rubber insert.

Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio and Charger Hanging on Loop

Milwaukee emphasizes the radio’s support capabilities. You can, for instance, loop rope or scrap wire through the tubular handle, allowing it to be hung from a variety of hooks or other implements.

Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio and Charger Hanging on a Hook

Or, you can simply place a large hook through the handle recess.

Finally, there’s also a self-centering keyhole built into the top handle.

Milwaukee 2951-20 M12 Radio/Charger Features & Specs

  • Bluetooth 4.2 for streaming music
  • 100 ft Bluetooth range
  • Full-range speaker and tweeter
  • AM and FM radio tuner
  • 10 Radio presets
  • 6′ AC adapter
  • 2.1A USB charging output
  • IP54 water and dust resistance
  • Dimensions: 5.39″ x 9.21″ x 5.67″
  • Weighs 3.68 lbs
  • “No-interference battery charger”
  • 10 hrs runtime with CP 2.0Ah battery

Milwaukee says that the radio has an impact-resistant exterior, serving to protect the internal components from drops, impacts, and other such tough conditions.

The press release also mentions the “no-interference battery charger,” which is definitely worth mentioning. I have used some other cordless jobsite radios in the past, and radio sound quality has almost always suffered whenever the battery charging function was used.

Streaming via Bluetooth seems to be more popular these days, but it’s also nice to be able to tune into a radio station. Plus, the charger is a big selling point. It’d be nice to be able to take advantage of the charging capabilities and radio tuner at the same time. Otherwise, you can save money and go with a Bluetooth-only jobsite speaker.

Price: $119 for the bare tool (2951-20)

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Discussion

While the new jobsite radio is priced higher than Milwaukee’s Bluetooth-only M12 wireless speaker, it’s less expensive compared to their other offerings, including the M12/M18 Bluetooth speaker.

So far, this looks to be a fully-featured new jobsite radio. The IP54 water and dust resistance rating is welcome, and it of course has AM/FM radio tuners and M12 battery charging functionality. These days, USB charging ports are the norm, and even essential.

We’re checking on the charging rate/time, but it’s generally expected that a product like this will be slower than a standard standalone charger. You buy a jobsite radio with built-in charger for the convenience, not the speed.

It might not sound important, but I think the box-like geometry is a plus – the lack of a fancy roll cage or odd shape means the new M12 radio is about as compact as possible.

I think it’ll be a winner.

Related posts:

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Sections: Cordless, Jobsite Radios and Speakers, New Tools Tags: Milwaukee 2951-20, Milwaukee M12More from: Milwaukee

« Makita Cordless Outdoor Power Tool Deal – EXCLUSIVE Coupon! (Spring 2020)
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37 Comments

  1. Chris says

    May 19, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    I may be misinterpreting this…
    Does this come with a cord like this as well?
    https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-107671-18AWG-Polarized-IEC-320-C7/dp/B009GUZ654/

    Or is it like the cord/wall wort that comes with Milwaukee’s fan?

    I would be much more interested if the power supply was built into the unit with a simple sturdy cord as the carry around.
    I’ve already had one fan power supply “lost” and the second one is a mangled mess with that wimpy cord that isn’t built with a job site in mind…

    Reply
    • RickD says

      May 19, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      Looks to me like the power supply is behind the flip down; next to the USB Charger. If that is the case; I would guess/fear a wall wart power supply and stepped down to 12 volts.

      Reply
      • Oscar says

        May 28, 2020 at 6:12 pm

        Looks just like my m12 inflator or roverlight

        Reply
    • Levi says

      May 19, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      Looks like wall wart, that how i see/interpret it. Using the 12v barrel connector.

      Reply
      • fred says

        May 19, 2020 at 4:38 pm

        When I saw it, I was thinking about this as a Xmas present for someone I know is a M12 user. But IMO wall-warts and skinny low voltage wires require some TLC – often not given them in regular jobsite use – and that’s a deal breaker.

