BUDGET DIGITAL RADIO

BUYER’S GUIDE

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DIGITAL RADIO.

FORM FACTOR

Check the form factor suits your usage patterns. If you want to take it outdoors, it should have a battery option. For bedside radio use, it should be compact enough to fit on a night stand.

AVAILABLE MODES

Ensure it supports the music playback modes you want. DAB+/FM are a given, but other options include AM, wireless Bluetooth streaming and an AUX input for a hardwired connection from an external device.

PRESET OPTIONS

All radios support presets, but regular channel surfers will find it easier to switch between stations with dedicated preset buttons.

AUDIO QUALITY

If you’re using the radio for anything other than background listening, the audio quality and power output of the speaker is typically what separates the haves from the have-nots.

HEADPHONE JACK

Using the radio at work? Check it has a headphone socket so you can crank your favourite tunes without disturbing your colleagues.

SCREEN RESOLUTION

It’s the display resolution more than the size of the screen that matters. A higher resolution means you’ll be able to see song information all at once rather than as a scrolling line .