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9 best digital radios
After a compact digital radio that’s more than just part of the furniture? IndyBest finds small but perfectly-formed machines
You might need a more compact-than-average radio for a little bedside table or tight space on a shelf. Or you may want something small enough to carry to wherever you’re working or playing. We’ve found a range of devices with small footprints, that not only sound great, but are also a cut-above your average home technology in the style stakes.
1. Spectrum Duo DAB digital radio: £59.95, johnlewis.com
John Lewis’ Spectrum Duo radio is made for outdoor listening on sunny days. It has a soft-touch rubber finish in a range of bright colours, a 10m-range when connected as a Bluetooth speaker, and it can run off 4 type C batteries.
2. Sony XDRS40 Ultra compact digital radio: £39.99, amazon.co.uk
Don’t be fooled by the small size of this lightweight radio by Sony. It can store up to 20 preset radio stations, has a sharp LCD screen display, and can be used as either a DAB/DAB+ or FM radio. There’s a smart version in black as well as white.
3. BBC Children in Need Model 10+ digital radio: £149, tivoliaudio.co.uk
This limited-edition was made by Tivoli Audio for charity Children in Need. The wooden case features unusual waves of dyed blue wood, with a large backlit and display screen front and centre. It’s soothing design and alarm feature makes it perfect for the nightstand.
4. Goodmans Canvas DAB radio: £39, very.co.uk
This simple and stylish design lets its cover do the talking (especially vibrant in a copper finish). A range of controls are mounted along the top edge, leaving the front clear for a small but neat display and a grid of crosses rather than the usual speaker grille.
5. Wave Radio III: £196.57, bose.com
For superior sound quality, the Wave III by Bose is your main contender. The Wave is clear, powerful and much more than a radio: it also plays music from your iPod, the internet and playlists from any Bluetooth device.
6. Roberts Revival mini portable radio: £139.99, selfridges.com
It’s the vintage classic that shows no sign of fading. This compact version of the British favourite is ideal for picnics or afternoons spent outdoors as it has a built-in battery charger. The Revival range also updates the retro outer with the latest digital technology.
7. Spectrum portable shower radio: £49.95, johnlewis.com
Singing in the shower just got that bit more presentable, thanks to John Lewis’ minimal and robust Spectrum portable radio (pictured here in Azure). It has a 3W splash-proof speaker, easy-to-use controls, and there’s a headphone jack if you want to carry your tunes around the house.
8. Revo Supersignal DAB/Bluetooth radio: £179.95, revo.co.uk
Another one for radio-lovers who take their tech seriously. There’s a mini-joystick to control the OLED display interface; a massive 10W amplifier; the capability to play music via DAB, FM and Bluetooth; all housed within a very smart wood and aluminium case. It also comes with a remote control.
9. Ruark Audio R2 MkIII DAB/FM W-Fi Radio: £399, amazon.co.uk
The most expensive radio in our selection is something really quite special, combining style and performance. A slick walnut, black or white case houses the latest tech for listening via radio, Bluetooth, DAB, Spotify or Wi-Fi. It’s a very smart product, but to believe it, you really need to hear it.
Verdict
For our money, the Tivoli ticks all the boxes: it’s compact, sounds great and the usual design (for a very worthy cause) makes it a talking point. If you’re on a budget, John Lewis’ Spectrum Duo is a great-value buy, and there’s bound to be a colour you like.