Once you own such a radio, all you need to do is turn it on and let it search the available radio stations so you can choose and listen to your preferred programme. It's also, as you'll have guessed, a wonderfully made unit in its own right, sporting that stunning wooden slatted front, a clear, crisp display and a high-quality cabinet build that screams of a product made with care and precision. You should also consider recharging options: would you rather charge the radio via USB or use batteries? Our round-up includes budget and premium options, with standard DAB digital radio to various music streaming goodies. Perhaps you want something tiny and ridiculously cute; perhaps it needs to fill a larger room –we have the best digital radio options across all shapes and sizes here. How we test DAB radios

Stable reception: Bluetooth radios with DAB+ technology offer stable quality, even if reception is weak, while FM radios often come with static noise. The Majority Little Shelford is one of the most popular choices of DAB radio you will currently find on the market. It is easy to see why the Majority Shelford Personal DAB Radio is so beloved by consumers. There are many factors to consider when choosing a DAB radio. You’ll ideally want a radio with a rechargeable battery and high-quality sound.Yes, AM and FM radio is still around, but DAB radio has taken centre stage with the service boasting more than 50 stations nationally, along with many local and regional stations. These radios offer crystal clear digital sound and allow you to seamlessly flip between stations – which is as simple as changing channels on the TV. Wide connectivity is also supported here. You can pair devices via Bluetooth with ease, which is particularly useful if you would rather listen via a separate speaker rather than the integrated speaker drivers.

The Howard Leight by Honeywell Sync comes in a high-viz neon green color, which makes it ideal for use in situations where there’s poor visibility or lighting. Easy set-up and auto-scanning comes as standard, while no less than 20 preset slots allow you to make instant customisations based on the stations you like listening to the most. Another important benefit of DAB+ is the increasingly efficient use of available frequencies. Thanks to data compression technologies, different radio stations can be transmitted on a single frequency, thus reducing the number of necessary frequencies and optimising their use. Digital radio - how does it work? If you intend to take your personal digital radio outside for alfresco audio enjoyment, pay special attention to the build quality. Look for radios with waterproof housing that will withstand rain and splashes (perhaps whilst having a relaxing time in an inflatable hot tub). The user-friendly display provides you with essential station and programme information, with no less than six display themes selectable. You also have a dual alarm function here. Other features available are headphone input and auxiliary input for MP3 player.There is nothing worse than investing in electronics, only to find them rendered redundant in a few years. This is particularly true of radios. When shopping for a portable digital radio, look for models advertised as ‘Future Ready’. These systems are designed for use beyond the full digital switchover, ensuring the radio you invest in is fit for purpose for years to come. DAB/DAB+ Explained Another point to bear in mind is that these products are usually made by companies who make personal safety equipment rather than audio products. This means that the sound quality won’t be as good as it would on a regular pair of Bluetooth headphones as the focus is on protecting the ears rather than providing detailed and balanced sound.

It's important for us to compare the performance of each product against the specs claimed by its manufacturers, which is why we take the time to ensure the battery life (in portable models), connectivity, feature set and sound quality is as good as the brands say it is.

Conclusion

The “+” signifies the latest DAB technology. DAB+ provides even better quality in terms of reception as well as an extended choice of stations. What exactly is a DAB or DAB+ radio? Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Before purchasing a DAB radio, think about what you ultimately want from your listening experience. Then look at whether the DAB radio has. Look for: