Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging Review: The Modern Bedside Companion Put to the Test

For years, my bedside table was a testament to technological clutter. A tangle of wires connected a digital alarm clock, a phone charger, and a small Bluetooth speaker. Each morning started with fumbling for the right cable, and each evening ended with the same ritual. The kitchen counter wasn’t much better, a space where my phone would precariously charge while I tried to stream a podcast over a tinny speaker. I was looking for a single, elegant solution—a device that could declutter my space, deliver quality audio from any source imaginable, and simplify my daily routines. The dream was a central hub that could handle my morning alarm, stream endless radio stations from around the globe, play my Spotify playlists, and charge my phone, all without adding another cable to the mess. This search for a streamlined, multi-functional audio device is what led me to thoroughly test the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging.

What to Consider Before Buying an Internet Radio

An Internet Radio is more than just a modern wireless; it’s a key solution for accessing a near-infinite world of audio content with clarity and convenience. Unlike traditional radios limited by terrestrial broadcast ranges, an internet radio connects via your home’s Wi-Fi to unlock thousands of global stations, podcasts, and streaming services. This solves the problem of poor reception for DAB+ or FM in certain areas and opens up a universe of niche music genres, news from around the world, and talk shows you’d never find otherwise. The main benefits are unparalleled choice, often superior, crystal-clear digital sound quality, and integration with modern smart home ecosystems through features like Spotify Connect and Bluetooth streaming.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who embraces digital media and craves a versatile, all-in-one device for a bedroom, kitchen, or home office. They likely stream music from services like Spotify, listen to a wide variety of radio or podcasts, and appreciate the convenience of modern features like wireless phone charging. However, it might not be the best fit for a dedicated audiophile seeking a high-fidelity stereo system with component speakers for critical listening. Similarly, if your needs are simply a basic FM alarm clock and you have no interest in streaming or digital radio, a simpler, less expensive device would suffice. For those who still have a large collection of physical media, an alternative with a built-in CD player might be a more suitable choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the intended location, whether it’s a bedside table, a kitchen counter, or a bookshelf. The Philips R8805/10 measures 26.8 x 15.93 x 11.35 cm, a substantial but manageable size. Ensure you have enough surface area and clearance, especially for the top-mounted Qi charging pad, which needs to be easily accessible.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance in an internet radio is all about connectivity and sound. Check for robust Wi-Fi capabilities (ideally dual-band) to ensure stable streaming. Look at the audio sources supported—Internet Radio, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect cover nearly every base. Finally, consider the speaker configuration; the two 3-inch full-range drivers in this Philips model are designed for clear, balanced sound in a medium-sized room.
• Materials & Durability: The enclosure material significantly impacts both aesthetics and sound quality. Many modern radios use plastic, which is lightweight but can sometimes produce a thin or resonant sound. The Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging features a matte black wooden casing, which not only looks premium but also helps to create a warmer, richer acoustic profile, reducing unwanted vibrations.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great radio should be a pleasure to use. Look for a clear display, intuitive controls, and simple initial setup. The 2.4-inch colour display on this model aids in navigation, showing station info and album art. Long-term care is minimal; a simple dusting is all the wooden cabinet needs to maintain its classic look.

With these considerations in mind, we can dive into whether this Philips model truly delivers on its promises.

While the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging 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:

Unboxing the Philips R8805/10: First Impressions and Key Features

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging was its reassuring heft and build quality. Weighing in at 1.9 kg, it feels substantial and well-made, a far cry from the lightweight plastic gadgets that often occupy this category. The matte black wooden cabinet is genuinely impressive, with subtle vertical grain that gives it a touch of retro-modern elegance. It’s a device that looks just as good turned off as it does when it’s playing music. Inside the box, we found the radio unit itself, the AC/DC adapter, a quick start guide, and, thoughtfully, a selection of plug adapters for different regions, a nice touch for a global brand like Philips.

