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The top digital radios in 2020

Published

5 years ago

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We have lined up a selection of the very best DAB radios from top audio brands like Roberts, Sharp, and Pure.

By Joseph Green

Radio is alive and well, despite what you may have been led to believe. The likes of Amazon Music and Spotify were supposed to bring about a changing of the guard but radio has stubbornly refused to go anywhere, and that’s a good thing.

Millions of people still tune in to their favourite shows every week, despite all of the podcasts and on-demand music on offer. This is due in part to the growing popularity of DAB (digital audio broadcasting) radio, which allows for less interference, more stations, and a stronger signal. Sounds pretty good, right?

Digital signals are generally more reliable than analogue signals, and DAB reception now stretches across almost all of the UK. This means that digital radios should be able to pick up a better quality of sound, with more channels than a traditional radio. More information can also be sent through digital signals, meaning stations can provide details like the name of the song or the artist. With all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that so many listeners are making the switch to digital.

It’s also no surprise that some of the most popular audio brands have released digital radios. Thanks to the increased demand from consumers, you can now find examples of top digital radios from leading names like Roberts, Sharp, and Pure. The best models will offer impressive sound quality, uncomplicated interfaces, durable designs, and premium materials.

You could spend a few hours researching everything on offer to come up with a shortlist of your best options, or you could let someone else do that for you. We have tracked down a selection of the very best digital radios on the market, with something for every listener. All you need to do is pick a favourite.

These are the best digital radios for 2020.


Voice-controlled • Alarm clock radio • Wooden cabinet with six position equaliser and separate bass and treble • Stream Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, and Amazon Music

Pricey • Cable runs underneath unit

The priciest radio on this list is also the most advanced, with a bunch of smart features in a retro vintage design.

Roberts Revival iStream 3

The Roberts Revival iStream 3 utilises Alexa to become a smart music system.

  • Battery recharging:
    Yes
  • Bluetooth:
    Yes
  • Works with Alexa:
    Yes
The Roberts Revival iStream 3 is probably the most advanced radio on this list, and there are absolutely loads of smart features packed into its retro vintage design.
You can use your voice via Alexa devices or your smartphone as a controller with the Undock App, and all the major music streaming services are supported, including Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and Spotify. 
All of this wouldn’t mean much if the sound quality wasn’t good, but you shouldn’t have any concerns here. It’s equipped with a six position equaliser and separate bass and treble. This creates a richer audio experience for your home.

Handy USB port • Ultra-wide full range 10 watt speaker • Engineered in the UK • Three-year VQ warranty

Controls can be a little fiddly • No preset buttons

The VQ Monty offers great sound and build quality at an affordable price.

VQ Monty

The VQ Monty is designed and engineered with premium materials, including real wood.

  • Battery recharging:
    No
  • Bluetooth:
    Yes
  • Works with Alexa:
    No
The VQ Monty is a stylish radio that features a modern design and premium materials. You can even find models printed with a Cath Kidston design, which is nice.
You can listen to your favourite music, playlists, and podcasts from the likes of Apple Music, Deezer, and Spotify by connecting to any smart device via Bluetooth. All VQ radios also feature a USB power port, meaning you can charge your phone or tablet at any other time.
The sound quality is strong thanks to the 10 watt speaker output, and you can tailor the audio experience to your specific requirements with the MyEQ function. This features six preset controls with independent bass and treble controls.

Retro design • Alarm clock radio • Sleep timer • Auxiliary input socket

Would benefit from battery charge pack

Stylish digital radio is packed full of useful features to please every type of listener.

Roberts Revival Uno

This retro radio is tough to beat when it comes to style.

  • Battery recharging:
    No
  • Bluetooth:
    No
  • Works with Alexa:
    No
The Roberts Revival Uno is more compact that the standard Revival, so it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
You get the choice of two alarms for weekdays and weekends, making the Revival Uno the ideal bedside radio for those who want to add a bit of style to their bedroom. It’s also pretty portable because it’s both battery and mains powered, so you can take your music with you around the house or into the garden.
The auxiliary input socket means that you can play music from your smartphone or MP3 player. There’s a headphone socket too, so you’ve got options.

Compact • Kitchen timer, sleep timer, alarm (radio or tone), and snooze timer • Three-year warranty

Battery pack is not included • Display is on the small side

Popular radio has a long list of positive reviews due to its impressive sound and stylish design.

Pure Evoke H2

This compact and stylish radio fits comfortably anywhere in your home.

  • Battery recharging:
    Yes (not included)
  • Bluetooth:
    Yes
  • Works with Alexa:
    No
The Pure Evoke range of radios is extremely popular, and the stylish Evoke H2 is one of the best. 
This compact radio uses mains or battery power, and provides up to 30 hours of portable listening with an optional rechargeable battery pack. It would be great if this was included in your purchase, but at least you have the option to accessorise.
It features 20 pre-sets for your favourite stations, an easy-to-read clock, a sleep timer to automatically switch off your radio, and a convenient countdown kitchen timer. There’s also a radio alarm, stereo headphone socket, and an auxiliary input socket which lets you hear your own tunes through the radio.

Cheap • Backlit eight character display • Easy to install and operate

No sleep timer • No display on standby

This cheap and portable radio is suitable for taking anywhere.

Roberts Radio Play10

This compact radio is full of useful features but won’t break the bank.

  • Battery recharging:
    No
  • Bluetooth:
    No
  • Works with Alexa:
    No
The Roberts Radio Play10 is suitable for taking anywhere because it’s battery or mains powered. It’s also super compact and full of useful features.
One of the best of these is the backlit eight character starburst display, making it easier to search and scroll through the menus. This makes new music discovery even easier. 
There’s even a handy socket so you can listen with your own headphones without disturbing or being disturbed by others. 

One of your cheaper options • Alarm clock function • Sleep and snooze timer • LED display

Intuitive and attractive radio ticks all the boxes, but does have some mixed reviews.

Sharp DR-450

  • Battery recharging:
    No
  • Bluetooth:
    Yes
  • Works with Alexa:
    No
The Sharp DR-450 radio is available in a range of colours to match your home, and comes with a modern LED display and dimmer function to set it to the perfect brightness for you.
You can to listen to all your favourite radio stations through the 6W speaker, or connect via Bluetooth to wirelessly stream your own music straight from your smart device.
The alarm clock function comes with a sleep and snooze timer and you have the option to set your alarm sound to either the radio or a buzzer noise.

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