The best DAB radios you can buy, at every budget
Streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music may dominate the headlines, but radio isn’t going anywhere. 89% of us tune in at least once a week, according to UK radio measurement body Rajar. And, while FM radio is still around, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) now accounts for most listening.
The benefits? You don’t need to tune, so DAB isn’t as fiddly and you’ll pick up the clearest sound quality.
Some of the best DAB radios also have Bluetooth connectivity, connectors to charge your phone, or the ability to add more of your favourite stations as presets.
Convinced? Read on for more about our picks for the best DAB radios in 2025, and a full buying guide below our roundup:
Jump to: How the GH Tech Team tests DAB radios | Verdict: Best DAB radios | What is the difference between DAB and FM radio? | What is DAB+? | Do DAB radios need an aerial? | How to choose the best DAB radio
Roberts Stream 94L
British radio brand Roberts has been around since 1932 and makes many models on our list, including this premium pick. The Stream 94L, an update to our previous top performer, is an excellent choice for a DAB radio with internet radio capabilities. It offers a clear and detailed sound, great style and intuitive setup.
Setting up the Stream 94L is straightforward: it has a small colour screen and a remote control for easy navigation. You can also control it through a smartphone app, which is a convenient way to manage your music playback and radio stations.
It delivers a well-rounded sound with a focus on clarity. Whether you're tuning in to FM, DAB/DAB+, or playing your favourite music streaming playlists via Bluetooth, it offers a dynamic performance. It also gives you loads of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm audio in, ethernet and USB support. Internet radio expands your options to thousands of stations worldwide, while it has compatibility with Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer too.
It is pricey, but good value if you take advantage of all the extra features. It isn’t our top choice for portability, though. The optional battery pack keeps it going for a bit longer when you're on the go but is bulky and only offers six to 10 hours of playback.
The Stream 94L ticks several boxes for a top-tier DAB radio with internet connectivity, especially as it looks stylish, sounds great and has a remote control.
Sharp Tokyo Portable
If you're after an affordable and small radio that works as well for on-the-go listening as it does at home, we recommend looking at the Sharp Tokyo.
This little radio does all the basics well, at a low cost. We like how it's super compact and lightweight, yet still doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker and has enough room for 40 preset radio stations.
We found it quick to set up, and like that it's powered via USB or four AA batteries, making it a convenient option to sit on the kitchen countertop, keep in the car or use out in the garden. The sound quality is decent for news broadcasts and talk radio, but we were a bit disappointed with the distorted audio for music at higher volumes. It can get loud enough to fill most rooms, but the poor sound performance when it's that loud will be noticeable. If well-rounded and rich audio is a priority, we'd consider other options on this list.
While not the most premium look, this has an appealing design that comes in black, blue, pink and white. It also gives you an easy-to-read display, and useful functions like dual alarms with a sleep and snooze timer, all at a weight that's lighter than a bag of pasta.
Pure Evoke Spot
The models in Pure's Evoke lineup are all high-quality DAB radio options for your home. We like that they all have a discreet flip-up screen. You can leave it down, or pop it up when you want to see a bit more information about the radio station you're playing.
It's a top option for the kitchen, as it has an elegant and simple design while also working as an "all-in-one" music system. It comes with built-in internet radio and Spotify Connect, making it ideal for streaming music over wifi.
Those wifi-based capabilities come in addition to the DAB+, FM and Bluetooth support. This amount of versatility is a great way to ensure you can enjoy the latest episode of your podcast, your Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify or your top radio stations, whether they're local or international, all from one device.
On test for our Pure Evoke Spot review, we found it delivers impressive sound quality from its speaker setup too. It'll work well whether placed on a bookshelf or kitchen countertop. Pure says its recycled wool front panel will be "virtually odourless in any environment" and we like both the "Cotton White" and "Coffee Black" finishes it comes in.
