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

William Baker

Contributing Editor

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 will 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 cover 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 also have a knack for delivering beautiful retro designs. 

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 £65, 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. 

Like the other products in the Revival line, the Uno is sure to capture the attention of anyone you welcome into your home. All while giving you a fantastic point of focus for your living room or bedroom. 

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

Pros:

• Three charging options to choose from, including solar power
• Easy to find a station with an extendible aerial
• Very affordable for any budget
• Excellent volume performance
• Headphone socket included

Cons:

• No Bluetooth streaming 
• Quite expensive

You may check out the Roberts Revival Uno’s product page here!

3.  Sharp DR-450

Although the Sharp radio brand is not as famous as Roberts and Pure, this DR-450 model is a big deal in the radio world. It exudes an old-fashioned look that’s still modern and packs some incredible features under its retro exterior.

The first thing you’ll notice about this digital radio is how small and sleek it looks – perfect for fitting into tighter spaces around your house. While many retro radios aim to be imposing, the Sharp DR-450 is more humble, fitting into any decor or design you might have in mind.

The radio’s wooden casing is a standout feature for those looking for a warm, welcoming feel. This casing is sure to take you back in time to the 50s and 60s.

What’s more, this radio has a total of 60 radio presets to help you save your favourite DAB and FM radio stations. This handy feature makes it easy to switch from one station to the next.

It’s also worth mentioning that this retro DAB radio guarantees excellent radio signal reception. Its telescopic aerial enhances its performance, providing clear and crisp sound quality.

In addition, the radio comes with Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music off your smart devices like phones, tablets, laptops, or MP3 players.

For a price of around £75, you’ll access features like:

• 60 presets
• DAB/DAB+ and FM signals
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Alarm clock
• 3.5mm AUX jack
• LED display and dimmer function
• Sleep and snooze timer
• Digital Tick Mark

What sets this radio apart is that its sleep and snooze timer allows you to decide whether to wake up to your favourite radio station or a buzzer.

And, by getting the Digital Tick Mark certification, you’re guaranteed that this radio is RoHS compliant, so it’s safe for both humans and our environment.

Pros:

• Easy navigation between radio channels due to its 60 presets
• Efficient Bluetooth streaming
• Highly water-resistant
• Environmentally friendly
• Enhanced signal reception
• Sleek wooden casing
• Easy setup through LED display and buttons

Cons:

• Limited features compared to other retro DAB radios on this list
• May not be as durable in the long run

You may check out the Sharp DR-450’s product page here!

4. Philips R5005/10 Clock Radio

When it comes to radio brands, Philips is a household name, well known for its high-quality products. The R5005/10 Clock Radio model is no exception – it’s sleek and compact with enough features to make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

The R5005/10 Clock Radio is among the best retro DAB radios because it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to audio output quality. The radio features a 2.5-inch full-range interactive speaker that delivers a clear sound with deep bass.

As a digital clock radio, it has a dual alarm clock system, so you don’t oversleep. Consequently, it’s your go-to option if you need a radio for your bedroom. But, its quality sound also makes it suitable for your office or living room.

This Philips radio supports both FM and DAB+ signals, giving you access to hundreds of stations. With these many stations comes the challenge of searching for your favourite options.

However, the radio allows you to save up to 20 radio stations to avoid spending a lot of time searching for a given station.

Another key capability worth mentioning is the radio’s ethernet connectivity technology. Ethernet connectivity opens up unlimited access to online radio stations from all over the world.

For a price of around £55, you’ll get features like:

• 20 presets
• DAB+ and FM signals
• Digital clock with dual alarm system
• Ethernet connectivity for online radio stations

Pros:

• Clear sound quality with deep bass
• Easy navigation due to station presets
• Highly portable
• AC/DC adapter for faster charging
• It occupies very little space

Cons:

• Might not be ideal for outdoor use because it’s only mains-powered

You may check out the Philips R5005/10 Clock Radio’s product page here!

5. Pure Evoke H4 Portable Radio

We agree to being great fans of the Pure radio brand here at Radio Fidelity. This brand delivers some of the best quality radios to meet audiophile expectations. We can confirm this because we have reviewed a wide range of their products, including Pure Elan IR5 and Pure Siesta Rise S.

Pure is not left behind when it comes to the best retro DAB radios. Its Evoke H4 Portable Radio is among the most stylish and portable models in today’s market.

The radio has a slim design and a touch-sensitive snooze handle, making it easier to wake up in the morning. It also features a large, full-colour display, adding a modern touch to its retro design.

You can take the Pure Evoke H4 Portable Radio wherever you want without worrying about power. The radio’s optional ChargePAK F1 rechargeable battery pack gives you up to 50 hours of playtime on a single charge. With this, you can listen to your favourite stations while on the go.

