Internet radios in the test 2023

In the age of the Internet, radios with classic FM reception are increasingly becoming a relic from a bygone era. Internet radio gives you the opportunity to make your entire listening experience much more individual. Thousands of radio stations from all over the world, no disruptive reception problems, the best reception quality - these arguments clearly speak for internet radio. So more and more people are turning to this modern technology and customizing the listening experience to suit their taste. If you are looking for an Internet radio, you will come across a plethora of models, the prices of which can vary greatly.

But which models are recommended? Which additional functions are useful? What do you have to consider when buying an internet radio? We took a closer look at the leading manufacturers and their models and answered the most important questions about internet radio in this guide.

The best internet radio stations at a glance

The main manufacturer

As in most areas of technology, there are also leading manufacturers when it comes to internet radio. For a good overview, we have summarized five of the most important ones in a list:

• Grundig
• TechniSat
• TELESTAR
• Majority
• Medion

Despite different quality and functional features, the Internet radios from these manufacturers have been among the best for years. That's why we chose the TOP product from each company on the list and compared them with each other.

Internet radios from the table

Grundig DTR 5000 2.0 – price around 105 EUR

That's the beginning DTR 5000 2.0 from the traditional German company Grundig. This is a compact "all-in-one" Internet radio with Bluetooth function, which is connected to the network via WLAN or LAN. This compactly designed radio can be placed almost anywhere and always cuts a fine figure with its discreet, tidy look. The offered colors black, white & oak offer an additional possibility to adapt the DTR 5000 2.0 to its interior design.

You have the option of storing 10 favorite stations in order to call them up at the touch of a button. The supplied remote control has a clear and intuitive arrangement of the buttons that no questions remain unanswered.

The 2.0 stereo sound system is equipped with 2 x 7 watts of output power and offers a balanced, pleasant sound that is easily able to fill even larger rooms with sound. Only the bass is a bit too short.

The big advantage of this device is that you can easily connect your smartphone to the radio and, in addition to playing radio stations, you can also play your favorite music from your library. With the DTR 500, Grundig offers a compact and affordable all-rounder that, with its basic functions of an internet radio, does not have to hide from more expensive models.

TechniSat DIGITRADIO 584 – Price: approx. EUR 240

TechniSat tries to exhaust the range of functions of an Internet radio with the DIGITRADIO 584. The radio not only offers a powerful, crystal-clear sound, but also numerous additional functions to set you apart from the competition.

The detailed stereo sound is achieved by two 10 watt speakers and is even suitable for keeping your guests happy with good music at one or the other celebration.

In addition to the integrated Bluetooth audio streaming function, you even have the option of operating the DIGITRADIO 584 via Alexa voice control. A special technology that sets this radio apart is UPnP audio streaming. This is network streaming. Once the device is connected to the home network, shared music files can also be played back from a PC, laptop, smartphone, network hard drive or tablet.

owners of modern Smartphones can look forward to an extremely practical feature - wireless charging. The smartphone is charged wirelessly on the top of the radio using the QI charging standard. In times of streaming and Internet radio, the CD collection that we have come to love is often neglected. Quite different with the DIGITRADIO 584. TechniSat thought of the enthusiasts of physical media and installed a CD player in the device. In addition to DAB+/Internet radio & FM, you can also enjoy music directly from the CD.

Intuitive operation, useful functions, very good connectivity and excellent sound make the DIGITRADIO 584 an internet radio that thinks outside the box but doesn't forget its roots.

TELESTAR M 12i – price: approx. 83 EUR

Small, chic and high-quality - that's how the TELESTAR M12i comes along. In contrast to many other Internet radios, this device is only equipped with one loudspeaker, which, however, has a good output of 15 watts. The lack of a stereo system is certainly due to the compact size, because the TELESTAR M12i is small with a width of 18 cm and a height of 14.5 cm, but the color display on the front is large enough to read the information presented without any problems to be able to The buttons, both on the device and on the supplied remote control, ensure an intuitive user experience in terms of function assignment.

In order to be able to play music from a smartphone or other device, the radio and playback source must be connected to the same network. The UPnP or DLNA network technology is also used here, which allows Internet radio to access the music library in the network. Alternatively, you can also connect your playback devices directly to the radio via USB.

10 preset favorite stations can be saved. In addition, the TELESTAR M12i has an integrated alarm clock, sleep timer and the option of showing the current weather on the display.

The TELESTAR M12i is the cheapest model in our test, but still offers all the basic functions of a modern Internet radio.

MEDION P85289 – price: approx. 97 EUR

The philosophy of “good and cheap” has always been followed at Medion. Does this phrase also apply to the P85289? no Because the sheer range of functions of this Internet radio is quite convincing, but the sound quality is rather poor in view of the price.

