Looking for a new radio can be a daunting task, with an overflowing marketplace and acronyms seemingly making the task of finding the best radio near impossible. As Freddie Mercury once sang, "Radio, someone still loves you". That someone is Yours and you, the reader. The humble radio is a simple and valued companion, bringing us everything from the latest news alerts to the latest songs. From weather reports to comedy shows, the radio has always had a lot going for it. Nowadays, thanks to the advent of DAB digital radio and internet radio, it has even more.
Best radio at a glance:
• Best radio overall: Roberts Revival RD70 - View offer on Amazon
• Best radio for sound: Pure Evoke H4 - View offer on John Lewis
• Best radio for budget: Bush Wooden DAB Radio - View offer on Argos
• Best radio for portability: Roberts Radio Play10 - View offer on Amazon
To help you find the best radio for your needs, we've rounded up only the very best radios around. Many of our picks are capable of picking up FM frequencies, as well as DAB radio and DAB+ stations. There is even an option for accessing internet radio, which will grant you access to over 100,000 radio stations from around the world. If you find yourself in the dark about any of these terms, be sure to read our quick terminology guide at the bottom of this page.
Here are our picks for the best radios available. We've included larger options that are ideal for in-home listening, smaller options for gardens and bedside tables and even a wind-up option for those just-in-case moments.
The best radios
Best wind-up radio
![Crank-Solar-Radio-Degen-DE13-FM-AM-SW](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2022/10/Crank-Solar-Radio-Degen-DE13-FM-AM-SW.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
A wind-up radio is absolutely incredible - it really is the perfect gadget for emergency situations, or when staying away from a power outlet, for it can be powered by winding it up as well as through solar power. The DEGEN DE13 Cranked Solar FM AM SW Receiver features a high-quality radio system, three flashlight settings, a mobile phone charging port, an earphone jack, and an external adapter. Plus, with the antenna, you can get enhanced reception wherever you're exploring.
Customer review: "I'd been wanting to get a wind up radio for ages, and finally decided upon this one. Having had it for a couple of weeks, I finally got the chance to give it a 'proper' test today, as I was unable to listen to my online radio during an internet outage. Such an easy-to-use radio — it has very straightforward instructions, and the unit is very chunky and sturdy. There are several charging options — solar power, mechanical winding, charging via cable or regular batteries. The sound quality is excellent — it is easy to find stations and the reception is great; I used it out in the garden and in the kitchen for several hours with no problems. I would say that it has even better reception than my old DAB radio, to be honest! I intend to use it regularly now, to maintain the battery and make sure it works during a real emergency. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Has three power supply methods
- Affordable
- Not just a radio
Cons
- We just wish there were more colour options
Power: | Rechargeable battery, AAA battery power, solar power |
Colours options: | Green |
Best radio for sound
On sale
![Pure Evoke H4](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2021/07/Pure-Evoke-H4.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Pure's Evoke H4 is one of our favourites. While it is slightly more expensive when compared to other options, the build quality, sound and features soon make up for the price. The real wooden casing helps to provide rich, warm, and vibrant audio, while the FM, DAB, and DAB+ coverage give plenty of listening choices - there are 40 presets already good to go. Bluetooth allows for wireless playback from a mobile device, and with the alarm is the perfect kitchen and sleep timer. The full-colour screen is clear and easy to read, and navigation is simple thanks to the simple button layout. The Evoke H4 can be made portable with the purchase of a rechargeable Pure ChargePAK F1 battery.
Customer review: "A really good buy; the radio is fairly compact, but it manages to pish a beautiful sound. I would say the sound quality is better than an Alexa. The morning alarm which I set to a station starts fairly quiet then the sound builds (to whatever level you preset). The snooze handle is effective. Easy to tune, and good info on the display panel. Love it."
Pros
- Great sound
- Clear screen and easy-to-use
- 40 preset stations
Cons
- Some found the display a little too bright in the bedroom
Power: | Mains powered, adapter included<br>Portable battery pack available separately |
Colour options: | Oak or Walnut |
Best radio and light in one
Having a bedside light, radio and clock in one is incredibly useful for saving space on your bedside table, and the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe will ensure you have the calmest wake-ups and bedtimes. Lumie is the light therapy specialist, and so with their gradual sunrise and sunset light, you can help to beat SAD and treat the winter blues. As well as being able to customise the lighting, the Bodyclock Luxe has high-quality Bluetooth speakers, DAB radio and alarm settings.
