LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth Review: The Compact Gateway to Global Audio?

In our home, the kitchen counter used to be a graveyard of tangled wires and redundant electronics. There was the old FM radio for the morning news, a Bluetooth speaker for podcasts while cooking, and my smartphone constantly tethered to a charger, streaming some obscure internet station from halfway across the world. Each device served a single purpose, creating clutter and a constant, low-level frustration. Finding the right audio for the moment meant switching devices, re-pairing Bluetooth, and navigating a dozen different apps. We knew there had to be a better way—a single, elegant solution that could consolidate our listening habits into one streamlined experience. This search for audio simplicity, for a device that could seamlessly pivot from a local DAB broadcast to a global internet stream and then to a personal Spotify playlist, 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 anyone looking to declutter their audio life and expand their listening horizons exponentially. In an age of digital fragmentation, these devices serve as a unified portal to virtually any audio content imaginable. They solve the problem of limited local broadcasts by tapping into tens of thousands of global stations via Wi-Fi. They eliminate the need for a separate Bluetooth speaker and bring back the simple pleasure of dedicated radio presets, all while integrating modern streaming services like Spotify. The main benefit is convenience and choice, wrapped in a single, user-friendly package that can sit elegantly on a bookshelf, kitchen counter, or bedside table.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing audio overload—the person who loves radio but also has a curated Spotify library and a list of must-hear podcasts. They value both cutting-edge connectivity and the nostalgic simplicity of a traditional radio interface. It’s for the household that wants a shared, accessible audio player that anyone can operate without needing to pair a phone every time. Conversely, this might not be suitable for the dedicated audiophile who demands a high-fidelity, multi-component stereo system with room-shaking power, or for someone who only ever listens to a single local FM station. For those users, a high-end Hi-Fi system or a basic portable FM radio might be a more fitting, and potentially more cost-effective, choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The appeal of many internet radios is their compact footprint. Before buying, measure the intended space, whether it’s a crowded bedside table or a narrow kitchen shelf. The LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth, for example, measures a tidy 23 x 8 x 11 cm, making it a versatile fit for tight spaces, but its smaller size may not have the commanding presence of a larger stereo system.
• Capacity/Performance: This isn’t about storage, but about audio and connectivity performance. Look for stereo speakers (like the dual drivers in the IR4S) over mono for richer sound. Check for robust Wi-Fi capabilities (dual-band is a plus) for stable streaming, and verify the types of tuners included—DAB/DAB+ and FM are essential for comprehensive broadcast access in the UK. The number of presets (60 on this model) is also a key indicator of convenience.
• Materials & Durability: The enclosure material significantly impacts both aesthetics and sound quality. Wooden cabinets, like the walnut finish on this LEMEGA model, are often preferred for their warm, resonant acoustic properties over cheaper plastic shells. Consider the build quality of the buttons and dials, as these are the components you’ll interact with daily.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good internet radio should be intuitive. Look for a clear, readable display, logical menu navigation, and simple setup processes (like WPS for Wi-Fi). For maintenance, a simple wipe-down is usually all that’s required, but check if firmware updates are delivered over-the-air, as this ensures the device stays current with new services and security patches.

With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose a device that will become the true audio heart of your room.

While the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth 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: Classic Looks Meet Modern Tech

Unboxing the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth, the first thing that struck us was its charming, retro-inspired design. The walnut finish is warm and tactile, giving it a sense of permanence and quality that plastic radios often lack. It feels more like a piece of furniture than a gadget. As one user noted, we were also surprised by its compact size. Photos can be deceiving, but in person, its small footprint (23 x 8 x 11 cm) is a definite advantage, allowing it to tuck neatly into almost any space without dominating it. The front panel is logically laid out, with a clear colour display flanked by a reassuringly solid-feeling rotary dial and a set of function buttons. It feels well-built, weighing a respectable 860g, which gives it stability on the countertop. Setup was straightforward; the initial boot-up guide walks you through language and Wi-Fi connection, and we were able to connect to our network in under a minute using the WPS button feature, bypassing the need to tediously type in a password. It immediately began scanning for DAB+ stations, populating a list of local broadcasts within moments. The initial experience is one of thoughtful design and user-friendly operation.

A Deep Dive into the LEMEGA IR4S’s Performance

A great internet radio is defined by more than its spec sheet. It’s about how seamlessly it integrates into your daily routine, the quality of its sound, and the reliability of its connection. We spent extensive time putting the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth through its paces, from waking us up in the morning to providing a soundtrack for our evenings. Here is our in-depth analysis of its core features.

