The best portable DAB radios of 2024

The Revival PETITE2 by Roberts, a prominent British audio brand established in 1932, showcases the company’s ability to blend classic design with modern technology. This portable DAB+ radio combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary features and exceptional sound quality.

Despite its compact size, the Roberts Revival PETITE2 offers DAB, DAB+, and FM capabilities, granting access to numerous stations with excellent sound clarity. The intuitive rotary dial allows for easy station switching and access to settings, such as screen brightness and station retuning. Volume is adjusted with the plus-and-minus buttons, while the bottom left button switches between DAB, FM, and Bluetooth modes or sets the alarm.

Building on the original PETITE, the PETITE2 features a rechargeable battery providing up to 20 hours of listening, a telescopic antenna for improved connectivity, and Bluetooth for streaming from smartphones and other devices. It also has an alarm function that’s new to this generation.

William Austin-Lobley reviewed the PETITE2, and had this to say: “The style is obviously a huge plus here, but this radio offer more than retro design. I really enjoyed the sound quality, with its 40mm speaker providing clear audio for talk radio and music. It’s not a bass powerhouse, but it never was going to be at this size – but still, it does a very decent job, and the audio is really balanced. 

“The high build quality and weighty feel reflect Roberts’ pedigree. I really like that it has a 20-hour battery life and fast USB-C charging. However, the outdated Bluetooth 2.0 and dim OLED screen are disappointing. Despite these flaws, the PETITE2 remains a well-designed, enjoyable radio I recommend to everyone.”

We think this dependable, portable, waterproof DAB radio is an absolute steal at under £50. Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker and traditional radio, it’s perfect for various environments, whether you’re in the garden or working from home. Its impressive 10-hour battery life ensures you won’t need to recharge frequently, making it an ideal companion for extended use.

Despite its compact size, the radio offers 5W sound that holds up well for its price. With six buttons on top and five on the side, it provides straightforward functionality. The box also includes an AUX and USB-C to USB-A cable for charging, making it ready to use right out of the box.

This was tried and tested by Harvey Isitt, who has this to say about his experience: “Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker and traditional radio, I was initially sceptical about the 10-hour battery life claim. To my surprise, it lasted pretty much all day, so not having to recharge it regularly makes it perfect for an afternoon in the garden. More than that, though, it has proved to be the perfect companion while working from home, so much so I’ll be using it for this moving forward.”

“Although it only offers 5W sound, the volume holds up for its price and size. When maxed out, I found it too loud for my office (I settled for volume two of sixteen; yes, it goes that loud), but when outside, it was perfect and quite impressive, considering the portable package. However, this speaker is by no means premium-sounding; you’re getting what you pay for.”

“In terms of functionality, the device has six buttons on the top (power, menu, presets, skip, play, and pause) and five on the side for volume and preset shortcuts. Most of the buttons are straightforward; some multipurpose. Should you find yourself in a bind, there’s a setup leaflet and convenient QR code that links to a YouTube video for a visual explanation.”

“It’s worth noting that the box also includes an AUX and USB-C to USB-A cable for charging. So, as long as you have a power brick, you’ll be off to the races!”

For those who enjoy a long morning shower paired with plenty of tunes, JBL’s Tuner 2 portable DAB radio might be the best option.

A far slicker design than most, rejecting the retro (aside from its space-age antennae), the JBL Tuner 2 is slimmer and easier to move about the house than other designs requiring a dedicated handle to lug about.

Doubling as a fantastic budget Bluetooth speaker, users can quickly connect to the JBL Tuner 2 and play songs on Spotify; you’re not limited to just radio. With 12 hours of wireless music, you can grab your JBL Tuner 2 and head anywhere for a long while without needing to find a mains plug.

Unlike our other picks, which are significantly cheaper, the JBL Tuner 2 only has five presets, which is particularly low compared to its competition. If you’re like us, you’re likely to stick to your favourite stations regardless, so JBL’s Tuner 2 remains a solid option for DAB portable radio shoppers.

One of our tech experts, Kyle Purves, has tested the JBL Tuner 2 and had this to say: “As a speaker alone, the Tuner 2 may not stand out as much. However, as a Bluetooth speaker and DAB radio fusion, it’s a fantastic piece of kit, especially for frequent travellers. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and keeps a pretty impressive charge, so its portability and convenience can’t be understated. Although I wasn’t blown away by the output power, the audio clarity is still superb. This is now my go-to way to listen to the radio wherever I go.”

Certainly, on the smaller side of portable DAB radios, the Majority Little Shelford DAB+ radio is ideal for sitting on the shelf or on the desk to enjoy some phenomenal beats throughout the day. It has DAB and FM radio and also works as a Bluetooth speaker.

