Radios and clock radios for the kitchen, bedside and living room: table radios, retro-style sets, portable models and alarm clock radios. Our range of over 250 models includes SOUNDMASTER, MUSE, TECHNISAT and BLAUPUNKT. It suits anyone who wants news, music or a wake-up alarm without reaching for a smartphone.
How to choose a radio or clock radio
Reception. FM is the baseline that works with ordinary broadcasts. DAB+ gives more stations and clearer sound, but only where it is actually broadcast, so check coverage in your area before paying extra for it. Internet radio models need Wi-Fi instead of an aerial signal.
Type and placement. A clock radio suits a bedside table because it combines a display with one or more alarms. A table or retro radio is better in a kitchen or lounge, where speaker size and easy tuning matter more than the clock. Portable models are lighter and have a carry handle or compact body for moving between rooms.
Power. Mains-only radios are fine for a fixed spot. If you want to use the radio in the garden, workshop or during load shedding, look for battery or rechargeable operation. Check the plug type supplied with the model as well.
Sound and connections. Larger cabinets and bigger speakers generally give fuller sound than slim clock radios. Bluetooth lets you stream from a phone, while a CD player, USB port or AUX input is useful if you still play discs or files. Choose only the extras you will really use, as each one adds to the cost.
Finish. Black is the most common colour in our range, followed by white and grey, with some stainless steel and silver models. Choose a finish that matches the room, and pick a dimmable display if the radio will sit in a bedroom.
Radio and clock radio brands we carry
- SOUNDMASTER: a German audio brand known for DAB+ radios, clock radios and nostalgia-style sets for the home.
- MUSE: known for retro-styled radios and small music systems with a vintage look.
- TECHNISAT: a German manufacturer with a strong reputation for digital DAB+ radios and satellite receivers.
- BLAUPUNKT: a German name dating back to the 1920s, best known for car audio and also making home radios and clock radios.
- TFA DOSTMANN: a German maker of weather stations, thermometers and radio-controlled clocks, which shows in its clock radios.
- PHILIPS: a Dutch company with a long history in radio design and consumer audio.
- JVC, KENWOOD and PIONEER: Japanese names with a background in hi-fi and portable audio, and JVC and Kenwood belong to the same JVCKENWOOD group.
Also in our range: ADLER, LENCO and DENVER.
Radio and clock radio questions
Do I need a DAB+ radio?
Not necessarily. FM radios work with standard broadcasts and are the safer choice if DAB+ is not available where you live. A DAB+ model only makes sense if stations are broadcast on that standard in your area, and many models offer both FM and DAB+.
What is the difference between a clock radio and a normal radio?
A clock radio has a built-in clock and alarm function, so it can wake you with radio or a buzzer. A normal radio is built mainly for listening and often has a larger speaker. Some table radios include a clock and alarm too, so check the features list.
Can a radio play music from my phone?
Yes, if it has Bluetooth or an AUX input. Bluetooth streams wirelessly, while AUX needs a cable. Not every radio has either, so check the connections before buying.
What should I look for in a bedside clock radio?
Look for a dimmable display, a snooze button and a reliable alarm that can wake you with a buzzer as well as radio. A second alarm helps if two people wake at different times. Battery backup is useful because it keeps the time and alarm during a power cut.
