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The best radio for the elderly: Stay tuned for easy listening

A great radio for the elderly can offer older people an excellent way to access endless entertainment at the push of a button. An easy-to-use radio can keep people entertained all day, without the need for TV or internet connections.

You don’t need an audio device brimming with bells and whistles if all you want is an easy way to listen to FM and DAB radio in seconds.

Additionally, while many elderly people have no problem figuring out how to use the latest tech on the market, other consumers can find more advanced radio systems difficult to use. 

Since no two consumers alike, today’s top radio manufacturers know that if they want to reach the widest range of customers, they need to offer a diverse portfolio of products.

For every state-of-the-art innovation delivered into the marketplace, there’s also an easy to use radio out there, perfect for people in search of simplicity. 

If you’re looking for a radio that’s more intuitive and engaging than complex and overwhelming, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the best radios for elderly people, and what makes these products so appealing.

Let’s jump right in.

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1. Sony XDRS61DB

Often, choosing an easy to use radio for the elderly is picking something that’s simple, clean, and intuitive. Large multi-speaker devices with dozens of buttons are no good.

While many seniors will be able to manage a smartphone app for controlling their radio, most will prefer a few basic buttons on the radio set instead. 

The Sony XDRS61DB is a basic, but effective radio system, offering DAB, DAB+ and FM radio. To ensure that any elderly person can access their favourite channels instantly, the device comes with five preset buttons lined across the top of the product.

Also, there’s the option to switch the mains power to battery power if you want to take your radio on the move

Another thing that makes the Sony one of the best digital radios for the elderly, is the fact that you adjust your volume with a rotary dial – which is a simple and comfortable way to manage your sound. 

For just under £110, features include:

  • DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
  • Portable design with battery power
  • Wake up and sleep timer
  • Headphone jack for private listening
  • Full LCD display for programmed information
  • AC adapter and battery operation
  • 5 pre-set buttons

Choosing an easy to use radio for the elderly doesn’t have to mean compromising on style with this product either. The Sony XDRS61DB comes in a choice of black, white, or red finishes.

There’s a full LCD display that you can use to access useful information like the time, battery power, and the channel you’re currently listening to. 

There aren’t a lot of advanced features to explore in this device, like Bluetooth streaming or Wi-Fi, but that should be fine for many elderly people. The display is clean and easy to read, and it dims naturally at night to make sure your sleep isn’t disturbed.

Pros:

  • Convenient, easy-to-use design with multiple pre-sets
  • Auto-dimming display for use as bedside clock
  • Intuitive button layout
  • Clear and reliable sound quality
  • Tactile volume control

Cons:

  • A little pricey for a basic product
  • No carry handle for portability
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2. Ruark R2 Mk3 easy to use radio

If you thought that the Sony above was expensive, then you should probably skip straight to number three on our list.

Ruark radios have a reputation for being expensive – and the Ruark R2 Mk3 is no exception to that rule. However, if you do have a little extra cash to splash on the best radio for an person, this could be a perfect choice. 

The Ruark R2 MK3 might be a lot more expensive than most of the best DAB radios for the elderly, but it’s brimming with excellent functionality, exceptional sound quality, and more.

It’s internet radio ready, in case your elderly relative ever wants to stream their own content from the online world. 

However, there’s also FM, DAB, and DAB+ radio built-in. 

Perhaps the most exciting feature of this big button radio for seniors is that it comes with one intuitive rotodial to use for controlling sound and volume.

There are no complex devices or buttons to get used to. What’s more, the design of the radio is reassuringly retro too. 

For just under £420, features include:

  • Bluetooth streaming
  • Internet radio ready
  • FM, DAB, and DAB+ SIGNALS
  • Superb sound quality
  • Rotodial control for ease of use
  • Easy-to-read clear display
  • USB connectivity

Essentially, the Ruark R2 allows users to choose exactly how modern they want their device to be. If you don’t want to deal with things like mobile apps and internet streaming, then you can just as easily listen to music using the central dial control instead.

The design of the radio system is also incredibly sleek and simple so that it will fit well into virtually any household. 

Of course, with Ruark, you also get a sensational quality of sound, even at higher volumes – which might be crucial to people with hearing issues.

