If you’re ready to dump your old FM radio and upgrade to a DAB digital radio, then there are plenty of options to choose from. Now that DAB has matured, most places in the UK can benefit from the wider selection of radio stations and crisp sound quality.
Digital Audio Broadcast radios have been around for over 20 years now, and don’t suffer from the same interference that can plague their FM equivalents. Where FM broadcasts steadily degrade in quality as reception strength drops, DAB radio remains crystal clear right up until the point where the reception drops below an acceptable level.
And even if you’re not that fussed, eventually you’ll need to buy a digital radio if you want to continue listening to radio in the future. Digital is scheduled to replace analogue - although a date for the switchover hasn’t been set just yet.
In this guide we’ll run through everything you need to know, some of the features to look out for to make the most out of your radio and our pick of the best five available to buy right now.
Quick picks: What are the best DAB radios to buy?
The best DAB on the market right now, for our money, is the Roberts Stream 93i - not only is it a first rate radio but also seconds up as a streamer so you can play songs from your Spotify account as well.
Roberts Radio Stream93i DAB/DAB+/FM RDS and WiFi Internet Radio with Three Way Speaker System
If that’s slightly out of your price range though, we suggest going for the Pure One Mini Series 3. At just under £50, this doesn’t have any fancy features, but will the sound quality is more than what you’d expect from such a cheap digital radio.
Is DAB available in my area?
Around 97% of the UK population are covered by DAB, so if you’re reading this in the UK, DAB radio is almost certainly available in your area. You can check the coverage in your area and find out which stations you’re likely to receive using this postcode checker. http://www.getdigitalradio.com/whats-on-dab/in-your-area/
Do DAB radios need a Wifi connection?
No, DAB radio uses a digital signal, but it does not require the internet or a computer. As long as you’re in an area that recieves DAB broadcasts, all you need to do is switch on the radio. This means that digital radio is free with no data charges.
Can DAB radios receive FM and AM stations?
The vast majority of DAB radios also have an FM and AM receiver. On average, getting a DAB radio will double the amount of stations you can receive.
What other features should I look out for?
Radio station presets
The radio station presets determine how many stations you can mark as your favourite. That means you can easily find them just by pressing one of the number buttons on the radio, or by scrolling through. The pricier models on this list can mark up to 120 preset favourites, whilst the cheaper ones can only manage 8 to 20.
Headphone jack
If you want to listen to the radio on your bedside privately, or whislt other people are asleep, then a headphone jack is one feature to definitely look out for.
Rewind and pause
This one isn’t a standard feature on a lot of DAB radios, but if you’re desperate not to miss any of that debate on Talksport, or want to go back and listen to that song on Absolute Radio again, then a pause and rewind feature is certainly something to consider.
Best DAB radios to buy
Roberts Stream 93i with Three Way Speaker System: The best DAB radio to buy
Price when reviewed: £135
The Stream 93i really is all things to all men. It’s not only an FM, DAB and internet radio, but it’s also a wireless music streamer. This means you can play music from your home PC or laptop, across your network from DLNA-compatible NAS devices, or via Spotify Connect.
If you’re expecting one of Roberts’ classic leather-clad radios then you’ll be a tad disappointed – the Stream 93i isn’t much of a looker – but it does combine a huge array of features with great sound quality.
Indeed, the Stream 93i produces a far bigger sound than you’d expect. Music is rich and full-bodied, and the extra speaker on the rear adds a good helping of bass slam. Whether you’re listening to classical or the heaviest drum and bass, this is a fine-sounding radio.
In addition to Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connections, there’s a USB port if you want to play your tunes from a memory stick, and there’s also a headphone jack for some solitary listening.
This Roberts covers everything you want in a radio. And to cap it off, it has an alarm function to wake you up in the mornings.