Easy to control via its brilliant display and various buttons to cycle through presets, from which you can save up to 20, the Little Shelford delivers comfortable convenience with its user-friendly design.

While we’re not huge fans of the slightly plastic-looking gold design, it has a retro appeal. As for sound, there’s not much to offer with its smallish size, which leaves overall quality sounding slightly tinny, but with an adjacent pair of speakers on hand, you’ll get to experience radio the way it was meant to be heard

Our tech writer Chris Duffill reviewed the Majority Little Shelford and had this to say about it: “Although the design is bound to divide opinion, out of the box I actually like it quite a lot. I appreciate the angled interface on top which is easy to see. I do think that all of those electronic buttons (there are eight) and faux gold finish conflict with the leatherette texture and retro-looking front speaker grille – but those are minor niggles for what is a very neat little radio. The model I have is the cream and gold version, which I think would blend in quite well in kitchens and windowsills or bookcases.”

“I found all of the controls very intuitive from the moment it powers on. Scanning for DAB stations and setting presets was a breeze. Perhaps the best surprise of all was the volume level and overall audio quality. It’s not going to vibrate the shelf or win any audiophile awards, but it’s well-rounded enough to enjoy – even at maximum volume.”

“I think it punches slightly above its weight for an affordable DAB radio and that handle isn’t just for looks – pop four AA batteries into this and take it anywhere. Just remember that it’s not waterproof or weather-resistant. All in all, it’s a value-for-money, well-designed product that borrows some of its looks from other retro radios.”

We think this AZATOM DAB radio is an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. While the bass and build quality feel slightly inferior to the i-box, it’s still a strong contender for a more classic DAB radio experience. The attractive oak finish pairs well with the white front panel, giving it a stylish look despite feeling a bit tacky.

The AZATOM features a traditional button interface and a control knob on the side, making navigation through the 60 available stations straightforward. With clearly labelled, dedicated buttons, it eliminates the confusion of multipurpose controls, making it ideal for younger users or those less confident with technology.

This was tried and tested by Harvey Isitt, who has this to say about his experience: “The attractive oak finish couples nicely with the white front panel, despite feeling slightly tacky. The AZATOM has a more traditional button interface with a control knob on the side: twist for menu or volume navigation and click to select from the 60 available stations. With more space for buttons, each clearly labelled and dedicated to a specific function, the AZATOM eliminates the potentially confusing press-and-hold multipurpose nature of the i-box buttons. So, the perfect gift for younger users or those less confident with technology.”

“While you may not be looking for sound quality, there is a noticeable difference in the bass, with the AZATOM sounding great (price considering) but slightly flatter. That being said, the volume is impressive for £33 – this speaker can go quite loud. It’s clear AZATOM chose to sacrifice build quality to prioritise sound because, at the end of the day, that is what you’re after.”

“However, the most crucial difference to consider is that AZATOM has made the somewhat Marmite decision to use AA batteries instead of the rechargeability offered in most of today’s DAB radios. Nevertheless, it remains a reliable, attractive-looking option well worth its price tag.”

The Lenco PDR-046 is a nicely sized portable DAB with a modern design. It features a bamboo top and a well-featured control panel with plainly laid-out programmable station buttons and menu controls. A nice touch is the colour LED screen, which is a good size, bright and easy to read. The rechargeable battery holds seven hours, which is usable but middling. However, you can quickly top it up via the USB-C connection. 

The best thing about the Lenco PDR-046 is its sound. Though it has modest two 2.5-watt speakers, the radio produces well-balanced audio with a nice low-end presence. The result is a warm tone, free of the tinny qualities often associated with smaller speakers. 

The gadget is a sustainable ECO radio, given that its materials are ABS with wheat fibre and the previously mentioned natural bamboo. This is an excellent thing indeed, but there is room for improvement with the finishing touches, most notably around points where the two sides of the shell meet. It isn’t completely tight, especially compared to the well-sealed and robust shell of the Roberts Revival PETITE2. Details aside, the Lenco PDR-046 is still a great little radio. 

William Austin-Lobley had this to say after spending a week with the radio: “The Lenco is a decent little DAB radio that I’ve had a good time reviewing. Thanks to the programmed favourite station controls, I took full advantage of the DAB+ stations, easily hopping around. I also used the Bluetooth 5.0 connection to listen to a couple of podcasts, as the voices sounded clear on the speakers. It’s this sound that has sold me on it; I think its use of a passive radiator is a clever one, giving the bottom end some breathing room and resulting in a nice warm, comfortable tone.”

“The seven-hour battery is low – some radios I’ve tested run for 20 hours – but it’s not a huge issue if you use it around the house with ready access to plugs.”

Embrace the retro charm with Roberts’ stunning portable DAB radio, combining vintage aesthetics with modern features. The blocky design, old-school handle, and golden emblem make it a standout, while the speaker delivers impressive sound quality. With Bluetooth and an AUX port, you have various listening options, whether through a louder speaker or headphones. 

