As of: February 13, 2024, 12:16 p.m
By: Patrick Hauser
Comments
Press
Split
Internet radios can receive stations from anywhere in the world.
© Devil
The radio is dead, long live the radio!
Classic FM radios have had their day.
The new star in the sky are WLAN radios.
Note to our readers:
We create product comparisons and deals for you.
To make this possible, we receive a commission from partners.
This doesn't change anything for you.
The radio cannot and will not be killed.
Classic FM radio has been considered doomed for years; the competition from streaming services and video apps like YouTube is simply far too great.
However, the opposite happened: According to an online study by ARD and ZDF, Germans listened to the radio for seven minutes more per day in 2023 than in the previous year (142 instead of 135 minutes).
The increase is particularly noticeable among younger people, who listen to the radio for ten (14 - 29 years) or even 15 minutes more (30 - 49 years) a day.
How does that fit together?
In recent years, DAB and WLAN radios have replaced classic FM radio because they receive significantly more programs and, in the case of Internet radio, sometimes also broadcast ad-free.
We will introduce you to the Internet radio and show you the test winners.
Table of contents
How can I listen to radio via internet?
Which is better – DAB+ or internet radio?
Advantages and disadvantages of internet radios
What should I pay attention to when buying?
The best internet radios in comparison
Teufel Radio 3SIXTY Internet radio
sonoro Primus internet radio with Bluetooth
Roberts Stream 94i Plus internet radio black
Kenwood CR-ST100S-W radio
Pinell North Black Internet Radio
Pure Evoke Play Internet Radio
Imperial Dabman I200CD internet radio
Soundmaster IR6500SW internet radio
How can I listen to radio via internet?
There are various ways to listen to stations via Internet radio.
All you need is a WiFi connection, otherwise use is free.
The most important prerequisites are a DSL connection and a router so that you can establish an Internet connection.
If you listen to the program on the move without a WiFi connection, the available data volume will be used up and costs may arise.
To stream Internet radio stations, you need a PC or laptop with a web radio player; alternatively, listening via smartphone and corresponding apps is of course also possible.
Internet radios, which look like conventional radios and are connected to the home network via WLAN, are also very popular.
Which is better – DAB+ or internet radio?
DAB radios are significantly superior to conventional FM radios because they receive hundreds of stations and programs over a frequency block and transmit radio signals digitally.
However, while DAB+ is received via antenna, Internet or web radio accesses audio files from the Internet and establishes a connection to radio stations from all over the world.
So you have a huge variety of stations at your disposal, regional stations from your reception area are just as possible as international radio stations.
Many stations offer different programs on which, for example, you only hear one type of music - stations or programs that are free of advertising and news are also not uncommon.
The DAB radio, on the other hand, has advantages in terms of sound quality, which is usually superior to that of the web radio.
In addition, internet radio can be overloaded, meaning that the desired station is not available.
As with all streaming programs, it takes a few moments for the sound information to be digitized, which means there are minimal delays.
Advantages and disadvantages of internet radios
✔️ very large selection of radio stations from all over the world |
❌ sufficiently fast internet access required |
✔️ Filter and save stations with a specific music genre |
❌ Additional costs may apply for mobile data transfer |
✔️ Reception without noise |
❌ weaker sound quality than DAB radios |
✔️ Reception via different devices |
❌ Sound arrives with a time delay |
✔️ no fees and no subscriptions (only data usage) |
|
✔️ Ability to connect Spotify or Amazon Music |
|
✔️ often integrated support for DAB+ and FM |
What should I pay attention to when buying web radios?
If your internet speed is fast enough to receive signals properly, it's time to look for the right device.
Make sure the display is clear and easy to read, as many radio stations provide information about the current program, the artist or song title and you can then read it easily.
In addition, the menu should be easy to understand so that you can easily connect to the Internet network and save your favorite channels.
A headphone jack allows you to enjoy the radio experience without disturbing other people.
A cheap compact radio is sufficient for listening to music; for more options, choose a device with more technical extras.
The appearance also plays a role, from the inconspicuous small device to the eye-catcher with attractive colors and decorative wooden or plastic housing, everything is included.
We have selected various models that perform well in the test comparison and impress with their affordable price.
Savings tip at OTTO: 21% discount on the test winner
Teufel RADIO 3SIXTY Internet radio © Teufel
The 3Sixty 2020 radio from Teufel has an elegant external appearance in black or white and offers great sound quality.
The result: test winner in the internet radio comparison from
FAZ.net.
€284.99 instead of €359.98
☑️ excellent sound
☑️ very good workmanship
☑️ also receives DAB+ and FM
☑️ Spotify Connect and Amazon Music pre-installed
Pure luxury: Internet radio for the eyes and ears
sonoro Primus Internet radio with Bluetooth © sonoro
Can it be really luxurious?
The manufacturer has even included kid gloves so that you don't get fingerprints on the high-quality, high-gloss housing.
The sonoro Primus is also a real gem acoustically.
