Tuning into nostalgia: Your guide to the best retro DAB radio

Finding the right retro DAB radio is a chance to showcase your unique style and personality whenever you want to listen to music. Here at Radio Fidelity, we love the aesthetic appeal of the retro DAB radio, and have reviewed quite a few over the years.

From the VQ Monty with its unique vintage appeal, to the Roberts Solar DAB that makes portable listening more eco-friendly, there’s something for everyone. 

So, what if you want a radio that brings two distinct ideas together? 

For instance, maybe you want a DAB radio with modern features like Bluetooth streaming and superb sound quality, but you also want to tap into an attractive retro design? 

Have no fear, nostalgia lovers. We’ve got just the list of products for you. 

Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the top retro DAB radios on the market. These are the products that appeal to your desire for a unique and vintage style from the 50s and 60s. 

However, at the same time, the features built into these devices aren’t nearly as dated as you’d think. 

Many of the best retro digital radios we’ll be covering below are also equipped with next-gen features, to help you future-proof your investment. 

Ready to start shopping? Let’s get started.

1. Roberts Revival Uno retro style radio

Roberts is probably one of the best-known brands in the radio world. Not only does this company deliver sensational sound quality and performance, but they have a knack for delivering beautiful retro designs too. 

The Roberts Revival range is particularly well-suited to stylish audiophiles, offering the perfect blend of tactile dials, imitation leather, and more. 

One of the most impressive retro digital radios available from the Roberts Revival range, is the “Uno”, a state-of-the-art system that offers portable listening and amazing style. 

This fantastic radio combines a large centre grille for the speaker, with a leather carry handle and bulky tuning knobs – sure to take you back to the fifties and 60s. 

What’s more, the device comes packed with useful modern features, from an aux-input socket to DAB and DAB+ signals. 

For a price of around £120, you’ll get access to features like:

• A wide range of fantastic coloured finishes
• Retro design with leather accents
• Alarms, sleep and snooze timers
• DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
• Battery or mains powered
• Aux input socket
• Portable handle
• 20 preset stations

Although the Roberts Revival Uno isn’t the least expensive retro style radio on the market, it is one of the most attractive in our opinion. 

Just like the other products in the Revival line, the Uno is sure to capture the attention of anyone that you welcome into your home and give you a fantastic point of focus for your living room or bedroom. 

Additionally, the Uno comes packed with Roberts’ signature high-quality audio, as well as strong radio signals – though there is no Bluetooth streaming available.

3. Majority Little Shelford retro DAB radio

Majority is a brand that’s very similar to AZATOM in a lot of ways. 

Instead of focusing on using the highest-quality materials that money can buy, the company concentrates on good functionality and great style, for a low price. 

The Majority “Little Shelford” is one of the most eye-catching retro DAB radios available today for a tiny price tag. 

This unique portable product has elements of the Roberts Revival in it, including a leather-style finish, and a portable handle. 

The Majority Little Shelford might not have the EQ quality that you would expect from some of the other leading brands on the market today – but it’s a great retro digital radio. 

You can expect good sound quality, fantastic volume, and a range of pre-set options to choose from. 

Additionally, unlike the two options we already covered above, the Majority Little Shelford comes with access to Bluetooth streaming. 

For less than £40, features of the Little Shelford include:

• 3-year warranty
• Headphone jack for private listening
• Dual alarms
• Sleep timer and snooze
• DAB+, DAB and FM radio
• Bluetooth streaming
• Portable option with batteries

One particularly nice thing about the Little Shelford, is how compact the design is. 

The small and slimline profile of this product means that it will fit easily into most environments, including on your bedside table. 

We think this product would make for an excellent addition to any bedroom – but it could also sit well on your coffee table or bookshelf if you want to show it off.

Unfortunately, you can’t fold down the handle on this device – which can be a bit of a pain if you need to slide it into a tight space. 

Additionally, you only get the warranty for this product after you have left a review for the item, which can seem a bit like you’re being bribed.

7. Majority Shelford II retro style radio

While the Majority Shelford describes itself as a vintage style radio, we actually think that’s much more retro in its appearance, with its bold front panel, large speaker, and matt finish. 

Both mains powered and portable, you can take this product with you wherever you go, whether you’re listening to music in the kitchen, or you’re searching for the ultimate bedside radio and alarm.

Aside from offering access to DAB and DAB+ radio, along with FM, the Majority Shelford II also comes with dual alarm clock functionality, snooze features, and more. 

This product also supports Bluetooth streaming, so you can wirelessly send your favourite content to your radio in seconds. 

For a little less than £40, you’ll get features like:

• Compelling retro design
• Mains or battery-powered
• Digital radio DAB or DAB+
• Green tick approved
• Dual alarm functionality
• Snooze buttons
• Bluetooth streaming
• 3-year warranty

Not only is the Majority Shelford II a lot more affordable than some of the other best retro DAB radio options on the market today – but it also comes with a warranty for peace of mind. Majority will give you full technical support for your radio, lasting up to 36 months. 

