The Roberts Play M3 is a small portable digital radio that only offers the most essential features. It’s one of the cheapest radios in Roberts’ product range, so it could be a good choice if you want something straightforward and affordable from a leading brand.

What can the Play M3 do and how does it perform? Find out in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 14 cm wide x 9.5 cm high x 4.5 cm deep

Performance and use

The Roberts Play M3 is very easy to start using—just plug it in, switch it on and let it find the stations available in your area. It’s generally a very easy to use, and the instructions are clearly written. The telescopic aerial helps give the Play M3 a relatively good DAB signal.

The sound quality isn’t amazing, but you wouldn’t expect it to be from something so small and inexpensive. The Play M3 is very small and light so it’s easy to carry around, but the downside to this is that it doesn’t feel especially sturdy and there isn’t a lot of depth to the sound.

You can save three presets on DAB/DAB+ and three on FM. They can easily be set and recalled using the dedicated preset buttons on the top of radio. While lots of other radios let you save more presets, you often have to scroll through a menu which makes them fiddly and time-consuming to use. With the Play M3, using presets is very simple, and since most people only listen to a handful of stations anyway, three presets should be enough.

You can plug the Play M3 into the mains or use it with four AA batteries. It gets through AA batteries quite quickly and doesn’t have a built-in battery charger, unlike the more expensive Roberts Play. Some people like to use replaceable batteries, but others would find a built-in rechargeable battery more convenient.

Verdict

The Play M3 is one of Roberts’ most simple and unflashy products. It’s a good choice if you want a straightforward, small and inexpensive radio, but the features are limited and it’s not particularly stylish.

Similar radios

One similar radio is the Roberts Play, which is more expensive than the Play M3 but has a convenient built-in battery charger so you can reuse the same set of rechargeable AA batteries. Another option is the Roberts Play 10, which doesn’t have a battery charger but does feature a useful carrying strap and arguably has a nicer-looking design than the Play M3.

For some more options, see our roundups of the best portable DAB radios and the best DAB radios under £50.

The post Roberts Play M3 DAB Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

In 2016, Roberts released the Stream 94i, which is the successor to the Stream 93i. The two radios look very similar, but there are some crucial differences, which we’ll explore in this article.

Similarities

Given the success of the 93i and the high regard in which it’s held, Roberts has naturally been wary of being too radical and making drastic changes for the latest upgrade. Both models have the same great sound quality, provided by a sub-woofer and two smaller drivers.

Both radios offer access to multiple radio stations through FM and DAB channels, plus DAB+ for future-proofing, and internet radio via Wi-Fi (802-11b/g/n being standard on both for 2.4 GHz bands, plus 5 GHz for the 94i).

For even more choice, there’s a wired Ethernet connection for network devices such as a NAS server, PC or Mac in MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAL, ALAC or WAV formats, as well as a USB connection, both sources using the Music Player app for output.

You can also use Spotify Connect, if you’re a premium subscriber, to play tracks from the service’s database, so either version of the Roberts Stream provides access to as much music as you need.

Each radio can save 120 preset stations so you can easily find your favourite stations and can be operated by on-device controls, a remote control or your smartphone with the downloadable UNDOK app.

Both versions have a stereo headphone socket, 3.5 mm line out and an aux-in connector. They’re either mains or battery powered, though if you want to use a battery you will need to use a rechargeable battery pack which costs extra. If you are upgrading from the 93i to the 94i, you can use the same battery pack.

Multiple alarms are available on both radios, either as a radio or buzzer alarm, with snooze and sleep modes.

Differences

The main difference between the two is that the 94i has Bluetooth, although you can buy a Bluetooth adapter for the 93i.

According to the Roberts website, both radios have the same RRP, though in practice the Stream 94i is often more expensive. However, the Stream 94i (which has Bluetooth built in) should cost about as much as buying the Stream 93i with the optional Bluetooth adapter.

Which should you choose?

If you don’t already have a Roberts Stream radio, the obvious choice is the Stream 94i since it’s newer, has the addition of Bluetooth and both devices are about the same price.

The 94i is slightly taller, not as wide and weighs a little less. It also has a new button layout that may be easier to handle, a more modern exterior design and a more flexible carrying handle. However, these are all fairly cosmetic and hardly warrant the cost of a new radio.

If you are already a 93i owner and simply want Bluetooth, the cheapest and best option may simply be to buy the Bluetooth adapter. Nevertheless, the upgrades to the 94i keep it ahead of the competition without spoiling what has always been a highly regarded radio.

