Q2 internet radio review

Read our Q2 Internet radio review, plus all the latest TV, Blu-ray, hi-fi and home cinema reviews, from the experts at whathifi.com Tested at £90

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Endearing to look at, engaging to listen to and easy to use. Top marks for the Q2

Pros

  • +

    Simple to use

  • +

    intuitive partnering app

  • +

    choice of colours

  • +

    great sound for its size

Cons

  • -

    Won’t connect to hidden home wireless networks

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Touchscreens, Facebook and the ability to use Twitter to find out what Simon Pegg had for dinner is all well and good. But sometimes all you want out of your internet radio is the ability to, well, listen to the radio.

The 10cm-cubed Q2 lets you do just that (as well as listen to podcasts).

Set-up is a laughably simple job: just download the free control app to your Mac or PC, plug the Q2 in via USB (which also charges the device) and then drag your wi-fi network and four favourite stations from the left side of the screen to the right. Then unplug it and you’re good to go.

A buttonless internet radio might seem crazy, but the Q2 has an clever movement-based control system: just roll it to change presets, and back and forward for volume.

The sound is surprisingly solid. Speech is clear and crisp, and music is weighty and punchy, with good definition and detail. Bitrate dependent, of course…

If you’re after a no-frills, decent-sounding radio, the Q2 will put a smile on your face.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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