Who each radio type suits

Private commentary listeners

If someone nearby is sleeping or working, a confirmed headphone output matters more than speaker power. Check whether the headphones you want to use fit the radio’s socket.

Bedside and desk sport followers

For listening in one indoor spot, direct presets and an easy-to-adjust volume control can be useful. A dimmable display and sleep timer may also matter at bedtime.

Portable match-day listeners

If you listen while travelling or walking, consider the radio’s size, power method and aerial arrangement alongside reception where you plan to use it.

What matters when buying

Decide first whether commentary needs to stay private or will usually play through a speaker. Then check that the radio can receive the services you want where you will listen.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Private listening Confirm a headphone output, plug compatibility and whether connected headphones serve as the aerial. If someone nearby should not hear the match, I need to follow commentary without raising the room volume. Around 46% of consumers put private listening first.
Indoor controls Look for direct presets, a physical volume control and, for bedside use, a dimmable display or sleep timer. At a bedside table or desk, I want to find the station and adjust a quiet speaker quickly. For around 27% of consumers, straightforward indoor use is the primary concern.
Portable reception Check for DAB+ support, postcode coverage and a power method that suits where you will listen. When I take commentary with me, the radio needs power and reception at my listening location. Portability and station access come first for around 27% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming a quiet speaker will work like headphones

    A low speaker setting does not establish that fast commentary will be easy to follow without disturbing someone nearby.

    If private listening is essential, confirm the exact model has a headphone output and check whether headphones are included or needed as its aerial.

  • Choosing an older DAB-only radio

    Ofcom explains that a DAB-only radio cannot receive services broadcast using DAB+.

    Choose a model explicitly labelled DAB+ if you want access to DAB+ services. An FM tuner does not establish that your chosen sports programme is also available on FM.

  • Treating a coverage check as a room-by-room guarantee

    A postcode result is a useful starting point, but local obstructions and building materials can affect reception at the intended listening position.

    Check coverage for the station you want, then try the radio where you plan to use it and reposition its aerial if needed.

  • Overlooking the power arrangement

    A portable radio is less convenient if its power method does not suit how long and where you listen.

    Check whether the exact model uses batteries, USB or mains power, and what is supplied.

    The Roberts SportsDAB 55 requires two AA batteries, which are not supplied.

Relevant radio brands

Roberts

The Roberts SportsDAB 55 is a portable DAB+/FM option for listening through headphones.

  • Roberts Radio specifies a headphone socket, supplied in-ear headphones and five direct-access presets.
  • Its supplied headphones act as the aerial, and the two required AA batteries are not supplied.

Pure

The Pure Elan DAB+ offers a small speaker alongside a headphone output for occasional private listening.

  • Pure specifies DAB+/FM reception, battery or USB power and a headphone output.
  • Pure’s 3 W speaker specification does not establish how clearly commentary will be heard at a particular low-volume setting.

Panasonic

The Panasonic RF-D15 is geared towards listening from a bedside table, kitchen or desk.

  • Panasonic specifies four direct presets, a physical volume control, a dimmable 6 cm display, a sleep timer and an alarm.
  • If you may need private listening, confirm that the exact model has a headphone output before choosing it.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a DAB radio carry every live sporting event?

No. Sports coverage depends on each broadcaster’s rights and schedule. Check which station is carrying the event before relying on a radio for a particular fixture.

Should I choose DAB+ rather than DAB-only?

Choose a radio explicitly labelled DAB+ if you want to receive DAB+ services. Ofcom explains that DAB-only radios cannot receive broadcasts using DAB+.

How can I check reception for match commentary?

Check postcode coverage for the station you want and try the radio in its intended listening position. Roberts Radio cautions that postcode checks cannot account for every local obstruction or building material; moving the radio or adjusting its aerial may help.

Do I need a TV Licence just to listen on a conventional DAB radio?

Listening on a conventional DAB radio alone does not fall within the activities for which TV Licensing says a licence is required. Its criteria separately cover watching or recording live TV and using BBC iPlayer, including when those activities take place on another device.