The 10 Best Internet Radio Tuners, Tested And Researched

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Sangean WFR-28 Internet Radio
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Sangean WFR-28 Internet Radio

The Sangean WFR-28 is a great portable radio. It offers FM-RBDS and 10 station presets, rotary treble and bass controls, a loudness on/off button and has an easy-to-read LCD display with backlight. The Sangean WFR-28 is a remote controlled internet radio so you can stay entertained with the free undok remote app. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Ocean Digital WiFi Internet Radios WR-336N Portable Digital Radio

With built-in rechargeable battery and Bluetooth, this WiFi internet radio lets you listen to your favorite stations without boundaries. It's compatible with UPnP / DLNA so you can access internet streaming services such as Pandora. The station search function makes it easy to find your desired stations, no matter where you are. Read Review

3. Best Connectivity: Grace Digital Mondo Elite Smart Internet Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Compact and powerful, the Grace Digital Mondo Elite Smart Internet Radio is a device that brings you all the content in the world. With an integrated 3.5" color display, it gives you access to your favorite apps and websites for listening, browsing or watching on virtually any device with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Ocean Digital WR-210N Portable Internet Radio Wi-Fi 2.4” Color

The Ocean Digital WR-210N Portable Internet Radio Wi-Fi 2.4” Color is a portable radio that offers high quality sound and easy control via the intuitive front panel controls. It's also Bluetooth compatible so it can stream music from your phone, tablet or computer to your stereo speakers without any wires! Read Review

You don’t need an expensive radio to listen to the great radio stations available online. Instead, you can use a simple app on your smartphone to tune into thousands of stations for free. With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best internet radio tuners available today. These devices let you stream live radio from local and national stations directly from your phone or tablet.

No more hunting for the right station or paying for premium services that offer unlistenable streams. From classical music stations to podcasts and even high-end audio channels like SiriusXM, there’s a wide variety of content on offer with these tuners. Read on to learn more about what makes each one unique, as well as our recommendations for which ones are best for you.

