A compact and stylish audio companion: Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio review

It takes a lot to cram technology into a small space, especially if you are a fan of the best speakers available and you don't want to compromise on sound quality. But the Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio has been hailed as a piece of kit that you can take anywhere with you.

The small, portable radio market is more popular than ever, as many of us choose to size down when it comes to listening to our favourite music, radio stations and podcasts. Sure, we have our phones and tablets, but there is something rather lovely about switching them off and heading out without them.

Despite its compact size, the Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio boasts high-quality sound and a rechargeable battery that lasts for an impressive seven hours. As well as the small size, I loved that sustainability is at the heart of this little radio which is made of durable bamboo. It is a radio made to be on the move, but I think it would perfectly suit a bedroom bedside table thanks to the attractive design that is available in either black or white.

Verdict: The Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio combines portability, impressive sound quality, and sustainable design, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact yet stylish audio companion for both on-the-go and home use. It's a bit basic, but I like it.

What's good?

As well as the small size, I loved that sustainability is at the heart of the Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio as it is made of high-quality ABS with wheat fiber and natural bamboo which makes the radio look like it would last years and years. There is no plastic in the packaging too which is a nice touch and a foot in the right direction, so kudos to Lenco. The radio itself is so compact it would fit almost anywhere, meaning you won't need to find ample space. I've popped it on my bedside table and taken advantage of the alarm functions in the early mornings.

It was super easy to set up, just prepare yourself to have a little play with the multiple buttons on the top of the radio. You're allowed five different presets and they can be changed at any time. I tested the FM and DAB functions, including some more niche local radio as well as the national favourites. The signal is a little crackly at times, but nothing a little wiggle of the antenna can't fix.

Another feature I loved was how easy it was to charge, thanks to the 2,000mAh rechargeable battery inside that with an accompanying USB-C jack on the back of the unit.

What's okay?

The speakers on the Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio are 2.5-Watt speakers with a passive radiator. This means it’s a speaker that’s not electrically driven but has an acoustic effect. This gives you a much better bass response and sounded more full and warm. Despite the Lenco radio’s traditional look, it provides a great and full sound but this is definitely not a radio or speaker that has been designed to blast out music at parties.

However, the DAB and FM radio seemed to be a lot louder than when you used the Bluetooth pair function.

Any negatives?

I took this radio to the Yorkshire Dales with me, hoping to test its prowess in the middle of nowhere in a field full of sheep. I couldn't get a signal, but I couldn't get a signal on my car radio either, so that says it all. There’s no touchscreen, no Wi-Fi or network hookup, no internet radio, no app that you have to download and the Bluetooth is receive only. It really just is a good little radio with no frills. If you want the frills, you may have to look elsewhere.

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How we tested the item:

The Lenco Rechargeable DAB+ Radio has been tested since July 2023. It has been used on a daily basis, mostly for listening to the radio whilst at work or in the kitchen. It has been used indoors and outdoors in the garden.

Hannah Mellin is a contributor to What's The Best.

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