The current radio program can not only be received via DAB+ and FM: The third option comes via the web and is called internet radio. The digital reception standard is particularly characterized by its huge selection of international and national channels. Depending on the station, users expect a very clean transmission that is almost on CD level. Internet radio can be received via smartphones and PCs as well as via appropriately equipped radios. COMPUTER BILD has tested various Internet radio stations and reveals which models deliver the best sound.
Test winner: Roberts Stream 67
Price-performance tip: Kenwood CRST100S
This is how COMPUTER BILD tests Internet radio stations
In the test, COMPUTER BILD checks, among other things, the operation of the Internet radio stations.
The main focus of the internet radio test is the sound. It accounts for more than a third of the overall grade. The editors listen very carefully and pay attention to how the interplay of highs, mids and lows sounds. In the listening test, they check the clarity of voice contributions and whether the voice reproduction is possibly distorted.
Furnishing
The editorial team tests which types of reception the radios offer, whether they have additional functions and which connections the devices have. Equally important is the service. COMPUTER BILD examines the menu navigation, accessibility of the buttons and readability of the display.
Thanks to the clear operation, the Pure Evoke Home is very easy to control.
It’s in the devices
Expensive devices like the Revo Superconnect offer many connections.
- Bluetooth: The radio standard connects radio devices with smartphones, for example. How to play songs saved on the phone.
- Spotify Connect: The Spotify Connect function is aimed at users of the well-known streaming service. Start playback via the Spotify app (for Android or iOS). An account with the streaming service is mandatory, some radio manufacturers require a paid subscription.
- Airplay: You can pair iPhones, iPads and more with the radio using the Apple standard. All audio content running on the mobile device can be played back over the radio loudspeakers in this way.
- Network playback: This feature allows Internet radios to play tracks from a PC or network hard drive. As the name suggests, all devices must be connected to the same network.
- USB playback: If you would like to play music from a memory stick, you need an Internet radio with a corresponding USB socket.
- CD player: A CD player is a nice extra, although not a must for internet radio. In the test, it was mainly the large models that swallowed silver discs.
- Stereo input: Walkmen or older devices can be connected to the Internet radio via a stereo input (3.5 millimeter jack or cinch).
- Stereo output: If the built-in speakers sound too weak, connect more powerful boxes via a stereo input. Not every model has a stereo output, the headphone jack can be used as an alternative.
- Headphone jack: A headphone jack helps if music fans want to enjoy their favorite station all to themselves. The connection is usually part of the standard equipment of a radio.
- alarm function: Similar to a headphone jack, an alarm function is standard equipment on radios. In most cases, two wake-up times can be programmed to wake users up from their sleep.
- Charging function for smartphones: There is no uniform standard for charging connections that you use to charge cell phones, for example. Some models have a USB socket to which the charging cable can be connected. Premium models like that Technisat DigitRadio 601 have a charging surface on top of the device and charge compatible smartphones wirelessly.
That brought the greatest listening pleasure in the test Pure Evoke Home. The chic Internet radio sounded balanced and clear. The powerful bass provided a decent foundation. Thanks to the precise treble, voice contributions were very easy to understand. With a price of 450 euros (price at the time of testing), the Pure is not a bargain. It’s cheaper, but still passable Kenwood CRST100S. It plays music comfortably, if slightly overcast.
Internet radios in the test: conclusion
The most expensive candidate in the test secures victory. That Robert’s Radio Stream 67 convinced with its powerful sound and diverse equipment. For 750 euros, music fans get an internet radio that has Spotify Connect and a CD player on board, among other things. If you want to spend a good fifth less, you get the Kenwood CRST100S also a good internet radio. When it comes to equipment and sound, users have to make compromises.
Internet radios: The most important questions
How does internet radio work?
Unlike DAB+ or FM, internet radio gets its reception signal from the network. To do this, the device must be connected to a router either by LAN cable or wirelessly via WLAN. As soon as the radio is connected to the Internet, it shows all available stations in the program overview.
Which internet radio has the best sound?
It had the best sound in the test Pure Evoke Home. With a price of 450 euros (price at the time of testing), the Pure is not a bargain. It’s cheaper, but still passable Kenwood CRST100S. It plays music pleasantly, albeit slightly overcast.
Is internet radio listening free?
Internet radio is free to receive and listen to, but Internet access charges may apply.
DAB+ versus internet radio – which is better?
There is no clear answer to this question, as both standards have advantages and disadvantages. From a technical point of view, DAB+ has the edge, since a data rate of 144Kbit/s is possible. Internet radio only comes to 128Kbit/s. So DAB+ should sound a little better. In practice, however, not every broadcaster makes full use of this scope and keeps the data rate below 100Kbit/s. In terms of station selection, the point clearly goes to internet radio, as tens of thousands of stations from all over the world are available here. The digital ether cannot keep up and the selection is in the double-digit range, depending on the region; this also includes 28 programs that can be received throughout Germany. DAB+ is free, users only need a device. This also applies to Internet radio, but there are running costs due to Internet access.
