![]() 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 personal radio reviews. Just note that if the replacement pair has button controls for making volume and other adjustments, these controls are unlikely to work with the personal radio, so you’ll need to use the controls on the personal radio itself. ![]() You can greatly improve the sound of a personal radio by switching out the headphones they come with for a pair of our best wired headphones such as the Sony MDR-XB50AP, Apple Earpods or Sennheiser CX 100. Pros: Ideal for personal use without disturbing others, often include a built-in rechargeable battery.Ĭons: Solo use only, reception can vary as you move about, headphones they come with are usually poor quality They allow you to tune in to DAB radio while out walking the dog or down at the allotment. Personal radios are small, pocket-sized, Walkman-like radios that you typically listen to with wired headphones. Best for: Listening when walking around or in the office
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