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There’s a huge range of DAB radios available in the UK, many of which are rechargeable. This includes pocket radios as well as larger rechargeable radios for listening to around the house and the garden.
There are a few different ways rechargeable DAB radios can be powered:
- Built-in rechargeable battery – The most common type of battery used in rechargeable DAB radios is a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
On pocket radios the battery is usually charged via USB cable, whereas on larger radios it will normally be charged while the radio is plugged into the mains.
The advantage of this battery type is that you don’t need to buy the battery separately. However, it can be difficult and expensive to replace one of these batteries once it wears down. The battery life will deteriorate over time. - AA batteries with built-in battery charger – A few radios take rechargeable AA batteries and feature a built-in battery charger which charges the batteries up while the radio is plugged into the mains.
The advantage of this is that it’s easy to replace AA batteries if you need to, but you will need to buy a few to get you started. - Removable battery pack – Some mains-powered radios can be used as portable radios if you buy a separate bespoke battery pack. These battery packs often last longer than regular batteries would but can be expensive.
It’s important to consider which of these powering options is most convenient for you.
This article looks at some of the best rechargeable DAB radios available in the UK. We hope these reviews help you choose the right radio for you!
Best Rechargeable Portable DAB Radios in the UK
1. Roberts Play
Made by respected British brand Roberts, the Play is a small portable DAB radio with a built-in battery charger.
It takes 4 AA batteries which it will charge (if they are rechargeable) while the radio is plugged into the mains. Batteries take around 7 hours to charge.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Saves 10 preset stations
- Powered by mains or 4 x AA batteries
- Headphone jack
- Battery level indicator light
- 5 dedicated preset buttons
Dimensions: 16 x 10.5 x 3.5 cm
Weight: 392 g
Battery info
Battery type: 4 x AA batteries
Battery life: Around 15 hours
Charging method: Built-in battery charger
Pros
- Easy to use with intuitively laid out buttons
- Features a built-in battery charger
- Good sound quality for the size
- Well made and reliable
Cons
- Limited volume
- Sounds quite thin
Summary
The Roberts Play is a smartly designed little radio. It’s a good choice for listening to in the bathroom or carrying around the house due to its compact size.
Read our full review of the Roberts Play here.
2. Majority Petersfield-Go
The Petersfield-Go is an inexpensive pocket DAB radio. It doesn’t have a speaker, so you can only use it with earphones/headphones.
This radio has a built-in battery which charges via USB and lasts around 10-12 hours when the radio is new.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Clip for attaching to clothing
- Earphones included
- Saves 20 preset stations
- Key lock function
- Adjustable brightness
Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 2.2 cm
Weight: 59 g
Battery info
Battery type: Built-in rechargeable battery
Battery life: Around 10-12 hours
Charging method: Micro USB cable
Pros
- Affordable
- Small and light—truly pocket sized
- Decent battery life
- Easy to use
- Generally good DAB reception
Cons
- No speaker—you can only listen through earphones/headphones
- Warranty only available if you write a review
Summary
The Petersfield-Go is one of the best pocket DAB radios available on the market at the moment.
It’s a good choice if you want something to listen to while commuting, gardening or walking/jogging. Read our full review of the Petersfield-Go here.
3. Roberts Revival iStream 3
Like the Roberts Play, the Roberts Revival iStream 3 features a built-in battery charger.
Unlike the Play, however, the Revival iStream 3 has lots of modern features including internet radio and Bluetooth.
This radio takes both alkaline and NiMH batteries, but you can only recharge NiMH batteries. You have to flick a switch in the battery compartment when changing the battery type.
Charging takes about 5-7 hours.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+/Internet radio
- Bluetooth
- Saves 30 preset stations
- Dual alarm clock
- Headphone jack
Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 11 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg
Battery info
Battery type: 6 x AA NiMH batteries
Battery life: Around 6-8 hours
Charging method: Built-in battery charger
Pros
- Built-in battery charger is useful
- Lots of features including internet radio
- Stylish retro design
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery life is quite short (can be less than 6 hours)
Summary
It might have been a better choice for Roberts to design a radio that takes longer-lasting D batteries rather than AA batteries such as in this radio. Many users find that batteries only last a few hours.
However, the Roberts Revival iStream 3 is a very attractive and feature-packed radio, so it might be a good choice if you don’t need the batteries to last very long.
4. Sony XDR-P1
The Sony XDR-P1 is one of the best pocket DAB radios when it comes to battery life.
Sony state that the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for 20 hours when listening through earphones or 15 hours when using the radio’s built-in speaker, and this isn’t an exaggeration. You can recharge the battery from your computer using a USB cable.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Saves 20 presets
- Speaker
- Headphone jack
- Sleep timer
Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.7 x 2.4 cm
Weight: 168 g
Battery info
Battery type: Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery
Battery life: Around 15-20 hours
Charging method: USB cable
Pros
- Lots of volume for such a small radio
- Feels well made
- Good battery life
Cons
- Several buyers have had issues with the on/off switch breaking
Summary
This radio has a really high-quality feel to it, unlike some of the cheaper pocket radios out there.
The built-in speaker is impressive too and goes surprisingly loud without sounding distorted. Read our full review of the Sony XDR-P1 here.
5. AZATOM Spitalfields
The AZATOM Spitalfields is an affordable retro DAB radio with a built-in rechargeable battery. It’s a small radio that is easy to carry around the house. This radio comes in either black or white.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- 4 different alarms
- Leather-effect finish
- Remote control
- Sleep timer
- Aux-in
- 6 EQ settings
- Powered by mains or built-in rechargeable battery
Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 9 cm
Weight: 748 g
Battery info
Battery type: 1,800mAh built-in rechargeable battery
Battery life: Around 10 hours
Charging method: Mains adapter
Pros
- Stylish design
- Decent amount of volume
- Comes with a remote control
Cons
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth
- Screen is quite bright if you’re using it as a bedside radio
Summary
The Spitalfields is a very stylish radio with some useful features. It’s a shame this radio doesn’t have Bluetooth, but overall this radio is very good for the price.
The manufacturers state that the battery life is around 10 hours, though this will deteriorate over time. Read our full review of the AZATOM Spitalfields here.