Given its features and internet radio capabilities, it's good value for the price, although it's worth knowing that it's not designed to work outside. If you want more power and versatility, we also recommend the larger Evoke Home. That delivers a big 100W of power and adds a CD player (along with a much higher price). There is also a portable version, the Evoke Play, which is compatible with an optional Pure battery.
Roberts Revival Petite 2
If you're after the best compact DAB radio, this is the one we'd go for. It's the smallest and most affordable model in the retro-inspired Roberts Revival range, and we love that the cute Petite 2 fits in the palm of our hands. That's what makes it an ideal portable option, especially as it has a built-in rechargeable battery and charges up via a USB-C cable.
This neat radio sounds excellent for its form factor, but can't get as loud as other models. That's unsurprising, given its tiny size. Roberts has taken everything good about the original Petite and improved it all. This now has a telescopic antenna for better reception, improved Bluetooth and alarm functionalities, and it has switched from the ageing micro USB port to a USB-C port for recharging.
It weighs a mere 430g and has enough battery power on a full charge to deliver 20 hours of playtime. That's more than enough for us. It's brilliant that it can work as a Bluetooth speaker too, and while it isn't protected against the elements it's still good for a punchy and satisfying sound from something so compact. It's easy and intuitive to use, and we have no issue when it comes to setting alarms and saving our favourite stations in the 20 slots available for presets.
We're big fans of this little retro radio. It's ideal as a gift for the music lover in your life or as your tiny player to bring with you, whether into every room of your house or on trips away from home. It also has the exact same price as the old Petite model, while being much more advanced.
Roberts Revival RD70
The Roberts Revival RD70 is a top pick that, like many of the brand's radios, is one we appreciate for its retro-inspired design. It's capable and portable, and the colour screen, able to display album artwork, makes it more distinctive than the budget options.
Despite its classic appearance, the RD70 doesn't compromise on performance. It has Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream your music from your smartphone, 20 preset stations, alarms, and a sleep timer. Its convenient carry handle and ability to run on AA batteries make it a worthy portable companion, whether that's to a picnic or while cooking in the kitchen. Just note, though, that it's not designed to be waterproof.
When it comes to sound quality, the RD70 impresses with its warm, punchy audio reproduction and clear, crisp vocals, making it particularly well-suited for speech content like talk radio and podcasts. It's a bigger radio than many on this list, and capable of blasting out enough volume to fill a medium-sized room.
While it may come with a higher price tag and without the wifi features of the Roberts 94i or 94L, it's a high-quality option for design and sound performance, and it's a great choice for a portable radio as it'll last for up to 25 hours when powered by four AA batteries.
Majority Little Shelford
The Majority Little Shelford is our top choice for anyone on a budget – it's a versatile and stylish DAB radio that costs under £50. It also offers a good combination of features and functionality, including portable battery-powered use, Bluetooth connectivity and a handy display.
With the flexibility to operate the radio either on portable power (with four AA batteries) or mains power, this is a solid option for on-the-go radio. We like how it also has a leather-look carry handle so it's easier to move around, and it's only 760g so it won't weigh you down.
It may be small, but it has the ability to receive DAB+ and FM radio along with Bluetooth support so that you can use it as a compact speaker too. The audio quality is decent, and the backlit LED display makes for a quick way to see station information and change settings. You're able to program in 20 preset stations for quick access and it has dual alarm functionality too.
We love that it comes in multiple colours – including duck egg blue, grey, red and cream – and that it's easy to set up and use compared to premium options with more confusing instructions and interfaces. Rivals that cost more will deliver better sound and the look of this model isn’t as sleek as it is on variants from Roberts. But it's a good all-rounder for its affordability, portability and impressive feature set.
Roberts Rambler BT Stereo
The Roberts Rambler BT Stereo radio is a great option if you're after a nostalgic 1970s design. This charming radio may have a vintage aesthetic but it still offers loads of handy features including alarms, Bluetooth and battery-powered use. The price isn’t the most budget-friendly, but it is still affordable compared to some high-end Roberts models.
It's compact and lightweight, and designed to be convenient to move from room to room. It has AA battery support for portability and a built-in handle, while its weight of just over a kilogram will make it manageable to carry around.
