The best DAB radios outperform traditional FM/AM radios, offering clear sound without the usual interference. With stations now primarily broadcasting digitally, you’ll need a DAB radio to enjoy this improved listening experience, especially with traditional broadcasting increasingly being reduced or turned off completely.
The best DAB radios are the perfect update to the classic 'wireless' radio you had in the kitchen, home office, or garden. One of the perks of DAB is the effortless variety – you get a broader mix of music, news, and talk radio than ever, and it's easy to pick a few stations tailored to your tastes.
As with some of the best Bluetooth speakers, many of the best DAB radios come packed with features including mono and stereo arrays, access to internet radio stations, and Bluetooth streaming as well as the stations. Some choices can even give the best waterproof speakers competition thanks to decent IP ratings, meaning that can stand to be splashed or even dunked in in water.
We've tested the top DAB radio models to bring you our picks, whether you need a stylish kitchen companion, an alarm clock radio, or a portable option for travel. We're looking for easy controls you can use without thinking too hard, smart looks so that you'll be happy to have them in your home, and strong sound quality balanced with their price, of course.
The quick list
Get stuck in with our easy-to-browse list of the best DAB radios for different preferences. You can click to instantly jump to more full write-up of each model.
The best for most people
A great-looking, retro-styled DAB/FM radio with warm and enjoyable audio that's ideal for a kitchen counter or bookshelf.
The best petite option
A compact choice with portable battery life that does everything you could need from a DAB/speaker combo while looking incredibly cute.
The best for bedside tables
A nice-looking alarm clock radio and Bluetooth speaker that ticks all the boxes and is slim enough to fit on a bedside table or shelf.
The best high-end DAB radio
With exceptional build quality, a minimal, retro aesthetic and excellent sound, this Roberts DAB radio isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny.
The best value pick
A small, practical and budget device that brings you internet radio from your home's WiFi and DAB/DAB+/FM and Bluetooth streaming from a phone.
The best for pool-side
A portable and durable DAB/FM radio that also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. It'll last for 12 hours between charges and IPX7 waterproofing makes it perfect for holidays.
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The best internet radio
A DAB/DAB+/FM unit that adds internet radio, as well as podcasts and streams from a smartphone. It's portable and incredibly easy-to-use.
The best for the garden
A sturdy and simple-looking speaker that's built to last, with an impressive 14 hours of battery life. It's portable thanks to an added handle, so good for taking outside.
Best all-in-one system
This device isn't the cheapest in the list, but it's a Bluetooth speaker, DAB/FM radio and CD player rolled into one, which makes it an excellent all-in-one choice.
I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.
Recent updates
September 27, 2024
Updated the introduction with more information. Added a new 'What's the difference between DAB and internet radio?' section to our FAQs to make it easier for readers to figure out the best device for them. Restructured our 'how we test' section to focus on the key things to consider when looking for the best DAB radio for you.
The best DAB radios of 2024
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Below you'll see our full write-ups for each of the best DAB radios in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so these recommendations are based on real-world experience.
The best DAB radio for most people
There are few better sounding or looking DAB radios for a kitchen than the RD70. A retro-styled DAB/FM radio with a museum-like 1950s look, it brings the wireless bang up to date by adding a large colour LCD display and Bluetooth streaming from smartphones.
Its bulky size is a little too much for the average bedside table – and the colour LCD display is positioned on the top of the cabinet – so it makes for a less than perfect clock radio. However, its faux leather-covered wooden speaker cabinet produces easily enough mid-range and bass for warm-sounding sonics ideal for a kitchen or bookshelf. In fact, the only downsides are its bulky size, lack of internal rechargeable battery (it’s portable only if you feed it four AA batteries) and underwhelming Bluetooth streaming.
Read our full Roberts Revival RD70 review
The best petite option
The first thing when we noticed when we were testing the Roberts Revival Petite 2 was its cute looks and teeny-tiny size. In our review, we wrote that this is "a truly portable radio that can be easily tossed into your bag ready to emerge looking adorable." That's why it's our top choice if you're looking for the smallest DAB radio that also performs well.
With 20 hours of playtime it's great for listening on the move, whether you want to take it on holiday, camping, to the park or just use it around the house. As well as being easy to carry around, it's incredibly simple to set-up, too.