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The Roberts SportsDAB6 is the latest in Roberts’s range of SportsDAB pocket radios. Unlike many pocket radios, it features a built-in speaker and extendable aerial so you don’t need to use headphones all the time.

The SportsDAB6 is one of the most expensive pocket DAB radios on the market. Is it worth the extra cost? Find out in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 10.2 cm high x 5.6 cm wide x 2.3 cm deep
Weight: 124 g

Performance and use

The Roberts SportsDAB6 can be listened to two ways: through the built-in speaker or through headphones. The built-in speaker sounds quite good for something so small. The volume is limited though, so it might be hard to listen to outside if it’s windy or noisy.

The SportsDAB6 has an extendable aerial which is used when you listen through the radio’s speaker. When using headphones, the headphones act as the aerial, so you don’t need to extend the aerial in your pocket!

You need to be careful with the aerial as it’s quite delicate. Apart from the aerial, the radio feels quite tough and robust.

DAB reception will vary a lot depending on where you use it. The reception generally seems better using the extendable aerial than using it with headphones, which can be frustrating if you want to use the SportsDAB6 as a pocket radio.

The radio uses a proprietary charger rather than a generic mini USB charger, which some people might find inconvenient.

Verdict

Overall, the Roberts SportsDAB6 is quite disappointing, especially given its high price. DAB reception can be poor when listening through headphones, and the best signal can only be achieved by extending the aerial. This isn’t a problem if you want to listen through the speaker, but if you want a radio you can keep in your pocket, the SportsDAB6 isn’t ideal. The aerial is also quite delicate, and several buyers have accidentally broken it.

Similar radios

A cheaper alternative to the Roberts SportsDAB6 is the AZATOM Pro Sports S1, which is another pocket radio that features a built-in speaker and extendable aerial. It offers similar features to the SportsDAB6 and performs well despite costing less than half the price at the time of writing.

Another good option is the Pure Move 2520. Like the SportsDAB6, the Move 2520 has a higher price tag than most pocket radios on the market, but it’s made by one of the most respected digital radios brands. The Move 2520 doesn’t have a built-in speaker so you can only listen to it through headphones, but you’re likely to get better reception when listening through headphones than you would with the SportsDAB6.

For some more options, see our roundup of the best pocket DAB radios.

The post Roberts SportsDAB6 Personal Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Ortus 2 is a clock radio from respected British radio manufacturer Roberts. It offers FM, DAB and DAB+ radio in addition to two alarms and has an elegant design that’s available in either black or white. Find out more about what the Ortus 2 can do and how it performs in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 17 cm wide x 10.6 cm high x 6.4 cm deep
Weight: 490 g

Performance and use

Lots of digital radios have an alarm clock added almost as an afterthought. The Ortus 2 isn’t like this—it’s designed as a clock radio first and has lots of clever features that make it a great clock radio.

One such feature is “any-button snooze”, which means you can pause the alarm by pressing any button rather than having to find a particular snooze button or, even worse, having to press several buttons to activate the snooze.

Another great thing about this clock radio is that the display can be dimmed completely so it won’t keep you awake at night. There’s also a “night-time display” feature that lets you see the clock for 10 seconds before it fades back to black. This is very useful if you want to see the time at night. However, the clock display is quite small and some people will find it hard to read without glasses on.

There’s also a sleep timer that gradually fades the radio out as it approaches the end of the timer so you won’t be woken up by the radio suddenly switching off.

You can set the alarm to use either an alarm buzzer sound or a radio station. The alarm works very well once it’s set, but setting it is quite fiddly and takes a lot of steps. The manual (available here) is helpful, but setting the alarm seems overcomplicated and will take a bit of practice. You get a lot of control over the alarm, but it would be good if Roberts had offered a simpler and quicker way of setting and changing the alarm.

Like many other clock radios on the market at the moment, the Ortus 2 has a USB socket which you can use to charge a phone or other device such as an iPod or Kindle.

The Ortus 2 feels well-made and has very sound quality is good for a small clock radio, as you’d expect from Roberts. The reception on DAB seems to be stronger than average.

This radio lets you save 10 preset stations on FM and 10 on DAB/DAB+. There are 3 dedicated preset buttons on the top of the radio which make it easy to change between your favourite stations without having to go through a complicated menu or scroll through the stations.

Verdict

The Ortus 2 is a well-made clock radio that gives you a lot of control over the alarm. This level of control makes it more complicated than many other clock radios. For those looking for a very simple and easy to use clock radio, the Ortus 2 might be too fiddly, but if you’d like something more customisable it’s a good choice.

