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The Kite DAB Pocket Radio is a cheap and stylish pocket FM/DAB radio. It’s part of the Majority range of budget radios which are designed in Cambridge, England. This small pocket radio could be a good choice if you’re looking for something to listen to while walking, jogging, commuting or just walking around the house.
Features
- Save up to 20 preset stations (10 on FM and 10 on DAB)
- Auto time set feature, which automatically sets the correct time when you turn the radio on for the first time.
- Takes 3 AAA batteries (not included)
- Comes with earphones included
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- 12-month warranty
- LCD display
- Key lock feature so you won’t accidentally change something when the radio is in your pocket
Pros
- Good DAB reception compared to many other radios
- Easy to use
- Small and light
- Sleek, attractive design
- Comes with free earphones
- Cheap
Cons
- No sleep timer, which is a shame if you like to listen to the radio before going to sleep
- Would me more convenient if it had a belt clip like the OXX Clip
- Poor battery life
Performance
This radio takes three AAA batteries, which aren’t included with the radio itself. You can use either regular or rechargeable batteries. The manufacturers say that this radio should last six hours on a full charge, but in reality the battery life is likely to be closer to three hours. The battery life is quite disappointing, but it can be improved by adjusting the screen settings to make the screen dim after 10 seconds.
When you turn the radio on for the first time it will automatically set the correct time. It will also scan for DAB stations and find all the stations available in your area. Reception on both FM and DAB is good, especially when compared to most other pocket radios.
Verdict
This radio looks great and is very small and light. It’s attractively priced (see on Amazon), and even comes with free earphones. However, the battery life really lets it down, so you should think twice about buying this radio.
The main flaw with this radio is the short battery life. One way to deal with this would be to use a battery charger and make sure you always have 3 spare AAA batteries for when the radio dies. You can also try using high-quality batteries, setting the screen to dim after 10 seconds and avoiding changing the station frequently or doing other things that will turn the screen on.
Similar radios
If you’re not sure about the Kite DAB radio, check out or reviews of the best pocket DAB radios in the UK. One of the most similar radios to the Kite is the Petersfield-Go personal radio, which is also made by the budget brand Majority. It’s another affordable and popular pocket digital radio.
If you’re looking for a radio to listen to while jogging or doing other exercise, read our roundup of the best pocket radios for running.