Roberts Ecologic 1 portable DAB radio

One quick auto search and we had 28 DAB stations registered, the same as some more expensive models were picking up. A useful feature in FM mode that can help to widen the station search is a scan sensitivity setting, allowing the user to choose between local or distant scanning.

There are ten station pre-sets - five DAB and five FM - a fair number for a radio at this price point, and they are easily stored using buttons on the front of the unit. In fact, all the functions are accessed very easily, with the buttons all mounted on the radio’s face so the unit can actually be used resting in the palm of one hand.

Also available in white

With only a 75mm driver to work with, the unit might be forgiven for being a little on the thin side when it comes to sound quality and power. But for its size, the Ecologic performs well, going surprisingly loud for its size, with very little sound distortion or rattle coming from the casing. The radio is most at home with talk radio, but had enough clarity and depth to cope with heavy opera from Radio 3 and light, ambient sounds from DAB station Chill equally well.

There was also enough brightness about the sound to cope with some more complicated jazz. In DAB mode, there is a Dynamic Range Control option which allows quieter sounds to be heard more clearly, particularly in more noisy environments.

The display isn't huge, but the orange 16 x 2-character LCD scrolls fast enough to keep up so the information is clear. A input port for an MP3 player would have been welcome, but there is a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Verdict

This sort of uncomplicated approach is perhaps where Roberts performs best. This radio is more power-efficient than some of its competitors, so if that's your bag, then you might favour this radio for that reason alone. If not, then how about the notion that, for £50, you get a very usable compact portable radio with good sound and decent battery life? That's enough for us.