Are DAB Radios Being Phased Out?

Buying advice: What should you look for?

We've made things nice and easy for our customers, as our range of Audizio digital radios are all the latest DAB+ system, so whichever you like the look of, you can be sure it’s going to be future-proof. They also allow you to enjoy older DAB broadcasts while they are still transmitted, so it’s the best of both.

So with DAB+ present on all models, you can concentrate on looking at the range of other playback features on the different models, and the many styles and designs available, from clean and modern style to classic and retro systems.

Features to look out for:

Bluetooth

For many buyers, this is an essential modern feature, allowing you to use the radio as a portable Bluetooth speaker for a convenient wireless connection to your smartphone. This allows you to enjoy your app-based playlists and podcasts.

Headphone Port

If you like listening in private, be it a late-night radio show, or you just don't like to disturb others when relaxing, a headphone connection is a necessity. Most Audizio DAB+ radios feature a 3.5mm headphone jack port, but it’s worth double-checking before you buy.

Line Output

A handy feature if you wish to enjoy your radio through a larger HiFi system or even a soundbar. A line output will disconnect the unit's built-in speaker and turn it into a source device. It's a convenient way of bringing the latest digital tuner technology to an older audio system.

Stereo Speakers

Digital radio programmes are broadcast in stereo, so listening on a stereo speaker system will give you the widest soundstage and richest experience. This may be a small set of built-in speakers, or the system may come as a mini HiFi tower design with separate speakers.

Not that you are losing out with a single-speaker DAB+ radio though, far from it. The DAB+ codec and the latest class D amplification gives all our digital radios a detailed sound with plenty of power and depth, with many models featuring bass ports for enhanced low-end response.

Colour Display

While not strictly necessary for listening to the radio, the inclusion of full colour TFT displays to many of our DAB+ radios allows you to fully enjoy the new format, with station logos and album artwork, and clear text for station and track information. It makes things much easier for adjusting settings, and they provide a much more modern appearance when compared to older, text-only, single-colour models.

Internet Radio

Some would consider this a feature, while others think of it as a different format (which it is). However, many of our internet radio systems also include DAB+ reception, giving you a huge range of traditional UK broadcasts alongside the worldwide services that internet audio streaming offers.

If you’re a radio enthusiast, love foreign language and world content, or like being able to listen to the many internet-only music streams from providers too small to have their own DAB channel, it could be ideal.

With Audizio internet-capable DAB radios, you will either have a WiFi connection as standard, or some units feature an Ethernet port for a wired LAN connection. (Internet radio services require an internet connection to function).

DAB (MP2) vs DAB+ (HE-AAC v2) - Codec showdown

The core difference between DAB and DAB+ is the audio codec, the technology that compresses and decompresses audio for transmission. It's the engine under the bonnet of your radio broadcast, determining how much data is used, how good it sounds, and how efficiently it can be delivered.

Let's break it down:

What is a Codec?

A codec is short for coder-decoder. It takes audio and compresses it into a digital format suitable for broadcast. When you tune in, your radio decodes that compressed data back into sound.

It’s a bit like turning a suitcase full of clothes into a vacuum-packed bag. A good codec fits more in, and still lets you unpack it neatly on the other side. The original DAB system is extremely outdated by modern standards, as digital compression and file storage has advanced significantly in the 30+ years since it was released.

DAB (MP2 Codec)

• Full Name: MPEG-1 Layer II (MP2)
• Released: 1991 (yes, it’s that old)
• Compression Efficiency: Low (requires higher bitrates for decent quality)
• Audio Quality: Acceptable at high bitrates (~128kbps stereo), but lossy
• Bitrate Range: Commonly 128-192 kbps
• Error Resilience: Moderate – more prone to “bubbling” or dropouts with weak signals
• Station Capacity: Limited – fewer stations per frequency block

Summary:

MP2 was fine in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but by today’s standards, it’s very inefficient. You need more data to deliver less quality, meaning broadcasters can squeeze in fewer stations, and listeners may notice a bit of a “muffled” sound, especially on music-heavy stations.

DAB+ (HE-AAC v2 Codec)

• Full Name: High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding v2 (AAC+)
• Released: 2006 (used in modern streaming and broadcasting)
• Compression Efficiency: Very high (delivers better sound at lower bitrates)
• Audio Quality: Excellent, even at lower bitrates (~64kbps stereo can sound better than MP2 at 128kbps)
• Bitrate Range: Typically 32–96 kbps
• Error Resilience: High – stronger error correction and more robust in weak signal areas
• Station Capacity: High – more channels can fit in each multiplex

Summary:

HE-AAC v2 is a modern codec used in services like YouTube, Spotify, and mobile streaming apps. It sounds clearer and fuller, even on speech-heavy content, and allows broadcasters to offer more stations with better quality using the same amount of bandwidth.

