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Many digital radios combine modern features such as DAB/DAB+ radio and Bluetooth with classic 1950s and 1960s designs. These radios allow you to make a fashion statement while enjoying your favourite radio stations and streaming audio.
Here’s a roundup of what we consider to be the best retro DAB radios available.
Best Retro DAB Radios
1. Roberts Revival RD70
The Roberts Revival RD70 is a compact and portable FM/DAB/DAB+ radio based on the iconic Roberts radios of the 1950s. It features an acoustically-tuned wooden cabinet with a faux leather cover that’s available in a choice of colours. This radio can be powered by the mains or 4 AA batteries, which aren’t included.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Dual alarm clock
- Sleep timer
- Aux-in port
- Headphone jack
- Saves 20 preset stations
Dimensions: 25.2 x 16 x 10.4 cm
Weight: 1.65 kg
Pros
- Good sound quality with decent amount of bass
- Feels well made
- Authentic vintage look
- Easy to use
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No dedicated preset buttons
Summary
This radio combines a classic vintage design with modern features such as Bluetooth, which is very easy to use. The Revival RD70 is quite expensive given its features but it has good build quality and is made by one of the most respected radio brands.
Read our full review of the Revival RD70 here.
2. AZATOM Blackfriars Retro Radio
This radio is at the opposite end of the price spectrum to the Roberts Revival RD70 reviewed above. The AZATOM Blackfriars is a budget-priced retro DAB radio with a wood effect finish. The design isn’t as obviously retro as some of the radios—it has a more minimalistic rather than vintage look.
The AZATOM Blackfriars features a built-in rechargeable battery which allows you to use it as a portable radio. You can also plug it into the mains.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- 4 alarm clocks
- Remote control
- Rechargeable built-in battery
- Aux-in port
- Sleep timer
- Independent bass and treble controls
Dimensions: 18.2 x 13 x 8.7 cm
Weight: 780 g
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to carry around
- Easy to recharge
- Comact size with a small footprint
- Stylish design
Cons
- No Bluetooth
- 2-year warranty only available if you leave a review
Summary
The AZATOM Blackfriars is a stylish and affordable retro DAB radio that would look great in a kitchen. It uses a built-in rechargeable battery rather than AA or C-size batteries, which makes it convenient to use as a portable radio as you don’t need to charge batteries separately. Read our full review of the AZATOM Blackfriars here.
3. Majority Little Shelford
The Majority Little Shelford looks a lot like the Roberts Revival Mini reviewed below, but it’s much cheaper. It could be a good choice if you want something small and inexpensive that has a vintage-style finish. It also features Bluetooth, unlike the Roberts Revival Mini, making it quite versatile.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Dual alarm clock
- Sleep timer
- Headphone jack
- Mains or battery-powered (4 x AA)
Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 10 cm
Weight: 762 g
Pros
- Compact, portable design
- Easy to use
- Can be powered by a mini USB cable (for example a phone charger)
- Good sound for the size and price
Cons
- Can be unreliable, especially the power cable
- Presets can be fiddly
Verdict
The Majority Little Shelford has a cute retro design and offers great value for money. It may not have the same build quality as more expensive alternatives from brands such as Roberts, but it performs well for the price.
Read our full review of the Majority Little Shelford here.
4. Roberts Rambler BT Retro
This stylish retro DAB radio is another of Roberts more vintage-styled radios. It’s a little higher in price than some of the other radios on our list, but it looks just as good as it sounds, so you know you can expect good things. This would look great in a retro-inspired kitchen or living room.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Mains or battery-powered (4 x C)
- Headphone jack
- Saves 20 preset stations (10 DAB and 10 FM)
- Aux input
- Dual alarm clock
- Sleep timer
- Dimmable display
Dimensions: 21 x 8.5 x 12 cm
Pros
- Clear sound quality
- Stylish design
- Easy to use
- Bluetooth enabled
- Alarm clock
Cons
- Battery life is quite poor
- Setting station presets could be fiddly
Verdict
The Rambler is a great-looking vintage-style digital radio. It is fairly priced for all of the functionality it has and the great sound quality. The battery life of this radio may leave a lot to be desired, but if using as a mains-powered radio, this is a funky little feature to have in your home.
Read our full review of the Roberts Rambler here.
5. Roberts Classic Blutune
If you want something with a similar authentic 1970s-look to the Roberts Rambler reviewed above but with a more chic, understated colour palette, then the Classic Blutune would be a great choice. It is a similar size as the Rambler BT, only slightly bigger and features a slick mahogany-inspired finish – a great choice for a bachelor pad in need of some music.
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Line-out socket
- Mains-powered or battery-powered with 6 x C batteries
- 20 preset stations
- Dimmable display
- USB port
- Headphone jack
Dimensions: 9 x 23.5 x 14 cm
Weight: 998 g
Pros
- Small size
- USB port for updates
- Authentic retro design
- Good sound quality for a small radio
- Bluetooth for wireless streaming
Cons
- No alarm clock
- Relatively expensive
- Mono sound
Summary
The Roberts Blutune is relatively expensive compared to some retro-inspired radios from budget brands, but it’s well made and reliable.
Like all vintage-style Roberts radios, the Blutune looks great.
Read our full review of the Roberts Classic Blutune here.