Equipped with LAN, WLAN, FM and DAB+, there are hardly any limits to radio enjoyment. The reception quality is very good and overall the device is versatile. Spotify Connect and Amazon Music hide the missing Bluetooth function and the display seems a bit too small at first, but proves to be just about sufficient in everyday use. The USB and AUX connection can be used to play music from an external audio source on the device. The supplied remote control is also used here for quick operation from a distance.

With the MEDION P85289 you get a lot of functions, but you have to make compromises in terms of sound quality and wireless connectivity. The P85289 cuts a fine figure for use as a small, handsome radio in the office or kitchen. However, those who are looking forward to the full roar of their favorite songs will probably be disappointed here.

Majority Homertron – Price: around 125€

With a patented HD loudspeaker sound system, the Majority Homertron convinces with its sound and is even relatively compact. The sound is far fuller, more voluminous and richer in detail than many other Internet radio stations and, bearing in mind the price of the device, is a source of excitement.

The Homertron supports Bluetooth and network streaming as well as DAB+ & FM and thus covers the most important basic functions. This model can also play physical media in the form of CDs. The integrated CD player rounds off the range of functions perfectly and makes the Homertron a powerful all-in-one device.

Although the display is clear, the arrangement of the buttons on the device as well as on the supplied remote control could be a bit more logical and clear. The operation of the device seems a bit fiddly at first and requires some time to get used to and leafing through the operating instructions. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether this is still appropriate in 2020.

In general, however, the device leaves a really good impression. You have to pay significantly more from other manufacturers for such a balanced sound and the abundance of functions. Thus, the Majority Homertron emerges as the clear test winner in our purchase advice.

Alternative to the test winner

Our test shows that the Grundig DTR 5000 2.0 a good alternative to the test winner represented by the majority Homertron. Although the Grundig device does not offer quite as good sound quality as the Homertron, it is also significantly cheaper.

Advertised as an "all-in-one" Internet radio, it can keep this promise and easily stand up to most devices around 100 EUR. It is even far superior to many other radios in terms of sound quality and functions. The DTR 5000 2.0 basically offers everything an internet radio needs and more.

The processing quality is good, the device is compact and the user-friendliness on the device and via the remote control is one of the best in our comparison. The display is bright and clearly shows all important information.

If you are looking for a practical and good-sounding Internet radio and don't want to spend huge sums of money, this is the one for you Grundig DTR 5000 2.0 so well served.

Important features of internet radio

Before you buy, you should think about what you expect from an internet radio. If you want to fill a room with your favorite music in the best possible way, we recommend a device with good sound quality. The loudspeakers and the output power play the most important role here. There is often talk of Stereo 2.0 or Stereo 2.1 systems. The first number before the point stands for the number of loudspeakers, the number after the point for the number of subwoofers, i.e. the integrated bass box. A 2.1 stereo system with a subwoofer is definitely recommended for a balanced and rich sound. Many models already rely on high-quality speakers that guarantee good sound. In general, one can say that high sound quality almost always goes hand in hand with a relatively high price.

Connectivity and reception can be just as important. Here you should pay close attention to which connectivity standards the respective device supports. If you also want to use your internet radio to stream your favorite music from your cell phone, you should look around for models with a Bluetooth function. If the device also has a built-in rechargeable battery, an Internet radio can quickly become a portable Bluetooth speaker. If you then want to listen to the radio on the go, this may not be possible, because the device requires either FM reception or DAB/DAB+ support instead of the classic WLAN function that is necessary for home use. With these two functions, you always have the option of choosing between pure Internet radio and traditional radio technology or digital radio.

Depending on the area of ​​application, you should also think about the size and design. As a radio/Bluetooth/streaming station on the living room dresser, the device can also be a bit larger and heavier. In particular, models with a built-in subwoofer and good sound quality are often significantly larger than devices with few functions and a more functional sound. Many Internet radios have large displays and an alarm function. These are very suitable, for example, as an alarm clock next to the bed. As a rule, large rooms do not have to be filled with hi-fi sound, and the device can be correspondingly compact.

Apart from the actual type of use, an Internet radio always has properties that make it an Internet radio in the first place. Basically, said devices always offer a possibility to connect to the home network, either via WLAN or directly with the LAN cable. If an advertised device does not have such options for connecting to the Internet, it is, as the name suggests, not Internet radio.

The alarm function can also be important for many people. Having an Internet radio on the bedside table can also prove to be quite useful if you want to be woken up in the morning with your favorite station. There are even models in which you can set two alarms - for example for weekdays and weekends. Of course, it is important that the device has a stand-by function, with which the display can be dimmed or even switched off.

