The 12 best portable radios for listening on the go in 2025

The Roberts Revival Petite 2 is a charming blend of vintage style and modern tech, delivering excellent sound quality and a touch of nostalgia, all in a compact package.

Small but mighty, the Petite 2 offers DAB, DAB+, and FM radio, with clear audio across a variety of stations. Its rotary dial makes station changes and settings adjustments easy, while buttons for volume and mode switching keep things simple. New to this version are an alarm function, improved Bluetooth streaming, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 20 hours.

Expert techy William Austin-Lobley shares his thoughts: "The style is a real highlight, but it's the sound that impressed me most. The 40mm speaker provides clear, balanced audio, perfect for music and talk radio. It's not bass-heavy, but handles everything well for its size. The 20-hour battery life and sturdy build add to its charm, though the dim OLED screen is a slight let-down. Still, it's a delightful little radio I’d happily recommend."

Sometimes less is more and we find this little Majority Histon to be a refreshingly simple portable radio. It sets out to do just a couple of things and do them well – digital radio courtesy of DAB (and DAB+ for  even more stations), and good old FM. It's powered by a mains adapter as well as four AA batteries if you need to take it into the garden on a nice day. There's a headphone jack, so you can grab some wired headphones for private listening if you need it. While the front is all speaker grill with a clear LCD display for channel information, the top of the Histon is a row of ten buttons for all of the usual functions including presets and buttons to switch stations and modes. Our reviewer Chris Duffill tested the Histon and had this to say:

"Despite having tested my fair share of large portable speakers, I do like a bit of casual listening if I'm pottering in the shed or working on a project in the office – which is precisely when you need something small and neat that can be perched on a shelf or windowsill. Thankfully, this Histon has been designed after the mini transistor radios of old, being around the size of a  thick paperback book. Tuning and reception are great, too.

"I do find this many buttons in one row a little fussy, but they are clearly labelled and keep the front and sides of the radio clean. Sound wise, it's a little better than what you might expect from something this small – it's very listenable, just don't expect deep bass or a tonne of range. Volume levels were good, with the maximum being loud enough for casual listening in the average room.

"The only niggle I have with the Histon's design is the placement of the power input as it's next to the headphone jack on the right side. I think it would have been neater to have this on the back instead. Lastly, for anyone who's ever been frustrated with small radios like this falling over too easily, the base of this widens at the bottom and has rubber feet to prevent slipping. All in all, if you want an affordable portable DAB and FM radio to tuck away into those nooks and crannies around the home, I think the Majority Histon is a star buy."

The Azatom DAB radio is a great choice for those on a budget. Its oak finish and white front panel give it a stylish look, though the materials feel a bit less premium. While the bass isn't as deep as pricier models, the sound quality is solid for the price, and the volume is impressively loud for just £30.

With a traditional button interface and a control knob, navigating through 60 stations is simple and intuitive. Clearly labelled buttons make it especially user-friendly for younger listeners or those less confident with tech, avoiding the complexity of multipurpose controls.

One notable difference is its use of AA batteries instead of a rechargeable option, which may divide opinion. Still, if you're after a dependable, attractive DAB radio that delivers on sound, this is an excellent value pick.

The Roberts Revival RD70 will bring a stylish touch of retro charm to any home. Its classic blocky design, sturdy handle, and golden emblem make it stand out on this list, while the speaker delivers a warm, rich sound – making it our choice for the best portable radio for sound quality.

Although slightly heavier than expected, the handle makes it easy to carry, and the weight feels like a fair trade for the quality. With Bluetooth and an AUX port, you can easily switch between headphones or external speakers. It's also a perfect centrepiece for any coffee table.

William Austin-Lobley, who reviewed the RD70, said: "This is one of the most stylish and well-made DAB radios on the market. The dials feel robust, the display is bright and easy to read, and the sound quality is exceptional. However, the reliance on disposable AA batteries is outdated, and the optional rechargeable pack costs an extra £40, which feels unnecessary after the initial investment.

"Despite this, the Roberts Revival RD70 is a fantastic choice for anyone who values timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and beautiful sound."

