![]() This is particularly handy if you want to save plug sockets when using your radio by your bedside. Many DAB radios, particularly alarm clock models, have one or more USB sockets for charging portable devices including your smartphone or tablet. If you prefer a wired connection or have an older MP3 player or other device, look for a model with an aux-in socket, although these are becoming rarer. NFC (near field communication) is simply an easier way of connecting via Bluetooth – instead of finding the radio in the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone or tablet, you can simply touch your device on the ‘N’ symbol on the radio. It allows you to stream internet radio, and any other audio on your smartphone, to your DAB radio – so you can listen to everything from podcasts and audiobooks to your personal music collection. Bluetooth, NFC and aux-inīluetooth is the secret to making a standard DAB radio ‘smarter’, without having to pay more for an internet radio. For some tabletop radios you can buy a separate battery charge pack, giving you the benefit of portability without the compromise on sound quality you often get with dedicated portable radios. We independently test the battery life of radios that come with battery packs included, or run on conventional batteries, to see if manufacturers’ claims stack up in reality. Some radios use dedicated rechargeable batteries which will recharge when the radio is plugged into the mains, even while you’re listening to it. Whether it’s to listen to ‘The Archers’ in the garden or catch up with the news on a camping holiday, it means you don’t have to stay within reach of a power socket. Battery powerĮven if you intend to use your radio at home, battery power can be a useful feature. No one wants the frustration of groggily battling with a poorly designed radio when they’ve just woken up. This way, you can easily buy yourself 10 more minutes in bed when needed. Snooze buttonĭedicated alarm clock radios are bound to have this, but if you’d prefer to use a tabletop-design radio by your bedside (for example, for improved sound quality), be sure to look for one with a prominent snooze button. If you and your partner need to get up at different times, look for a model with dual independent alarms, an increasingly common feature. The best will allow you to get out of bed in the nicest possible way: the alarm will gradually rise in volume rather than waking you up with a start, you’ll be able to select which days to set the alarm for (so you can have a lie-in at the weekend), and you’ll be able to choose how the alarm will sound – be it a buzzer or a radio station. You’d expect to find them on non-budget radios including models that aren’t dedicated alarm clock radios. Some might think that all radios have alarm functions, but it’s not always the case. To get the most out of yours, consider models with the following useful features: Alarms Best DAB radio features to look forĭAB radios are more than just broadcast devices. We’ve also found a surprising number of disappointing radios from the biggest brands. Some budget, fashion or nostalgia-focused radios in particular may look great, but can have tinny sound and awkward menus and buttons that are a frustrating pain to use. Make sure you're not influenced by cost, style or brand alone when deciding on a radio, as you could easily end up with one you'll regret buying. We’ve found Best Buys available for as little as £70, and disastrous models costing well over £100 that would be an expensive mistake to buy.Įxpect to pay £70-100 for a quality DAB and FM radio, and considerably more (£100-200) for a good internet radio. How much do DAB radios cost?ĭAB (digital) radios range in price from a surprisingly cheap £15 to well over £500, but our expert lab tests prove that paying more is no guarantee of quality. To see all our reviews of this type, head to our portable radio reviews. Pros: Easier to carry around and place anywhere, usually take up less space Portable radios can run off batteries, making it easier to move them around and away from power sockets. Portable radiosīest for: Moving from place to place, such as in the garden or on holiday To see all our reviews of this type, head to our alarm clock radio reviews. Pros: The easiest design to use when you’re sleepy, often have large screens which are ideal if you have poorer eyesightĬons: Usually have worse sound quality than tabletop radios ![]() They usually have easy-to-read screens and large buttons on the top, which are easy to hit when you’re lying in bed. ![]() Alarm clock radiosĪlarm clock radios are optimised for use on a bedside table. To see all our reviews of this type, head to our tabletop radio reviews. Tabletop radios tend to be larger and heavier than other types, meaning they can often sound better.Ĭons: Often take up more space, awkward to carry Best for: Use in the kitchen, living room or study ![]()
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