In our home office, the battle for audio supremacy has been a long and frustrating one. We had a trusty DAB radio for the morning news, a separate Bluetooth speaker for Spotify playlists during the workday, and our smartphone awkwardly propped up for catching up on podcasts. The result? A tangle of wires, a collection of power adapters, and the constant, tedious dance of pairing, unpairing, and switching inputs. This disjointed setup felt inefficient and cluttered, turning what should be a simple pleasure—listening to audio—into a daily chore. We knew there had to be a more elegant solution, a single device that could seamlessly bridge the worlds of traditional broadcast, internet streaming, and personal audio. The search for a true audio multi-tool, one that could declutter our space and simplify our listening habits, is what led us to the world of modern internet radios.
What to Consider Before Buying an Internet Radio
An Internet Radio is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for accessing a near-infinite universe of audio content without being tethered to a computer or phone. It solves the problem of limited local broadcast options by connecting to thousands of global radio stations via your home Wi-Fi. The main benefits are unparalleled variety, crystal-clear digital sound quality that surpasses traditional FM, and the integration of modern streaming services like Spotify and Bluetooth, all within a single, dedicated unit. This consolidation simplifies your setup, declutters your living space, and provides a reliable, always-on portal to music, news, and podcasts from around the world.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who craves variety and convenience. This includes the home cook who wants a kitchen radio that can play anything from a local news station to a niche jazz station from New Orleans, the home-office worker who needs a versatile audio source for background music and podcasts, or anyone looking for a feature-rich bedside clock radio. However, it might not be suitable for true audiophiles seeking a high-fidelity stereo soundstage with powerful bass and speaker separation. For them, a dedicated component Hi-Fi system would be a better, albeit more complex and expensive, alternative. Likewise, someone who only ever listens to two or three local FM stations might find the additional features unnecessary.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure the intended location carefully. While many internet radios are compact, pay close attention to depth. Some models, including the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio, use a straight power adapter that protrudes from the back, requiring several extra centimetres of clearance from the wall. This can be a critical factor for narrow shelves or crowded kitchen counters.
- Connectivity & Performance: Wi-Fi is the heart of an internet radio. Ensure the device supports modern Wi-Fi standards (like 5GHz for less interference) for a stable connection. Beyond that, consider the full suite of options: DAB/DAB+ for future-proof digital radio, FM for legacy broadcasts, Bluetooth for easy streaming from your phone, and integrated services like Spotify Connect for seamless control directly from the app.
- Audio Quality & Durability: Don’t be swayed by marketing terms alone. A “DSP Speaker” can mean many things. Look for user feedback on the sound profile—is it tinny, or rich? Does it have an equalizer (EQ) to tailor the sound to your liking? Also, assess the build materials. A lightweight plastic body might feel “cheap,” but it can be perfectly functional, whereas a heavier wood or metal chassis often suggests better internal components and acoustic damping.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The user interface is paramount. Are the on-device buttons clear and intuitive, or are they small and confusing? Critically, check if there is a companion smartphone app. A well-designed app can completely transform the user experience, making it far easier to search for stations, manage presets, and configure settings than fiddling with a small screen and dial.
Understanding these factors will help you navigate the market and find a device that not only meets your technical needs but also fits perfectly into your daily life.
While the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing the MAJORITY TOURO
Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio was its incredibly light weight. At just 720g, it feels almost unsubstantial in the hand. The design is clean and modern, with a simple black finish that should blend into most decors, whether on a kitchen counter or a bedside table. The front is dominated by the colour display and a cluster of control buttons and a central dial. However, our initial enthusiasm was slightly tempered by the physical controls. As many users have pointed out, the labelling on the buttons is exceptionally small, making them difficult to decipher without close inspection. This immediately raised a small red flag about on-device usability.
The setup process, however, was a pleasant surprise. After plugging in the mains adapter—and noting its straight design, which does indeed require extra space at the back—the radio powered on and walked us through the initial configuration. Connecting to our 5GHz Wi-Fi network was swift and painless. The device immediately found a vast array of DAB+ stations, and we were listening to a crystal-clear broadcast within minutes. It’s this immediate, user-friendly setup that hints at the device’s true strength: powerful, accessible connectivity. Despite the initial concerns about its featherlight build, the Touro’s quick start and vast feature set promised a much deeper and more rewarding experience.
