Portable radios have a battery and can also be easily carried around. Benchtop radios often deliver the loudest sound and may also offer things like a CD player in the mix. A Bedside radio should offer an easy to read clock display and an alarm.

We recommend digital radios with a CHOICE Expert rating of 75% or above.

This overall score is made up of listening (40%), reception (30%), ease of use (25%) and standby energy (5%).

A panel listens to each radio at a comparable volume for distortion, rattles or other odd noises, stereo separation where appropriate and a natural sound across all frequencies.

We check for reception quality in different locations ranging from an area with optimal reception through to an area with difficult reception due to its distance from the broadcast tower and no line of sight for the signal to reach the radio.

We look for ease of the initial set-up, clear labelling, placement and functionality of the buttons and knobs, size and clarity of the display and intuitive and logical menus.

Calculated kWh per year based on 19 hours a day in standby mode.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Stated warranty of the digital radio. You're still covered by the Australian Consumer Law regardless of the manufacturer warranty.

'Tested model' refers to digital radios that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to digital radios that are no longer available in shops, but may be available in second-hand stores.

This is the recommended retail price, but you can usually find a more competitive price by shopping around.

Calculated kWh per year based on 19 hours a day in standby mode at 40c/kWh.

Measured in watts. More watts essentially means more volume.

The bitrate communicates the quality of a radio stream. The higher the bitrate, the better the stream.

Rounded up to nearest 0.5cm, in open configuration if applicable.

Display characters are approximate.

Including power lead, if not detachable.

Bluetooth support allows you to play your own music from your smart device to the speaker.

Can the radio receive analogue AM broadcasts?

Can the radio receive analogue FM broadcasts?

The number of digital stations that you can save for quick access.

Built-in support for streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music. The radio can connect to the services directly, rather than playing from an external device via Bluetooth, such as your phone. A direct connection has better sound quality.

Can the radio stream online radio stations? This requires an internet connection.

Via a local Wi-Fi network.

To connect external devices via a cable such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The USB port on some digital radios can be used to play media stored on a removable USB drive, however the USB port on some models can only be used for firmware updates or charging devices such as your mobile phone or tablet.

Apps available on iOS or Android can control the radio menu items, select stations and may even be able to play content from a smart device on the digital radio.

Does the clock stay on when the radio is in standby mode?

Many digital radios have an alarm and some have more than one which can be handy for reminders.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology streamlines the pairing process between a phone and a compatible accessory. It's the same technology used in tap-and-go style mobile payments.

To connect additional speakers or an external audio device (such as a DAC).

Some portable digital radios have in-built chargers. With the setting enabled and the power plugged in, rechargeable batteries can have their charge replenished.