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What’s the best site radio with DAB?
The majority of job site radios on the market are still AM/FM radios, but we’ve researched the market and selected what we consider to be the top 8 job site DAB radios currently available in the UK.
These radios are all designed to be used on building sites and other worksites and are built to be rugged and withstand the elements.
Best DAB Site Radios in the UK
1. Makita DMR112
Made by respected Japanese power tool brand Makita, the DMR112 is an FM/DAB/DAB+ radio specially designed for using on worksites.
One great thing about this radio is that it has Bluetooth capabilities, meaning you can play music from your phone or other devices without the need for any cables.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- 10 station memories (5 FM and 5 DAB/DAB+)
- Bluetooth
- IP64 rated dust and shower-proof
- 2x Aux-in
- Runs on mains power or Makita rechargeable batteries
- Can be used to charge phone via USB
- Carrying handle
- LCD display
Dimensions: 43.1 x 26.2 x 16.3 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
Pros
- Very tough and robust
- Nice-looking design
- Good sound quality
- Good DAB reception
Cons
- Battery pack isn’t included
Verdict
As you’d expect from Makita, the DMR112 is very sturdy and well made. It’s quite heavy but can still be carried around by its comfortable handle.
The radio is tough, has good sound quality and has an attractive masculine design.
Overall, it’s probably the best DAB site radio for most people due to its versatility.
2. DeWalt DWST1-81079-GB TSTAK Radio
The DeWalt DWST1-81079-GB TSTAK is an expensive product, but it’s one of the most rugged and feature-rich DAB job site radios on the market.
This product has lots of useful features that make it ideal for use on-site, such as a USB port for charging your phone and the ability to charge DeWalt XR and FlexVolt batteries.
Features
- AM/FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- XR/FlexVolt battery charger
- 45-watt output
- Rubber shock absorbers
- Bluetooth
- Can be controlled from a phone using the DEWALT Mobile App
- Aux cable
- USB port for charging a phone
- IP54 water and dust resistance rating
- Can be powered by the mains or a 10.8 or 18V DeWalt battery
- Adjustable EQ
Dimensions: 52 x 40 x 18 cm
Weight: 7.5 kg
Pros
- Plenty of volume and good sound quality
- Easy to use Bluetooth
- You can control the radio wirelessly via an app
- Both water- and dust-resistant
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- No batteries included
Summary
The DeWalt DWST1-81079-GB TSTAK is an excellent radio. However, it’s very pricey, so it’s not ideal for those on a budget.
If you don’t mind investing a bit more in a site radio, this is one of the best you can buy. Like with most site radios, batteries aren’t included.
3. DeWalt DCR020-GB
The DCR020-GB is a specially made Jobsite DAB radio from US power tool manufacturer DeWalt. It’s quite a small radio that offers a more compact and easily portable alternative to the Makita DMR112 reviewed above. Despite being small, the DCR020-GB is strong and has a roll cage to protect it from impacts.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Can take 10.8V, 14.4V and 18V li-ion batteries, which aren’t included
- 3.5 mm auxiliary port
- USB charging point for charging a phone
Weight: 3.2 kg
Dimensions: 25.8 x 25 x 18.8 cm
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Can be used to charge your phone
- Good amount of volume
- Feels strong and robust
Cons
- No battery included
- Doesn’t save preset stations
- Seems to be less reliable than the Makita DMR112
Verdict
The DeWalt DCR020-GB is a great jobsite radio overall, especially if you want something small and light. It appears to be a bit less reliable than the Makita DMR112, which is why it’s the runner up in this list.
4. Dewalt DWST1-75663 TOUGHSYSTEM
The DeWALT DWST1-75663 TOUGHSYSTEM is a bit different to most of the other radios here. In addition to offering FM/DAB/DAB+, it also works as a battery charger for DeWALT batteries. This is a large and heavy radio that might be a good choice for bigger job sites.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Works as a DeWALT battery charger
- IP54 dust and water protection rating
- USB port for charging phones
- Aux input
Dimensions: 55.8 x 38.4 x 16.4 cm
Weight: 8.6 kg
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Useful battery and phone charging functions
- Plenty of volume
- Very robust
Cons
- DAB reception can be poor
- Quite heavy
- Expensive
- No clock display
Summary
The DeWALT DWST1-75663 is a very useful radio for site workers as you can use it to charge DeWALT batteries or your phone while the radio is playing.
The sound quality is great and it delivers plenty of volume, though the DAB reception can be weak and it’s a shame there’s no clock display.
5. Makita DMR109
The Makita DMR109 is essentially a slightly older version of the Makita DMR112 reviewed above. It has very similar features but a relatively lower price tag.
Features
- FM/DAB radio
- 2 built-in speakers
- Protective bumpers
- Saves 10 preset stations (5 on FM and 5 on DAB)
- IP64 dust- and shower-resistance rating
- Compatible with 10.8V, 14.4V and 18V Li-ion Slide batteries as well as 7.2V and 10.8V Li-ion stick batteries
- Aux-in port
Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 17 cm
Weight: 4.6 kg
Pros
- Plenty of bass
- Water resistant
- Highest possible dust protection rating (IP64)
- Batteries last a long time
- Sturdy
Cons
- Sound is too bassy for some people
- No Bluetooth
Verdict
Like the Makita DMR112 reviewed above, the Makita DMR109 is a well made and sturdy DAB site radio. It could do with an equaliser as the bass level is quite high, but otherwise this is a fine product.
6. UEME Job Site DAB and FM Radio Stereo
This radio from UEME is one of the cheapest DAB site radios on the market. It’s also one of the few site radios to offer both DAB radio and Bluetooth.
Features
- FM/DAB radio
- Saves 20 preset stations (10 on FM and 10 on DAB)
- Bluetooth
- Can be powered by the mains or 4 x C batteries
- 2 x 2.5W speakers
- Splash-proof
Dimensions: 31.8 x 17.8 x 10 cm
Weight: 1.3 kg (boxed)