Best Pocket DAB Radios 2024 – Personal FM & DAB Radios

Over the years, the price of DAB radios has come down, and today there are a wide range of affordable pocket DAB radios that you can choose from. A pocket or handheld radio is a great gadget to have when you are walking, jogging, commuting, gardening or just relaxing around the house.

Pocket DAB radios usually cost between £20 and £100 and will normally offer FM as well as digital radio.

Most people will listen to pocket radios through headphones, which are sometimes supplied free with the device, and some of the radios that we have reviewed here even have a small, built-in speaker.

Read on for reviews of some of the best models that are available in the UK in 2021 or scroll down for an overview or what to look for in a pocket DAB radio.

Best Pocket DAB Radios

1. Majority Petersfield-Go

The Petersfield-Go is one of the most popular pocket FM/DAB radios in the UK. It’s made by budget radio brand Majority, and is attractively priced compared to radios from better-known brands such as Roberts.

The Petersfield-Go is small enough to fit in your pocket and can be charged via a USB cable.

Features

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 cm
Weight: 118 g

Summary

The Petersfield-Go is popular for a reason: it’s a low-priced pocket radio with a good range of features and a small, light design.

The sound quality will depend on the DAB reception where you live and the headphones you use with it. Read our full review of the Petersfield-Go here.

2. Roberts Sports DAB5

The Roberts Sports DAB5 is a popular pocket radio from well known British brand Roberts.

Despite the brand name this radio is still quite affordable, and only costs a bit more than cheaper radios from brands such as Majority.

Unlike most of the pocket radios reviewed here the Roberts Sports DAB5 takes two AA batteries rather than charging via USB. This could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your personal preferences.

Features

Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.2 x 2 cm
Weight: 68 g

Summary

The Roberts Sports DAB5 is a high-quality radio that feels a bit higher-end than some of the cheaper alternatives.

It’s easy to use and has some useful extra features such as a sleep timer which is great if you listen to the radio in bed. However, it gets through AA batteries quickly which can become expensive if you don’t have some good rechargeable batteries.

Read our full review of the Roberts Sports DAB5 here.

3. Sony XDR-P1

The Sony XDR-P1 is very high quality product and one of the top-rated small digital radios in the UK.

It’s slightly bigger than most of the radios reviewed here. This radio measures 11.5 x 5.7 x 2.4 cm so it might be a bit large for your pocket.

The product is more expensive than some of the other handheld radios reviewed here, but if you want an assurance of quality, this radio is a good option. It has an inbuilt amplifier which means you don’t need to use earphones.

Features

Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.7 x 2.4 cm
Weight: 168 g

Summary

This is a very high-quality product, and the speaker sounds amazing for its size. It’s not the cheapest or smallest pocket DAB radio, but it’s definitely one to consider. Read our full review of the Sony XDR-P1 here.

4. i-Box Portable DAB

i-Box’s portable DAB is one of the most popular radios available on the market. Since the establishment of the brand in 2012, i-Box have always had a strong focus on high quality audio and attractive styling.

Manufactured by Philex Electronic Ltd, this feature-packed little radio is generally well-received by users and is small enough to fit in your pocket whether you are working, running, or relaxing at home.

Features

• FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
• USB rechargeable lithium battery offering up to 8 hours of playback time from a single charge
• Capacity to store 10 DAB and 10 FM stations
• 3.5 mm headphone jack
• Supplied with in-ear headphones
• Backlit screen
• 12-month warranty

Pros

• Small size and stylish design
• Supports Dynamic Range Control with compatible DAB stations for balanced audio in noisy environments
• Easy to use
• Good sound quality

Cons

• No keylock, so it is easy to press buttons in your pocket
• Warranty period and battery life is shorter than other brands

Summary

The i-Box portable DAB radio is conveniently small, and ideal for use on the go. It is lightweight and easy to use and offers great sound quality considering its small size.