        Reply
        • ToolGuyDan says

          May 19, 2020 at 8:23 pm

          Grab a 12 V power supply with sufficient amperage rating (and, may I suggest, waterproofing). (Optionally, semi-) permanently attach it to the radio, and run a cord from its output into the barrel connector. Run 110 V into your transformer with whatever cabling strikes your fancy.

          Reply
    • Big Richard says

      May 19, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      It is not like the one in the link. Like others have mentioned it is the 12v DC wall wart block plug with thin, flimsy low-voltage wiring. It’s a bummer. I also would much rather they build the power supply in the unit and make it a few centimeters larger and a couple ounces heavier.

      Their otherwise great M12/M18 2891-20 bluetooth speaker has a similar 18v DC wall wart, not cool. Not a deal breaker, but I prefer DeWalt’s design with their DCR010 Bluetooth speaker as it has a built in adapter and uses an AC cord like the one in the link.

      Reply
    • Stuart says

      May 19, 2020 at 9:27 pm

      Looks like a DC barrel jack to me, right next to the USB charging port.

      Reply
    • MangoMan says

      May 20, 2020 at 12:01 am

      If you are considering this, you’re probably into the M12 system. Just swap out batteries.
      Charge it at home or use your M12 battery charger if you want faster charging and a sturdy cord.
      Why worry about plugging in on the job site . The beauty of a battery operated radio is portability and not being tethered to a wire for power. A 10-hr run time seems reasonable. For a longer run time, use higher capacity batteries.

      Reply
  2. Chris says

    May 19, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Ooo looks great. Except that price tag. ? $120 seems quite steep. I was expecting $80-90. Hrm. Maybe someday.

    Reply
    • Sam says

      May 22, 2020 at 8:03 am

      its definitely enough, I paid 149 for my m18 speaker.. obviously no radio. but im still tempted to buy this unit at some point. I like size, the fact its a radio, and I can play music from my phone. I got like 4 6.0 m12 batts so whatever. works for me. lol

      Reply
  3. Champs says

    May 19, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    Not quite what I’m looking for.

    What we really need is a simple “Packout Power” module you can roll out and plug in to drive battery chargers and an AC outlet or two for what M18 can’t run. If they want to throw in a Bluetooth radio, OK fine, but it’s not the main event.

    To expand upon that, corded power would come from a surge strip submodule. It’s convenient to bundle for different markets, and nice enough that you’ll want it separately: smart cable management and an auto-switched outlet for dust collection, et al are features high on my list.

    Reply
  4. Dominique says

    May 19, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Wow I can’t understand they still launch new radio’s in 2020 whitout DAB+.
    Whitin a few years am/fm will be mostley gone in europe

    Reply
  5. Frank D says

    May 19, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Ooh that price tag.

    Will wait for Bosch …

    Reply
    • James C says

      May 19, 2020 at 7:23 pm

      I’m sure it will go on sale for $99 a few times a year.

      Reply
    • Johnny4 says

      Jun 1, 2020 at 11:37 pm

      What is Bosch launching?

      Their last 12V radio was underwhelming. A jobsite radio 2nd most important feature is to charge the battery it runs off of. Also why not include NFC pairing. My headphone have it and due to the convenience I never pair to my Powerbox anymore.

      Reply
  6. Bob says

    May 19, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    I wonder if the onboard power supply allowing full size job site style extension cords is problematic from a design/manufacturing point? It could be too big for the footprint, too expensive for the pricepoint (doubt it team red always is more expensive) or if the onboard power supply causes interference with radio/blutooth necessitating power conditioning options increaseing size and cost.

    Seems DeWalt runs these stupid wall wort plugs on their radios too. I know Dewalt years ago had a multi port 18v battery charger that ran off 110v extension cord. Had pass through outlets and a radio. I don’t think it had blutooth and i’m not sure the batteries could power the radio. But you would think at least 10 years later we would’ve figured out how to do this.

    Also Champ is onto something. I like the dedicated dust collection outlet idea.

