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Pros: The easiest design to use when you’re sleepy, often have large screens which are ideal if you have poorer eyesight Our favourite option has to be the walnut-style VQ Retro mini radio. It looks just like a device from Pure, but at a fraction of the price tag. If you have a smartphone, you can stream everything internet radios offer to a Bluetooth DAB radio instead, which will cost less. What’s more, the Retro Mini can achieve volumes that are a lot higher than we expected when we started testing out this device.
Additionally, there are some complaints online about many of these models being delivered faulty – which is a huge issue. Some radios have a dedicated remote control, or an accompanying smartphone app that can act as a remote control. These can be very handy if you’re choosing a radio for a living room or dining room, so you won't have to get up every time you want to adjust the volume or switch stations. Choose an internet radio if you don’t want to use a smartphone or tablet, or listen to internet-only radio for long periods on a daily basis – you won’t have to use two devices, or keep your smartphone in Bluetooth range of your radio, and you won’t have to worry about the Bluetooth connection excessively draining your phone’s battery life if you use it for hours at a time.The great thing about the Retro Classic is its multi-functionality for such a small device. It has DAB/DAB+ FM Radio, and Bluetooth 5.0, and is compatible with all smartphones and devices. This contemporary, retro-styled digital radio is perfect for listening to music, FM radio, podcasts, or streaming your favourite sounds whilst working at home, cooking in the kitchen, or enjoying being out in the garden. Because the VQ Retro is a mini radio, you can’t expect it to compete with a huge boombox or Hi-Fi setup. Ultimately, this radio is more about convenience and portability than volume. They’re also particularly useful for radios with lots of functionality, such as internet radios, where performing a long series of button presses can get clunky. No matter which colour you choose, the VQ retro mini is bound to live up to its name. The eighties-inspired theme resonates all the way from the leatherette-feel handle, to the wooden casing. If you have a smart speaker with a voice assistant, you'll be able to ask it to play any available internet radio station. Most smart speakers use the TuneIn radio app to find and play your chosen stations, and for BBC radio stations they run via the BBC's dedicated service; for example with an Alexa smart speaker, simply say: ‘Alexa, ask the BBC to play Radio 4.’ Digital radio on smartphone, tablet and computers
According to the design team at VQ, The Retro Mini radio was their chance to create something capable of standing the test of time with modern functionality and unbeatable charm. You should also consider getting a smart speaker instead of an internet radio. These are also connected via wi-fi, and you control them with voice commands rather that with buttons. You can use a smart speaker as an internet radio by asking for your favourite radios stations, and it will play them through services such as TuneIn Radio. This gives you more choice of models, starting at lower prices – the only disadvantage is that smart speakers don’t also have DAB and FM radio like internet radios typically do. On average, sound quality is often better on smart speakers, too. For more information, see our guide on how to buy the best smart speaker. Five ways to listen to the radio for free Some radios use dedicated rechargeable batteries which will recharge when the radio is plugged into the mains, even while you’re listening to it. This mini radio looks great, sounds good, and even comes with a few extra features, like USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity thrown in.The buttons feel a little cheap and plastic, but they are responsive – which is really what’s important. The LCD screen works well too – and it’s easy to read from a range of angles. Additionally, there’s the option to connect your own devices through a Bluetooth connection too. The system works easily with everything from Apple Music to Spotify. Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to transition most BBC and commercial radio stations to DAB+, with both consumers and the industry generally happy with the audio quality of DAB stations. Using conventional batteries, such as AAs. Choose one of our best rechargeable batteries to save money and help the environment. Most portable Roberts radios are powered this way. The Pure Elan E3 (pictured above) is an anomaly in the Pure portable radio family since it takes conventional batteries. It’s an academic argument, though: all DAB radios we review also give you FM radio too, so you don’t lose out. You can easily switch between the two to get the best sound quality wherever you are. Also it’s important to note your radio’s speakers have a far greater impact on the quality of sound than choosing between DAB and FM broadcasts – it’s more important to choose a DAB radio we recommend.
Roberts and Pure are the two best-known British radio brands. However, our testing shows that their radios are not always the best, and that they even make some real duds. You can listen live or use the catch-up service to listen to older shows from those stations that provide them. If you’re still having trouble, buying an internet radio may be the answer – this will work in range of your home wi-fi signal, and most models have DAB and FM radio as well in case signal improves in your area in the future. Does DAB radio sound better than FM radio?The Retro Mini features DAB & DAB+ Digital Radio along with traditional FM, meaning you can listen to all the available stations broadcast in your area from the likes of; your national, commercial, and local broadcasters. Finding new stations couldn’t be easier. The auto scan finds all your available stations with a simple alphabetical list to scroll through. Once you find a new favourite station, save it to one of sixty available presets. Retro Mini is born in Britain with expert design & engineering at our studios in the Hampshire countryside. The VQ Retro Mini stands out as one of the most popular DAB radio options online for people with a love of retro style, and a limited budget. There are also a few modern features thrown in for good measure, like a USB charging port, so you can keep your phone powered while you’re jamming to your favourite tunes. VQ Retro Mini radio: Features DAB radios are more than just broadcast devices. To get the most out of yours, consider models with the following useful features: Alarms
If you and your partner need to get up at different times, look for a model with dual independent alarms, an increasingly common feature. Snooze button Below, we round up the various options for listening online, and explain how to access thousands of major radio stations worldwide. Smart speakers Miss some features of internet radios, such as internet-only radio stations, podcasts, audiobooks, and music-streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music (may require subscriptions). However, if you get a DAB radio with Bluetooth, you can stream all these features to your radio from your smartphone or tablet. However, if you can get a Retro Mini that works properly, we think that you should be delighted by the majority of the features and functionality. Retro Mini features a wireless Bluetooth connection. It’s easy to connect your phone, tablet, or any other device, so you can stream content providers, such as; Audible, Apple Music, Deezer, and Spotify. The radio also features a USB charge port so you can charge your phone/tablet.The Retro Mini sounds fantastic with the premium single ultra-wide full range 5W speaker delivering a rich and room-filling audio experience. You can also tailor the acoustics with a range of six available presets for different music genres. Do consider carefully which features you actually need – you’ll save money by avoiding those you’re unlikely to use. Which brand: Roberts or Pure? Retro Mini by VQ is small but perfectly formed with a balance of vintage style and modern functionality, making it irresistible. Coming in a comprehensive choice of colours and designer prints to perfectly fit your home.
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