The radio lets you access both DAB/DAB+ and FM signals with a promise of clear sound. The H4 Portable Radio also has Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your phone or tablet.

Get this radio for a price of around £145 to enjoy the following:

• Oakwood casing
• DAB/DAB+, and FM radio channels
• Bluetooth music streaming
• Battery powered
• 10 W speaker
• Kitchen and sleep timer
• Dual alarm clock system

If you’re a lover of class-leading audio, the radio’s 10 W speaker will give you the best sound performance.

Its kitchen timer comes in handy, especially if you’re planning to cook while listening to your favourite radio station.

Pros:

• A long-lasting battery
• High-quality materials used for its design and casing
• Great audio performance
• Easy navigation through LCD screen and touch-sensitive snooze handle
• Multiple alarm options for a personalised experience
• Versatile Bluetooth music streaming

Cons:

• Some may find it a bit heavy

You may check out the Pure Evoke H4’s product page here!

6. Roberts Revival iStream 3L

Another internet-enabled smart radio from Roberts, the Revival iStream 3L, is one of your go-to retro DAB radios. Peeking at its appearance gives you a nostalgic feeling of the iconic Roberts Revival radio from the 50s and 60s. However, the features it packs bring you back to reality with its modern capabilities.

The iStream 3L radio is designed for a superior streaming experience. Its Bluetooth connectivity ensures an uninterrupted listening experience. 

Moreover, thanks to the radio’s internet connectivity capability, you can dive into the world of over 20,000 internet radio stations and countless podcasts.

The Revival iStream 3L blends the 1950s Roberts design with modern technology. Consequently, it provides a speedy start-up and a powerful processor for a user-friendly experience.

The part we enjoyed the most was the radio had a comprehensive music selection. From the built-in Spotify Connect and Deezer to Amazon Music, this Wi-Fi-enabled radio has it all. You won’t lack anything interesting to listen to at any particular time.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of radio talk shows, there is a comprehensive list of DAB+, FM, and internet radio stations at your disposal.

Get all these at a price of approximately £200. You’ll take home the following:

• Acoustically-tuned wooden cabinet
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• An extendable aerial
• Amazon Music, Deezer, and Spotify Connect
• AC adaptor
• Alarm system – perfect for your bedside table or office desk

Pros:

• Exceptional audio quality
• Smart radio capability due to internet connectivity
• A wide range of stations and content options
• Excellent radio signal reception

Cons:

• It’s a bit expensive, but its smart features are worth every penny

You may check out the Roberts Revivals iStream 3L’s product page here!

7. GPO Rydell Retro Radio

The GPO Rydell Retro Radio comes with a retro dial face that’s quite appealing. If you’re a fan of classic cars, this radio is the perfect complement to your collection.

GPO has been in the audio business for a long time now. As such, it blends its conventional design with modern technology to give you an exceptional experience.

This retro DAB radio doesn’t have internet or Bluetooth connectivity. Nevertheless, it offers excellent performance when it comes to sound quality. It has both DAB+ and FM for your favourite stations.

The best part is that you can store up to 20 radio stations (10 DAB/10 FM) for easy tuning.

Its amazing glossy finish and cool retro design make it a perfect fit for your living room or bedroom. It also has a battery power option, making it convenient to carry around. An ergonomic handle makes it even more portable and ideal for picnics when music is all that you need.

As an alarm clock radio, the Rydell Retro lets you wake up to your favourite radio station or a buzzer.

The GPO Rydell Retro Radio is among the most affordable radios on our list. For only approximately £52, you get:

• A retro dial face
• 1950s-inspired design
• A compact DAB radio
• DAB+ and FM radio channels
• Power adaptor
• Mains and battery-powered (6 x C batteries–not included)

Alongside its alarm clocks, GPO Rydell Retro has a sleep and snooze timer that allows you to sleep for extra minutes after the alarm.

The best part is that the radio sets the clock automatically via DAB. Therefore, you don’t have to keep monitoring the clock for accuracy.

Pros:

• Affordable
• High portability
• High-quality sound performance
• A wide range of radio station options
• Easy-to-use interface and tuning

Cons:

• No internet or Bluetooth connectivity
• Not water-resistant
• Batteries are not included

You may check out the GPO Rydell Retro’s product page here!

8. Swan Green Retro Radio

Although the Swan radio brand is not as popular, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to retro DAB radios.

The Swan Green Retro Radio is a superb example of the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality audio devices.

The radio’s 24-hour auto-adjusting clock is a unique feature. The clock also displays both date and time, making it ideal for your bedside table or office desk.

Additionally, it has an alarm system to wake you up every morning with its music or buzzer options.

The Green Retro Radio comes in a lime green glossy finish, making it stand out from other retro radios on our list.

We found its 3.5mm headphone jack a handy feature, especially if you’re a fan of private listening. You don’t have to distract others who might be resting in the room.