After spending many hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Sangean WFR-28 Internet Radio. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sangean WFR-28 Internet Radio
Our Score:
9.8
Sangean
  • Includes switching AC adapter 100-240V, 50/60Hz
  • Support Dual Frequency 5G / 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Router
  • Stereo/ mono switch, rotary treble and bass controls, loudness on/ off
  • Control the radio with the free undok remote control app, compatible with iOS and Android devices. The app allows selection of internet radio stations and control of media for UPnP/DLNA music streaming from a local computer, server or NAS device, as well as control of FM radio and other functions. Undok is also compatible with Spotify connect so you can play your music directly from your Spotify app
  • Easy to read LCD display with backlight and 10 station presets (5 Internet, 5 FM)
  • Internet Radio, FM-RBDS/ USB/ Network Music Player Digital Radio (USB MP3 playback and WMA compatible) with over 20, 000 Internet channels and podcast available.
  • Built-in battery charger with charging LED indicator, aux-in and stereo headphone output
  • Internet WiFi Radio/Built-in rechargeable battery: Long-lasting play time on Wi-Fi making it perfect for kitchen, garden or carry around in the house. Speedy power-to-play!
  • Bluetooth & UPnP/ DLNA Compatible: Plays your liked music via Bluetooth or UPnP/DLNA compatible device.
  • Enjoy listening without boundaries: More than 28,000+ internet radio stations categorized by Region, Genre and Most popular. Makes it very easy to search your desired channels or the popular ones from your home town.
  • 4 preset buttons: Personalize your favorite list up to 99 stations. Have your top 4 assigned to the 4 preset buttons.
  • Station Search: input a few characters of the station name by using the “Search” function to help finding the stations as desired.
TOP Choice #3 Grace Digital Mondo Elite Smart Internet Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Our Score:
9.6
Grace Digital
  • 12 or 24 hour clock; Up to 7 individual escalating volume alarms; Wake to one of 8 buzzer options, 100 station presets, or USB thumb drive; Customizable Sleep and Snooze timers; 30 daytime and nighttime back-light settings; Large blue or red clock selection; Personalize your sound via the built in 5 band equalizer
  • In addition to the built-in apps and radio station databases, play any audio via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi from any Chromecast enabled app on your smartphone or computer such as TuneIn, Google Play or Spotify; Control music via the front panel, included IR remote control, or free iPhone or Android remote control apps
  • Group multiple Mondo Elites together for multi-room audio; Group with any google audio products, and even control your Mondo Elite by any Google voice assistant in your home or office(for your privacy - Mondo Elite does not have a microphone)
  • What's in the box: Mondo Elite, manual, infrared remote control and batteries, power adapter(input:100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.0 A, output: 12VDC, 2.0 A); Optional battery pack for portable operation(sold separately); Optional USB to Ethernet dongle for wired RJ45 ethernet connection(sold separately)
  • Wireless Wi-Fi, Internal antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (not for headphones). Audio Out and Headphone standard 3.5 mm stereo connectors. USB power for radio and built-in, long playtime, Li-ion battery with LCD Symbol, Red and Green LEDs indicate battery charge condition.
  • Internet Radio, Receive audio entertainment over Internet from thousands of Online Radio Stations or enter Station URL. Play audio files streamed over Wi-Fi from UPnP / DLNA server or Bluetooth. Gateway into World of Online Digital Audio.
  • Control Radio, Front controls, Remote Controller. Create & Edit Favorite list (99 Preset memory) and enter URL for favorite station. 2.4” Full Color LCD, with brightness control options, displays Control, Audio source information or Time of Day.
  • Modern Style, smart looking portable radio ; clear, easy to read, color LCD. Quality ABS plastic cabinet for Damage and Stain resistant smooth finish.
  • Sleep Timer and Wakeup Alarms, automatic standby mode Sleep Timer. Two Independent Alarm Clocks with separate setup; Wake with Tone or My Favorite sound source (99 Presets). 7 Day Alarm Repeat with multiple options. LCD backlight control options from Dark to Bright in both Dim and Bright modes.
  • USB-C Power cable included. Charge battery while playing. Battery charge level LCD Symbol, Red LED battery charging Green LED charge complete. Automatic power off Sleep Timer. Adjustable LCD backlight dimmer.
  • Internet Radio built-in battery. Audio entertainment from thousands of Online Radio Stations. Stream your audio files . Your gateway into World of Online Digital Audio.
  • Control Radio from Front controls SkyTune Web Page or Web Browser. Create & Edit Favorite list (99 Preset memory) Enter URL for favorite station. Request addition of Radio Station. Streaming audio file player from UPnP/DLNA Server or Bluetooth device.
  • Modern Style Smart looking portable radio, clear easy to read color LCD. Quality ABS plastic cabinet Damage and Stain resistant Lightly textured finish.
  • Wireless Wi-Fi network connected Internal antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (not for headphones) FM Radio external telescopic antenna. Headphone or Audio Out standard 3.5 mm connector.
  • Personalize your favourite list up to 99 presets: Easy to manage favourites from FM and Internet radio in ONE list via 3 quick preset buttons or remote control . Free to add new audio stream URL.
  • Option to display the big clock when radio is playing / Multi-languages menu display / Remote control. It is a perfect gift for Mum, Dad, Granny or Grandad or that special Anniversary or retirement gift.
  • Bluetooth & UPnP/ DLNA Compatible: Play your preferred music or podcast using Bluetooth (such as Spotify or other audio streaming services) or UPnP/DLNA compatible device, also support Micro SD card.
  • Internet WiFi radio: Steady WiFi reception playing for hours. The speedy power to play lets you listen to your favourite music in no time!
  • Stereo RDS and Internet Radio: Simply connect the radio to your internet network to access an extensive number of world’s radio channels.
  • In addition to the built-in apps and radio station databases, play any audio via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi from any Chromecast enabled app on your smartphone or computer such as TuneIn, Google Play or Spotify; Control music via the front panel, included IR remote control, or free iPhone or Android remote control apps
  • 12 or 24 hour clock; Up to 5 individual escalating volume alarms; Wake to one of 8 buzzer options, 10 station presets, or USB thumb drive; Customizable Sleep and Snooze timers; 30 daytime and nighttime back-light settings; Large blue or red clock selection; Personalize your sound via the built in 5 band equalizer
  • What's in the box: Mondo Elite Classic, manual, Infra-red remote control and batteries, power adapter (input:100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.0 A, output: 12VDC, 2.0 A); Optional USB to Ethernet dongle for wired RJ45 ethernet connection (sold separately)
  • Group multiple Mondo Elite Classics together for multi-room audio; Group with any google audio products, and even control your mondo elite by any Google voice assistant in your home or office (for your privacy - Mondo Elite Classic does not have a microphone)
  • Analog and pure digital outputs to connect to your favorite stereo or receiver; Analog inputs to stream your favorite CD or Turntable to any room of your home, to other Grace devices, or any brand Chromecast built-in speaker
  • Connect the Grace Link to your traditional stereo or receiver to stream music and more; Total control with the Grace smartphone app, infra-red remote control, or the front panel controls via the 2.8-inch color display (no built in speaker)
  • Supports Hi-Res files up to 24-bit/192kHz; Built in 5 band equalizer; Play audio from UPnP / DNLA media servers, Bluetooth 5.0 receiver to play from your phone or transmit to listen on headphones, RJ45 jack and built in dual band Wi-Fi; What's in the box: Grace Link, manual, Infra-red remote control and batteries, 12V 1A power adapter
  • With Chromecast built-in, you can stream your favorite music from your phone, tablet, or laptop right to your favorite speakers or stereo system. Easily control your Grace Link with hundreds of apps you already know and love from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet
  • 【Bluetooth】 – Wireless bluetooth music streaming, fast-pair and connect to your smartphone to stream your own music collections, enjoy the music and radios anywhere in your home.
  • [ Additional Features ] – AUX-in port for external audio source playback. Headphone-out for private music listening no disturb others. USB charger to charge your phones. Remote control provided in completely control of MSY3.
  • [ FM Digital Radio] - Enjoy all of your favourite FM stations with superior quality sound. Easy set-up and quick Auto-Scan with 20 stations Presets to store your favourite radio stations.
  • [ Dual Alarms] - Dual independent alarms to schedule your kitchen/alarms/snooze/sleep timer, smart setting for working days or weekend with either music or buzzer, automatically sets time and date update from FM stations.
  • [ Smart Radio] – This Internet Radio Player support the very latest streaming services such as Spotify Connect. Enjoy listening to millions of tracks as well as radio stations from around the world.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best internet radio tuners?