€699 on Amazon
☑️ elegant wooden housing with high-quality piano lacquer, developed in Germany
☑️ diverse connection options: Spotify, Amazon Music, DAB+, FM, AUX-In
☑️ excellent sound even in larger rooms
☑️ 3 colors possible: matt graphite, black or white
Find and save your favorite stations
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 radio stations in the world, so you can quickly lose track.
Luckily, the menu on internet radio usually organizes the stations into categories depending on song genre, topic, alphabet or other parameters.
If you like a station, you can assign a number to it and save it, similar to an FM radio.
This way you can quickly find your favorite channels again.
Many WiFi radios also have an interface to Spotify, which means you can also find music or podcasts via the streaming service.
Retro charm and top rating: Roberts Stream
Roberts Stream 94i Plus Internet radio black © Roberts
With its high-quality leather strap and the wooden paneling reminiscent of the past, the Roberts Stream 94i Plus looks quite impressive.
In addition, the radio, rated 2.0
by the
Chip.de editorial team, offers good reception and sound.
Buy for €349
☑️ versatile connection options (FM, DAB+, Internet) and compatible streaming services (including Amazon, Spotify)
☑️ stylish, classic design
☑️ convincing reception and sound
☑️ operation possible via Bluetooth and included remote control
Price tip: Kenwood radio
Kenwood CR-ST100S-W Radio © Kenwood
This internet radio from Kenwood delivers good quality despite its affordable price.
The overall grade of 2.1 (
Chip.de
) is made up of decent sound, good to very good DAB+ or Internet reception and pleasant use.
Only €127.02 on Amazon
☑️ Very good value for money
☑️ Nice workmanship
☑️ Easy to use
☑️ Decent reception and sound
❌ No headphone output
❌ Spotify is the only compatible streaming service
DAB radios in comparison: the best models
Hundreds of programs can be received without any interference – worldwide and also special interest channels.
You can read about what DAB+ radios can do and what you should pay attention to in this radio comparison.
Small, compact and mobile: Pinell North
PINELL North Black Internet Radio © Pinell
The comparison team at
Hifitest.de
liked the Pinell north, giving the model 4 out of 5 stars, more than any other internet radio.
The radio is ideal for on the go and, despite its size, has a lot of battery capacity.
€299 on Amazon
☑️ easy to use
☑️ Spotify Connect for favorite songs and podcasts
☑️ including DAB+ and FM tuner as well as Bluetooth 5.0
☑️ Battery lasts at least 15 hours
Now 25% cheaper: WiFi radio with the most storage space
PURE Evoke Play Internet Radio © Pure
The big advantage of the Pure Evoke Play is its storage capacity: you can save a whopping 40 favorite stations on this internet radio.
The beautiful design and reduced price are also impressive.
€209.99 instead of €279.99
☑️ up to 40 memory locations as a preset
☑️ Bluetooth, streaming, DAB+ and FM available
☑️ good stereo sound
❌ no physical connections for headphones etc.
Elegant wood look and affordable price: Imperial Internet radio
Imperial DABMAN I200CD Internet radio © Imperial
The brown eye-catcher convinced the
Testit.de
test team and received a strong grade of 1.5.
The DABMAN i200 from Imperial is an internet radio that looks like a jack of all trades on the data sheet.
It offers many functions, good sound, a timeless look, app support and many setting options.
Test conclusion Testit.de
Only €172.99 instead of €259.99
☑️ Top features: WiFi, MP3, Bluetooth, FM and even CD player
☑️ Remote control included
☑️ timeless and elegant wood look
☑️ user-friendly functions such as alarm function and multiple station memory
For bargain hunters: Internet radio for under 65 euros
Soundmaster IR6500SW Internet radio © Soundmaster
The compact internet radio from Soundmaster earned a stamp of recommendation from the
Testit.de
editorial team.
It offers a long-lasting battery and excellent value for money.
Only €60.88 on Amazon
☑️ Stores 150 preset stations, 3 direct selection buttons for each type of reception
☑️ Long-lasting battery with power bank function
☑️ Receives DAB+ and FM radio in addition to Internet radio
☑️ Incl. Bluetooth function and USB-C port
Buy internet radios on offer now
58% discount:
Grundig DTR 6000 X
Internet radio for €91.29 instead of €219.00
39% discount:
TechniSat STERNRADIO IR 2
Internet radio for €33.56 instead of €55.00
31% discount:
Grundig GTR 5000 X
Internet radio for €122.99 instead of €179.00
24% discount:
Imperial i105
internet radio in black for €52.99 instead of €69.99
21% discount:
Philips R8805
internet radio in matt black for €137.99 instead of €175.99
19% discount:
TechniSat DIGITRADIO 371 IR
Internet radio for €129 instead of €159.00
Amazon is currently offering huge discounts on kitchen and household appliances.
Save up to 60% on De'Longhi, Braun and Kenwood - from fully automatic coffee machines to food processors.