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Digital Radio - Choose and Buy a DAB Radio

Here are some hints and tips on what to look for when you’re choosing a buying a DAB radio:

Types of Digital DAB Radio

There are a number of different types of DAB Digital radio on the market including table-top radios, portable radios and clock radios, so you’ll need to work out which type will be the most suitable for you.

Power Source

How would you prefer your radio to be powered? Some table-top and portable models are mains powered only, so you may want to consider one with a battery power option if you wish to move it around with you.

Features of Digital Radios

Different models of digital radio have different features, so check the product descriptions carefully to make sure that any model you are considering has the features that you want. Features may include:

• Preset stations: Most models of DAB radio allow you to programme your favourite digital radio stations as presets, so you don’t have to spend time searching for them.
• RDS Display: RDS stands for Radio Data System. RDS signals transmit encoded data that means that your radio will display the station name and automatically tune into the strongest signal for your chosen FM station. Some radios using RDS also allow you to programme your radio to switch to traffic updates when they are broadcast.
• Pause and Rewind: Some models of digital radio allow you to pause or to rewind live radio programmes. This is a really useful function as it means that you won’t miss your favourite programme if you have to answer the telephone or want to make a cup of coffee.
• Electronic Programme Guide: Some DAB radios have an Electronic Programme Guide, or EPG, that shows programme listings for radio stations, usually for the next seven days, so that you can plan your listening schedule.
• USB connector: Some models of DAB radio have a USB connector so that you can download software updates as they become available.
• Built-in CD player: If you enjoy listening to CDs as well as radio programmes, it may be worth buying a model with a built-in CD player. If you are likely to want to listen to CD-Rs and CD-RWs as well as standard CDs, check the product description of any model that you’re considering to ensure that it can play these formats.
• Clocks: Many models of DAB radio have built-in clocks, and some have alarm functions, so if you want a versatile radio for your bedroom, it might be worth buying a model that has these features.
• Line-in: Some Digital radios have a line-in so that you can connect your iPod, CD player or MiniDisc, essential if you are likely to want to record your favourite radio programmes.

Warranty

Check the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty carefully before buying a DAB radio as these differ between brands and models. If you are spending a lot of money on your digital radio, you may want to consider extending the warranty.

Budget

DAB Digital radios are now far cheaper to buy than you might think, but set yourself a budget and stick to it. You can get some great deals by shopping around online, so visit our Where to Buy section for information about some of the leading suppliers.

Further Information

To learn more about some of the leading DAB radio manufacturers and models, take a look at our Brands and Top Models sections

To find out where you can get some great deals on DAB radios by shopping online, visit our Where to Buy section.

You can find out about other types of radio in our Types section.