We're sure you've purchased something and afterward regretted it. We are all concerned about the items we purchase. The easiest method to prevent these concerns is to conduct a thorough study before purchasing the best internet radio tuners.

That is also why we decided to introduce this post in order to provide you with advice on how to avoid buying errors when selecting the best internet radio tuners.

Numbers Of Channels

The internet offers almost unlimited options. Many internet radios claim to offer access to over 20 thousand channels. You can also listen to FM radio at any time.
One important point is. You may be able to access your own radio service through some internet radios. You won't have access to the internet radio stations in that instance. You can opt for personalized services if you prefer them in return for paying a monthly subscription fee.

Controls

The next thing to think about is controlling the internet radio. It is important to be able remote control the internet radio.
Many internet radios offer their own application. This allows you to manage your internet radio from your phone.
Some radios include remote control for maximum control.

Connectivity

When searching for internet radio, connectivity is an important factor to take into consideration. You will have the most control the more connectivity options you have.
Bluetooth and Wifi are two of the most popular connectivity options an internet radio has. They are the easiest to link the radio to other smart devices in the home.
This is a key point. You will find internet radios that only offer Wifi capabilities. It's okay to have Wifi as part of your radio arsenal. This will almost eliminate Bluetooth. This shouldn't be a reason to not purchase a radio.
You will also see that some internet radios support the LAN interface. You can control your radio through the internet. You will have the advantage if you already have a LAN internet connection at your home.

