Our rigorous testing of digital radios in the CHOICE labs means you can be confident you’re making the right decision when it’s time to buy. Here’s how we do it.
How we choose what we test
In this test we’re looking for as wide a range of digital radios as possible, including portable and benchtop models. We only test self-contained units with built-in speakers – our test doesn’t include digital radios that are designed to be connected to a bigger hi-fi system.
How we test
Sound quality
The audio quality of the speaker is based on our listening panel’s appraisal of two pieces of music (rock/pop and electronic). With the speaker positioned about two metres away from the listener, the panel assesses overall quality.
Our testers also listens to the same DAB+ music stations with similar music in an attempt to distinguish between the models. We use DAB+ stations with the highest available bitrate for optimal audio quality.
Ease of use
Our testers use all the main functions of the radios to assess their ease of use. They look for ease of the initial set-up, clear labelling, placement and functionality of the buttons, controls and knobs as well as the size and clarity of the display. They also look at whether the remote (if available) has a button layout that’s intuitive and logical, with a distinctive size, colour and shape to help make selections in low light.
Reception
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.
Standby energy
A measurement is made with the unit in standby mode. Any model that records a measurement greater than 2W scores 0%, and greater than 1W scores 40%.
Scoring
We give every radio a CHOICE test score so you can see at a glance which are the best and worst performers, plus how the models compare to each other in features and specifications. The overall score is based on the following criteria:
Scott O'Keefe worked at CHOICE from 2004 to 2024. He originally joined as a verifier, and started testing the year after. He went on to become a senior test coordinator in the digital home team and our resident expert on TVs, audio/visual and various other products such as car GPS and phones for seniors.
Before CHOICE, Scott worked in IT for 22 years, mostly as a software engineer and team leader for a large insurance company. He also ran his own business, providing in-home PC and home-theatre support.
His passions include myth-busting, anime, photography, and collecting vintage telephones and scientific hardware – he has an attic museum at home.
He's also passionate about protecting his personal ID and data, so he doesn't have LinkedIn or Twitter accounts.
Scott O'Keefe worked at CHOICE from 2004 to 2024. He originally joined as a verifier, and started testing the year after. He went on to become a senior test coordinator in the digital home team and our resident expert on TVs, audio/visual and various other products such as car GPS and phones for seniors.
Before CHOICE, Scott worked in IT for 22 years, mostly as a software engineer and team leader for a large insurance company. He also ran his own business, providing in-home PC and home-theatre support.
His passions include myth-busting, anime, photography, and collecting vintage telephones and scientific hardware – he has an attic museum at home.
He's also passionate about protecting his personal ID and data, so he doesn't have LinkedIn or Twitter accounts.
I work in the digital home team at CHOICE testing things like TVs, speakers, fitness bands and other household digital gadgets. I also work with some outdoor products like pressure cleaners, line trimmers and pool cleaners (it's nice to have a bit of variety).
I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, where I majored in computer science. Prior to CHOICE, I worked for an insurance company for 20 years as a programmer and analyst. I was looking for work when I came across the role at CHOICE and the idea of testing products was very appealing to me.
I currently represent consumers on two Australian Standards committees:
TE-021 – Energy performance for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology and Associated Equipment
EL-041 – Lamps and Related Equipment.
CHOICE operates as an independent assessor of goods and services and we're almost exclusively funded by our members. We provide them with clear, unbiased reports on the goods and services they're buying, and when we purchase goods for testing, we do it independently and anonymously and test them using objective criteria. As such, we're keenly aware that we must produce high quality, unbiased assessments on the things people want to buy.
I'm passionate about individual rights and think individuals working together to advance their mutual interests is the cause of all the progress that has been made in raising living standards and alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged. Monopolies produce terrible outcomes for consumers.
In my spare time I enjoy reading (mainly military history), watching rugby, and skiing when I can get overseas. I'm also partial to Asian food, wine and a strong cup of tea (Assam is the best). LinkedIn
I work in the digital home team at CHOICE testing things like TVs, speakers, fitness bands and other household digital gadgets. I also work with some outdoor products like pressure cleaners, line trimmers and pool cleaners (it's nice to have a bit of variety).
I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, where I majored in computer science. Prior to CHOICE, I worked for an insurance company for 20 years as a programmer and analyst. I was looking for work when I came across the role at CHOICE and the idea of testing products was very appealing to me.
I currently represent consumers on two Australian Standards committees:
TE-021 – Energy performance for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology and Associated Equipment
EL-041 – Lamps and Related Equipment.
CHOICE operates as an independent assessor of goods and services and we're almost exclusively funded by our members. We provide them with clear, unbiased reports on the goods and services they're buying, and when we purchase goods for testing, we do it independently and anonymously and test them using objective criteria. As such, we're keenly aware that we must produce high quality, unbiased assessments on the things people want to buy.
I'm passionate about individual rights and think individuals working together to advance their mutual interests is the cause of all the progress that has been made in raising living standards and alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged. Monopolies produce terrible outcomes for consumers.
In my spare time I enjoy reading (mainly military history), watching rugby, and skiing when I can get overseas. I'm also partial to Asian food, wine and a strong cup of tea (Assam is the best). LinkedIn