Its built-in Bluetooth also transforms it into a versatile speaker, allowing seamless streaming of music and podcasts from your smartphone, tablet or computer. It doesn't rival the power of larger competitors and it lacks internet radio functionality but, despite being small, it delivers solid audio quality.
We like the vintage design and the range of colours – with green, pink, pale blue, and navy available – that you can match to your decor. We think it's a great option to use at home for its style and portability, but there are better options with waterproofing to use outdoors. The Rambler BT Stereo is a reliable option for extra features too, including its 20 preset stations, alarms, and sleep timer.
Pure Woodland Mini
The Pure Woodland Mini is a compact DAB+ radio designed with outdoor adventures and garden listening in mind. With a durable IP67 rating, this little radio is protected from dust and water, unlike many others on our list, so it’s perfect for listening outdoors, whether you’re at a picnic or doing a bit of gardening.
It offers up to 17 hours of battery life on a full charge, and it delivers an impressive sound for its form factor, although, of course, it’s not going to sound as “big” as models with larger speakers inside.
The Woodland Mini also has Bluetooth on board, so it doubles as a portable speaker for playing your own playlists or podcasts wirelessly. We found it easy to use too, with intuitive buttons and an extendable aerial to improve radio reception. You can set up to 40 preset radio stations using the buttons on the top too, with each of the two buttons storing up to 20 DAB+ or FM programmes.
When you’re on the move, it’s compact enough to carry around in a bag and fairly affordable at around £70. Overall, we think the Woodland Mini is ideal for anybody after a versatile and affordable audio option for the outdoors, although it might be worth stepping up to the bigger Pure Woodland if you want a richer and fuller sound.
Ruark R2 Mk4
The Ruark R2 Mk4 is our choice for sound above all rivals. It's an expensive but remarkable all-in-one DAB radio that delivers exceptional audio quality. If sound is your top priority, it's a worthwhile investment.
The R2 Mk4 impresses with its rich, detailed sound reproduction. Whether you're streaming music via integrated services (Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer) or listening to FM, DAB+ and internet radio stations, it delivers an engaging listening experience across genres.
We love the radio's sophisticated design and think it adds an elegant touch to a space. The wooden slatted front, clear display and high-quality cabinet construction will make it eye-catching in the living room, kitchen, bedroom or wherever you place it.
It offers a great range of connectivity options too. It includes Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm headphone output, and that's in addition to its support for thousands of internet radio stations around the world.
It does lack voice control so won't work as a smart speaker. And we know that it's hard to justify the premium price. For those with a focus on sound and style, though, the smart look of the R2 Mk4 and its versatility as a Bluetooth and AirPlay speaker make it an excellent all-in-one home music system.
Pure Woodland
If outdoor protection is high on your priority list, you'll have noticed there aren't many DAB radios that come with waterproof ratings. Like its mini version, the Pure Woodland has a rugged yet lightweight design, with a reinforced casing, and dust and water resistance.
It has an IP67, which means it’s both dust-sealed and can survive being submerged in water. This should make it more than durable enough to withstand unexpected bumps or downpours. It's a good pick for picnics, barbecues, camping trips, or gardening sessions.
Beyond its robust construction, the Woodland impresses with its versatile functionality. It works as both a Bluetooth speaker and a DAB radio, so it's easy to switch from your podcast queue over to your favourite radio programmes. With a powerful 10W dual speaker setup, it also delivers a rich and warm sound for your outdoor gatherings this summer.
We like that the soft-touch carry handle makes it easy to grab and move around, and the three preset buttons allow you to store up to six top radio stations (three DAB and three FM) for quick access.
While its 14-hour battery life isn't as long as some rivals, it's more than enough for a day spent in the garden. It's worth noting that it comes in only one colour too, but the dark green is a good fit for outdoor use, and this is definitely the model we'd pick for durability and versatility.