The Universe of Audio: Connectivity and Content Access

The primary reason to own a device like this is access, and the LEMEGA IR4S delivers in spades. The Internet Radio function is the star of the show. Navigating through the menu, we were presented with a seemingly endless list of over 30,000 global stations, neatly categorized by location, genre, and popularity. We spent an entire afternoon exploring—listening to a jazz station from New Orleans, a classical broadcast from Vienna, and a news talk show from Sydney. The connection over our standard Wi-Fi network was rock-solid, with no dropouts or buffering issues. This feature alone transforms the device from a simple radio into a portal to the world. We found the search function effective, and saving favourites to one of the 60 presets was a simple press-and-hold affair.

Switching to DAB/DAB+ was equally seamless. The radio performed a quick scan and found every available station in our area with a crisp, clear, interference-free signal. The information displayed on the colour screen—station name, song title, and signal strength—is a significant upgrade from the ambiguity of old analogue dials. The FM tuner is also present, though as one user noted, its performance can be a bit more hit-or-miss depending on your location and antenna placement, a common issue with digital-first devices. Where the IR4S truly shines for the modern listener is its integration of Spotify Connect. This isn’t just a rebranded Bluetooth connection. By selecting the IR4S from within the Spotify app on our phone, the radio itself pulls the stream directly from the internet. This frees up your phone to take calls or leave the room without interrupting the music, and it results in a higher-quality audio stream than standard Bluetooth. It’s a premium feature that makes this device a powerful and versatile music player.

Audio Performance: Stereo Sound in a Compact Form

Housing two 2.5-inch full-range drivers, the LEMEGA IR4S promises stereo sound, a notable step up from many mono radios in this size and price bracket. Upon first listen, the audio is clear and well-balanced for spoken word content like news and podcasts. Voices are rendered with presence and clarity, making it an excellent companion for talk radio or catching up on your favourite shows. When we turned to music, the results were pleasant, if not breathtaking. The stereo separation is noticeable, adding a degree of spaciousness to the sound that a single speaker cannot replicate. It can easily fill a medium-sized room, like our 30-square-meter kitchen, with sound at a comfortable volume without distorting.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. As one user aptly described it, the audio is “so-so.” The small drivers, by nature of their size, struggle to produce deep, resonant bass. While listening to rock or electronic music, the low-end frequencies lack punch. Similarly, the highest trebles can sometimes feel a bit compressed. This is not an audiophile’s Hi-Fi system. It’s a compact, convenient audio hub, and its sound signature is tuned for clarity and general-purpose listening rather than critical, high-fidelity playback. The user’s comment that the second speaker doesn’t dramatically “improve” the quality is understandable; while it provides stereo imaging, it doesn’t fundamentally change the character of the drivers. For everyday listening—background music, news, podcasts—the performance is more than adequate and a significant improvement over the tinny speakers built into most smart devices. You can see its full audio specifications on the product page.

Portability and Power: A Tale of Two Options

One of the key selling points of the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth is its portability. The ability to run on either the included mains adapter or four AA batteries suggests you can take your world of audio out into the garden or to a park. In our testing, mains power is flawless. The unit is supplied with a UK plug and a standard USB cord, and as one clever user pointed out, this means you can also power it from a portable power bank, which is a fantastic modern touch for flexible placement far from a wall socket. When plugged in, it’s a reliable, always-on device.

The battery-powered experience, however, is where we encountered a significant issue, confirming the stark warnings from user feedback. We loaded it with a fresh set of four high-quality alkaline AA batteries. While listening to internet radio over Wi-Fi, which is admittedly power-intensive, the batteries were depleted in just under an hour. A different user reported similar catastrophic battery life even on FM. This is a critical flaw for anyone hoping to use this as a truly portable, unplugged radio for extended periods. It renders the battery feature useful only for very short listening sessions or as a backup to move the radio from one room to another without it rebooting. For any practical use, you must consider the LEMEGA IR4S a mains-powered device that happens to have a very short-term battery option. This is a major drawback that potential buyers need to be aware of and is a disappointing aspect of an otherwise incredibly feature-rich device.

Smart Features: The Bedside and Kitchen Companion

Beyond its core radio functions, the LEMEGA IR4S is packed with smart features that elevate its utility. The dual independent alarms are a standout. We found them incredibly easy to configure, with options to set alarms for weekdays, weekends, or just one-time events. You can choose to wake up to a traditional buzzer or, much more pleasantly, to your favourite DAB, FM, or preset internet radio station. The volume of the alarm can also be preset, ensuring a gentle wake-up call. The inclusion of a Snooze function is, of course, essential for any self-respecting alarm clock.