Expect crisp, clear sound that we called "surprisingly lively" in our Roberts Revival Petite 2 review. But don't expect powerful bass or high volumes at this size. This device isn't going to work for parties, in that case it probably makes sense to get one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers instead.
Read our full Roberts Revival Petite 2 review
The best DAB radio for bedside tables
What makes the Pure Siesta Charge stand out is – you guessed it – its charging capabilities. If your smartphone or phablet is compatible with Qi wireless charging, you’ll be able to leave it on top of this DAB radio as it fills up your battery.
It has a lovely sound, with simple customization options and presets, while all the practical alarm, timer and radio functions of Pure's popular Siesta range position it as a hugely practical bedside gadget. Not to mention an auto-dimming LED display and dashing glass screen.
Not everyone will make use of the wireless charging feature: but either way you're getting a sleek, well-designed DAB radio and speaker that's well worth a look.
Read our full Pure Siesta Charge Review
The best high-end DAB radio
An exceptional build quality, convincing retro design and good all-round sound quality rule on this excellent, if expensive, DAB radio that also deals in decent Bluetooth streaming. Available in cream, green and blue, the Roberts Rambler BT Stereo features a faux leather (vinyl)-covered carry handle and panels that stretch right across its back, with clean oak panels either side of a chrome and black speaker grille. It’s based upon the original ‘Rambler’ of the 1970s.
It’s primarily designed to look great in a kitchen or bedroom and have wide appeal; it sounds absolutely fine for both voice and music, but there are no EQ settings. We’re also slightly disappointed that a built-in battery is replaced by the need to insert four AA batteries, but there’s no doubting the quality of this DAB radio’s aesthetics and audio.
Read our full Roberts Rambler BT Stereo review
The best value pick
Digital radio is great, but don’t underestimate internet radio. Accessing international web-based radio stations, but crucially also their catalogues of podcasts, the utilitarian stone grey or charcoal Pure Elan Connect+ gets on your home's Wi-Fi and also offers DAB/DAB+/FM and Bluetooth streaming from a phone.
It does look somewhat plasticky and audio-wise it’s best suited to voice radio and background music, but it’s easy to use and has a large colour display. It’s also just 82mm deep so can slide onto any kitchen worksop or bookshelf without looking too dominating. Its slimness is also helped by it’s being charged not by a big power pack, but by a micro USB cable. Either way, the Pure Elan Connect+ is a great value all-in-one for kitchens, bathrooms and patios.
Read our full Pure Elan Connect+ review
The best for pool-side
The JBL Tuner 2 is a very portable and rugged DAB/FM radio that also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. The radio itself is excellent, but the pocketability of it means it has to have a relatively small speaker. It's perfectly fine for music and speech but it's not a radio you're going to use for a party. It's also worth noting that the Bluetooth here is 4.2, which doesn't have the range or bandwidth capabilities of more recent versions of the Bluetooth standard.
Despite those niggles, though, this is a typically well-built JBL speaker that's very easy to use and you can get up to 12 hours of radio playback between charges. The charger here is USB-C but you'll need to provide your own power adapter.
The USP here is IPX7 waterproofing, which makes it a particularly good option for travelling or for poolside listening: where many portable speakers are splash-proof, the Tuner 2 is much more protected against accidental drops and deluges. Perfect by the sink, by a pool, at the beach, or if it's in danger of getting hosed while you're watering the garden.
Read our full JBL Tuner 2 review
The best internet radio
Internet radio is different to offline DAB. With DAB you don't require an internet connection. With internet radio, you do. Internet radio streams data from the web, giving you more choice but you do need a stable, reliable internet connection. We say: why not both!
The Pure Elan Connect is a quick one-box solution for a kitchen or bathroom, this DAB/DAB+/FM unit adds internet radio and podcasts and streams from a smartphone. Its large 2.4-inch colour LCD display makes it a standout, though just as useful is its portability.
Sadly there’s a need to use four AA batteries (a built-in lithium-ion would have been better). Slimmer than most of its competitors and using a micro USB cable to charge, it’s well-suited to kitchen sides and bookshelves. If you want stereo there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack on the rear. Its mono speaker delivers sonics good enough for clear spoken word radio and background music, though it never gets close to audiophile-quality.