Moving to its performance, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy its DAB and FM capabilities. You can store over 20 DAB and FM stations to make it easy to retrieve them without searching.

Swan did an excellent job with this radio’s rotary tuning dial. It is precise and allows for easy tuning between weak signals. Also, its auto/manual tuning feature will help you save time.

For about £68, you get the following key features:

• Over 20 DAB and FM station presets
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Auxiliary cord
• MP3 player connectivity
• Auto-adjustable alarm clock
• Battery and mains-powered
• Auto-adjusting clock with date
• LCD display with blue backlight

This radio features a stylish retro vintage-inspired design that would make a fantastic addition to your home decor.

What’s more, its convenient leather carry handle makes for an ideal style-conscious homeowner.

Pros:

• Unique auto-adjusting clock feature
• Fantastic retro design and glossy finish
• Easy-to-use interface and tuning
• 2-year warranty
• 3 W power output
• High portability
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use

Cons:

• No Bluetooth connectivity

You may check out the Green Retro Radio’s product page here!

9. Roberts Radio Play 20

The Roberts Radio brand seems to be among the best in producing retro DAB radios. Here is the third product from this brand that we’ve mentioned on our list.

The Roberts Radio Play 20 is your best bet if you’re looking for a compact design with guaranteed portability.  The radio’s sleek design offers a nostalgic feel with its ’50s-style front grille.

The radio guarantees high portability thanks to its battery and mains-power option. You have the option of using AC power indoors and batteries when you’re on the go.

Its 20 station presets (10 FM and 10 DAB) make it easy to find your favourite stations without manually searching. Furthermore, its 3.5mm headphone socket is a handy feature for private listening.

And the best part—Roberts Radio Play 20’s full-colour screen displays time, radio station information, and the play mode. This way, you know exactly what you’re listening to.

At about £80, you get:

• 20 preset stations
• Compact design
• Extendable aerial
• A high-quality full-colour screen display
• Battery and mains-powered options
• FM and DAB radio channels
• Built-in battery charger

This radio offers digital and analogue listening options, so you can switch as you please. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their home while enjoying high-quality audio.

Pros:

• Highly portable due to its compact and sleek design
• High versatility due to battery and mains-power options
• Excellent radio signal reception
• Easy station navigation through an LCD screen

Cons:

• No internet and Wi-Fi

You may check out the Roberts Radio Play 10’s product page here!

10. Roberts Revival Petite

Still on Roberts, we have the Roberts Revival Petite that comes in a variety of six colours.

Its compact design makes it suitable for small spaces, while its textured leather finish gives it a luxurious feel.

The radio’s retro dial face is inspired by the 1950s, providing a unique vintage look that will appeal to those looking for a blast from the past.

Roberts Revival Petite is designed to offer a versatile listening experience. From Bluetooth connectivity, DAB/DAB+, and FM to micro USB, the radio has it all.

The Bluetooth feature lets you wirelessly stream music from your phone or other devices. Additionally, the USB port provides a convenient way of charging your device while on the go.

With a 20-station preset capacity (10 FM and 10 DAB/DAB+), you can easily access your favourite stations with the touch of a button.

For about £100, you’ll get:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• DAB/DAB+ and FM digital radios
• USB charging port
• Antenna cable
• 20-station presets (10 FM and 10 DAB/DAB+

Don’t let the radio’s compact nature deceive you; it’s equipped with a bass radiator that ensures great sound quality. The radiator provides a rich and immersive audio experience despite its sleek design.

Pros:

• High-quality audio output
• Compact design with a luxurious leather finish
• Versatile listening experience through multiple connectivity options
• DAB/DAB+ and FM digital radios
• Bluetooth speaker streaming

Cons:

• No alarm clock function

You may check out the Revival Petite’s product page here!

11. Pure Evoke H3 radio

Finally, we come back 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 £120, 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 services 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. 

Pros:

• Fantastic high-quality style
• 3-year warranty included
• Numerous preset options
• Optional portable ChargePAK
• Aux-in or Bluetooth streaming

Cons:

• ChargePAK costs extra
• No internet radio

You may check out the Pure Evoke H3’s product page here!

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 consider what features appeal to your idea of “retro.” Some people will want a 60s appeal, whereas others will look for something closer to the 50s. 

A few points to consider include:

Sound Quality

Just because you want retro style doesn’t mean 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, although Swan is a lesser-known brand, 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, you’ll need to pick a retro radio with Bluetooth streaming or an aux-in cable. 

Functionality

If you plan on using your retro radio as a bedside alarm clock, 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 GPO Rydell Retro Radio instead.

What do you consider to be the best retro DAB radio on the market in 2023? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to check out our other guides for more radio-buying tips.

To get crystal clear sound from your DAB radio, you may be interested in How To Stop Interference On A DAB Radio and How To Improve DAB Radio Reception!

Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.

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