Customer review: 2I am using the product for nearly two years, bought it when I realised that I have SAD, and helped a lot with waking up early morning refreshed. It is an expensive item, but it is worth it for my health. I can recommend it as a life changer. Setting it was a bit tricky, but I easily got the hang of it. I could feel whenever I left my phone charging over night in another room that I rested better, and waking up gently with birds chirping ( it is my favourite setting, there are plenty of other options), with a sunrise leading to a nice start for a busy day."
Pros
- Light, radio, clock, and alarm in one
- Good-quality sound
- Customisable functions
Cons
- Some found the setup instructions a little tricky
Power: | Mains powered |
Colour options: | Only colour shown |
Best waterproof radio
On Sale
With the JBL Tuner 2, you can listen to DAB/ DAB+/ FM radio stations and have the option to preset your five favourites - really easy to do with just the press of a button. It also comes with Bluetooth to play music from your smartphone or tablet and boasts up to 12 hours of playback. Unlike the others, this radio is rated IPX7, which means it's waterproof up to one metre submerged in water for up to 30 minutes - great for listening indoors and out and about as well as in the home.
Our review: "For such a compact, portable radio, I was surprised by the amazing volume capabilities and beautifully clear sound that came booming from this little machine. With soft-touch controls that are easy to operate and a really clear quick-start guide in the box, you can start enjoying your music as soon as possible. I found that my smartphone connected really quickly, something I can't say for other techs I've tried! It also has a line-in connection for wired playback, but this isn't included in the box. It's a fantastic radio for taking to the beach, on holiday, having by the pool or bathtub, or for the accident-prone!"
Pros
- Rechargeable
- Waterproof and great sound quality
Cons
- Screen display could be a little clearer
Power: | Battery-powered, rechargeable |
Colour options: | Available in Black and White |
Best radio overall
Roberts is a company known for creating radios of the highest quality, and the Revival RD70 adds to this reputation. The 1950s styling is excellent (and it's synthetic leather, so those looking to use fewer animal-based products will be happy). Right from the box, you'll note the impressive build quality, and the sound is lovely and warm. The Revival is highly functional, offering FM, DAB, and DAB+ radio stations and coming with Bluetooth, allowing a smartphone or tablet to link up for even more audio choices. The radio lets you save 10 FM and 10 DAB stations for quick navigation and has alarm and snooze functions.
Our review: "I don't know what I'd do without my Roberts radio, honestly. I love the retro look with the very modern technology that includes Wi-Fi enabled digital radio (so no scruffy noise from tuning) and the option to connect it to Bluetooth so I can connect it to my phone so I can play Spotify and listen to all my favourite podcasts. I've had it for five years now and I've not had any issues with it. It lives in my kitchen and survives anything, water splashes, mucky hands and I think it even got caught in a little bit of rain once. The only thing to be aware of is you need a little bit of patience to set it all up, but once you do you're set for life!"
Pros
- Attractive 1950s styling
- Excellent sound
- Great features and easy-to-use
Cons
- Volume could be higher
Power: | Mains powered, adapter included |
Colour options: | Available in a range of colours, including Pastel Cream, Leaf and Duck Egg |
Best radio for budget
![Bush Wooden DAB Radio](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2021/07/Bush-Wooden-DAB-Radio.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.argos.co.uk
Not only is the Bush Wooden DAB Radio super affordable, but it also has glowing reviews on Argos. Featuring a classic wooden cabinet design that'll seamlessly fit into your home, whether in the bedroom or living room, it has a clear LCD display and 20 preset stations. This makes it easy to find and switch between your favourite stations. Listen to DAB and FM, and it comes with a sleep function, too, so you can wake up or drift off to sleep to the sound of your chosen station. All for under £30!
Customer review: "Really lovely and small, just right for putting next to a bed as it has a sleep timer function. Very attractive in appearance and with amazing sound quality considering the size of it. Many channels obtainable and easy to navigate. Definitely a great purchase!"