What We Like
- Exceptional connectivity suite (Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth)
- Superb reception for both Wi-Fi and DAB/FM signals
- Highly intuitive and powerful control via the Frontier Oktiv smartphone app
- Customizable sound profile through a user-adjustable equalizer
Drawbacks
- Extremely lightweight plastic build feels flimsy and cheap
- On-device buttons are tiny and poorly labelled, hindering manual operation
- Awkward straight power plug requires extra clearance behind the unit
A Deep Dive into the Touro’s Real-World Performance
A product’s spec sheet only tells half the story. To truly understand the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio, we integrated it into our daily routine, using it as our primary audio source in the office and kitchen. We explored its myriad features, pushed its audio capabilities, and tested its usability from every angle. This deep dive reveals a device of surprising contrasts—one that excels in digital prowess while stumbling on physical design, ultimately proving its worth through sheer versatility and modern convenience.
Connectivity is King: A Gateway to Global Audio
The absolute standout feature of the MAJORITY TOURO is its phenomenal connectivity. This is not just a radio; it’s a comprehensive audio portal. The setup was remarkably simple. The device instantly located our Wi-Fi network, and we were particularly pleased to see it connect flawlessly to our 5GHz band, which is often less congested than the 2.4GHz band, ensuring a stable stream for internet radio. Once online, a seemingly endless world of audio opens up. We browsed stations by genre and location, effortlessly tuning into news from New York, classical music from Vienna, and pop from Tokyo. The stream was consistently stable, with no buffering or dropouts during our testing period.
The DAB+ and FM reception was equally impressive. We tested it in a part of the house notorious for poor signal, and as one user happily noted, the Touro surprised us by pulling in a strong, clear DAB signal where other radios have failed. The ability to save up to 50 presets is more than generous, making it easy to access favourite stations. Furthermore, Spotify Connect integration is a game-changer. It allows you to use the native Spotify app on your phone as a remote, sending music directly to the radio over Wi-Fi. This method is superior to Bluetooth as it doesn’t drain your phone’s battery as much and won’t be interrupted by calls or notifications. For everything else, the Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable, perfect for streaming from apps like Audible or YouTube Music. This comprehensive suite of options confirms that the Touro’s true strength lies in its versatility, making it an audio hub for literally any source you can imagine.
Sound Profile: Taming the Mono DSP Speaker
Let’s be clear: the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio is a compact, mono-speaker device, and one must set audio expectations accordingly. Straight out of the box, the sound is, frankly, underwhelming. We found it to be somewhat thin and hollow, lacking the depth and warmth we’d hope for. The preset EQ settings (Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc.) made little discernible difference in our testing, a finding echoed by other users. However, the story changes dramatically once you dive into the “My EQ” setting. This allows for manual adjustment of bass and treble, and it is the key to unlocking the speaker’s potential.
By boosting the bass and slightly increasing the treble, we were able to transform the sound profile into something much more balanced and pleasant. The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) seems to respond well to these custom adjustments, producing audio that is clear, articulate, and surprisingly robust for its size. Vocals on podcasts and talk radio are crisp and easy to understand, while music becomes significantly richer. It won’t shake the room, but for its intended use—as a companion in the kitchen, a bedside radio, or an office sound system—the tweaked audio quality is more than acceptable. It’s a testament to the importance of a good equalizer; without it, the audio would be a major drawback, but with it, the Touro delivers a very listenable experience for its price point.
Usability and Design: A Tale of Two Interfaces
The experience of using the MAJORITY TOURO is a study in contrasts, defined by two very different interfaces: the physical device and the companion app. The physical unit itself presents some significant usability challenges. As noted in our first impressions, the buttons are small with tiny, low-contrast labels that are difficult to read. This is compounded by the unit’s lack of heft. It’s so light that pressing a button often requires a second hand to brace the radio, preventing it from sliding across the surface. This two-handed operation, as one user rightly called “ridiculous,” is a definite design flaw, especially for a device you might want to operate quickly with one hand while cooking or working.
However, all of these physical frustrations melt away the moment you download and connect the Frontier Oktiv app. The app is, without exaggeration, the saving grace of the Touro’s user experience. It effectively turns your smartphone into a premium, full-colour touchscreen remote. From the app, you can effortlessly browse the infinite list of internet radio stations, manage your presets, switch modes, adjust the volume, and, most importantly, tweak the equalizer. Setting alarms and sleep timers becomes a simple, intuitive process. The app is so effective that it renders the physical buttons almost completely redundant. For anyone comfortable using a smartphone, the Oktiv app elevates the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio from a fiddly gadget into a sleek, modern audio system.
More Than Just a Radio: The Ultimate Bedside Companion
While it shines in the kitchen or office, the Touro’s feature set makes it an exceptionally competent bedside clock radio. The multi-alarm functionality is robust and flexible. We were able to set multiple alarms for weekdays and weekends, each with its own source and volume. Waking up to a favourite gentle internet radio station from another time zone is a far more pleasant experience than a jarring buzzer. The sleep timer is equally useful, allowing you to drift off to a podcast or soothing music without leaving the radio on all night.
