Internet radio test 2022

Internet-enabled radio devices (“Internet radio”, “WLAN radio”) are ideal for the kitchen, bedroom and hobby room. Ideally, they receive music and news via Bluetooth, FM, DAB+ and the Internet. GIGA audio expert Stefan shows the best WLAN radios from different price ranges and explains what to look out for when buying.

The best WiFi radios 2022: All test winners and recommendations at a glance

Bluetooth speakers are already bringing music into every room. However, they have one major disadvantage compared to WiFi radio: you always need an additional device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) to play the music. A good WiFi radio is on the other hand All-In-One device, which is as versatile as possible in terms of receiving content. If FM radio and DAB+ (digital terrestrial radio) are integrated, this is referred to as “digital radio”. Only if the Reception of programs via the Internet is possible (web radio), then one speaks of one “Internet Radio” or “WLAN radio”. An expansion or networking with other loudspeakers (multiroom system) is not the focus. The price range starts at around 60 euros for a WLAN radio from an established brand. The most expensive WiFi radios can also cost several hundred euros.

Price-performance tip: Grundig DTR 5000 X

Benefits:

• Many functions for a fair price
• Line-in (AUX) and headphone connection available

Disadvantage:

A constantly updated list of the best-selling Internet radio stations can be found on Amazon. In it for quite some time on one of the front places is that Grundig DTR 5000 X for just under 125 euros. The customer reviews have an average value of 4.4 out of 5 stars – that’s something to be proud of. “The connection via WLAN is very good and stable, the control for Spotify via mobile phone and tablet is perfect,” summarizes one customer’s experience. The device advertised by the manufacturer as an “all-in-one” Internet radio is well equipped: In addition to receiving Internet radio stations, you can also switch to DAB+ or Bluetooth. The sound quality cannot always satisfy more demanding listeners, but this is acceptable in the price range.

Test winner at Whathifi: Roberts Stream 94i

Benefits:

Disadvantage:

• treble emphasis
• Comparatively expensive

Audio circles are used to high quality from the traditional English manufacturer – and have been for decades. The modern equipped Robert’s Stream 94i meets the high expectations and was able to win the “Best Radio 2020” award in the “Whathifi” magazine (special edition 2020). It got the best rating of 5 stars. The testers praise the sound quality, which is even convincing with a dynamic and harmonious reproduction of Mozart’s 21st Piano Concerto in C major KV 467. Andrew Williams from Trusted Reviews also gives it 4.5 stars and finds little to complain about. At most, the slight treble emphasis could displease some listeners.

A fitting one Battery (“BP93i”) is optionally available and can be mounted on the back.

Benefits:

• Good equipment including CD drive
• Good value for money

Disadvantage:

• Operation requires training time

I have it in MediaMarkt’s internet radio top seller list TechniSat DigitRadio 370 CD IR discovered for 160 euros. This is its most important feature integrated CD drive for music CDs. The TechniSat DigitRadio 370 CD IR is also a miracle of equipment with FM, DAB+, WLAN, Bluetooth, USB, LAN, AUX IN and a headphone connection.

When I asked, the manufacturer assured me that the TechniSat DigitRadio 370 CDIR identical with the DigitRadio 371 CDIR is. The second model number can be found on Amazon, for example, but also in stationary stores. This provides a good overview of the most important features manufacturer video:

The Amazon customer ratings for the Technisat 371 CD IR are largely positive. There is some criticism because of the software: the operation takes some getting used to and some menu items could be solved better. My tip: On the manufacturer’s website you can go to the User Manual (PDF) look. If you are looking for a similar but more elegant CD internet radio, you will have to spend significantly more money: For example, for the luxurious Ruark R5, which earned the test grade “outstanding” in the magazine “Audio” (issue 03/2020).

The best internet radios 2022: This is how the recommendations were selected

I have included my own experiences and research in specialist journals in this summary. Presented are current Internet radio models that have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for purchase. That from the Stiftung Warentest test methods used is also explained on the relevant website. Sources used: Stiftung Warentest (Edition 07/2018), SFT (issue 02/2019, available from Readly), Audio (Edition 03/2020), Trusted Reviews (June 2018)

WLAN/Internet radio: What you should know before you buy

Our Advisory video before:

WLAN radio, Internet radio: What is that actually?

The WiFi radio is a standalone device that can access thousands of radio stations and podcasts over the Internet and often supports other sources as well. For the reception is only an internet connection, but no additional computer or a smartphone is required. WLAN, Internet or IP radios must be distinguished from so-called “digital radios”. Although pure digital radios support digital DAB+, they do not have internet access and therefore cannot receive any radio stations from the network. Well-equipped WLAN radios usually offer both: They receive DAB+ and Internet radio stations.

Wi-Fi radio terms: formats, connections & more

Bluetooth:
You can use Bluetooth to connect other Bluetooth-enabled devices (smartphone, tablet, etc.) wireless Connect to some Wi-Fi radios and play music, news and podcasts over them like a Bluetooth speaker or headphones.

DAB+:
If the WLAN radio supports DAB+, this means that you can also receive digital radio stations. DAB stands for Ddigital Audio Broadcasting.

DLNA:
the Ddigital Living Nnetwork Alliance (DLNA) has developed a series of standards and protocols that allow devices to understand each other’s content without major configuration. If the WiFi radio supports DLNA, you can play shared music and audio files from the computer or NAS.

Pawl:
A jack connection (AUX-In) allows other playback sources (smartphone, MP3 player, CD player, etc.) by cable connect to the radio and use it as a speaker.

Even more purchase advice on GIGA:

Spotify Connect:
Spotify Connect is not the complete Spotify software, but an additional function. You still need a device with the Spotify app installed (smartphone, computer, etc.) as a “remote control” to be able to select and control the content. The Internet radio then plays them.

VHF:
If the WLAN radio supports FM, this means that you can also receive the usual radio stations nearby. FM stands for uextrakshortlywell. In general usage, the abbreviation is sometimes used FM (ffrequencymmodulation) is used when VHF is actually meant.