01.Introduction
22 digital radios on test, priced from $70 to $749
Since May 2009, digital radio broadcasts have been transmitted in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. With trials by Broadcast Australia starting as early as 2003.
Analog radio hasn't been affected, and there's no immediate plan for it to end.
Digital broadcasting can deliver better sound quality than AM or FM. But highly compressed broadcasts from the radio stations, poor reception and a radio that's just not up to the job can make them no better than an analog radio. You can't do much about the first two, and buying a digital radio with poor sound is simply a waste of money – you’d be better off buying an analog radio for a fraction of the price.
Keen to learn more about the format? See the CHOICE guide to digital radio.
CHOICE's experts independently test a wide range of products and services to bring you unbiased reviews, product comparison tools and buying advice that is trusted by 140,000+ members.
Get access to all
CHOICE benefits.
$1.91
/week
*Billed quarterly
Purchase this
single report.
$10
Brands tested
Bush BPR07DAB Walker Handheld DAB+ Radio
Bush BR08DAB DAB+ KITCHEN RADIO
Bush BR20DAB DAB+ KITCHEN RADIO
Digitech AR1751 Compact DAB+ and FM radio tuner
Digitech AR1754 Portable DAB+ and FM radio/earphones
Grundig GPR800DAB NEWHANDHELD DAB+ RADIOHandheld
mbeat DAB01W DAB+ Radio
OXX Digital Pocket
OXX Vantage Portable Digital Radio
Philips AE5230 Philips Portable Digital Radio
Pure Avanti Flow
Pure Evoke Flow
Pure Evoke-2S
Pure One Elite
Pure OneMi VL61412
Pure Siesta
Roberts Dreamtime
Roberts SolarDAB
Sangean DPR34
Sangean DPR69
sToneTech DB-80F
TEAC Stereo DAB Radio DAB400W
How we test
Sound quality Our testers listen to each radio at the same volume for distortion, rattles or other odd noises, stereo separation where appropriate and a natural sound across all frequencies.
Ease of use Our tester uses all the main functions of the radios to assess their ease of use. In particular, he looks for ease of the initial setup, clear labelling, placement and functionality of the buttons and knobs, size and clarity of the display and intuitive and logical menus.
Reception We check for reception quality in three different locations. The first site is classed as optimal reception, while the second site represents an area of marginal reception. The final test involves an area with difficult reception due to its distance from the broadcast tower and no line of sight for the signal to reach the radio.
Standby energy We measure the radio's standby energy use with the display at minimum brightness.
CHOICE independence is guaranteed
These independent ratings are only available through membership with CHOICE Online because no one tests products like we do. Arm yourself with our unique and exclusive information and make your next purchase with confidence.
Want more?
Get access to our independent testing reports and save yourself time and money.