A crucial feature for any alarm clock is reliability, and here the Touro delivers. We tested its memory by unplugging it for several minutes. Upon being reconnected to power, it automatically synced the time via the internet and, most importantly, retained all our alarm settings and station presets. This is a vital feature that, as one user noted, is “not a given” in many digital devices and provides essential peace of mind. The only slight drawback in its bedside capacity is the standby clock display, which some users found to be too small and not adjustable in size. Despite this, its combination of reliable, multi-source alarms and a sleep timer makes the Touro an outstanding choice for the nightstand.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio paints a very consistent picture that aligns with our own findings. The praise is almost universally directed at its feature set and connectivity. Many, like the user who called it a “Great product for the kitchen,” love its versatility. Another happy customer noted, “The Internet radio function is what I like best. There is a very large selection of radio stations.” The simple setup is also frequently highlighted, with one review stating, “Setup was very simple. As soon as I turned it on, it found the Wifi network… and connected without any problems.”
Conversely, the criticisms are just as consistent. The most common complaint revolves around the physical design. One user perfectly summarized the issue: “The unit right out of the box feels cheap… it is so light that you can’t press buttons without pushing the unit.” The tiny, hard-to-read button labels are another major point of frustration. Negative feedback also frequently mentions the awkward, protruding power adapter, which limits placement options. While most are satisfied with the sound after EQ adjustment, some reports of cosmetic issues, such as peeling foil or arriving with scratches, suggest potential quality control inconsistencies.
How Does the Touro Compare to the Competition?
The MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio operates in a competitive space, but its focus on app-driven connectivity at a budget price gives it a unique position. However, for those with different priorities, several alternatives are worth considering.
1. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet DAB+ Radio CD Player
The Imperial Dabman i200 caters to a user who values physical media alongside modern streaming. Its key differentiator is the integrated CD player, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for those who still maintain a beloved CD collection. It generally boasts a more substantial, retro-inspired wooden cabinet, which not only gives it a more premium feel but also likely contributes to a warmer, richer sound profile than the Touro’s plastic shell. If you prioritize audio quality from multiple physical and digital sources and appreciate a more classic aesthetic, the Dabman i200 is a compelling alternative, though typically at a higher price point.
2. Hama 00054891 Internet Radio WiFi DAB+ CD Bluetooth USB
The Hama Internet Radio is another strong contender in the “do-it-all” category. Like the Imperial Dabman, it includes a CD player and adds a USB port for playing MP3 files from a thumb drive, further expanding its versatility. It’s a direct competitor to the Touro, offering a similar suite of internet radio, Spotify Connect, DAB+, and Bluetooth features. The choice between the Hama and the Touro will likely come down to specific needs: if a CD player and USB playback are essential, the Hama is the clear winner. If, however, you value a more compact footprint and are happy to rely on app control, the Touro offers a more modern, streamlined experience.
3. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Player Stereo System
For those who are drawn to the features of the Touro but crave a significant step up in audio performance, the MAJORITY Quadriga is the logical choice. Coming from the same manufacturer, it offers a familiar ecosystem but packages it in a much more powerful 2.1 stereo system, complete with an inbuilt subwoofer for deep, impactful bass. With 120W of power, it’s designed to be a primary room-filling sound system rather than just a kitchen or bedside radio. It also includes a CD player. The Quadriga is for the user who wants the vast connectivity of an internet radio but is unwilling to compromise on powerful, high-quality stereo sound.
Our Final Verdict: Is the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio Right for You?
After extensive testing, our verdict on the MAJORITY TOURO DAB FM Bluetooth Radio is clear: it is a triumph of function over form. Its physical shortcomings—the lightweight build, the tiny buttons, the awkward power plug—are undeniable. However, these flaws are almost entirely negated by its spectacular connectivity and the excellence of the Oktiv smartphone app. This radio is not for someone who values premium materials or tactile, on-device controls. Instead, it is built for the modern listener who lives on their smartphone and wants a single, affordable device to access a limitless universe of audio content.
We wholeheartedly recommend it for the kitchen, the home office, or the bedroom, where its versatility can truly shine. If you are prepared to control it almost exclusively via the app, you will be rewarded with a powerful, reliable, and incredibly feature-rich audio hub that punches far above its weight. For its price, the sheer breadth of listening options it provides is exceptional. If you’re ready to declutter your audio setup and embrace the world of internet radio, you can check the latest price and explore all its features here.