Since the switch over to digital audio broadcasting, people have enjoyed better audio quality and a wider selection of radio stations to choose from. Here are 10 of the best DAB radios of 2018 that lets you listen to your favourite radio stations, with some models having other useful built-in features such as an alarm clock and Wi-Fi streaming.
Scroll across at the bottom of the table / mobile and tablet users just swipe... Roberts Stream 93i |  Sony XDRS40 |  Goodmans Canvas |  Roberts Classic DAB2 |  Roberts Blutune100 |  Roberts Sports DAB |  Roberts Sound 38 |  Roberts ChronoDAB |  Roberts ECO4 |  Roberts Unologic | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||
| Our Rating |  |  | |  |  |  | |  | |  | Our Rating |
| Summary | Stream music wirelessly from your computer and the Internet. | Extra portable slim design, perfect for travel purposes. | Slim, lightweight and affordable makes this an attractive choice. | Compact, robust and an affordable DAB radio. | Plenty of listening options - Bluetooth, CD & smartphone docking. | Compact listening with an integrated loudspeaker for those on-the-go. | CD radio combined with live pausing and an alarm clock. | Well built with a large display & plenty of clock functions. | Environmentally saving and energy saving rechargeable radio. | Lightweight, portable and environmentally friendly rechargeable radio. | Summary |
| Colours | Black | Black / White / Red | Copper / Steel / Ruby / Apple Green | Black | Dark Wood | Black | Black | Black | Black / White | Black / White | Colours |
| Internet Radio |  |  | | | | | | | | | Internet Radio |
| Wi-Fi | | | | | | | | | | | Wi-Fi |
| Auto-Tuning | | | | | | | | | | | Auto-Tuning |
| Station Presets | 120 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | Multi | N/A | Station Presets |
| Live Recording | | | | | | | | | | | Live Recording |
| Listen Again | | | | | | | | | | | Listen Again |
| Radio Alarm | | | | | | | | | | | Radio Alarm |
| Rechargeable Battery | | | | | | | | | | | Rechargeable Battery |
| Ports | - Auxiliary In - Headphones - Line Out - USB - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - Line Out - 4 x AA Batteries - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - 4 x AA Batteries - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - USB (updates) - 6 x LR6 Batteries (AA size) - DC In (mains) | - CD Player - iPod/iPhone Dock - Auxiliary In - Headphones - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - DC In (mains) | - CD Player - Headphones - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - USB (updates) | - Headphones - Line Out - USB - 4 x LR20/D Batteries - DC In (mains) | - Headphones - USB (updates) - Auxiliary In - AA Batteries - DC In (mains) | Ports |
| Remote Control | | | | | | | | | | | Remote Control |
| Weight | 1.9kg | 445g | 345g | N/A | 2.8kg | 124g | 1.1kg | 860g | 1.1kg | 577g | Weight |
| Dimensions | 205 x 130 x 240mm | 95 x 180 x 36mm | 110 x 185 x 60mm | 140 X 240 X 70mm | 329 x 113 x 220mm | 56 x 102 x 23mm | 138 x 132 x 168mm | 110 x 230 x 75mm | 247 x 150 x 83 mm | 202 x 140 x 70mm | Dimensions |
| Price | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | Price |
| Roberts Stream 93i | Sony XDRS40 | Goodmans Canvas | Roberts Classic DAB2 | Roberts Blutune100 | Roberts Sports DAB | Roberts Sound 38 | Roberts ChronoDAB | Roberts Duologic | Roberts Unologic |
Top Features | Best DAB Radios
- Our Rating – This is based on our own research in product testing and user feedback. Clicking on each product takes you to the product page where you can read customer reviews on the product you’re interested in.
- Best Value / Top Rated / Top Specs / Best Choice – Products that we consider to excel in a certain area such as value for money, reputation or technology have been given one of our aforementioned labels of recognition.
- Internet Radio – This allows you to receive worldwide radio channels through your Internet connection. You can also access your music collection via the Internet.
- Wi-Fi – Certain models allow you to stream the radio or music directly from a computer wirelessly.
- Auto-Tuning – The DAB radio will automatically find radio stations for you.
- Station Presets – How many radio stations can you store as favourites so you can easily access them whenever you want?
- Live Recording – Record your favorite radio stations live and listen back to them whenever you want.
- Listen Again – You never have to worry about missing a radio broadcast again, as this feature allows you to replay it.
- Price – If you want to know the price of any of the models, just click on the Buy Now button or Check Price and you’ll be redirected to the product page. The reason we don’t put prices is because they constantly change and there are so many sellers offering different prices.
Here’s a short video explaining what DAB radio is and its advantages.
Why Buy a DAB Radio?
The radio has improved a lot over the past years and it is still widely used by people for the latest news, sports, music, weather and travel information. This makes it ideal for everyone particularly the elderly as most prefer the radio to the TV with the classic radio stations on offer.