The layout is clean and logical. The front is dominated by the speaker grille and the 2.4-inch colour TFT display, flanked by a satisfyingly tactile volume knob and a set of function buttons. The top surface is perfectly flat and minimalist, save for the subtle Qi wireless charging symbol indicating the sweet spot for your phone. The rear houses the bass reflex ports, the power input, a USB charging port, and an auxiliary input. The initial impression is one of thoughtful design that merges classic radio aesthetics with thoroughly modern functionality.

A Deep Dive into the Philips R8805/10’s Everyday Performance

A device can have a great feature list on paper, but the real test is how it performs day-to-day. We put the Philips R8805/10 through its paces in various settings—as a morning alarm clock, a kitchen companion for cooking, and a background music source in a home office. Our extended testing revealed a device that is, for the most part, a master of convenience and versatility.

Connectivity Unleashed: From Global Radio to Spotify Connect

The heart of the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging is its incredible range of audio sources. The initial Wi-Fi setup was straightforward, and we were pleased to find it connected to our modern WPA3-secured network without a hitch—something that can be a stumbling block for older internet-connected devices. Once online, a seemingly endless list of internet radio stations from across the globe became available. We spent hours jumping from a jazz station in New Orleans to a classical broadcast from Vienna, all with a perfectly clear, stable signal. The DAB+ and FM tuners also performed admirably, locking onto local stations quickly and holding the signal without any static or dropouts.

Where the radio truly shines for modern listeners is its integration with streaming services. Bluetooth pairing with a smartphone was instant and reliable. We found the connection remained stable even when we moved with the phone to an adjacent room, about 15 metres away with a few walls in between, a finding echoed by several users who praised its robust wireless performance. However, the real star of the show is Spotify Connect. Once the radio is on the same Wi-Fi network, it appears as a playback device directly within the Spotify app. This allows you to use your phone as a remote to select playlists, albums, or podcasts, and the radio then streams the music directly from the internet. This is far superior to Bluetooth as it doesn’t drain your phone’s battery, and audio quality is not compressed. It turns a simple radio into a smart, connected speaker effortlessly.

The Bedside Marvel: Qi Charging, Alarms, and Smart Design

Perhaps the most compelling feature of this radio is its thoughtful integration into daily routines, particularly as a bedside or kitchen hub. The built-in Qi wireless charging pad on the top surface is a game-changer. Simply placing a compatible smartphone on the radio at night eliminates the need for a separate charging cable. We tested it with a Samsung S8 and an iPhone 13, and in both cases, charging initiated immediately. Users have noted that it supports “fast” wireless charging on compatible devices, which is a significant bonus. This single feature transforms the device from just an audio player into a functional “docking station.” As one user hilariously noted, his wife immediately “confiscated” the radio for the kitchen, where the combination of charging her phone while streaming YouTube music made doing chores infinitely more enjoyable.

The dual alarm function adds to its credentials as a perfect bedside unit. You can set two different alarms—for instance, one for weekdays and another for weekends—and choose to wake up to a buzzer, your favourite DAB+ station, or the last played internet radio stream. The “gentle wake” feature, which gradually increases the alarm volume, is a much more pleasant way to start the day than a sudden, jarring noise. A sleep timer is also included, allowing you to drift off to music or a podcast, with the radio automatically shutting down after a set period. For those with devices that don’t support wireless charging, the rear USB port provides a handy alternative, ensuring no gadget is left without power. All these features combined make the Philips R8805/10 an incredibly well-thought-out device for modern living.

Acoustic Performance and Build Quality: The Wooden Advantage

For any audio device, the ultimate question is: how does it sound? The Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging is equipped with two 3-inch full-range drivers housed within its wooden cabinet, with two bass reflex ports at the rear to enhance low-frequency response. In our testing, the sound profile was warm, clear, and well-balanced. Vocals on podcasts and talk radio were crisp and forward, making them easy to understand even with background noise like a boiling kettle. For music, the radio delivers a pleasant and engaging performance that is perfectly suited for its intended role.

