However, we weren’t particularly fond of how the presets worked. There are no dedicated buttons for instant access, which is a bit of a headache.

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? Some radios use dedicated rechargeable batteries which will recharge when the radio is plugged into the mains, even while you’re listening to it. The VQ Retro mini radio comes with DAB and DAB+ connectivity, as well as standard FM, so you can listen to any station you like. Retro Mini is born in Britain with expert design & engineering at our studios in the Hampshire countryside. 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.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. Another excellent feature is that the VQ Retro Mini comes with an equaliser, so you can adjust the sound quality to suit your specific needs. There are 5 different EQ settings built-in. Internet-connected radios have wi-fi, usually in addition to DAB and FM radio. They generally now have Bluetooth, too, to stream audio from your smartphone or tablet. This means you get a wide choice of ways to listen. The best internet radios tend to be sold at a premium as a result, and there aren’t that many internet radios on the market to choose from in the first place. They’re usually either tabletop or portable radios. Pros of internet radios:

With a stunning design that splits into no fewer than 19 different colour options, you really can’t go wrong from an aesthetic perspective. If you have a smartphone, you can stream everything internet radios offer to a Bluetooth DAB radio instead, which will cost less. Make sure you're not influenced by cost, style or brand alone when deciding on a radio, as you could easily end up with one you'll regret buying. Some budget, fashion or nostalgia-focused radios in particular may look great, but can have tinny sound and awkward menus and buttons that are a frustrating pain to use. We’ve also found a surprising number of disappointing radios from the biggest brands. Best DAB radio features to look forPros: The easiest design to use when you’re sleepy, often have large screens which are ideal if you have poorer eyesight 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 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. 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?

What’s more, the Retro Mini can achieve volumes that are a lot higher than we expected when we started testing out this device. People often find that it’s easier to access these internet features via your smartphone’s touchscreen anyway, as it can be fiddly to navigate them using the buttons on a radio. Some internet radios have an accompanying app to solve this issue. 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.Tabletop radios tend to be larger and heavier than other types, meaning they can often sound better. This way, you can easily buy yourself 10 more minutes in bed when needed. No one wants the frustration of groggily battling with a poorly designed radio when they’ve just woken up. Battery power This mini radio looks great, sounds good, and even comes with a few extra features, like USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity thrown in.