Argos Value Range DAB/FM review Hot

The Argos value DAB/FM is one of the cheapest DABs we’ve tested, offering digital radio on a shoestring budget.

Features and Performance

As you might expect the compact unit does feel plasticy and is not as solid as more expensive radios, but it is simple to use. The radio is rather unstable and this is accentuated when the aerial is extended. 

The functions are clearly marked and well laid out, taking the form of two groups of flush buttons. The radio offers a simple one touch preset storage of up to 10 preset stations, five direct preset buttons with a shift function offering a further five. The blue backlit LCD screen is a little small and can be difficult to read. 

Power is provided by either the supplied mains adapter or 6 x AA batteries. 

This is an entry level DAB and as such it does not have some of the more advanced features that you might like to see, such as pause and record, or even a sophisticated display. 

Sound quality is tinny, there is no tone control, and the model tested suffered from casing vibrations, even at relatively low volumes. It does, however, have an earphone socket which provides better sound quality, as you would expect. 

The reception was reasonable for main stations but overall sensitivity was poor struggling to pick up weaker broadcasts on DAB and FM.

Conclusion

A basic radio with limited features, but a very cheap introduction to DAB.