From Afrobeat to Zouglou, from Albania to Zimbabwe, internet radio can expand your audio options to a global level. While they are more expensive than traditional radios, they are worth the investment. Such devices can also be used to listen to streaming music services, such as Spotify Connect. What makes a good internet radio is not just connectivity. You also need to consider the sound quality, its usability, and even how the radio looks. We're taking all that into account with our brief look at the very best internet radios available now.
Auna Connect 150
Capable hybrid radio with support for Spotify Connect
This is an affordable option, offering a traditional FM tuner, Wi-Fi for internet radio, a USB port, and an AUX input for external audio sources. It also supports Spotify Connect. It comes in an attractive walnut finish and has a decent-sized 2.5-inch TFT color display with a handy RDS function. Control is via a UNDOK remote control app. As far as the sound goes, this is a 2.1 stereo speaker with two 2.5-inch speakers and a 3-inch woofer for deep bass. Other useful features include programmable wake-up functions, a dual alarm system, a snooze function, and a sleep timer.
Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
Top spec all-rounder
This is a high-end option with a steep price tag, but it offers a great all-in-one music solution. It has analog radio tuners, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, an AUX input for external devices, a USB port with support for all the major audio formats, and CD playing abilities. This offers quick access to online music services such as Amazon Music, Spotify Connect, Pandora, and all internet radio stations. The sound is high-performance thanks to Bose's waveguide speaker technology. This comes with a remote control, and you can control it via the companion app. This also works with Alexa.
Ocean Digital WR-336N
A portable option for wire-free audio
This budget choice from Ocean Digital is an internet radio and Bluetooth speaker with a USB rechargeable battery. It comes with a handy remote control and there are four preset buttons that you can program to play your favorite stations. It boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack. This device has a 2.4-inch TFT color screen that displays song data. This radio has an equalizer that you can set to various music genres. Other features include a dual alarm clock and a sleep timer.
Sangean WFR-28
Rechargeable, slimline solution with companion app for control
Available in black or white, this rechargeable internet radio also boasts an FM tuner. It has a USB port and supports playback of MP3 and WMA digital music files. It doesn't come with a remote, but you control it via the iSangean app. There's AUX in, line out, and a 3.5mm headphone jack on one side. You can use this radio for UPnP/DLNA music streaming from a computer or NAS device. It's compatible with Spotify Connect. This has a color LCD display with a backlight. There are five preset buttons to save your faves. You can also use this as an alarm clock thanks to its dual alarm with a gradual alarm feature.
SiriusXM Sound Station by Grace Digital
Perfect for subscribers of the radio service
If you are a SiriusXM subscriber, check out this dedicated device as a standalone speaker. This radio will let you listen to SiriusXM's 150-plus stations with the option to save up to 10 channels as presets for easy access. This radio lets you pause, rewind, and replay live radio, as well as listen to on-demand shows. You can even go back up to five hours and hear shows from the beginning with "Start Now" functionality. This works well as a bedside table radio thanks to its five custom alerts, snooze button, and sleep timer. This boasts a color display and an adjustable equalizer.
Como Audio Duetto
This boasts high-end specification and comprehensive functionality
From audio legend Thomas DeVesto, the Duetto is fully-featured. The radio has music system-quality components. It also boasts a custom Digital Signal Processor for high-quality wireless audio. You can use this smart speaker for Wi-Fi audio streaming, internet radio, FM radio, and as a Bluetooth speaker. It can also be used to listen to content via a Chromecast device, it works with Amazon Alexa, and it has support for Spotify Connect. You can control this radio via the bundled remote, or via Como Audio's free companion app.
Stream supreme
Our favorite internet radio on this list is the Como Audio Duetto for its gorgeous looks, fabulous connectivity, and very high-quality audio components. It didn't make the "staff pick" slot solely because of its high price, out of reach for the average consumer.
The staff pick accolade instead went to the very capable Auna Connect 150. This is capable of both streaming internet radio and receiving an FM signal. It has a solid 2.1 stereo sound and would look great on both your bedside table or your kitchen counter.
If you're looking for a portable option, then consider the Ocean Digital WR-336N. This boasts a rechargeable battery, so you can take this radio anywhere in your home or garden that you get a Wi-Fi signal.
