Cheap Radios - Compare Prices on idealo.co.uk

The PURE Contour 100Di received a perfect score from “What HiFi”. Testers say that this attractively designed DAB/FM model with iPod dock and alarm offers terrific sound, top tuners and a free app for additional content. The Roberts Revival iSTREAM also earned top scores. Equipped with DAB/DAB+, internet radio, and even MP3, MP4/AAC and FLAC playback, this device is packed up in a retro design and offers decent sound, making it a good buy for the price according to "Techradar". Those looking for something extremely portable may want to consider the Geneva Lab Model XS. which earned a Plus X Award for high quality and design as well as a full five stars from “What Hifi”. Testers claim this stylishly compact device offers astoundingly good sound for its size, capable Bluetooth performance and simplicity of use, making it an ideal choice for frequent travellers.

A portable radio is perfect for music lovers who do not want to be stuck at home. They are especially useful park or poolside in summer. Despite the popularity of the modern iPod and other MP3 players, manufacturers have held their own by coming out with a host of expanded functions and features to make these devices as attractive today as they were when they first appeared generations ago. The company Tivoli, for instance, offers the Tivoli iPal, a mix between a mini with AM/FM reception and a speaker with aux-in connectivity for an iPod. There are also plenty of models specifically designed for use in the home. Kitchen options are especially popular. Many models can be hung right under a cabinet, but attractive free-standing kitchen products are available, too, often providing a wide range of functions, such as CD player, clock and timer, even full-blown media centres. In the bedroom, these devices not only serve as entertainment units but have a very practical purpose as well. Their alarm function provides a gently, pleasant means of waking up in the morning.

Everyone is familiar with the traditional AM, FM or SW options that use analogue signals, but with the digital switch-over, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) models are quickly gaining in popularity. DAB radios connect to stations that broadcast over the airwaves digitally. They deliver crackle-free, digital quality sound unaffected by natural static. In addition, DAB devices receive a wider variety of channels wherever coverage is available. To find out which stations are accessible in a specific area, use a postal code checker on a website, such as ukdigitalradio.com. Not only are DAB signals clearer, they also carry extra data. The need for memorising wavelengths or frequency numbers is eliminated; simply choosing the station name suffices. Furthermore, many stations send additional information to display, including the artist's name and track title of each song and scrolling headlines for newcasts. Some DAB models provide pause, record, and rewind functions, similar to a PVR. DAB+ is an extension of DAB offering even more possibilities and information. Due to display backlighting and the manner in which digital models process information, they tend to use more power than their analogue counterparts. For this reason, using power from the mains is more efficient for indoor DAB listening. However, for outdoor use, battery power is much more convenient. The option of turning off the display backlight will extend battery life. A recommendable alternative is choosing a device that takes rechargeable batteries.

Also gaining popularity are Internet Radios which connect to stations via wireless internet connection. Over 6000 international and national stations broadcast across the internet, so the listener is spoilt for choice when using such a device. Some models are capable of accessing the BBC's Listen Again. This feature enables pause or even fast forward through the preceding week's top shows, for catching up on missed programming. Another great advantage of many products is the option of accessing a playlist stored on a home PC to enjoy music ad-free. When purchasing an internet model, it is important to keep the connection to the data network in mind. A DSL connection with a flatrate service is the best option. Make sure that you are not paying fees based on download volume. A router for the PC network is also necessary. An alternative is to choose a product with WiFi for wireless connection.