Pros:

  • Fantastic sound quality at any volume
  • Intuitive user controls
  • Internet ready
  • Excellent design
  • Compact unit

Cons:

  • Rather expensive
  • Extra features may not be necessary for some users
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3. Roberts Play 10

The best radio for seniors doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can still get exceptional style, performance, and functionality from a much smaller and simpler radio, like the Roberts Play 10

The Play 10 is a small and portable radio that combines dependable performance with an intuitive and simple design.

The only major downside for most customers feature wise is that there isn’t an alarm clock built-in, but that might not be necessary for you. 

The Roberts Play 10 comes with a range of preset buttons to choose from for elderly individuals who want to access their favourite channels quickly. The tactile controls are easy to use, even if you don’t have the best joints or finger strength anymore. 

If you’re looking for a radio with presets for elderly people that supports DAB, DAB+ and FM wavebands, you can’t go wrong here. 

There’s also a headphone socket built into this device, and a carrying handle, so that you can take your radio with you into the kitchen or the garden while in-use. 

For just under £35, you’ll get features like:

  • Excellent Roberts Radio sound quality
  • Headphone jack
  • 3 preset buttons to choose from
  • Carrying handle
  • Battery or mains powered
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • DAB, FM, and DAB+ radio

The Roberts Play 10 is probably one of the best easy to use radios for the elderly individuals in your life that spend a lot of their time staying active.

If you’re looking for a simple radio for the elderly that’s going to be ideal for things like listening to music in the garden while working on the weeds; this could be just the device that you need. 

Of course, for such a low price, you might expect a few issues with this device. For instance, the tuning dial is easy to confuse with a volume control at first glance. Additionally, there’s no clock or alarm option, which could be a massive problem for some users.

Pros:

  • Portable, lightweight design
  • Easy to use with tactile tuning knob
  • Excellent budget-friendly price
  • Great sound quality
  • Multiple presets

Cons:

  • Battery life is limited
  • No alarm or clock function
  • Some features can be confusing
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4. Ocean Digital WR-210CB internet radio

Choosing the best digital radio for the elderly doesn’t have to mean selection the option with the fewest features. Sometimes, advanced radios can be intuitive and easy-to-use too. 

For instance, this Ocean Digital Internet radio is a fantastic desktop radio for people who are looking for simplicity and convenience.

The design of the radio focuses on putting ease-of-use first. There’s a tactile tuning knob on the front of the machine, as well as several large buttons for presets. 

Another great feature of the Ocean Digital is that it comes with a full-colour display. We think this could be an excellent feature in the best easy to use radio for the elderly, because it means that they can choose music by searching for an album cover they recognise. 

The Ocean Digital internet radio delivers sensational sound quality for a relatively low price. 

There are dual alarm settings built-in with a snooze and sleep timer included. Also, you can control everything from the included remote control. 

For just under £55, features include:

  • Wi-Fi internet radio
  • Bluetooth speaker with music streaming
  • Large tactile buttons and controls
  • Easy-to-use remote control included
  • Fantastic full-colour display
  • Line-out jack to connect to external speakers
  • Headphone jack
  • Dual alarm with timer and snooze features

We liked this radio because it combines futuristic technology, like internet connectivity and Bluetooth streaming, with functionality that’s designed to put user experience first.

The Ocean Digital shows us that finding the best radio for the elderly isn’t just about avoiding modern features – it’s about selecting the most intuitive design. 

The remote does have a few issues from time to time, but that’s nothing that most people wouldn’t be used to when dealing with their TV at home.

The device doesn’t come with a built-in speaker, so you will need to buy those separately.

Pros:

  • Clear colour display
  • Excellent remote and on-device controls
  • Intuitive design 
  • Future-ready with internet connection
  • Alarm and clock functions included

Cons:

  • Speakers not included
  • Can be hard to connect with remote at times
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5. Roberts Elise radio for the elderly

Here at Radio Fidelity, we’re huge fans of the Roberts Radio brand, thanks to their exceptional commitment to great design, functionality, and performance. 

The Roberts Elise not only delivers on all the central values of the Roberts brand, but it also delivers one of the easiest to use radio for the elderly too.

This device stands out as the best radio for seniors and visually impaired people, thanks to an intuitive button layout. 

Created specifically for radio lovers that need simplicity above all else, the Roberts Elise is frequently recommended to people who don’t have the best vision anymore. 