Roberts Radio Stream93i DAB/DAB+/FM RDS and WiFi Internet Radio with Three Way Speaker System
Key specs – Size: 24 cm x 20.5 cm x 13.0 cm; Weight: 1.9kg; Power: Mains (optional battery pack available); Radio station presets: 120; Remote control: Yes; Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Optional Bluetooth adapter; Antenna: Telescopic; Headphone Jack: Yes
Roberts Splash DAB/FM Digital All Weather Radio: The best for in the shower
Price when reviewed:£84
Roberts’s Splash is, as the name suggests, the ideal shower companion. It’s splashproof and also includes an LED torch – so would be ideal for your next camping trip.
The plastic body is pretty unexciting to look at, but it feels well-made and the controls are clear and easy to use. You can also fix it to a wall using the included wall bracket. That said, it might be a little large and heavy for using in the shower: it measures 23.5cm wide and weighs 0.9kg.
The single speaker provides clear, listenable sound quality, but the circular slide out antenna isn’t as effective as a traditional telescopic metal one – if you’re in an area with poor signal, you may struggle to get reception. It’s a shame that Roberts hasn’t included an alarm function or headphone jack, too.
The Splash DAB uses two chunky D batteries, and which should power the radio for up to 60 hours when listening to FM radio. On DAB radio you’ll get through batteries quicker, but do bear in mind that batteries aren’t included.
If you want a radio that’ll survive life in a bathroom, and the occasional camping trip too, then the Splash is a good choice.
Key specs - Size: 23.5 cm x 14 cm x 5.6 cm; Weight: 0.9kg; Power: Battery (optional mains adapter available); Radio station presets: 8; Remote control: No; Antenna: Wire; Water Resistant; Headphone Jack: No
Pure Siesta S2 DAB Alarm Clock Digital Radio: The best to wake up to
Price when reviewed:£69
If you’re tired of the same old buzzer waking you up every morning, and sick of sleeping through your smartphone alarm – then the Pure Siesta DAB radio/alarm clock hybrid is just the ticket.
As you’d expect for an alarm clock, most of the Siesta’s display is taken up by the time, but the name of the current radio station is also listed below. The display is visible from even extreme angles, and the backlight automatically adjusts to suit the ambient light – so it won’t keep you up at night.
The rounded plastic body has all the buttons within easy access on the top of the radio, and there’s a big Snooze button slap bang in the middle.
The Siesta S2 uses a wire aerial rather than a proper telescopic one, and although that maintains the sleek looks, it does mean you need a nearby wall or piece of furniture to attach it to in order to ensure a decent signal.
On its underside you’ll find a headphone jack to let you listen to the radio without disturbing anyone else in the room, and the power plug. The Siesta S2 is powered via a micro-USB socket, and the full-sized USB socket will charge smartphones or compatible devices – only slowly, though, as it has a low 1A output.
For such a small radio, the sound quality is good enough for waking up to. Crank the volume and you’ll hear the tell-tale crackle of distortion, but it’s fine at more sensible volume levels.
Key specs - Size: 13 cm x 5.7 cm x 13.7 cm; Weight: 0.5kg; Power: Mains (optional battery pack available); Radio station presets: 10; Connectivity: micro-USB Remote control: No; Antenna: Wire; Headphone Jack: Yes
Pure One Mini Series 3: The best for under £50
Price when reviewed:£44
The Pure One Mini Series 3 is a compact, affordable DAB radio. Best of all, as it weighs only 0.58kg it’s light enough to carry from room to room.
It works off the mains as standard, but if you want to go wire-free you can purchase Pure’s ChargePAK battery for around £28 which gives up to 20 hours of playback time.
The interface is nice and simple: clearly labelled buttons on the top of the radio partner with a chunky dial on the side of the radio. The backlit display is a bit on the small side, but the chunky text makes it legible from across the room, and it tells you the time and current radio station.
On the back of the radio itself there’s also a headphone jack and a 3.5mm auxiliary input socket so you can play music from your smartphone or tablet.
Key specs - Size: 14.3 cm x 14 cm x 7.8 cm; Weight: 0.58kg; Power: Mains (ChargePAK battery pack sold separately); Radio station presets: 16; Remote control: No; Connectivity: 3.5mm aux, micro-USB; Antenna: Telescopic; Headphone Jack: Yes