5. AZATOM Pro Sports S1

Designed with sportspeople and runners in mind, the AZATOM Pro Sports S1 DAB FM radio is a handy device to take with you when you’re out and about. The radio was designed and engineered in the UK (but made in the Far East).

Features

Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 2 cm
Weight: 104 g

Summary

This is a great radio to take with you while travelling (provided you can recharge it), or to listen to while walking and jogging.

It’s available at a very affordable price and has garnered lots of positive reviews. If you’d like more information, read our full review of the AZATOM Pro Sports S1 here.

6. Goodmans GDPRDAB Pocket DAB Radio

Unlike many pocket DAB radios, the Goodmans GDPRDAB has a built-in speaker so you aren’t limited to listening to it through headphones.

When listening through the speaker, the radio uses the extendable aerial to pick up a signal. When listening through headphones, the headphones act as an aerial, so you don’t need to extend the aerial while its in your pocket.

Features

Dimensions: 8.9 cm high x 5.2 cm wide x 1.7 cm deep

Summary

The Goodmans GDPRDAB is a well-made little radio that gives you the option to listen through either the speaker or headphones.

As you’d expect from something this small, the speaker doesn’t sound amazing. However, it serves its purpose well.

Choosing a Pocket DAB Radio

Here are some things to look for when choosing a pocket DAB radio:

• DAB+
  DAB+ is a more modern digital radio standard than DAB. Currently, there are stations on both DAB and DAB+, with many new stations being broadcast on the DAB+ and some existing stations choosing to move across. In the future, you may find that you need to switch frequency if your favourite channel begins broadcasting on DAB+. Look for a radio with DAB+ capabilities so that it’s “future-ready” and you won’t miss out on your favourite shows.
• Newer models
  Always look for the latest model of digital radio as it will have the most up-to-date technology. For example, you should avoid buying the Roberts Sports DAB2 and instead buy the newer Roberts Sports DAB5.
• Key lock feature
  A key lock feature means that you can’t accidentally change the channel or turn the radio off by knocking it.
  You select the station and volume you want, then lock the device before putting it in your pocket.
  This feature is really helpful if you’re listening to the radio while walking, running, cycling or doing any other physical activity.
• Small size
  Not all “pocket” radios will actually fit easily into your pocket. Try to find out the product’s dimensions before you buy it to avoid being disappointed. Pocket radios can be as small as two inches long, meaning you can fit them comfortably in your pocket.
  The smallest DAB radio we could find is the Tin-Nik DAB Portable Radio, which measures just 4.8 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm. Most pocket radios are roughly 9 cm high, 5 cm wide and 2 cm deep.
• Battery life and recharging options
  One of the most common complaints about pocket DAB radios, and portable DAB radios in general, is that they have poor battery life. If you’re used to listening to an AM/FM radio for weeks before changing or recharging the battery you will more than likely be disappointed with pocket DAB radios.
  Most pocket DAB radios have a battery life of less than 10 hours, and this tends to deteriorate over time. Nevertheless, some radios are better than others when it comes to battery life.
  You should also consider recharging options: would you rather charge the radio via USB or use batteries?
  The radios reviewed on this page can all be charged from a computer using a USB cable, except for the Roberts Sports DAB5 which takes AA batteries.
• Positive reviews
  Look for a pocket radio with plenty of positive genuine reviews. The radios listed here some of the top-rated handheld digital radios currently available in the UK.

Pocket DAB Radio FAQs

Here are some other frequently asked questions about pocket DAB radios and digital radio in general.