Out of the box, you don’t need to do anything to set your device up, just switch it on, and you’re ready to start browsing through DAB and FM radio stations. You can also save up to 9 preset stations and set a favourite station button too. 

The Elise can be powered by a mains charger or batteries, and it comes with a headphone jack for easy, private listening. 

For just under £120, features include:

  • DAB and FM signals
  • 9 preset station options
  • Headphone jack for private listening
  • Favourite station button
  • Easy-to-use button layout
  • LCD display
  • Mains or battery power
  • Lightweight and compact design

The Roberts Elise is far from the most complex product on the market for those in search of excellent radio performance, but that might be exactly what you need. 

If you’re searching for an easy to use radio for the elderly, or a push button radio for seniors, this could be just what you need. All the buttons are easy to locate by touch, and the favourite station button makes it easy to find the channel you listen to most. 

Of course, a basic design also means that the Elise is lacking a few features. There aren’t any controls to manage your EQ, and you don’t get a carry handle if you want to take your portable radio out into the garden, or to the kitchen.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use buttons
  • Easy to save and manage presets
  • Tactile and familiar volume dial
  • Portable design
  • Favourite station button

Cons:

  • Limited feature set
  • No alarm clock
  • No carry handle
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6. AZATOM Horizon

Today, an easy-to-use radio can come in many forms. For some people, the best DAB radio for the elderly will be one that acts as a complete music and sound system.

Other people will consider the best digital radio for the elderly to be something simple and streamlined – ideal for setting alarms and waking you up on the right side of the bed each morning. 

The AZATOM Horizon DAB digital radio falls in the latter camp. Although it’s digital tick approved and fully prepared for the future, the AZATOM Horizon also comes with a bunch of features that make it easier for seniors to use. 

For instance, there’s a huge XL display that shows you which channel you’re listening to, the name of the song, and the time at any given moment. The buttons on top of the device are all extra large and easy to use. 

There are a selection of preset buttons, and a huge snooze button, ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend forever searching for the snooze function. 

AZATOM delivers a reasonably good sound quality, and a fantastic alarm function for elderly adults who want a convenient and simple solution for their bedside table. 

Features include:

  • Bluetooth streaming, 
  • DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
  • 60 preset station options
  • Sleep timer and snooze function
  • 12 and 24-hour time format
  • Multiple brightness settings
  • Easy-to-use buttons
  • Extra-large display

The AZATOM Horizon comes with a bunch of fantastic features to make your radio more convenient. The extra-large display is fantastic for seniors, and there’s even the option of switching between 12-hour and the 24-hour clock readouts. 

You can also adjust the brightness of the display to four different settings to suit your needs throughout the day. 

This isn’t the most advanced radio on the market, and the sound quality is slightly lacking at louder volumes, but it definitely gets the job done.

Pros:

  • Easy to read extra-large display
  • Large and tactile buttons
  • DAB+ and FM radios
  • Preset buttons
  • Dimmable display

Cons:

  • Limited sound quality
  • Lacking some next-gen features
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7. Pure Evoke H3

Pure is easily one of the most popular radio brands in the UK today. Known for its attention to detail, stunning style, and excellent audio quality, Pure delivers great radio systems for people from all backgrounds. 

The Pure Evoke H3 is a portable and compact easy to use radio that’s ideal for young and elderly people alike. 

Widely regarded as not just the best DAB radio for elderly, but one of the most products in the Pure portfolio, the Evoke H3 gives you everything you need for exceptional sound quality, sensational performance, and more. 

There’s even the option to transform your radio into a portable device with the optional ChargePAK from Pure, although this does cost a little bit extra. 

Although the Pure Evoke H3 isn’t the cheapest radio with presets for elderly people, it is one of the most intuitive devices on the market. The vertical and compact design of this system means that it won’t take up a lot of space in your home. 

For around £130, features of the Pure Evoke H3 include:

  • Complete full-colour display
  • Dual alarm clock
  • Sleep timer
  • Optional rechargeable battery for portability
  • Bluetooth streamlining
  • FM, DAB, and DAB+ radio

The Pure Evoke H3 is simple and easy to use, while also offering excellent design and aesthetic appeal. As one of the best digital radios for the elderly, this device also comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind, and durable build quality that can withstand the occasional bump. 

The biggest downside with this device is that the portable battery pack comes with an extra price tag – which can be a bit annoying for some customers. Additionally, there’s no backlight on the on/off button to help you find it in the dark.

