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Digital Radio Buying Guide

Don't be mystified by jargon or fooled by hype. Our comprehensive Buying Guides help you choose the right products.

What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:

WHICH KIND OF RADIO LISTENER AM I?

In order to choose the right radio -- one with all the features you require -- you need to decide what you'll be doing with it. Match your radio listening to one of the following profiles.

Casual listener | Bedroom listener | Radio enthusiast | Mobile listener

Casual listener

I listen to the radio in the kitchen or living room while I'm doing other things. I have a few favourite stations that I listen to most of the time. I only plan to buy one digital radio and I might want to take it outside occasionally. I want my radio to be easy to use.

The specs that matter

Product type

Portable mains/battery radio

Sound output mode

Mono or stereo, depending on listening preferences

DAB presets

5 to 10

FM tuner

Only required if you have a favourite FM station that isn't available on digital

Alarm

Recording features

Pause/rewind

Power source

Mains, but able to take batteries for emergencies and occasional outdoor listening

Bedroom listener

I like to wake up to the radio and listen to the morning news. Sometimes I fall asleep to the radio as well. I keep my radio beside the bed and it never moves (I might have other radios elsewhere in the house). I mostly listen to talk radio.

The specs that matter

Product type

Mains radio

Sound output mode

Mono

DAB presets

FM tuner

Only required if you have a favourite FM station that isn't available on digital

Alarm

Yes, with snooze and sleep timer

Recording features

Power source

Mains

Radio enthusiast

I want to sample everything digital radio has to offer. I listen to lots of different stations, including both music and talk radio. I want to record radio programmes and play them back at my convenience. I already have several radios, including a battery-operated radio in case of power cuts, but this will be the one I use most often.

The specs that matter

Product type

Mains radio

Sound output mode

Stereo (ideally via line out to external speakers)

DAB presets

10 (it's easy to find other stations by name)

FM tuner

Yes, because some stations are only available on FM

Alarm

Maybe, depending on location of radio

Recording features

Pause/rewind and programme recording

Power source

Mains

Mobile listener

Portability is everything. I want a pocket radio so I can listen to radio outdoors, during my commute and/or in the gym. I listen to music and/or sports commentary.