However, you do have to register your warranty first. 

On the downside, the sound quality of the Majority Shelford is limited compared to what you would expect from a high-end market leader like Pure, Ruark or Retro. 

However, you’ll get more than enough volume and quality for most circumstances.

9. Roberts Rambler retro DAB radio

We’re heading back to Roberts for this next retro style radio and this time we won’t be looking at the Revival series. 

Instead, let’s take a look at the Roberts Rambler, a unique digital radio that combines sensational sound with an impressive aesthetic appeal. 

Available in a range of different colours, the Rambler takes a different approach to retro style than the Revival series. However, it’s still sure to lead to feelings of nostalgia.

As well as excellent high-quality radio signals for DAB and FM wavebands, the Rambler also comes with easy Bluetooth streaming so that you can play your own content. There’s also an auxiliary input included if you prefer that. 

You can also use this product as a bedside radio, with dual alarms and a snooze button. 

For just under £90, features include:

• Bluetooth streaming
• DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
• Up to 20 preset options
• Snooze and sleep timer
• Aux input
• Headphone socket
• Dual alarm functionality

Just like the products in the Roberts Revival lineup, we think that the Rambler from Roberts is an excellent choice for anyone with a passion or retro. 

The compact and lightweight design of this product makes it great as a portable system, particularly since there’s a robust carry handle included. 

Also, despite the small size, you can expect excellent sound quality too.

You’ll be able to power your Rambler either by batteries or mains power, and the battery life is actually a lot better than we expected. 

However, the volume of this product can be a little low for some people.

10. Pure Evoke H3 radio

Finally, we come to Pure, another leading company in the radio landscape. 

Although Pure has dabbled with retro designs from time to time, the company seems to thrive best when creating sleek and modern-looking radios. 

That said, we think that the Pure Evoke H3 could be an excellent choice for people who want an elegant retro style, mixed with a touch of modernity. 

The Evoke H3 is part of the stunning Pure Evoke series, which comes in a range of different colour options, including a robust walnut wood. 

The wooden surround of the Evoke H3 helps to add to its vintage charm, while also providing a deeper sound quality too. 

This state-of-the-art radio comes with features like Bluetooth streaming and a three-year warranty for peace of mind. 

At a price of just under £95, you can expect features like:

• DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
• Stunning colour display
• Powerful centre-focused speaker
• Retro wood finish
• Compact design fits in any room
• Bluetooth streaming or aux cable connection
• Optional rechargeable battery
• Dual alarm and sleep timer

The Pure Evoke H3 would make for a great and stylish bedside radio. The sleep timer included with the device means that you can set your product to go into sleep mode when you do. 

On top of this, all Pure products come with a three-year warranty, so you know you’re investing in a product that you can trust. 

This high-quality retro DAB radio from Pure also features Bluetooth or aux-in streaming, just in case you want to connect to your radio and play your own music. 

You can even turn your Evoke H3 into a portable radio. However, you do need to pay a little extra for the optional chargePAK that will make your radio rechargeable. 

Choosing your retro digital radio

There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to choosing the perfect radio. 

That’s particularly true when you’re looking for something that will appeal to your own personal sense of style. 

To find the ultimate retro DAB radio, you’ll need to think about what kind of features appeal to your idea of “retro.” Some people will want a 60s appeal, whereas others will be looking for something closer to the 50s. 

A few points to consider include:

Sound quality

Just because you want retro style doesn’t mean that you want outdated sound quality. The best retro digital radio for you will be one that combines style with performance. Make sure that you get the sound and volume that you deserve.

Brand reputation

Companies like Roberts and Revo have an excellent reputation for providing high-quality design and performance. On the other hand, Majority is a lesser-known brand, but it can sometimes offer better bargain prices. 

Extra features

Aside from a retro design, what more do you want from your radio? Do you want digital and internet radio as well as DAB signals? Is it important for you to have a headphone jack so you can listen to your music privately?

Bluetooth or aux-in

Many modern customers like to use their radios to stream their own music and content, as well as radio channels. If you want this functionality, then you’ll need to pick a retro radio that comes with Bluetooth streaming or an aux-in cable. 

Functionality

If you’re planning on using your retro radio as a bedside alarm clock, then make sure that it comes with alarm functions and sleep timers. You might also want a snooze button for five minutes of extra sleep.

The best retro DAB radio

Finding the best retro DAB radio is a personal process. You’ll need to think carefully about the features you need from a retro style radio, rather than focusing entirely on the appearance.

In our opinion, the ultimate retro DAB radio has to be the Roberts Revival Uno. There’s nothing quite like the Roberts Revival signature style on the market when it comes to enticing and delighting your sense of nostalgia. 

However, if you’re looking for something more affordable, with the same retro appeal, then you could consider the Majority Little Shelford instead.

What do you consider to be the best retro DAB radio on the market in 2020? Let us know in the comments below and remember to check out our other guides for more radio buying tips.

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