    Reply
    • Adam says

      May 19, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      It could also be a heat issue. There are already a lot of electronics packed into a very small space, and an internal transformer wouldn’t help them stay cooler.

      Reply
      • ToolGuyDan says

        May 19, 2020 at 8:26 pm

        This is likely one half of the reason. The other half is that UL certification and managing waterproofing are both a lot easier when your transformer is off-the-shelf, rather than part of the certification package.

        Reply
  7. Planegrain says

    May 19, 2020 at 8:48 pm

    5.39” x 5.67” x 9.21”. 3.68 pounds. It looks bigger than that in the pictures. Really portable, I can see it on sale for $99.00 down the road.

    Reply
    • Planegrain says

      May 19, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      I’m still wondering if it has a bottle opener.

      Reply
      • Crop Dusta says

        Aug 11, 2020 at 12:42 am

        This. Right here. If it doesnt have a bottle opener, then its just about worthless to me. I need to use a bottle opener at least a hundred times daily, but I can never seem to find one when I need it. On top of that, the only store in my area that even carries them is ALWAYS sold tf out. Why cant we just live in an era where every multipurpose/tactical tool in existence comes with a built in bottle opener that never gets used because almost everything comes with a twist top?

        Reply
  8. John B says

    May 20, 2020 at 7:41 am

    So will the old model go for less than $100 now that it has competition?

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      May 20, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Which model?

      Reply
      • John B says

        May 20, 2020 at 12:08 pm

        2590-20. The long rectangular one.

        Reply
        • Stuart says

          May 20, 2020 at 4:40 pm

          I don’t think so, since there’s still a ~20% price difference between models.

          Reply
  9. Will says

    May 20, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Did you notice that this costs as much as the rectangular one used to amd they raised the price of that one to 150?

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      May 20, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      Other models increased in price too, which could reflect higher component costs.

      Reply
  10. Lance says

    May 20, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    “Up to 10 hours”

    On its lowest volume and on FM radio, probably. I’m betting most people will get only a few hours on a 2.0 battery, which only has about 22Wh of energy. If the amplifier is running at 10W and the electronics are using 1W, that’s about 2 hrs. At 4-5W, more typical probably, maybe 4-5 hrs.

    I would rather see them say it gets 6 hours at full power on a 6.0 battery. That would be a much more meaningful spec.

    Reply
  11. Kenneth Stephens says

    May 20, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    You can charge things through usb off of the old one as well

    Reply
  12. Dust says

    May 24, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    I would buy it if : they ditched the charger, and added a second speaker. Or at least included a dc car charger. But I really can’t be bothered to listen to mono.

    Reply
  13. Bob says

    May 26, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    To many radio’s from Milwaukee, they better make some new tools then redesign what they have already

    Reply
  14. Mike says

    May 26, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    Maybe it’s just me, but I really find the pricing on Milwaukee’s non-“tool” rechargeable items to be way out of line. I feel like just because it uses a milwaukee battery it shouldn’t cost 2-3 times what a consumer electronic company is charging for the same item with the battery built in.

    Reply
  15. Mr. X says

    Jun 29, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    I’m starting to think this radio is vaporware. I pre-ordered one on May 17, with the vendor claiming a ship date of 5/22. That date was changed to 6/22, and then 7/1. Today the ship date is changed to 7/17. To be fair to the vendor, they did say “subject to change”, but I think two months is too long to wait considering my credit card was charged immediately when I “pre-ordered”.

    I’m going to try to cancel my order. Wish me luck.

    Reply
  16. Robert West says

    Jul 26, 2020 at 12:37 am

    Does the radio come with battery?

    Reply
    • Stuart says

      Jul 26, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      Not usually. There are sometimes promos that bundle a bare tool with an M12 battery.

      Reply
  17. Rick terris says

    Sep 5, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    How do I take the [censored] battery out without such an aggravation!!! Seriously I’m not an idiot but I’m having so many problems with taking out the battery!!!!

    Reply

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