• Why buy a pocket DAB radio?
  If you have a smartphone, you could use it as a pocket radio by using radio apps such as TuneIn. However, these apps use quite a lot of data, which can become expensive. Listening to the radio on your phone also runs down the battery quickly.
  Pocket radios offer you a convenient and easy way to listen to the radio for free (except for the cost of the radio).
• Can you get pocket DAB radios with Bluetooth?
  At the time of writing, we couldn’t find any pocket DAB radios with built-in Bluetooth. However, it is possible to use wireless headphones with a pocket DAB radio if you have a Bluetooth transmitter such as this one from Taotronics.
  This is a small device that plugs into the headphone jack and transmits audio to Bluetooth headphones (or a Bluetooth speaker).
  While Bluetooth transmitters are small, having to keep both a pocket radio and a transmitter in your pocket isn’t an ideal solution.
• How long does the battery last on a pocket DAB radio?
  Unfortunately, DAB radio is relatively power-hungry, so most pocket digital radios only have a battery life of around 10 hours or less. If you use the FM mode you will be able to listen for longer. Most pocket DAB radios are recharged by plugging the device into a computer’s USB port or by using a USB charging socket.
• Do pocket DAB radios actually work? Won’t my pocket block the signal?
  These radios are designed to work in your pocket and use the headphones as an aerial, so putting them in your pocket shouldn’t be a problem. However, the DAB signal in the UK can be temperamental and is poor in some areas.
• Can I use a pocket DAB radio in my car?
  Yes, pocket radios can be used in the car either by plugging them into your car stereo or just using with headphones. However, a more suitable option for the car would be a plug-and-play DAB radio adapter.
• Which stations can I get on DAB?
  If you live in the UK, you will normally be able to receive all of the popular BBC and commercial stations such as Radio 4, Radio 5 Live, TalkSport etc. as well as at least 10 extra stations you wouldn’t get on an AM/FM.
• Can I use a DAB radio abroad?
  Yes, but you will only get stations from that country (if the country uses DAB). All of the radios reviewed here offer both FM and DAB/DAB+, so you will be able to pick up local and national FM stations in the country you are visiting. We’ve published a few articles on listening to the radio abroad:

   

  • Does DAB Radio Work in Australia?
  • Does DAB Radio Work in France?
  • Does DAB Radio Work in Ireland?
  • Does DAB Radio Work in Spain?
  • Does DAB Radio Work in the USA?
• Does DAB radio require WiFi?
  No, DAB radio doesn’t require an internet connection. You use it just like you would listen to FM radio.
• Is DAB radio free?
  Yes, once you own a DAB radio it doesn’t cost anything to listen to digital radio (except for the electricity costs of recharging your radio).

Best Pocket FM Radios

While digital radio is growing in popularity, many people still find they can get better reception on AM/FM radio.

Pocket AM/FM radios have the additional advantage of offering better battery life than pocket DAB radios, which sometimes only last 5 hours or so before the battery runs out.

Pocket AM/FM radios often have a built-in speaker as well as a headphone jack so you have a choice of ways to listen to them.

A pocket radio can help provide some companionship and entertainment if you’re unwell or spend a lot of time on your own.

These radios are popular among people staying in hospital for extended periods of time as well as people with solitary jobs, for example postal workers.

A pocket radio is also a nice thing to take with you when walking the dog or fishing.

To help you choose the right radio, here’s a roundup of some of the best pocket AM/FM radios currently available in the UK.

1. Retekess V-111 Portable Radio

The Retekess V-111 Portable Radio is a compact product that you could use for listening to around the house, in the garden or while travelling. The built-in alarm clock feature means it’s ideal for taking on holiday or for business trips.

This radio offers a choice of listening through either the built-in speaker or headphones. The radio is powered by 2 AA batteries which sadly, aren’t included, but easy enough to source.

Features

Dimensions: 12.5 cm wide x 7.7 cm high x 2 cm deep

Summary

If you want a simple, easy-to-use and inexpensive personal AM/FM radio, this product is a great choice.

The sound and volume are quite impressive for something so small and cheap and it can wake you up in the morning if you need it to.

2. PRUNUS DEGEN-DE333

This tiny AM/FM radio is the size of a credit card, so it will easily fit in a pocket.

It has a built-in speaker which sounds surprisingly good for something so small.