Are DAB+ radios easy to use?

With a traditional FM radio as an example, you have to:

• Manually scroll through a dial or search for frequencies
• Deal with overlapping stations and noise
• Try to remember what’s on 98.5 or 102.7 etc

With DAB and DAB+ radio, it's all station names, not numbers. Your radio presents a scrollable list of what's available, so you can just select:

• BBC Radio 2
• Absolute 80s
• Heart Dance

..with no need to know the frequency.

If you can read a menu and press a button, you can use a DAB radio.

Auto Tuning and Station Search

When you first turn it on, a DAB+ radio will:

• Scan automatically for available stations in your area
• Store them in a list (alphabetically or by genre)

No need to fiddle with fine-tuning or aerial direction like in the old days. Many radios even re-scan automatically when moved to a new location.

Set-and-Forget Favourites

Most DAB radios let you:

• Save presets for your favourite stations (Audiozio models use a ‘heart’ buttton)
• Use quick access buttons to jump straight to saved stations
• Browse by genre or location on advanced models

So whether you’re a morning talk radio fan or an 80s synthpop nut, your favourite content is just one button away.

Helpful Info on the Screen

Unlike FM, DAB+ radios come with a digital display (even the budget ones). This means you get:

• Station name
• Track and artist currently playing
• Show titles and presenters
• News flashes or extra data (on some models)
• Station logos, album cover artwork (colour display models only)

This takes the guesswork out of what you're listening to, especially handy if you’ve ever liked a song but had no clue who sang it!

Simple Controls for All Users

From compact kitchen radios to bedside clock models, DAB+ radios usually have:

• Clearly labelled buttons
• Dial knobs for volume or menu navigation
• Simple icons and menus
• Intuitive controls for scanning, browsing, and saving
• IR remote control for convenience

Many modern DAB+ radios also offer Bluetooth control or companion apps, but the basic functions stay super simple.

Set-Up in Under 2 Minutes

Here’s how you set up most DAB+ radios:

• Plug it in / insert batteries (some units come pre-fitted with a rechargeable battery)
• Turn the unit on
• It scans for stations automatically (or will prompt you to do so)
• Use the tune or browse button/dial to pick a station
• Adjust volume
• Press and hold the allocated button to save a favourite

Done. No cables, no subscriptions.

As with all modern devices, they are designed to be intuitive, though we do recommend giving the user manual a good look over, as it will help you understand everything your DAB+ radio is capable of.

Perfect for the Less Tech-Savvy

Because it works without needing Wi-Fi, passwords, or apps, DAB radios are excellent for:

• Elderly users
• Children
• Guest rooms or holiday homes
• Anyone who prefers a button over a touchscreen
• Some models even feature extra-large buttons, tactile feedback, or voice prompts.

Popular Questions about DAB+

Are DAB radios being phased out?

As already discussed, the digital radio format is here to stay, so that's a no. However, older DAB-only models are gradually becoming obsolete as broadcasters shift to the newer DAB+ system.

Is DAB+ backwards compatible?

Yes. DAB+ radios can receive DAB stations, but DAB-only radios can't receive DAB+ stations. Most also include FM reception, so you should have no issue finding your favourite stations.

Do I need to fit an aerial?

Not usually. Most DAB+ radios with built-in antennas are perfectly fine, giving you strong reception. For particularly weak signal areas though, you may need to look at fitting an external VHF aerial.

Will the UK switch off FM soon?

Not yet. Although there’s no official FM switch-off date in the UK, the government has scheduled 2030 as the year it will happen. Until that time, analogue and digital radio will coexist, with broadcasters deciding which system suits them best.

Can I upgrade a DAB-only radio to support DAB+?

To put it simply, no. The difference is in the hardware, not just a software update. The chipset and decoding system in DAB radios is old technology, and a completely different system to the newer codec. The newer system can decode the older system, but not the other way around.

Can I stream music to my radio from Spotify account?

You have two options depending on the radio type. Any of our DAB+ radios with Bluetooth will allow you to listen to your playlists and podcasts via your mobile device. For direct Spotify control though you will need to look at one of our Internet/DAB+ radios which feature Spotify Connect.

Final Thoughts - The Future Is Digital and More Efficient

To wrap it all up: DAB radio is not being phased out, but it is growing up.

Just like we've moved from physical media to streaming, or SD to HD, radio is evolving too. DAB+ offers better quality, lower transmission costs, and more stations, all while using less bandwidth.

If you're in the market for a new radio, go with one that supports DAB+ and you’ll be set for the long haul. Or better yet, choose a hybrid DAB+/Internet radio for the best of both worlds.

Whether you're a kitchen singalong-er, a workshop music-lover, or a late-night talk radio junkie, DAB+ ensures your next radio will be smarter, clearer, and future-ready.