Best internet radios Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?'s guide to the best internet radios you can buy in 2021.
Whether you want music in the kitchen, bedroom or even the garden, an internet radio is an inspired choice.
Unlike traditional FM radios, the best internet radios provide access to thousands of stations for you to choose from. Want a station dedicated to troubadour jazz? Hungarian hip-hop? Crunkcore? Pirate metal? Chances are there's one out there for you.
And while internet stations do vary wildly in quality, these radios do not. Below we've selected our favourite internet radios from a wide range of brands, so you can pick the perfect model at a price that suits your pocket.
Before we get started, allow us to furnish you with a couple of top tips. Firstly, look for wi-fi and wired ethernet capabilities (for the most stable performance), as well as Bluetooth and NFC to expand your range of listening options. Secondly, while all the models featured below offer Spotify Connect built-in, some internet radios go further and include support for Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, or other streaming services such as Tidal and Deezer – and as our preferred streaming service, it's nice to get Tidal onboard if you can.
Ready to browse the best internet radios? Here's a look at the best around...
Roberts has an enviable track record when it comes to radios, and this is another stellar entry (winner of 'Best radio over £100' at the 2020 What Hi-Fi? Awards). As well as internet radio (over wi-fi or ethernet), you get FM and DAB, Bluetooth, access to digital music files over LAN and built-in Spotify Connect. So you're not short of listening options.
It dishes up an extremely enjoyable listening experience, too, with a detailed midrange that's fizzing with clarity and warmth. The audio is balanced, and confidently handles the dynamics, so expect a mature performance whether you're blasting out hip-hop or tuning into talk radio. It's everything you could want from an internet radio and more.
Provided you don't object to Roberts' retro styling, this model should go straight to the top of your list. Bravo, Roberts.
Read the full review: Roberts Stream 94i
The Model One Digital Generation 2 looks for all the world like a normal radio, complete with fabric grille, antenna and real-wood finish, but don't be fooled. At its core, the Tivoli is a wi-fi radio, with DAB+/FM taking the reins and now, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth connectivity its valuable passengers.
This little gem scored five stars across the board in our testing, not just overall but for build, features and a clean, engaging sound. Its footprint is roughly that of a paperback (rather than a bigger shoe-box, say), it is thoroughly likeable and it could have come straight from a cover shoot with Livingetc.
It's pricey, but if that doesn't bother you, the Tivoli Model One Digital Generation 2 is a splendid and fully-featured wi-fi radio.
Read the full review: Tivoli Model One Digital Generation 2
The iStream 3 has been around since 2018 but remains one of the best internet radios we've tested. It's not short on listening options, either. In addition to the features of the Stream 94i, above, you get built-in access to Tidal, Amazon Prime Music and Deezer (providing you have subscriptions to these services, of course). So while it might look retro, it's very much a modern-day wireless.
Sonically, it's beautifully rich with a focus on the midrange – essential when listening to the vocal-heavy medium of radio. There's also great rhythmic agility and a nice sense of sonic organisation that makes this radio stand out from the crowd.
The Stream 94i is arguably better value and sounds a touch fuller, but some may prefer the looks of the Revival iStream 3. It's a hugely enjoyable listen at this price.
Read the full review: Roberts Revival iStream 3
If you're going to put the word 'Super' in the name, your product had better be something special. Thankfully the Revo SuperConnect is just that. You get the full suite of connectivity options, including wi-fi, Bluetooth aptX, and Spotify Connect, and it's easy to use, thanks to the clear OLED screen and large control dial.
And the sound? Impressively weighty, with serious scale and authority and not a hint of harshness or brightness. At times it can be a little too weighty – that bass could do with being reined in a little. Nevertheless, it remains a great option for anyone on the hunt for the best internet radios.
Read the full review: Revo SuperConnect
With a handy carry handle, this is possibly the most portable of the bunch. And you don't have to worry about it surviving the journey: it feels satisfyingly weighty and solid.
Sound-wise, the presentation is nice and clear, with good body and texture, although the treble can sometimes sound a little harsh. It also has a good sense of rhythm for its size – whether listening from internet radio or Spotify Connect.
It has nothing on a dedicated wireless speaker, of course, but for a radio it’s really very listenable. There's a slight hardness to the sound, but that is the only blemish on an otherwise impeccable record.
If you like the looks and the feature set, you’re unlikely to be disappointed by this retro-styled internet radio – a model that has stood the test of time.
Read the full review: Goodmans Heritage Portable
Another model that's been around for a few years, the Evoke F3 feels confidently well-built and looks the business. It sounds great too, with a full-bodied midrange and plenty of detail. There's bags of expression at play, making for an engaging listen. The only niggles are the remote, which is a little fiddly and plasticky for our taste, and the slightly closed-in nature of the sound. It makes for a slightly claustrophobic listen. But this is a focussed performance that will please many listeners.
Read the full review: Pure Evoke F3
MORE:
Get started with 10 of the best internet radio music stations
Browse today's best hi-fi and audio deals
Fancy some more oomph? Here are the best wireless speakers