How the GH Tech Team tests DAB radios
We test DAB radios the way you would use them at home. We look at how easy they are to set up and use, and how intuitive it is to set their alarms, switch them off and hit snooze.
We evaluate the sound quality (both for music and spoken word content) and check how you can access your favourite stations. This roundup features the best DAB radios from our tests along with picks from our rigorous research.
Verdict: Best DAB radios
For an at-home digital radio, we recommend the top-of-the-range Roberts Stream 94L for its internet connectivity, sound quality, simple setup and remote control. However, it comes at a high price, so we’d also recommend looking at the Majority Little Shelford if you’re keeping to a budget of under £50 – it’s a versatile radio at a lower price.
For on-the-go use, there are a few radios we love that work on battery power, including the Roberts Revival RD70, Rambler BT Stereo and Petite 2. These are all great for staying tuned into the radio while moving around the house. If you need an outdoor-ready option, though, we’d look at the Pure Woodland or the Woodland Mini – they're some of the only options we’ve seen with a proper waterproof rating.
When it comes to radios that are definitely staying put in your home, we can’t get enough of the sound quality from the Ruark R2 Mk4, we think the kitchen-friendly Pure Evoke Spot is versatile, discreet and capable and like the big screen and four alarm functionality of the Pure Siesta S6 for a bedside option.
What is the difference between DAB and FM radio?
DAB picks up the best signal, so you’ll get a more reliable listening experience. And you won’t spend ages twiddling with a dial to find the clearest reception – you only need to click a button or turn a control wheel to skip between stations.
You can listen to a lot more stations too – digital radios can potentially pick up 60 or more, while some FM ones can only receive around 15.
What is DAB+?
This may seem a little complex, but the main thing you need to know is that DAB+ is an improved version of the regular DAB digital radio standard that first arrived in the ‘90s.
DAB+ is more efficient, delivers better sound quality and broadcasts more stations. Not every British station has caught on and made the switch to broadcasting on DAB+ quite yet though.
Our recommendation? Get a radio that does both. Most, but not all, models launched in recent years will receive DAB+ transmissions. To help you find the best DAB radio for your needs, we’ve made sure all the ones in our roundup pick up this upgraded standard.
Do DAB radios need an aerial?
Like with FM, these models use a wire or a telescopic aerial (the typical metal aerial you imagine) to pick up signals. Wires are more discreet but tend to provide weaker transmissions than their telescopic counterparts.
How to choose the best DAB radio
These radios often allow you to listen to both DAB and FM. Some models have built-in wifi to access your favourite internet stations and music from your smartphone and streaming services. Most newer devices will have Bluetooth connectivity as well. Other things to consider include:
Sound quality
As we’ve said, DAB audio quality can far exceed that of FM. Sometimes radios also offer ways to control the music through dials or an equaliser menu (so you can tweak the bass and treble).
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the louder the volume can be without suffering from distortion. Wattage can range from 1W to over 20W. Want your radio to double up as a wireless speaker? Go for a higher wattage.
If you’re not playing at high volume, you can get away with less. Not all brands provide this information because it can easily be confused with sound quality.
Preset stations
You should be able to set a certain number of your favourite radio stations for quick and easy access. Some have dedicated buttons for this.
Alarms
Most radios will have a built-in alarm, either offering a selection of tones or letting you wake up to your favourite station.
Phone charging
Some models have ports so you can connect a cable and charge your smartphone. Some may have a built-in wireless charging pad too.
Battery power
Most DAB radios are mains-powered and need to stay plugged in, but some can fit batteries or have optional battery packs that make them portable.
Internet radio and wifi
Some will connect to your home wifi network and play internet radio stations. Because it’s online, internet radio allows you to listen to thousands of shows from all over the world.
Some internet-connected radios will also support streaming services like Spotify, Tidal and Deezer. You can also find Amazon Alexa-enabled options too.
Dimming displays
You don’t want the clock shining too brightly at bedtime, so look for a radio with a nighttime display. This button will brighten the clock briefly before it fades out. You can usually change the brightness manually, too.
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