Group test: Budget portable DAB radios

Overview Price comparison: Sony XDR-S50 More info: Sony Size (HWD): 103x189x38mm Features: DAB tuner (10 presets), sleep timer, clock, mains or battery operated Sony XDR-S50 Sony has downsized its chunky old XDR-S1 radio for the space-saving XDR-S50. While visually unremarkable, the tiny design, clear orange LCD display (that goes bigger with a touch of a button) and sleep clock alarm make the XDR-S50 perfect for the bedside. We found the buttons a little fiddly for our clumsy mitts, and general navigation is somewhat unintuitive. That said, 10 DAB presets is more than generous (there's no FM tuner). As the XDR-S50 is so small it's perhaps inevitable that there's a lack of audio muscle with barely enough for a small room. Shame, as sound quality is actually pretty clear, even if reception can occasionally be patchy. However our biggest gripe is the price - 60 quid seems a little steep for a radio of this stature considering the competition. If portability is priority though, you might want to take a look.

Verdict Plus points Extremely portable, clear sound Minus points Expensive for what it is, lacks volume, no FM tuner

Final verdict A lot comes down to where you want your radio - Sony's XDR-S50 is by far the most portable, but isn't really powerful enough to fill a room. Meanwhile, the Alba, Philips and Bush are fine table-toppers for the kitchen or bedroom, although none are class-leading. Considering the extra cost, it's no real surprise that the Acoustic Solutions Portal 3 is a cut above this pack. However, the Pure Oasis' versatility makes it the overall winner here. Whether you want it for outdoors or in, the inclusion of a rechargeable battery makes the Oasis perfect for any socketless place in the home, which, along with supreme audio quality, fully justifies the extra premium.

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