The Ortus 2 has very good sound quality for a clock radio and has some really clever features such as any-button snooze and a sleep timer that fades the radio out. It’s a great radio overall but be aware that many people find it somewhat overcomplicated.

Similar radios

One of the Ortus 2’s main rivals is the Pure Siesta S2 from British brand Pure. It’s simpler and less expensive than the Ortus 2 but doesn’t have as good sound quality.

One very popular and affordable alternative is the AZATOM Horizon. It’s available at about half the price of the Ortus 2 (at the time of writing) and has the added feature of Bluetooth. Unfortunately though, the AZATOM Horizon is also quite fiddly to use.

If you want something that’s very easy to use and aren’t interested in added features, you might want to consider the Roberts Chronoplus2. It only has AM/FM radio, not DAB/DAB+, but it’s easier to set the alarm than on most DAB clock radios.

For some more options to consider, see our roundup of the best clock radios.

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The Roberts Revival RD70 is a stylish 1950s-style DAB radio with Bluetooth. It’s available in a choice of six finishes: Black, Classic Red, Dove Grey, Duck Egg, Leaf and Pastel Cream. This radio might look great, but how does it perform and is it worth the high price tag? Find out in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 25.2 cm wide x 16 cm high x 10.4 cm deep
Weight: 1.65 kg

Performance and use

This radio offers a good range of features including both FM and DAB/DAB+ as well as Bluetooth and a dual alarm clock. The radio is easy to set up thanks to the clearly written instructions manual, and it’s intuitive to use.

As you’d expect from Roberts, the RD70 has a nice rich, warm sound. You can plug this radio into the mains or use it with 4 AA batteries, though batteries aren’t included. A built-in battery charger might be more convenient.

The Roberts Revival RD70 would look great in the kitchen, and is also compact enough to use as a bedside radio. The Bluetooth works very well, and is a convenient added feature for listening to podcasts, Spotify and other media.

Verdict

The Roberts Revival RD70 is quite expensive given the features it offers, but it’s very well made and looks stunning. If you just want a functional DAB radio with Bluetooth there are cheaper options, but if you want something with a beautiful design the Revival RD70 is a good choice.

Similar radios

The RD70 is part of the Revival range of vintage-style radios, which includes a few similar radios. One good alternative to the Revival RD70 could be the Revival iStream2. The iStream2 looks the same as the RD70, but has internet radio instead of Bluetooth. A cheaper option is the Roberts Revival Uno, which is essentially a miniature version of the Revival RD70.

A good alternative from a different brand could be the Goodmans Oxford 1960’s Style Radio, which has a nice retro design and is much cheaper than the RD70. However, the Goodmans Oxford doesn’t have Bluetooth.

For some more options see our roundup of the best DAB radios with Bluetooth.

The post Roberts Revival RD70 Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Roberts Revival Uno is one of the latest additions to the Revival range of retro 1950s-style DAB radios. It’s essentially a compact version of the regular Roberts Revival RD70.

The Revival Uno is currently the cheapest radio in the Revival range. While it’s still more expensive than retro radios from less established brands, it could be a good choice if you’re looking to buy a classic-style Roberts radio without spending too much money.

What can this radio do and how does it perform? Find out in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 20.7 cm wide x 12.9 cm high x 8.5 cm deep
Weight: 898 g

Performance and use

This radio is very compact (20.7 cm wide), and you need to be aware of this before buying as you’ll be disappointed if you’re expecting something larger. The small size makes it very easy to carry around the house and garden, and you can power it with AA batteries so it works well as a portable radio.

The Revival Uno generally has strong DAB reception, and also offers FM radio in case your DAB signal is patchy. It has a metal telescopic aerial which you can extend to get the best signal.

One of the nice things about this radio and others in the Revival range is that you change the station and adjust the volume using old-fashioned rotary controls rather than pushing buttons. Even if you’re listening to the radio using the latest DAB+ technology, you’ll feel like you’re using a classic radio from the 1950s.

This radio doesn’t have a huge list of features. Besides FM/DAB/DAB+ radio it offers a dual alarm clock, so you can set one alarm for weekdays and one for weekends. There’s also a headphone jack, but the radio doesn’t have any advanced features such as Bluetooth or a USB charging point.

The best thing about this radio is its stylish retro design. It looks just like a classic 1950s radio. It also comes in a large choice of colours (black, pastel cream, dove grey, duck egg, pink, purple, teal and yellow).

