This category covers portable and personal radios, clock radios with an alarm, internet radios and a few worksite models, suited to the home, travel or the workshop. Our range has over 400 models, including TechniSat, Soundmaster, Muse and Blaupunkt.
You can choose anything from a simple FM receiver to a digital DAB+ or internet radio with a colour display.
How to choose a radio or clock radio
Supported bands. In our range many models receive DAB+ and FM, while some offer only FM or AM and FM. If you want digital radio, choose a DAB or DAB+ receiver and check that DAB+ is broadcast in your area. AM is handy if you like listening to distant stations.
Radio type. Portable radios suit the kitchen, the garden and travel, while personal (pocket) radios are meant for listening with headphones. A clock radio with an alarm works best by the bed, and an internet radio connects over Wi-Fi so you can pick stations from around the world. Worksite models are usually built to withstand dust and knocks, which makes them a sensible choice for building sites and workshops.
Power source. Many of our models run on batteries, others plug into the mains, and some offer both or USB power. A radio that stays in one place is easier to live with on mains power. If you will carry it around, choose batteries or a rechargeable cell, since digital receivers with colour screens use more energy than simple analogue ones.
Display and controls. Our range includes LCD, TFT and LED displays as well as analogue dials. An analogue dial is easy to understand but harder to tune precisely. An LCD or TFT screen shows the station name and the time, and lets you save favourite stations. On a clock radio, adjustable display brightness matters so the light does not disturb sleep.
Sound and connections. A small speaker handles speech clearly, but music sounds better from a larger cabinet. Some models have a headphone socket, an AUX input or Bluetooth, so the radio can also serve as a speaker for your phone. Check the connections listed in the product description before you buy.
Brands we carry
- TechniSat: a German manufacturer known for digital radio (DAB+) receivers.
- Soundmaster: a German manufacturer that makes radios, clock radios and music systems for the home.
- Muse: known for retro-styled radios and home audio equipment.
- Blaupunkt: a German brand best known for car radios and audio equipment.
- Sangean: a Taiwanese manufacturer specialising in portable, DAB+ and internet radios.
- Philips: a Dutch company that has made radios and clock radios for decades.
- Lenco: a Dutch manufacturer known for turntables and home audio.
- TFA Dostmann: a German manufacturer known for measuring instruments such as thermometers, weather stations and clocks.
Also in our range: Denver, Kenwood, Adler and Pure Acoustics.
Frequently asked questions about radios
What is the difference between DAB+ and FM radio?
FM is analogue radio, while DAB+ is digital. DAB+ usually gives cleaner sound without hiss and shows station and track information on the display. It only works where DAB+ signals are broadcast, so check coverage before you buy.
Will a DAB+ radio also receive FM stations?
Usually, yes. Many models in our range have both DAB+ and FM bands, but it is always worth confirming in the product specification. Such a receiver lets you listen to digital stations where they are available and use FM everywhere else.
Which radio should I choose for the bedroom?
A clock radio with an alarm and adjustable display brightness is the best choice for the bedroom. A sleep timer that switches the radio off later is also useful. If you want the alarm to work during a power cut, look for a model that takes backup batteries.
Does an internet radio need a computer?
No, an internet radio works on its own. It only needs a Wi-Fi connection at home, and you choose stations on the radio itself. This is convenient if you want foreign stations that an ordinary FM or DAB+ receiver cannot pick up.