The Groov-e Vienna DAB radio does more than you'd expect for a compact, understated radio. Measuring 23cm (about 9 inches) wide, it's matt black, lightweight and has a small LCD display on which stations, songs and settings are listed. A three second press of the power button switches the radio on, and a short press turns it off. Volume is controlled by the dial on the side.

All in all, it provides an intuitive and straightforward way of listening to your favourite stations. Plus, and this was great to see in a radio which can be picked up for less than £40, it has Bluetooth connectivity which means it can link up to your phone in a split second. Perfect for listening to songs of your own choosing via Spotify or Apple Music, for instance.

David Ker tested the Vienna over the course of a couple of weeks and had this to say: "What I really liked about this product from Groov-e is that it looks and feels like the sort of radio which would have been seen in potting sheds, garages and kitchens across the country years ago, but is much more advanced.

"Yes, it offers FM radio and the ability to preset stations (you can tune up to 40) but the digital element also ensures clear audio, while the ability to charge it means you're not tied to positioning it near a plug socket or buying disposable batteries. Four hours connected to the mains via the included USB cable provides plenty of power so that you can take the radio with you wherever it needs to go.

"Additional features include a headphone jack and an alarm function (it sounds a buzzer or plays a radio station). However, you'll need to have the radio connected to an outlet to take full advantage of the latter.

"While you won't get exceptional audio quality at this price point, with the Groov-e Vienna you do get perfectly serviceable sound as well as excellent portability and some very welcome extras like Bluetooth."

The VQ Dexter is a smart little radio that will be just at home in your kitchen as it is handy for days out. At only around 25 centimetres long, we love that it can be tucked into those nooks and crannies in your kitchen – ideal if you're running low on shelf or windowsill space. Best of all, the design is refreshingly simple but with a touch of class. The wooden-style casing that runs around it frames the front speaker, display and controls very nicely, making it really complementary to any room.

As for the radio, it has both DAB and DAB+ (the latter gives you even more stations) and of course FM for anyone who wants more traditional listening. There are handy presets so you can get to your favourite stations at the touch of a button, not to mention a headphone jack if you're using this at night or out and about. We also think that the four AA batteries make this a very practical choice for anyone who wants to grab it, put it in with the picnic things and head out for the day. Some users do say, however, that depending on how long and how loudly they use it, those four AA batteries can have a short life. So, we recommend buying some rechargeable ones to save money (and help the planet).

Tech reviewer Chris Duffill tested the VQ Dexter: "I was pleasantly surprised by the weight and build quality of this. Despite being quite small, it certainly has a quality feel – especially the wood-effect sections of the design. I really like the warmer tones that it adds to my kitchen. I found the reception of this DAB radio excellent and better than many I've tested, and the sound is also a bit weightier than I expected for such a compact 3W speaker.

"I took it into the garden on a sunny morning and it lasted the day on the AA batteries I fitted it with, but I would definitely recommend investing in a couple of sets of rechargeable ones if you're planning on enjoying your music or talk radio on a long weekend away.

"Lastly, the controls are very intuitive and I found it easy to store my favourite stations as handy presets. I'm not sure when I would need to use the headphone port, but I'm glad it's there. All in all, I think this radio is a step up from most others of this size, particularly in the design and build, and is highly listenable. Just don't pop it next to the kitchen sink, as it's not waterproof or water resistant."

If you love to accompany a morning shower with your favourite tunes, the JBL Tuner 2 portable DAB radio could be just the thing.

With a sleek, modern design (and a touch of retro charm thanks to its antenna), it's much easier to move around than chunkier models that require a dedicated handle. Doubling as a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker, you can easily stream your Spotify playlists. And with up to 12 hours of battery life, it's perfect for taking your music wherever you go – no plug needed.

While it only has five presets (lower than most of its competition), it's hardly a dealbreaker if you tend to stick to your favourite stations. As my fellow tech writer Kyle Purves puts it: "As a standalone speaker, it may not stand out. But as a Bluetooth speaker DAB radio combo, it's brilliant. Lightweight, portable, and with excellent audio clarity, it's my go-to for radio on the move."

