Group test: Budget portable DAB radios

Overview Price: £70 More info: Bush Size (HWD): 230x330x90mm Features: DAB/FM/MW/LW tuner (10 DAB/FM presets), headphones in, mains or battery operated Bush TR82DABCC This delightful lump of beige looks like something from another era, and, well, that's because it is - the TR82DAB is a relaunch of the 1950s Bush TR82. Which may also explain why it's big. Very big, in fact. Strange then that the LCD display on the top is so titchy, but there is a nifty old school rotary dial on the front for tuning FM/MW/LW stations which, although initially confusing for our digitally attuned minds, is nonetheless a lot of fun. Functions are a little thin on the ground, with no room for a line-in or even a clock alarm - all you get are ten DAB presets. While reception is clear, the overall sound struggles for clarity even after intervention from the tone control. In fact if anything we got more sonic reward from FM than DAB. Though it offers an unremarkable listen, we can't deny its overall charm.

Verdict Plus points Multi-band tuner, retro design Minus points Retro design, sound is adequate

Overview Price comparison: Goodmans GSR85DAB More info: Goodmans Size (HWD): 430x59x299mm Features: DAB/FM tuner (5 presets each), 3.5mm line-in, headphones in, mains or battery operated Goodmans GSR85DAB With its drab grey looks and flimsy plastic buttons the GSR85DAB certainly doesn't set any design landmarks. On the plus side, the blue LCD screen is reasonably clear. Other than storing your ten preset stations, there isn't much to play with. The lack of a clock/alarm feature pretty much rules it out as a bedside radio, but more of issue is reception, which isn't the best. DAB reception is a little patchy, while poor button design means that tuning, particularly for FM, is a bit of a chore. It's good that there's a line-in for your iPod or MP3 player and usefully the GSR85DAB will run off rechargeable batteries which can be topped up while the radio is plugged into the mains - just a shame none were actually supplied. The GSR85DAB isn't disastrous, but with a bit more cash you can get a lot more quality.

Verdict Plus points Cheap(ish), a couple of handy features Minus points Poor sound quality, flimsy design, dodgy reception

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