Pros
- Classic design
- Great value
- Clear display
Cons
- More compact design than some were expecting
Power: | Mains operated, 4 x AA batteries required (not included) |
Colour options: | Just wooden style pictured |
Best radio for portability
The Robert Radio Play10 is a portable radio offering full FM/DAB/DAB+ coverage in a lightweight and portable shell. There is a headphone socket for personal listening and several presets for simple navigation. While the radio doesn't have the best sound quality on this list (mostly due to its size), it's more than enough to keep you company while you're out in the garden, on a picnic, or when on holiday.
Customer review: "I brought this for my elderly father-in-law. He's always had a radio next to him but his had broken.
Very few buttons which makes it much easier for him. I preset the three presets for him. He is so happy. Doesn't have to worry about tuning as it's all done. Only uses on/off and volume controls. So simple. Also sound quality is great.
I brought some headphones for him as well which he loves!"
Pros
- Easy to use
- Portable and reliable
Cons
- Not the strongest sound for everyday use
Power: | Battery and mains powered, adapter included |
Colour options: | Available in Black and White |
Best lightweight radio
![Sony Pocket Plus](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2021/07/Sony-Pocket-Plus.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
The ultimate portable radio, featuring all the functions you could need at a size that'll slip into your pocket – weighing only 170g and measures in at H5.7 x W11.5 x D2.45cm. Sony's battery-powered radio covers FM, DAB, and DAB+ and can store up to 20 stations in its memory. You can listen from either the in-built speaker or via headphones. The battery will last up to 15 hours and is rechargeable too, so there's no fiddling around with individual battery cells.
Customer review: "This small Sony digital radio is very small but very powerful. I am very pleased with this product so far. Once charged which only takes a few hours it lasts for a couple of weeks as long as you only use it for a bit every morning in the bathroom."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very portable
- Rechargeable and has a high build quality
Cons
- The buttons can be fiddly, and the speaker isn't very loud
Power: | Battery-powered, rechargeable |
Colour options: | Available in Black and White |
Best smart radio
![Roberts Revival iStream 3L DAB+FM Internet Smart Radio with Bluetooth](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2021/07/Roberts-Revival-iStream-3L-DABFM-Internet-Smart-Radio-with-Bluetooth.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.johnlewis.com
With the same retro appeal as the Roberts Revival RD70, the iStream 3L brings this radio flying full force into the modern age. You not only get DAB+ and FM radio but also access to over 20,000 internet radio stations and thousands of podcasts. With built-in streaming from Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer, you can stream your favourite playlists or stream directly from your smartphone with Bluetooth. The acoustically tuned wooden cabinet delivers a rich sound, and with a powerful processor, you can have the most enjoyable listening experience.
Customer review: "So thrilled with this amazing radio. LOVE LOVE LOVE the colour. Sound quality exceptional and very easy to set up. Well worth the money."
Pros
- Attractive 1950s styling
- Excellent sound
- Huge range of listening options
Cons
- Doesn't come with batteries and doesn't have the longest battery life
Power: | Non-Rechargeable Battery, Mains |
Colour options: | Available in a range of colours including Teal Blue, Pastel Cream, Black, and Sunburst Yellow (pictured) |
Radio terminology explained
What is DAB radio?
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is a digital radio service which is transmitted via a UK-wide network of transmitters. It's a very efficient way of transporting frequencies, offering greater signal stability and quality. Some stations are only available over these digital channels, such as BBC 5 Live, Radio 4 Extra, and Absolute Radio.
What is DAB+ radio?
DAB+ is a new version of the DAB format. The UK and Europe are slowly migrating to the DAB+ format, so a compatible radio offers great futureproofing.
What is internet radio?
Internet radio is simply radio programming that is transmitted digitally via an internet connection. Internet radios are slightly more restrictive because they rely solely on an internet connection to receive audio, so may not be the best option for a portable radio. However, the connection is very reliable. Internet radios can typically access a wider range of content than when compared with traditional and DAB radios.
TuneIn Radio is an example of an internet radio app used by many smartphones and Amazon Echo devices. The app can access over 100,000 stations from around the world.
William Lobley is a Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor and reviewer for What's The Best and Yours, specialising in technology and outdoors. When not at his desk, he's probably got a camera in-hand.