This dependable, portable, and waterproof DAB radio is a fantastic find for under £50. Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker and traditional radio, it's perfect for relaxing in the garden and working from home. And with a 10-hour battery life, you can enjoy extended use without frequent recharging.

Despite its compact size, the 5W sound performs well for the price. When I tested it, the volume was surprisingly powerful – ideal for outdoor use. While the audio isn't premium quality, it's more than adequate for casual listening.

The device has six buttons on top and five on the side, making it easy to control music, radio stations, and volume. It also comes with an AUX cable for connecting non-Bluetooth devices via a wired connection, as well as a charging cable.

The Lenco PDR-046 is a compact, modern DAB radio with a sleek design featuring a bamboo top and an easy-to-use control panel. The colour LED screen is bright, clear, and simple to navigate, while the rechargeable battery offers a decent seven hours of playtime, with quick top-ups via USB-C – the same sort of connection which you might use to charge smartphones, laptops and other devices.

Its standout feature is the sound. Despite modest 2.5-watt speakers, the audio is warm and well-balanced, avoiding the tinny quality often found in smaller radios. The eco-friendly design uses plastic with wheat fibre and natural bamboo, though the shell's finishing could be tighter in places.

After testing, William Austin-Lobley said: "I loved the programmed station buttons for quick access to DAB+ stations and enjoyed clear podcast playback over Bluetooth. The sound quality, enhanced by a passive radiator, is rich and warm. While the seven-hour battery isn't ideal, it's fine for home use near a plug. Overall, a charming little radio."

The Majority Little Shelford DAB+ radio is a compact and charming option for adding music to your day, whether perched on a shelf or desk. It's versatile and simple to use, with DAB, FM radio, and Bluetooth speaker functionality. The bright display and easy buttons make navigating up to 20 presets a breeze.

Its retro design, especially the plastic-like gold finish, may not be to all tastes, but it has a certain charm. While the sound is a touch tinny due to its size, pairing it with additional speakers can elevate the experience.

Tech expert Chris Duffill said: "Out of the box, I liked its neat design and angled, easy-to-see and use interface. Setting up stations and presets was intuitive, and the audio quality surprised me. It's not audiophile-level but enjoyable, even at full volume.

"Lightweight and portable with optional battery power, it's perfect for moving from room to room. Just keep it indoors as it's not weatherproof. For its price, it's a solid, stylish little radio."

Pocket-sized, this portable Roberts Sports DAB5 is ideal if you're looking for a radio with a wide range and breadth of stations, to suit your many tastes. Tune into the world of digital radio to enjoy crystal clear shows and save your favourite 10 to the built-in presets.

A customer commented that this was "one of the best radios [they've] ever had." They explain that the radio picks up all the stations in their area, the battery lasts well (for over 15 hours) and is easy to program. Sounds perfect for any of us a little scared of tech! It's an intuitive, pocket-size wonder.

Battery-powered and made for headphone use, this is great for on-the-go. Though the battery-powered aspect may not suit all, the model is ideal for private listening – made only for earphones.

The Roberts Revival iStream 3L is a gorgeous blend of old and new, taking the classic Revival design and adding all the modern features we've come to love. More than a radio, the iStream 3L is a smart speaker. With access to DAB, DAB+, FM, and internet radio, it opens up a whole world of listening possibilities. And that's not all. You can easily stream your favourite music from Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music, and dive into thousands upon thousands of podcasts.

Its 1950s-inspired design brings elegance to any room, and the large, easy-to-use display makes browsing through all your options a breeze. That said, it might take a moment to get used to all the features if you're not too confident with technology. Available in a range of colours, including a stunning Midnight Blue, you're sure to find one that feels just right for your space.

When it comes to audio quality, the Revival iStream 3L doesn't disappoint. It has a lovely, balanced sound with clear vocals and just the right amount of bass and treble. The built-in Bluetooth makes it even more adaptable for how you want to listen. Perfect for long, relaxed listening sessions, this little beauty is bound to become a favourite in your home.