Now, don’t get us wrong, there are few elements of the VQ mini radio that don’t quite live up to the experience you would get with something like the Retro Revival Uno from Roberts. You can listen live or use the catch-up service to listen to older shows from those stations that provide them.

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. 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.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 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.

Additionally, there are some complaints online about many of these models being delivered faulty – which is a huge issue. 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?You do also get a greater number of radio stations with DAB+, but they tend to be niche offerings. However, DAB+ is widely used in other countries across Europe, so the main benefit is if you go on holiday: DAB+ support means you’ll be able to continue using your radio when travelling abroad.

You’ll usually get better reception with a long, rigid, telescopic aerial than from a wire aerial, so it’s worth trying a model with one of these.

Product Specifications

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. If you have a smartphone, you can stream everything internet radios offer to a Bluetooth DAB radio instead, which will cost less.