The build quality and finish seem to be very high quality. However, some buyers have found that the leather peeled off after a few months of owning the radio. While Roberts have a reputation for making quality radios, lots of people believe their radios aren’t made to the same standard they used to be.

Revival Uno vs. Revival RD70

The main difference between these two radios is their size: the RD70 measures 25.2 x 16 x 10.4 cm whereas the Uno measures 20.7 x 12.9 x 8.5 cm. Unsurprisingly, the Uno is also lighter at 898 g compared to the RD70, which weighs 898 g.

As you’d expect from a smaller radio, the Uno has less power and can’t go as loud. It could be a good choice for a bedroom or other small, quiet room, while the RD70 would be a better choice if you need something loud.

In terms of features, the main difference is that the RD70 has Bluetooth whereas the Uno does not. Both radios have FM/DAB/DAB+ radio, a headphone jack and aux socket, an alarm clock and the option to power them either by the mains or batteries, so the addition of Bluetooth in the RD70 is the only real difference in terms of features.

Verdict

The main reason to buy the Revival Uno is for its stunning retro design. For a small radio it has very good sound quality, and DAB reception is strong. Using the radio is a pleasure thanks to the rotary controls.

However, for a small digital radio with limited features, the Revival Uno seems very expensive. You can buy a radio with the same features for a quarter of the price, but it wouldn’t have the beautiful retro design of the Revival Uno.

If design and aesthetics are important to you, the Revival Uno is worth the high price tag. If you’re just looking for a functional radio and aren’t so concerned with how it looks, there are similar-performing radios available for a much lower price.

Similar radios

The Revival range from Roberts includes several other radios that are worth considering. The Revival RD70 is the big brother (or sister) of the Revival Uno, and is essentially a larger version of the Uno with the addition of Bluetooth.

Another small radio in the Revival range is the Roberts Revival Mini. It has more of a cube-shaped design and features a built-in battery charger, which is handy if you’re using it as a portable radio.

If you’re not so interested in something with a retro design, you should consider the Roberts Play 10. It’s slightly smaller than the Revival Uno but it costs about a third of the price and has essentially the same features.

For some more options see our roundups of the best portable DAB radios and the best retro DAB radios.

The post Roberts Revival Uno DAB Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Roberts Stream94i is the successor to the popular Stream93i internet radio. It has a slightly smoother design and offers all of the same features but with the addition of Bluetooth. Is it worth spending a bit of extra money to get the Stream94i? Find out in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 26 cm wide x 17 cm high x 13.2 cm deep
Weight: 1.7 kg

Performance and use

Like the Stream93i, the Stream94i has a very aesthetically pleasing design, successfully combining modern and classic stylistic elements. The Stream94i has a carrying handle and can be used as a portable radio, though you need to buy the battery pack separately. It uses the same battery pack as the Stream93i, so if you are upgrading you can use the same battery pack.

Unlike some internet radios, the Stream94i is easy to set up and use, and you probably won’t need to refer to the manual to get it working. The visual interface is intuitive, but it’s even easier to control the radio via the UNDOK app, which makes finding stations very straightforward.

With FM, DAB/DAB+, internet radio, Spotify Connect compatibility and a USB port for connecting external media, you won’t be short of things to listen to. You can save 120 preset stations (40 on each mode), which should be more than enough. You can also access your favourite stations quickly and easily using the 5 dedicated preset buttons.

The Stream94i has good sound quality, and you can turn it up quite loud without it distorting. It’s not the best-sounding radio on the market, but the sound quality is well above average.

There is a dual alarm clock which lets you set two separate alarms, and you can choose to wake up to either the radio or an alarm buzzer sound.

One thing to be aware of with this radio is that some buyers have issues with it staying connected to their WiFi network. This problem doesn’t seem to be common, but there’s a small chance you will experience connectivity problems with this device.

Verdict

The Stream94i offers the same intuitive design and rich sound as the Stream93i, but with the addition of Bluetooth. Whether or not it’s worth spending an extra £30 or so to get Bluetooth is a personal decision. Given the amount of choice available on internet radio and how easy it is to stream audio from Spotify, you might be able to live without Bluetooth, in which case you should go for the Stream93i instead.

Both the Stream93i and Stream94i are great radios, and are definitely two of the best internet radios on the market.

Similar radios

There are several good alternatives to the Stream94i and Stream93i available at the moment. If sound quality is important to you, check out the Revo SuperConnect. It’s one of the best-sounding internet radios, and like the Stream94i it comes with Bluetooth, though it is pricey.