Read our full Pure Elan Connect review
The best DAB radio for the garden
The Pure Woodland DAB radio is our top pick for the garden, because it's portable, boasts a good 14 hours of battery life and has some solid waterproofing – in short, it won't let you down. As we wrote in our Pure Woodland review: "it’s just asking for you to hook it up to a tree on a hot summer’s day."
During our testing we found the DAB radio element incredibly easy to set-up. All you need to do is pull up the antenna and you’re ready go with the DAB radio, which automatically tunes in and the FM radio only a few steps away. It worked well for us, giving us plenty of suitable options with the LCD screen highlighting what station is playing.
In our review we wrote that the Pure Woodland isn't going to be an audiophile's dream. However, it has everything most people would need, including a reasonable soundstage, some power and performance and clear vocals – ideal for radio shows.
If you want a reliable portable speaker/radio combo, the Pure Woodland is a top choice. It's not the smallest in our guide, but it is easy to carry around.
Read our full Pure Woodland review
The best all-in-one DAB system
If you like the idea of a DAB radio but also want other ways to play music, consider an all-in-one solution, like the Pure Classic C-D6. It includes a DAB/FM radio, CD player and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, enabling you to stream your music from any other device.
Despite the fact this is a comprehensive system, it's very easy to get started with the DAB radio. Just plug it in and leave it to pick out dozens of DAB radio channels before you highlight your presets.
The sound is good and powerful, but not sonically brilliant. In our review, we wrote: "No one is buying the Pure Classic C-D6 and expecting energetic audio that captivates you in every way – reliability and convenience rule all here." That doesn't mean the audio is poor quality it's bound to appeal to most people.
Like a lot of the options on this list, it has retro styling with a premium look. It's big and designed to sit in the corner of a room or on a sturdy shelf. If you want portability, look elsewhere in this guide. The Pure Classic C-D6 isn't cheap, but it does have everything you need wrapped into one great-looking device – you don't need anything else in your set-up unless you're an audiphile.
Read our full Pure Classic C-D6 DAB radio review
How we test the best DAB radios
We test a lot of audio gear every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. There are times when sticking the radio on simply can't be beaten and we want you to experience that at its best. To make this guide, we consider the size of the screen (if there is one), features, number of presets and, of course, sound quality.
Features: It's important for us to compare the performance of each product against the specs claimed by its manufacturers, which is why we take the time to ensure the battery life (in portable models), connectivity, screen size (when there is one), number of presets, feature set and sound quality is as good as the brands say it is.
Performance: We make sure to test each model in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you can be sure that the product will work just as well in your home, in whichever spot you've chosen to put it. We live with these radios in our homes to make sure that the performances are consistent, and we don't finalise our testing until we are certain of how the devices sound.
Sound quality: On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and across FM, DAB and Bluetooth streaming if the product supports it, to ensure that the radio can handle everything from death metal tracks to softly-spoken poetry jams.
Having spent more years in this game than we'd care to admit, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the DAB radios in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it.
Best DAB radios: FAQs
What's the difference between DAB and internet radio?
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio uses digital signals that are broadcast over the airwaves. This means you don’t need an internet connection to listen to it, just a DAB-compatible radio.
Internet radio streams audio through an online connection, offering a wider range of stations. But this means you need Wi-Fi or mobile data for it to work.
The best one for you depends on your circumstances. For example, DAB is more reliable in areas with weak internet coverage, while internet radio provides more global station options.
Which is better: DAB or FM?
If you're still using an analogue FM radio, it might be time to switch over to a digital radio instead. That's because DAB radios offer a wider range of stations to choose from and the sound tends to be crisper as there's less disturbance.
Saying that, digital radio overage worldwide still isn't as extensive as AM/FM radio - but that's only because analogue radio has been around for longer. DAB radio will soon catch up.
Do DAB radios come with Bluetooth?
Not always, but a lot of newer DAB radios do, which means you can use them as Bluetooth speaker to stream music from your phone, though they often cost a little more than ones that don't. We'll always highlight this on products we recommend.
Latest updates to the best DAB radios guide
September 27, 2024
Updated the introduction with additional information. Added a new 'What's the difference between DAB and internet radio?' section to our FAQs to make it easier for readers to figure out the best device for them. Restructured our 'how we test' section to focus on the key things to consider when looking for the best DAB radio for you.
