Group test: Budget portable DAB radios

If you're thinking of adding some radio accompaniment for the kitchen, bedroom or even the garden (summer's nearly here, eh?), chances are you won't want to fork out a fortune. We've rounded up seven ton-and-under DAB portables to unearth the best wallet-saving wireless. The models on test are: Acoustic Solutions Portal 3, Alba TRDAB2830, Bush TR82DABCC, Goodmans GSR85DAB, Philips AJ5100, Pure Oasis, Sony XDR-S50. Overview Price: £100 More info: Acoustic Solutions Size (HWD): 180x240x80mm Features: DAB/FM tuner (12 DAB/FM each), DAB rewind, headphones in, mains or battery operated Acoustic Solutions Portal 3 It's been out for some time but the Portal 3 still looks the business, a more modern red/silver livery replacing the old retro cream one. The LCD display is small but easy to read, and being able to prop the unit on its side means it's fine for the bedside. Though lacking a clock alarm or sleep function, you've the option to pause and rewind DAB radio for up to five minutes - a little on the short side but useful nonetheless. Six presets for both DAB and FM is plenty, in any case the rotary tuning dial is so speedy you barely need bother. Sound quality is accomplished enough that you don't miss the lack of tone controls and though for the price we'd welcome somewhere to connect your iPod or MP3 player, overall the Portal 3 is a quality choice. Verdict Plus points Great design, DAB rewind is useful, sounds good... Minus points ...though not quite as good as the Pure Oasis, more features would be welcome

Overview Price: £35 More info: Alba Size (HWD): 148x244x80mm Features: DAB/FM tuner (10 presets each), phono out, headphones in, mains or battery operated Alba TRDAB2830 The catchily-titled TRDAB2830 is the group's bargain at a mere 35 quid. No real surprise then it suffers something of a design bypass - the colour scheme makes it look particularly dated. Meanwhile, the button layout doesn't make it much fun to use. On the plus side the TRDAB2830 is easy to tune and reception is clear for DAB and FM (with 10 presets for each) , while tonally it's more than a match for the pricier Goodmans. There's no line-in for an external device, but the rare inclusion of phono out sockets is a bonus, allowing connection to a dedicated hi-fi system. Doubly handy actually, as on its own the TRDAB2830 doesn't go very loud at all - you'll struggle to fill a larger room. Cheap and cheerful then, but you'll find more sonic reward elsewhere.

Verdict Plus points Cheap as chips, phono sockts are handy Minus points Dated design, quiet output

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