With today’s radios, you no longer have to hear static or waste time tuning your dial trying to find your favourite station thanks to DAB radios.
DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting which means radio is broadcasted digitally through a network of transmitters. DAB radios were released in the later 1990s and their popularity grew as well as the coverage area of DAB broadcasts.
DAB radios offer more options and are a lot better than standard radio, this is why so many people have invested in them. The benefits to a DAB radio are:
- Sound Quality: DAB technology picks up digital signals only and then locks onto the shortest signal which helps to eliminate the static and crackle sounds.
- Simple to Use: There is no need to tune the dial to find a station or the best reception because DAB radios are set with radio stations by name which can be easily selected with auto tune and auto scan.
- Pre-Set Stations: They’re pre-set with popular and well known radio stations. There is also the option to add more of your favourite stations in pre-set mode.
- More Stations to Choose From: A wide range of stations that are available on DAB radios are digital only stations so you would not be able to find these on analogue.
- Display Information: They can provide information on the current song that is playing on the radio. This text is displayed on the display screen.
- Better Coverage: You are able to pick up more radio stations in your area and can check which stations you can receive with your postcode.
The UK broadcast industry and Government has made Digital Radio Switchover a priority which requires national digital coverage to meet at least 97% of its FM equivalence. This includes DAB digital radio coverage on motorways and A roads to ensure drivers are kept updated.
Currently, DAB radio is being upgraded to DAB+ which uses the same transmitters and broadcast technology but uses a more modern digital sound encoding system. However, this is currently not used in the UK just yet.
DAB Radio Coverage
There are some models that are built in with internet radios which is ideal if you are in a remote area with no DAB radio coverage but have a Wi-Fi connection instead.
Internet radio can pick up stations directly from the internet via the Wi-Fi. You can also access your digital music stored on your PC without having to turn it on.
Radio is widely listened to when you’re in the car as many people tend to tune in to their favourite station for up to date travel information.
New cars tend to come fitted with digital radio already but if you don’t have it already, your car can be adapted for this. Your car aerial will also need to be changed to ensure you get the best coverage.
Looking for a good old fashioned radio CD player instead? Then head over to our Top 10 Best Radio CD Players.
What to Look for in a DAB Radio
DAB radios come in many shapes and forms. There are many things to consider before you purchase one to ensure you make the most of your DAB radio.
For example:
- What will you be using your DAB radio for?
- How often will you be using it?
- Will you be moving it around the house or using it out of the house?
There are DAB radios that come with an inbuilt iPod/iPhone docking stations which is ideal if you want to play your own music from the speakers.
It also saves on space and money as you don’t pay have to pay extra for a separate docking station. There are also ones with inbuilt CD player, MP3 system or micro hi-fi systems if you do not own an iPod/iPhone. Alternatively, some DAB radios are built in with aux input which allows you to play music from your phone or tablet via the wire.
NFC or Bluetooth enabled radios offer the option for streaming from your phone as long as your phone is also enabled with these functions. Having this option may be more ideal as there is no need to purchase a separate wire to connect your phone to the radio.
DAB radios with a clock function gives you the option to wake up to the sound of the radio or you could set it to the time you want the radio to turn on. Some radios even show an Electronic Programme Guide so you can check what is on each station over the next week or so.
In addition, DAB radios can also record and playback anything you miss. Or you can pause and rewind live radio.
With portable DAB radios, these can be mains operated or battery operated. This allows you to easily take the DAB radio from room to room in the house or out of the house. The weight of the radio will need to be taken into consideration in this case. Alternatively, there are personal DAB radios that can be taken with you when you are out and about.
The only problem with smaller portable DAB radios is the sound quality which can be a bit thin and not as powerful due to the smaller speakers. However, if you plan to use your radio on a daily basis then you may want a better sounding radio. There are many designs with large speakers that offers good bass with a more powerful sound.
Many portable DAB radios tend to take C-type batteries which can get quite costly so it may be worth investing in one that requires 4 or less of these in order to save some money. There are a few that uses 6 batteries and some brands offer rechargeable battery packs specific to their radios.
Making Your Purchase
If you are purchasing for an elderly person, look for DAB radios that are simple to use. For example, many DAB radios will come with a few simple buttons with clear functions and large dial control for volume.
Positioning is important as well so it can be easily accessible. A large and clear display screen would be ideal too so it is easier to see information, the menu and the EPG.
Ensuring you purchase the right one, it will make your investment worthwhile helping you to save money and space. After all, we are living in an age where people like to have one piece of item that does many different things.
One last thing to bear in mind, be sure to look for the digital radio tick mark which means the radio has FM, DAB and DAB+ so it is future ready. This is the technology that is being standardised across Europe. It will be able to receive stations when it is ready in your area.