The Sleep Timer is another welcome addition, perfect for those who like to drift off to music or a podcast. We could set it to automatically turn the radio off after a specified period, from 15 to 180 minutes. The 60 presets are generous, allowing you to save 20 favourites for each mode (Internet, DAB, FM), with three dedicated one-touch preset buttons on the front for your absolute top stations. This combination of clock, alarm, and timer functions makes the LEMEGA IR4S an ideal bedside companion, replacing a separate alarm clock and speaker. Its utility extends to the kitchen, where the timer can be used for cooking while the radio provides entertainment, making it a true multi-purpose hub for the home.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other users provides a well-rounded picture of the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth. The sentiment is generally positive, focusing on the sheer breadth of features packed into a compact and attractive unit. One user celebrated it as having “Internet radio, fm, dab all you can want alarm,” highlighting its all-in-one appeal. Another praised its ability to sonically fill a 30-square-meter room and noted the convenience of the WPS button for easy Wi-Fi setup. These comments mirror our own experience with the device’s impressive versatility and user-friendly interface.

However, the criticisms are consistent and important. The most significant complaint, which we emphatically confirmed, is the abysmal battery life. One user from Spain stated bluntly that the batteries don’t even last an hour, calling it “una auténtica basura” (a real piece of junk) in that specific regard. Other criticisms include the “so-so” audio quality and issues with fulfilment, such as receiving units with signs of prior use or being shipped with a UK-only plug, which can be an issue for international buyers. This feedback paints a clear picture: it’s a brilliant device for its connectivity and features, but it has a fatal flaw in its battery performance and its audio won’t impress connoisseurs.

How Does the LEMEGA IR4S Compare to the Alternatives?

The LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth carves out a niche with its portability and compact design, but it faces stiff competition from larger, more feature-rich models, especially for those who don’t need battery power. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Player Stereo System

The MAJORITY Quadriga is a completely different beast, aimed at users seeking a primary home audio system. Its massive 120W power output, 2.1 stereo system with an inbuilt subwoofer, and integrated CD player place it in a higher performance category. While it shares internet radio, DAB, FM, and Spotify Connect capabilities with the LEMEGA, its audio output is vastly superior, delivering deep bass and room-filling volume. The Quadriga is the choice for someone who wants a powerful, all-in-one sound system for their living room and still enjoys physical media like CDs. The LEMEGA IR4S wins on portability, compactness, and likely price, making it better suited for kitchens, bedrooms, or smaller spaces where raw power isn’t the priority.

2. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet/DAB+ Radio with CD Player

The Imperial Dabman i200 strikes a middle ground. Like the Quadriga, it includes a CD player, catering to users with a CD collection. Its design is more traditional, resembling a classic micro Hi-Fi system. It offers a similar range of connectivity to the LEMEGA, including Wi-Fi, DAB+, FM, and Aux-in. The key trade-off here is size and portability. The Dabman i200 is a larger, stationary unit designed for a shelf or media centre. A user would choose the Imperial Dabman i200 over the LEMEGA IR4S if the CD player is a must-have feature and they are looking for a dedicated stereo system with a slightly larger sound presence, without needing the portability that the LEMEGA offers (however flawed).

3. Hama 00054891 Internet Radio WiFi DAB+ Bluetooth Spotify Black

The Hama 00054891 is perhaps the most direct competitor in terms of functionality, minus the portability. It packs internet radio, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect into a sleek, modern package. With a 40W output, it likely offers a more powerful audio experience than the LEMEGA IR4S. It also adds a USB port for MP3 playback, a feature the LEMEGA lacks. The choice between the Hama and the LEMEGA comes down to priorities. If you need a stationary, modern-looking internet radio with a bit more power and USB playback, the Hama is a very strong contender. If you value the classic wooden aesthetic and the option for even short-term battery-powered portability, the LEMEGA IR4S holds its ground.

Our Final Verdict: A Feature-Packed Hub with One Major Caveat

After extensive testing, the LEMEGA IR4S Stereo WIFI Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth reveals itself as a deeply impressive and versatile audio device, but one that comes with a critical compromise. Its strengths are undeniable: the sheer variety of audio sources at your fingertips is fantastic. From thousands of global internet stations to crisp DAB broadcasts, Spotify Connect, and simple Bluetooth streaming, it consolidates nearly every listening need into one attractive, compact, and user-friendly package. The dual alarms and sleep timer make it a perfect bedside unit, and its classic walnut finish allows it to blend beautifully into any decor.

However, the flaw in its portability is too significant to ignore. The shockingly poor performance on AA batteries means it should be considered a mains-powered device first and foremost. If you are buying it with dreams of long afternoons of unplugged audio in the garden, you will be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a brilliant, feature-rich audio hub for your kitchen, office, or bedroom that will remain largely stationary, its performance is excellent for the price. It’s for the listener who values choice and connectivity above all else. If that sounds like you, and you can live with keeping it plugged in, the LEMEGA IR4S offers incredible value and is well worth your consideration.