Roberts Streamtime review

Roberts does some cracking internet radios, but this isn't one of them, with its thin sound and cheap feel. You can buy better Tested at £120.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Well, it does the job, just, and it’s inexpensive, but this lightweight model isn’t what we expect of Roberts

Pros

  • +

    Inexpensive

  • +

    fine if you just want an internet clock-radio

Cons

  • -

    Lightweight, plasticky build

  • -

    thin, unimpressive sound

  • -

    no DAB

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.

Internet radios come in all shapes and sizes. They range from the ruggedised kitchen/bathroom special Revo Pico RadioStation to the iPod docking models available on the shelves, but the Streamtime is – well, a bedroom clock/radio.

And that means it comes complete with what Roberts calls a Humane Waking System, or in other words a range of alarms for daily, weekdays, weekends and so on. Oh, and perhaps with an eye to its target market, a ‘nap timer', too.

What it also means, but shouldn't have to, is that this is by far the most lightweight and plasticky offering we've seen in a while, complete with fake pillars either side of the fascia – the real feet are hidden away underneath – and very so-so buttons and display. Reception extends to internet radio and FM, but surprisingly no DAB.

What's more, despite being equipped with an obvious wi-fi antenna – a low-rent grey plastic affair – it took rather a lot of coaxing before it found our home network, and the system for inputting security keys is laborious.

All of which would be forgiven if the Streamtime had a superb sound, making it a bargain at the price.

Unfortunately it sounds thin and chesty, weedy in the bass, and soft and uninvolving further up the frequency range. It's really rather unimpressive all round.

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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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