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The Sony ICF-S80
Features
- AM/FM radio
- Water resistance rating of IPX4
- Strap holes and detachable handle for hanging the radio in the shower
- Auto power-off function and countdown timer to save battery life
- Saves 5 preset stations which can be quickly accessed via preset buttons
- Takes 3 C-sized batteries
- 12-hour clock
- Four rubberised feet for added stability
Dimensions: 14.5 cm tall x 12.9 cm wide x 6.2 cm deep
Weight: 499 g
Model number: ICFS80.CE7
Performance and use
Battery life
One of the most impressive things about the Sony ICF-S80 is its battery life—the radio can last up to 100 hours when used with some good C-sized batteries. This means you shouldn’t need to change the batteries for months even if you use it every day.
The radio has a timer function which automatically turns the radio off after a set period of time. You can use this to save the battery life and make sure you or other members of your household don’t spend too long in the shower.
Ease of use
The Sony ICF-S80 is very easy to use, which is just what you want from a shower radio. Tuning in stations is straightforward, and you can easily save them as presets and access them quickly later using one of the 5 dedicated preset station buttons.
Radio
Unlike many other shower radios, the Sony ICF-S80 has good reception on both AM and FM, so you shouldn’t need to spend a long time adjusting it to get a good signal. It doesn’t have DAB radio, but in some ways this is an advantage as DAB would eat through batteries more quickly, and digital reception is still unreliable when compared to AM/FM.
Water resistance
The Sony ICF-S80 is rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means it can withstand splashes of water. It’s not completely water resistant, but it is very resilient as long as you don’t intentionally try to drown it.
Sound quality
Nobody would expect a shower radio to have amazing sound quality, and the Sony ICF-S80 certainly won’t replace a high-end radio. However, for a small shower radio, it has very good sound quality. It’s not tinny or muffled like some of the cheaper radios out there.
Pros
- Very good battery life of up to 100 hours
- Easy to tune in stations
- Easy to save and recall preset stations
- Good reception
- Good sound quality for a small radio
- Small, which is convenient for using it in the shower
- Rubberised feet and buttons are good for when it gets damp
Cons
- Doesn’t come with batteries included
- Not completely watertight—water can get into the battery component if you’re not careful
Verdict
The Sony ICF-S80
Since it doesn’t offer DAB radio, it might not be ‘futureproof’. However, AM and FM probably won’t be switched off for another 5 years or more, and AM/FM radios such as the Sony ICF-S80 offer much better battery life than their digital counterparts, which you’d need to recharge after using just a few times.
Similar radios
If you’d like a shower radio with DAB, a good choice would be the Roberts Splash. It’s more expensive than the Sony ICF-S80, but is a versatile portable radio that you could also use in the garden or around the home.
For more suggestions, check out our roundup of the best shower radios.