As you can see, when buying it is important to consider where and to what extent you want to use such a device. Internet radios can be nice little devices that sprinkle you with shallow radio music in everyday life, or powerful multimedia stations with bombastic sound and a multitude of functions.

What unimportant properties do internet radios have?

There are Internet radios that have so many functions that you no longer know which of them are important and which are unimportant. Of course, this is always in the eye of the beholder, but there are a handful of features that you can safely do without in an Internet radio. It is important to note whether these are practical additional functions or nonsensical gimmicks. Assessing this can sometimes not be easy. For a better overview, we present those functions that, for many people, should not necessarily be part of the main competence of an Internet radio station, but should be classified as "nice, but not earth-shattering".

In times of smartphones and Tablets a headphone connection on an internet radio shouldn't matter to most people. Nobody sits in front of their radio with wired headphones and listens to music or the news. A smartphone with a radio app is suitable for this purpose.

The integration of various connect apps such as Spotify Connect or Amazon Music should also be relatively meaningless. Much more flexible and practical is a Bluetooth function, with which you can play music from your smartphone from many streaming apps directly on the Internet radio. So you always have your remote control in your pocket instead of having to go to the radio all the time to operate the rather small displays. Functions like Spotify Connect sound relatively useful at first, but for most people in everyday life they are more unnecessarily fiddly than practical and intuitive.

Design and looks can be important, but don't be fooled by ambient lighting, retro looks or a particularly exciting shape of a radio. It can be tempting to buy a device that looks nice but has bad sound, for example. It should also be mentioned that many of the manufacturer's photos do not correspond to reality. It is not uncommon for a wonderfully designed model to turn out to be a pure plastic bomber.

Anyone who is looking for an internet radio usually wants exactly that. A device with which you can listen to your favorite stations in the best quality. And only on this device. Nevertheless, some high-priced models have a multi-room function. Here you can connect your radio to other multiroom speakers, for example in the bedroom or bathroom. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy your music throughout the house. Sounds quite nice on paper, but it should only be of great relevance for very few, mainly because apart from the main device, additional costs for the said additional loudspeakers are to be expected.

Ultimately, everyone has to weigh up for themselves which additional functions are important and which are not. Many Internet radio features feel immature and often only serve to justify a higher price. Don't be misled by the litany of features. More is often less here and a good sound quality can be much more useful in everyday life than one or the other additional function.

What do other tests say?

Various tests from trade journals speak a similar language. Special attention is also paid to sound quality, radio reception, handling, versatility and processing.

The sound quality is clearly particularly important for good test results. If models offer many functions, but cannot convince when playing back content, this shortcoming always has a negative effect on the overall rating. It can be observed that good speakers and a rich sound correct the rating significantly upwards, even with a somewhat poor range of functions. Stiftung Warentest tested 18 digital radios, of which only 3 were convincing in terms of sound. This gives food for thought, but also confirms our assessment.

In many tests, the sometimes poor user-friendliness is highlighted. Many devices offer displays that are too small, no intuitive operation and simply have too many buttons, which are then badly labeled.

Due to the subjectivity, design and optics are hardly dealt with, but it is also pointed out that when buying an Internet radio, you should concentrate less on the exterior and more on the technical features.

In general, many product tests show that many of the really good Internet radios are in the price range of around EUR 150. So if you are looking for a device that you can have fun with for a long time and which is also prepared for the future, you should not be fooled by supposedly cheap models.

Internet radio stations have received plenty of praise for their versatility. Various tests show that you can not only listen to the radio with a good internet radio, but also do a lot more. If you buy an expensive model, you usually get a lot of quality and functions. If there is no Bluetooth function or no network streaming, there are often juicy point deductions.

Which device for which target group?

For those who have a small cheap internet radio search is that TELESTAR M 12i the right device. The manufacturer puts together a nice overall package for people who want to run the radio alongside and do not attach great importance to particularly great sound quality.

Price conscious and still demanding users could in Grundig DTL 5000 2.0 find a good everyday companion. This Internet radio covers pretty much every function and also offers a balanced, good sound.

If you are willing to spend a little more for your new Internet radio, that's it Majority Homertron warmly recommended. Great sound, far-reaching connection options and a timeless design make this high-quality device the test winner. The Homertron is unbeaten in the price range around 120 EUR and plays with its very good value for money almost in the league of the really big ones.

It always goes higher, faster and further. This also proves that TechniSat DIGITRADIO 584. The German manufacturer has brought an Internet radio onto the market that can hardly be surpassed in terms of sound quality, range of functions and user-friendliness. Of course, this has its price. Although the DIGITRADIO 240 is worth its price at just under EUR 584, it is almost twice as expensive as our test winner, the Majority Homertron, which has both an impressive sound and quite useful and well-implemented features.