There’s also a headphone jack for listening privately, though unfortunately there isn’t a key lock function so it’s easy to accidentally change the station or adjust the volume if it’s in your pocket.

Features

Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.4 x 2 cm
Weight: 65 g

Summary

This product is a good choice if you want something very small and compact. The PRUNUS DEGEN-DE333 doesn’t have any flashy features but it’s functional and easy to use.

3. Benss Portable AM FM Radio

This compact radio from Benss features a built-in speaker, a headphone jack and a telescopic aerial. It’s a simple and unflashy product that offers pretty good value for money.

Features

Dimensions: 12.2 x 6.9 x 2.2 cm

Summary

This product is a great choice if you want something small, cheap and functional. Since this lightweight radio also doubles up as an alarm clock, it would be ideal for someone who travels a lot for work.

4. Retekess PR12 Portable Radio

The Retekess PR12 Portable Radio has plenty of features for such a small product and is the ideal pocket-sized radio.

As well as AM and FM frequencies, you can use your own SD card to allow this radio to be used as an MP3 player! This capability can decrease the battery life faster than using radio alone, but it is a great feature.

Features

Dimensions: 8.8 x 4.5 x 1.8 cm

Summary

This radio could be a good choice if you want something which can be carried with ease – whether you’re running, walking or enjoying some time outside in the sun, the Retekess PR12 is perfectly pocket-sized. This model is available in both black and white too!

5. Sony ICFP26.CE7 Portable AM/FM Radio

The Sony ICFP26.CE7 is a popular handheld AM/FM radio with the choice of listening through the built-in speaker or headphones.

At 11.9 cm tall it might be a bit large for a trouser or shirt pocket, but it should fit easily in a coat pocket.

Features

Dimensions: 11.9 x 7 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 197 g (with batteries)

Summary

The best thing about the Sony ICFP26.CE7 is that batteries last a long time—some users find that batteries last over 100 hours.

However, the overall quality of this radio is quite disappointing for a Sony radio.

Choosing an AM/FM Pocket Radio

Here are some things to consider when looking for an AM/FM pocket radio:

• Price – The radios reviewed here all cost less than £40 at the time of writing. You can get a pocket AM/FM radio for under £15, though you will typically need to pay more if you want something with more features or something by an established brand.
• Size – The radios reviewed here range in size from 8.8 cm (3.4 inches) long to 12.5 cm (5 inches) long. If you want to use the radio in your pocket, consider the size of your pocket so you can choose something small enough.
• Built-in speaker – Some pocket radios have a built-in speaker which is useful if you don’t want to listen through headphones all the time. The sound quality of a small pocket/personal radio will usually be quite tinny but should be ok for listening to speech and sports programmes.
• Battery type – One of the most important things to think about when choosing a pocket radio is how it’s powered. Some radios have a built-in battery that will only last 5 hours or so before needing to be recharged. Others take AA batteries which can last over 100 hours on some models. The downside to AA batteries is that you either need to replace them or recharge them yourself once they run down. It’s also a good idea to choose a radio with a battery level indicator so you’ll have some warning when the battery is about to run down.
• Brand – Some of the radios reviewed here are made by established brands such as Roberts and Sony, while others are made by less well-known Chinese brands such as Benss. While you can normally expect better build quality from established brands, this isn’t always the case.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one pocket DAB radio to recommend it would be the Majority Petersfield-Go as it performs well and offers great value for money.

If we had to recommend just one pocket AM/FM radio, it would be the Retekess V-111 Portable Radio as it’s well built, easy-to-use and relatively inexpensive considering its extra features.

The radios reviewed above are some of our top picks, but there are plenty of other good pocket radios available if none in our list appeals to you.

If you’re a runner, check out our roundup of the best pocket radios for running, which includes some DAB radios as well as AM/FM radios and MP3 player radios.

Related posts

• AZATOM Pocket C1 DAB Radio Review
• Can You Get a Pocket DAB Radio with Bluetooth?
• Majority Parkside Pocket Radio Review