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The Roberts Stream 217 is a forward-thinking digital radio that not only offers DAB and FM but also internet radio, giving you access to thousands of stations and podcasts from across the globe.
Find out more about what the Stream 217 can do and how it performs in this review…
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ and Internet radio
- Saves 30 preset stations (10 on each mode)
- Dual alarm clock
- 3.5 mm stereo aux-in port
- 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack
- Equaliser with separate treble and bass
- Compatible with Spotify Connect
- USB port
- Can be mains powered or battery powered with six LR20 (D size) batteries
- Compatible with the UNDOK app (lets you use your phone as a remote control)
Dimensions: 30 cm wide x 17.4 cm high x 10.5 cm deep
Weight: 1.4 kg
Performance and use
Connecting the radio to your wireless network should be quick and painless, and the Stream 217 keeps the connection well. If you have problems with the wireless connection you can use an Ethernet cable instead.
If you haven’t owned an internet radio before, the Stream 217 will unlock a whole new world of radio. You can still get all the regular UK stations, but you can also listen to thousands of stations from the USA, Europe and the rest of the world. Having internet radio also means you can use the radio abroad to pick up British stations that you wouldn’t be able to get on national FM and DAB networks.
Owning an internet radio is also a good solution if the FM and/or DAB reception is poor where you live. As long as you have a good internet connection, you can enjoy the radio without any interference.
This radio’s sound quality is decent, but not too impressive for the price. With this radio you’re mainly paying for features rather than sound quality, so you may need to invest more to get something like the Revo SuperConnect if you want an internet radio with really high-end audio quality.
As well as the radio itself, the Stream 217 offers a few useful features including the ability to set two separate alarms. There’s also an aux-in port which you can use to connect your smartphone, iPod or MP3 player and use the radio as a speaker.
Unlike most internet radios, the Stream 217 can be used as a portable radio with six D size batteries. Unsurprisingly, the batteries don’t last as long as they would on an AM/FM radio, so it’s generally better to plug the radio into the mains if you can.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Clearly written instructions manual (available online here)
- Quick to set up a wireless connection
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Design isn’t very attractive, and the radio looks plasticky
- Battery life is poor, but this is usually the case with DAB and internet radios
Verdict
The Roberts Stream 217 is a good all-round performer that combines a range of useful features with a decent-sounding speaker. This radio isn’t the most attractive or best sounding internet radio out there, but it’s a reliable mid-range option.
Similar radios
The most similar radio to the Roberts Stream 217 is probably the Roberts Stream 104, which is smaller and more affordable than the Stream 217.
Another popular alternative from Roberts is the Stream 93i, which arguably has better sound quality but isn’t portable.
A more high-end option is the Revo SuperConnect
For some more radios to consider, see our roundup of the best internet radios.