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10 Best Portable Radios 2025 in the UK

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mycket DAB Radio Portable, DAB Plus Digital Radio with Bluetooth, USB Rechargeable FM Radio, Battery Powered Small Radio, Dual Alarms Clock, Sleep Timer, 40 Presets Stations, 2.4" Large Colour Display

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,310
Frequency Bands
Portability
Power Source
Frequency Bands
Its ability to receive dozens of stations with great reception makes it a reliable choice for radio enthusiasts.
Portability
In small spaces, this radio performs admirably, providing more than enough volume while being easy to tuck away.
Power Source
The radio holds its charge remarkably well, with users noting that the battery lasts for several hours even with daily use.
Sound Quality
Despite its compact size, the radio delivers a good sound quality that's impressive for its size.

The Mycket DAB Radio Portable is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact and versatile radio. It supports DAB/DAB+ and FM bands, which means you can enjoy a wide range of radio stations with clear digital sound quality.

The radio is highly portable, with its sleek design allowing it to be easily carried in a backpack or luggage. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, enabling you to play music from your phone or tablet wirelessly, which is a great advantage for on-the-go entertainment.

The inclusion of a headphone jack is a nice touch for private listening. The USB rechargeable battery, with up to 12 hours of playtime, ensures that the radio is handy for long trips or outdoor activities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,310
Frequency Bands
Portability
Power Source
Frequency Bands
Its ability to receive dozens of stations with great reception makes it a reliable choice for radio enthusiasts.
Portability
In small spaces, this radio performs admirably, providing more than enough volume while being easy to tuck away.
Power Source
The radio holds its charge remarkably well, with users noting that the battery lasts for several hours even with daily use.
Sound Quality
Despite its compact size, the radio delivers a good sound quality that's impressive for its size.
#2

groov e Orginal Boombox - Portable CD Player with Radio, 3.5mm Aux Port, & Headphone Socket - LED Display, 2 x 1.2W Speakers - Battery or Mains Powered - Black

Rating
9.8
Frequency Bands
Portability
Sound Quality
Frequency Bands
While the CD player excels, the radio may not cover all stations effectively, making it more of a dedicated CD player for some users.
Portability
A perfect blend of retro design and compact, lightweight build makes it an ideal choice for nostalgic music lovers.
Sound Quality
The Groov-e Original Boombox delivers brilliant sound, especially when using a cassette.
Additional Features
Its vibrant color and classic look add to the appeal, fitting the retro theme beautifully.

The Groov-e Original Boombox is a versatile portable radio that also functions as a CD player, making it suitable for those who appreciate both radio and physical music media. One of its strengths is its portability, thanks to its compact size (23 x 10 x 21 cm) and the option to use it with batteries (6x1.5V 'C' size), making it an excellent choice for on-the-go music listening. This flexibility is complemented by its ability to run on mains power for home use.

In terms of frequency bands, the Boombox covers both AM and FM, providing a good range of radio stations to choose from. Sound quality comes from its 2x 1.2W stereo speakers, which should provide clear audio but may not be powerful enough for loud environments.

Additional features include a 3.5mm aux port, allowing users to connect external devices such as smartphones or MP3 players, turning the Boombox into a portable speaker. The inclusion of a headphone socket is a thoughtful addition for private listening. While it offers a nostalgic experience with its CD function, the Boombox might not satisfy users looking for high-tech features or digital connectivity options, as it lacks Bluetooth or USB ports. Durability isn't extensively covered in the specifications, but its lightweight build suggests it may be more suited to careful use rather than rugged outdoor activities.

This Boombox is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of retro and modern music playback methods and who require a device that can be used both at home and on the move, in an easy-to-handle form factor.

Rating
9.8
Frequency Bands
Portability
Sound Quality
Frequency Bands
While the CD player excels, the radio may not cover all stations effectively, making it more of a dedicated CD player for some users.
Portability
A perfect blend of retro design and compact, lightweight build makes it an ideal choice for nostalgic music lovers.
Sound Quality
The Groov-e Original Boombox delivers brilliant sound, especially when using a cassette.
Additional Features
Its vibrant color and classic look add to the appeal, fitting the retro theme beautifully.
#3

AZATOM Desire X2 DAB/DAB+ FM Digital Radio with Dual Alarm, Portable Design, Battery & Mains Powered, AUX & Headphone Jack, 80 Presets, Sleep Timer (Oak)

Rating
9.5
Frequency Bands
Portability
Power Source
Frequency Bands
Reception is excellent even in areas where other devices struggle, ensuring reliable station clarity.
Portability
Compact and highly portable, it’s perfect for home use and easy to carry around as needed.
Power Source
Battery life tends to drain quickly, which is a trade-off for portability and wireless features.
Sound Quality
The radio delivers crystal-clear, rich, and well-balanced sound that impresses from the first listen.
Durability
Its sleek and stylish design fits beautifully into home decor while feeling sturdy and well-made.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity works seamlessly, adding modern convenience for wireless music streaming.