Ease Of Use

If you aren't familiar with modern radios, they can seem a bit complicated. Many people won't be familiar with the tuners on internet radios. To find stations you like, instead you will use an app or a color screen. You should feel at ease with the radio's interface.

Styles

In terms of design, the internet radios are in direct competition with each other. While some have smart features and traditional design, others are more artistic.
A decently-designed radio is not a requirement. It is worth it to have a radio that compliments your home's interiors. Consider getting Como Audio or Auna Connect 150 if your preference is for the interiors.

Power

You should look into a radio with battery power if you are looking for a small portable radio you can carry around with you. It's often less practical to have your radio plugged in to a wall outlet. Make sure the product is light enough to be carried.

Screen

Most internet radios have a display screen of between 2 and 4 inches. You will have a greater view of the file currently being played on your radio. You'll also receive confirmation about setting alarms or timers.
Some internet radios also offer touch and TFT displays. This is one of the most intuitive navigation options.

Alternative Signals

Internet radio can be great but not the only option. Many of the most modern radios available only have internet access. This means you cannot stream FM radio or DAB radio. You should ensure that your radio receives all signals.

FAQs

Can I Use My Satellite Radio Subscription With An Internet Radio?

It's kind of. Although most internet radios do not include hardware to receive satellite radio broadcasts from the sky, they offer connectivity options that allow you to connect with third-party equipment. You can connect your portable satellite radio receiver to an internet radio by looking for one with an auxiliary 3,5mm jack.

Can I Connect An Internet Radio To My Existing Stereo?

Many internet radios are compatible with existing stereo systems. They can be connected together using a 3.5mm extension cable.

How Do You Listen To Internet Radio?

Internet radio is accessible via your browser. If you'd prefer, you could also use a media player. Windows Media Player or VLC can both stream radio over the Internet. You can also bookmark your favorite stations to make it easier.

How Is Online Radio Different From AM, FM, And DAB?

Traditional radio is also called terrestrial radio. It uses radio waves to broadcast. These include AM, FM and DAB.
Radio towers are something you've seen a lot of before. These tall masts can produce an enormous signal that covers a lot of ground, much like the distance between a city or neighboring villages. Even though the range is very limited, any person within the transmitter's reach can tune in.
Online radio, on the other hand works in a completely different way. Anybody can listen to a radio broadcast via the internet. You can access a radio broadcast through any device, including a smart speaker, an app or a player.

What If My Listeners Have A Poor Internet Connection?

Despite technological advances, internet speed is not always available to everyone. Some areas may not have the best coverage. If streaming at 128kbps seems too slow, reduce your bitrate.
Radio.co allows you to adjust the stream quality. This can be adjusted from 16kbps up to 320kbps. For those with poor internet connections or on mobile, a lower quality stream is possible. While audio quality will not be as high, the listener can still tune in without interruption.

Can I Get My Local FM Radio Stations With An Internet Radio?

Yes, it is more likely than not. Although some internet radios have built-in FM radio stations, the majority of terrestrial broadcast stations broadcast their signals online. Visit their website for more information about digital broadcasts.

How To Receive Broadcasts From The Internet?

An Internet radio must have a WiFi adapter (or WiFi modem) to receive data wirelessly from its router. This is the home interface to Internet radio. The Internet radio already includes this component.
A special program must be installed in order to play compressed audio files. The Media Player program can also be used for audio playback by computers. Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, and many other programs are very common.

Conclusion

Finally, the best internet radio tuners may be readily used and offers a range of options to meet your needs. When looking for another kind of best internet radio tuners, which we recommend  Ocean Digital WR-50CD Internet Radio Tuner Wi-Fi/FM Bluetooth, all of these characteristics are significant. 

We've combed through all of this data in order to assist you in making the best decision possible. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you discover the best internet radio tuners in the comments section below!


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.