It’s a bit heavier and requires a handle for easy transport, the weight is a minor trade-off for the quality and style it offers. This Roberts DAB radio is perfect for music lovers seeking a stylish centrepiece for their coffee table.

The Roberts Revival RD70 was recently reviewed by William Austin-Lobley. Here are his thoughts: “Here’s a concise first-person review focused on the user experience of the Roberts Revival RD70: “I can say it’s one of the most stylish and well-crafted DAB radios out there. Quality is evident in every detail, from the robust dials to the bright, easy-to-read display. The sound quality is equally impressive, with a warm, rich tone that makes music and voices sound fantastic.

It is almost the perfect portable radio, but what holds it back is the reliance on disposable AA batteries, which need to be updated in 2024. To make matters worse, you’ll need to fork out an extra £40 for the optional rechargeable battery pack, which feels like an unnecessary expense after already investing in the radio. 

That said, the Roberts Revival RD70 is a top choice if you’re after a blend of classic design, modern features, and quality sound. Just be prepared for the added cost if you want the convenience of rechargeable power.”

Far more on the lighter side, the Majority Histon portable DAB digital radio is a sensational pick for those who want to bring their music wherever they go. Majority’s DAB radios have dominated the market for years, so it’s no surprise that their brilliant Histon radio performs so well for its price.

With 20 presets built-in and an incredibly portable design, the Histon delivers comfort and ease of access at a phenomenal price. A fantastic 15-hour battery life, paired with its crystal-clear sound makes the Histon a wonderful choice for anyone, budget buyers or otherwise.

For those who prefer a bigger, louder sound, however, this speaker may disappoint: it has a mono speaker, which is clear but a little on the quieter side compared to our other picks.

For the ultimate budget buy, the groov-e Geneva rechargeable DAB and FM digital radio has plenty to offer sports and news listeners with its lightweight, portable design that’s perfect for listening anywhere in the house.

A cheap, but punchy radio, this portable DAB radio might not have the boldest sound on account of its size and price, but it has an impressive level of connectivity that gives headphone listeners a simple way to catch the radio wherever they go.

With eight hours of battery life, you’re unlikely to be limited by the groove-e Geneva’s total power, it’s enough to last all day, making it a great choice for campers afraid of missing sports results or their relaxing radio show.

A brilliant value radio that’s a bargain for under £30, plug in your phone or connect via Bluetooth, and you’ll have a fantastic radio listening experience that quickly justifies its small price tag.

If you’re looking for top-tier portable sound, the Pure Evoke Play portable music system has everything you’ll need to experience excellent quality.

With a truly modern design, this monstrous 40W speaker offers sensational sound wherever you go, with plenty of bass. As for its overall quality, Pure’s gorgeous grey mesh and eye-catching design feel as good as they look and make up for the higher price tag.

But this isn’t just a Bluetooth speaker; there are also countless other features that the Pure Evoke Play has in store. Namely, there’s a brilliant LCD screen on top, allowing you to connect to various music apps, including Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music.

For some, the larger size might become a little tiresome and difficult to position around the home, but it’s an afterthought when its sound is so phenomenal; this is one portable DAB radio worth grabbing.

Roberts has a huge range of gorgeous portable DAB radios, but few can truly compete with the STREAM94L, which blends a bit of old-school radio design with fantastic modern features.

Packed with 120 presets, the STREAM94L has audiophiles and radio fans truly at heart with its brilliant array of music on hand. If you have a specific tune in mind, then you can always connect to the STREAM94L via Bluetooth or use its pre-loaded access to Spotify for your instant favourites.

For some, however, issues with Bluetooth connectivity and lag have caused some minor inconveniences, but this is rare amongst users so it’s hardly anything to be concerned about.

For great sound, great smart speaker functions, a beautiful design, and as many preset radio stations as you’ll ever need, the STREAM94L is a worthy competitor amongst our favourite DAB radios of the year.

Start your day right with the Roxel RDR-40 portable DAB radio and speaker, a wonderful way to avoid a dull, repetitive alarm that leaves you irritated before you start your day.

A cutesy design with a lot to offer, the Roxel RDR’s 40 preset radio stations give you lots to listen to on the go, and its well-designed layout makes accessing all of its features a total breeze. With 12 hours of battery life, getting the most out of the Roxel RDR-40 DAB radio is a breeze.

If you’re in search of top-tier sound, however, the Roxel RDR-40’s 3W speaker doesn’t quite deliver that triumphantly bassy sound we tend to look for in speakers, which is largely on account of its size and price. That being said, for an early morning rise, for tuning into discussions or just enjoying your music niche, Roxel’s RDR-40 is a brilliant choice for anyone.