This is where managing expectations is key. As one user aptly put it, the sound is “adequate for the role it performs,” which is primarily as a high-quality kitchen or bedroom radio. It fills a medium-sized room with rich sound at a comfortable volume. The wooden construction undoubtedly helps, providing a natural resonance and warmth that plastic-bodied competitors often lack. However, it is not a Hi-Fi system. If you are looking for earth-shaking bass or the nuanced separation of a high-end stereo setup, this isn’t the device for you. But for creating a pleasant audio backdrop to your day, listening to your favourite morning show, or enjoying a playlist while you work, the sound quality is more than just good—it’s excellent for its size and purpose.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Philips R8805/10 is largely reflected in the feedback from other users. There is widespread praise for its feature set, particularly the convenience of the Qi charging pad. One user described it as a “very nice addition” that makes it easy to leave the phone charging while streaming from Spotify. The build quality is another frequently mentioned highlight, with customers appreciating the “excellent” construction and the “very pleasant” appearance of the matte black wood cabinet.

Many users also confirm our findings on its strong connectivity, noting that it connects to Wi-Fi without issue and that internet radio functions work well even with numerous walls between the radio and the router. However, feedback is not universally perfect. A common point of constructive criticism, which we agree with, is the display. While functional and clear, several users point out it’s made with “old technology” (TFT) and lacks the deep blacks and high contrast of modern OLED screens. The sound, while generally praised for its clarity, is described by some as being great for background listening but not for immersive, high-volume sessions. On rare occasions, users have reported technical faults, such as one instance where the screen went white and the unit became unresponsive, highlighting that, as with any electronic device, manufacturing defects can occur.

How Does the Philips R8805/10 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging carves out a specific niche in the crowded internet radio market. Its focus is on streamlined, modern connectivity and convenience, most notably by omitting a CD player. For those who still cherish their physical media collections, several strong alternatives exist.

1. Hama 00054891 WiFi Internet Radio DAB+ Bluetooth

The Hama 00054891 offers a very similar core feature set to the Philips, including internet radio, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect. The crucial difference is the inclusion of a front-loading CD player. This makes the Hama an excellent choice for users who want to bridge the gap between their physical CD collection and the world of digital streaming. While it also boasts strong connectivity, it lacks the integrated Qi wireless charging, which is a standout convenience feature of the Philips model. If you value your CD collection more than wireless charging, the Hama is a formidable competitor.

2. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet DAB+ Radio CD Player

The Imperial Dabman i200 is another feature-rich alternative that prioritises physical media alongside digital streaming. Like the Hama, it includes a CD player and a full suite of connectivity options (Wi-Fi, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth). It boasts stereo sound and a classic wood-effect finish that appeals to those looking for a traditional aesthetic. The choice between the Dabman i200 and the Philips R8805/10 comes down to priorities. The Imperial is for the listener with a diverse media library spanning CDs and digital files, whereas the Philips is tailored for the user who has fully embraced streaming and wants the ultimate modern convenience of wireless phone charging.

3. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Radio

The MAJORITY Quadriga positions itself as the powerhouse of the group. While it also features a CD player and the standard array of digital and analogue radio tuners, its main selling point is its impressive 120W 2.1 stereo sound system, complete with an inbuilt subwoofer. This device is designed for those who want their all-in-one unit to deliver room-filling, bass-heavy sound. It’s less of a bedside companion and more of a primary music system for a living room or large kitchen. For listeners who prioritise audio power and still want CD playback, the Quadriga is the top choice, though it comes in a significantly larger form factor than the more compact and elegant Philips R8805/10.

Final Verdict: Is the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging Right for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Philips R8805/10 Internet Radio with Qi Charging is a brilliantly designed, modern audio hub. It successfully declutters your space by combining a versatile radio, a smart speaker, an alarm clock, and a wireless charger into one elegant, wood-encased package. Its strength lies in its seamless connectivity and thoughtful convenience features. It is the perfect device for the bedroom, kitchen, or home office of anyone who has embraced the world of music streaming and digital radio.

While it won’t replace a dedicated Hi-Fi system for critical audiophiles, its warm, clear sound is more than capable for everyday listening. It’s for the person who values simplicity, style, and smart functionality. If you’re ready to cut the cord clutter and upgrade your daily listening experience with a single, do-it-all device, the Philips R8805/10 is an exceptional choice. We highly recommend it for its blend of classic design and forward-thinking features. You can check the latest price and find out more about it here.