The AZATOM Desire X2 is a versatile portable radio that covers all the basics you’d want. It supports both DAB+ and FM bands, so you get a wide choice of stations with clear reception thanks to the latest digital broadcasting technology. This means you won’t miss out on new or traditional radio channels. Its size is compact and lightweight enough (about 16 x 5 x 9.5 cm and 460 g) to carry around, though it’s a bit larger than some pocket radios, making it better suited for home, kitchen, or bedside use rather than hiking.

A big plus is the dual power option: you can plug it into the mains for steady use or switch to batteries when on the move, adding to its portability. The sound quality is impressive for its size, producing rich, clear audio that works well for music, podcasts, or talk shows, thanks to carefully designed speakers. Additional handy features include Bluetooth wireless streaming, so you can play music from your phone without wires, as well as dual alarms and a sleep timer—nice touches if you want to use it as an alarm clock or fall asleep listening to the radio. It also offers plenty of station presets and connections like AUX and headphone jacks, making it flexible for different listening preferences.

The device feels solid and well-made and should be treated as a careful portable device rather than one for outdoor rough use. The oak finish gives it a stylish look if aesthetics matter to you. This model is a great choice for everyday portable radio needs with modern features and good sound, especially for users who want convenience at home and on the move.

Rating
9.5
Frequency Bands
Portability
Power Source
Frequency Bands
Reception is excellent even in areas where other devices struggle, ensuring reliable station clarity.
Portability
Compact and highly portable, it’s perfect for home use and easy to carry around as needed.
Power Source
Battery life tends to drain quickly, which is a trade-off for portability and wireless features.
Sound Quality
The radio delivers crystal-clear, rich, and well-balanced sound that impresses from the first listen.
Durability
Its sleek and stylish design fits beautifully into home decor while feeling sturdy and well-made.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity works seamlessly, adding modern convenience for wireless music streaming.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Radios

When choosing a portable radio, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Portable radios come in various shapes, sizes, and functionalities, so understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision. Think about where and how you plan to use the radio, as this will guide you in selecting the right features and capabilities.
Frequency BandsFrequency bands determine the range of radio stations you can access. Common bands include AM, FM, and sometimes shortwave. AM is good for talk radio and news, FM is better for music due to higher sound quality, and shortwave can pick up international broadcasts. If you enjoy a variety of content, look for a radio that supports multiple bands. For casual listening, FM and AM might suffice.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry the radio around. This includes the size, weight, and design of the radio. Smaller, lightweight models are ideal for travel and outdoor activities, while larger models might offer better sound quality and additional features but are less convenient to carry. Consider where you will use the radio most often and choose a size that fits your lifestyle.
Power SourceThe power source is crucial for portability and convenience. Portable radios can be powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries, or an AC adapter. Battery-powered radios are great for on-the-go use, but you'll need to keep spare batteries handy. Rechargeable models are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. If you plan to use the radio mostly at home, an AC adapter might be more convenient.
Sound QualitySound quality is important for an enjoyable listening experience. This can be influenced by the size and quality of the speakers, as well as any built-in sound enhancement features. Smaller radios may have limited sound quality, while larger ones can offer richer, fuller sound. If you are an audiophile or plan to use the radio for music, prioritize models with good sound quality. For casual listening, basic sound quality may be sufficient.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the radio can withstand wear and tear. This is especially important if you plan to use the radio outdoors or in rugged conditions. Look for radios with sturdy construction, water resistance, and shockproof features if you need something robust. For indoor use, durability might be less of a concern, but it's still good to have a well-built device.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your portable radio. These might include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, built-in flashlights, or weather alerts. Bluetooth allows you to stream music from your phone, while USB ports can be used for charging devices. Built-in flashlights and weather alerts are useful for emergencies. Consider which features are important to you based on how you plan to use the radio.