Pros:

  • Fantastic sound quality
  • Easy to use
  • Can be made portable
  • Various preset options
  • Intuitive controls

Cons:

  • Hard to find on/off button in the dark
  • Costs more for battery pack
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8. Retekess V117 portable radio

Finally, Retekess might not be as well-known of a brand as some of the other manufacturers that we’ve looked at so far. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth some careful consideration. 

If you’re looking for the best radio for an elderly person, and you don’t need things like internet connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, or even DAB signals, this could be the product for you.

The V117 is a portable radio with FM, SW, and AM signals. There’s a tactile adjustment knob on the side of the device that’s similar to a lot of the old-style radios that many seniors are already used to. 

The large dial panel display is sure to be more familiar to older adults too. 

Great for the seniors in your life that like to spend their time in the garden or wandering around the house, the Retekess was designed with portability in mind.

The compact design is small enough to put in your pocket, and there’s even a lanyard included too. 

For just under £30, you get features like:

  • AM, FM, and SW radio receiver
  • Easy-to-use tactile controls
  • Portable radio with AA battery power
  • LED battery status indicator included
  • Lanyard for portability
  • Large dial panel display
  • Headphone jack 

There are absolutely no advanced extras on this radio. You won’t be able to stream music from your phone to the device via Bluetooth, and there’s no option to connect to the internet either. 

However, there’s more than enough functionality here for most seniors in search of a simple and accessible radio system. There’s even the option to listen to your radio with headphones too. 

Although there’s no DAB radio included with this set, there is a telescopic antenna to help you find the signal that you need for your favourite shows. If you really want a basic and simple radio for the elderly, you can’t go wrong here.

Pros:

  • Very simple and familiar design
  • Tactile and easy-to-use controls
  • Portable and battery-powered
  • LED battery status indicator

Cons:

  • No DAB radio
  • No carry handle
  • No screen to check channels and other information

Finding the best radio for an elderly person

Choosing the best radio for the elderly isn’t always an easy task. Sometimes, it’s not as simple as just choosing the device with the fewest number of complex features.

Some elderly individuals will still want the option to connect to the internet with their radio or listen to DAB stations. 

However, they might want a more intuitive set of controls to help them find the channels that they want most.

Usually, the most important thing to look for when choosing radios for the elderly is ease of use. Older people, like most of us, generally don’t want to have to fiddle around with complex controls and systems that they need to learn how to use with a massive instruction book. 

A radio that turns on and starts playing your favourite tunes easily is often the way to go. 

Other important things to look at include:

Large, clear display

As we get older, it becomes increasingly likely that we’ll suffer with sight problems. Choosing a radio with a clear display will ensure that you can see the display and choose the right station.

A good display will also provide information about things like battery life and volume. You might even want a display that tells the time and allows you to set times. 

Large buttons

Another thing that changes for many of us as we get older, is that our fingers become shakier and less capable of dexterity.

That means that it’s often a good idea to look for a push button radio for seniors that comes with large, tactile buttons, that can be found and pressed easily. Consider looking for knobs and dials that are easy to use and familiar too. 

Audio quality

We all want excellent audio quality from our radios, but it’s particularly important for seniors to get systems that come equipped with good sound quality at even the highest volumes.

If you can’t hear as well as you used to, you don’t want the sound on your radio to become tinny and distorted when you turn the volume up a little. 

Mobility

A lot of seniors want to be able to take their radio with them when they’re doing things around the house. A radio that can be converted into a portable system with batteries is often an excellent choice for older people. 

Peace of mind

Finally, at any age, it’s a good idea to opt for a radio that you can trust – particularly if you’re spending a lot on your new device. However, many seniors will be particularly drawn to radios that come with warranties included.

Finding the best radio for seniors

Choosing the best radios for the elderly means considering exactly what the elderly person needs. There are various easy to use radio options out there, it’s up to you to determine which fits your requirements. 

Just like selecting any radio, you’ll need to think carefully about the unique features that are important to you, and the requirements that you have.

Some people will want a state-of-the-art sound system, like the Ruark R2, that we covered above.

Others may prefer something a lot simpler, like the Roberts Play 10, which they can take out with them into the garden. 

Don’t forget to check out our other reviews here at Radio Fidelity for more insights into some of the best products on the market! 

Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.

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