A cheaper internet radio is the Roberts Stream217, which you can use as a portable radio without having to buy a separate battery pack. The Stream217 isn’t as attractive as the Stream94i and doesn’t have Bluetooth, but if you want a basic internet radio with good sound quality at an affordable price it’s a good choice.

For some more options see our roundup of the best internet radios.

The post Roberts Stream94i Internet Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

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

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.

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, which is one of the best-sounding internet radios on the market.

For some more radios to consider, see our roundup of the best internet radios.

The post Roberts Stream 217 Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Roberts Stream 104 is a small and portable FM/DAB internet radio. As well as listening to regular FM and DAB radio, the Stream 104 also lets you listen to thousands of radio stations from across the world via the internet. This means you can explore a whole new world of radio. Getting an internet radio is also a good idea if you have a good internet connection but live in an area with poor radio reception.

Find out what the Roberts Stream 104 can do and how it performs in this review…

Features

Dimensions: 21 cm wide x 13.5 cm high x 6.5 cm deep
Weight: 649 g

Performance and use

The radio connects to the internet via your WiFi network, which is easy to do. The radio keeps a stable connection provided the signal is good.

You can find and tune in to internet radio stations using either the UNDOK smartphone app or the radio’s menu. The radio’s display is clear and easy to read, but is quite small and relies on scrolling text, which makes it slow to read. The menu can be fiddly to navigate, especially when you want to save preset stations.

For a small radio the Roberts Stream 104 sounds pretty good, though unsurprisingly it doesn’t have a lot of bass.

The radio can be powered by the mains or with 4 AA batteries, which can be rechargeable batteries. It would be nice if the radio had a built-in battery charger like some of Roberts other radios (the Unologic, Duologic and Expression).

In addition to FM/DAB/DAB+ and internet radio, the Stream 104 has a few other features including a dual alarm which can be set to wake you up with either a radio station or an alarm buzzer sound. You can also plug an iPod or other MP3 player into the radio using the aux-in socket and listen to music through the radio’s speaker.

Verdict

This is one of the cheapest internet radios from a major brand on the market, and offers great overall performance. While it could do with a larger display and a more intuitive menu, the Stream 104 is still one of the best internet radios available for less than £100.

Similar radios

Some other internet radios in the Roberts Stream range include the Roberts Stream 93i and the Roberts Stream 217, which are both larger than the Stream 104 and could be good options if you want something with more bass and depth.

If you’re looking for something even cheaper than the Roberts Stream 104 you should consider getting an internet radio from Ocean Digital, a Hong Kong brand that produce a large range of affordable internet radios. One of Ocean Digital’s most popular internet radios at the moment is the Ocean Digital WR233.

The post Roberts Stream 104 Radio Review appeared first on Best Radios.

The Roberts Radio Classic R9954 is an affordable and portable 3-band radio that offers LW, MW and FM wavebands. Let’s see what it can do…

Features

Dimensions: 26 cm wide x 15.5 cm high x 9.5 cm deep
Weight: 970 g

Performance and use

The R9954’s sound quality is relatively good for a small portable radio, and it has a pleasant tone that isn’t too tinny.

The radio generally offers good reception unless you use it in a remote area. However, it can be tricky to tune in as the tuning dial isn’t very sensitive. This isn’t a problem if you mainly listen to the same station, but it can be frustrating if you want to change the station frequently. You can set markers to help you find your favourite stations more quickly, but you can’t save presets to instantly tune into saved stations.

One of the best things about this radio is that it’s very easy to use. You don’t need to navigate through any complicated digital menus like you would on most portable DAB radios. The R9954’s ease of use makes it a good choice for older people who don’t want to learn new technology.

Verdict

The Roberts Radio Classic R9954 is a good choice if you want a straightforward and reliable analogue radio and aren’t ready to go digital. The R9954 is simple and easy to use and offers great value for money.

This radio isn’t for everyone, however. It doesn’t offer DAB radio, an alarm or any advanced features such as Bluetooth. However, this could be a good thing if your priority is simplicity and you don’t want something that is overcomplicated.

Similar radios

One of the most similar radios to the Roberts R9954 is the Roberts R9993, which has an almost identical design and also offers three wavebands: LW, MW and FM. Some of the main differences are that the R9993 takes AA batteries rather than C size batteries, and the R9993 is likely to be cheaper.

Another good portable AM/FM radio is the Panasonic 2400EB-K, which is very affordable and exceptionally easy to use.

For some more options see this article: Best AM/FM Radios.

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