Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth Review: The Heritage Audio Hub for the Modern Age

In our home office, the battle for audio supremacy has been a long and frustrating one. For years, we’ve juggled a collection of devices: a trusty but limited DAB radio for the morning news, a Bluetooth speaker for Spotify playlists, and a laptop for diving into the endless world of podcasts and internet radio. The result? A mess of cables, a constant switching of inputs, and a compromise on sound quality. We yearned for a single, elegant solution that could seamlessly unite broadcast radio, global streaming, and our personal music libraries without sacrificing the rich, warm audio we crave. This search for an all-in-one audio centerpiece, a device that respects the heritage of radio while embracing the future of streaming, is what led us to the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth. The question is, can this highly-regarded unit truly end the clutter and deliver on its promise of audio nirvana?

What to Consider Before Buying an Internet Radio

An Internet Radio is more than just a modern wireless; it’s a key solution for consolidating a fragmented audio life into one streamlined, high-quality source. In an era where content is king, these devices act as a gateway to virtually every audio stream imaginable—from local FM broadcasts and national DAB stations to niche internet broadcasters from across the globe, plus podcasts and personal streaming services. The main benefit is unparalleled choice and convenience, all wrapped in a package that often delivers superior sound quality compared to a standard smartphone or basic Bluetooth speaker. It solves the problem of “what to listen to” by offering a near-infinite library while decluttering your living space from multiple single-purpose gadgets.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who appreciates both traditional radio and modern streaming, a music lover or a news junkie who wants access to everything without compromise. If you find yourself frequently switching between your phone for Spotify, a radio for the drive-time show, and a computer for a specific international station, a device like this is built for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who exclusively listen to one source, such as a dedicated vinyl enthusiast or someone who only uses a single streaming app via a high-end sound system. For a purely portable, on-the-go experience, a simple Bluetooth speaker might be a better fit, but for a comprehensive home audio hub, an internet radio is in a class of its own.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: These are not always tiny devices. The Roberts Stream94i, for instance, measures 13 x 25 x 16.6 cm. Before purchasing, you must measure the intended space, whether it’s a kitchen counter, a bedside table, or a bookshelf. Ensure there’s enough clearance for ventilation, especially around the back where the bass speaker and ports are located.
• Audio Performance & Speaker Configuration: Don’t just look at wattage; consider the speaker setup. The best internet radios feature a stereo speaker arrangement (two front-facing drivers) for a wide soundstage, and many, like the Stream94i, include a dedicated subwoofer or bass radiator for richer low-end frequencies. Check for equalizer (EQ) settings that allow you to tailor the sound to your preference, whether you’re listening to spoken word podcasts or bass-heavy music.
• Connectivity & Sources: The core of an internet radio is its Wi-Fi connection. Ensure it supports modern standards for a stable connection. Beyond that, look for DAB/DAB+ for crystal-clear digital broadcasts, FM for analogue reliability, Bluetooth for simple phone pairing, Spotify Connect for seamless app integration, and a USB port for playing local music files. The more options it has, the more future-proof it is.
• Ease of Use & Control: A feature-packed radio can be frustrating if it’s difficult to operate. Look for a clear, full-colour display that shows album art and station information. Consider the physical controls—are the buttons tactile and responsive? Is there a remote control for convenience? Many models also feature a companion smartphone app (like UNDOK), which can make searching for stations and managing presets significantly easier.

Making the right choice involves balancing these features against your budget and listening habits. The Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth aims to tick all these boxes, but understanding these fundamentals is key to appreciating its strengths and weaknesses.

While the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio 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: Unboxing a Modern Classic

From the moment we opened the box, the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth exudes a sense of premium quality. Roberts has a long-standing reputation, and it’s immediately clear they haven’t compromised. The unit feels substantial and well-built, weighing a solid 1.6 kg. The acoustically-tuned wooden cabinet, finished in a smart black, provides a touch of retro charm, while the glossy front panel and full-colour screen give it a modern edge. It’s a design that feels at home in both a classic study and a contemporary kitchen. The handle on top is sturdy, implying portability, a point we’ll return to later.

Setup was remarkably straightforward. After plugging it in and turning it on, the initial setup wizard guided us through connecting to our Wi-Fi network—a simple process using the WPS button on our router. Within moments, the radio was scanning for DAB stations. As one user noted, its reception is formidable; it immediately found 61 DAB stations in our test location, significantly more than a cheaper model we had on hand. The initial feeling is one of sophisticated power and versatility, a device packed with technology but presented in a user-friendly way. It’s a reassuringly premium first experience that sets high expectations for its performance.

Performance Deep Dive: Living with the Roberts Stream94i

A radio’s worth isn’t determined in the first five minutes but over weeks of daily use—from the morning news over breakfast to late-night music sessions. We put the Roberts Stream94i through its paces, integrating it fully into our daily audio routine to see if its performance matches its pedigree. We explored every feature, from its core sound quality to the nuances of its vast connectivity options and day-to-day usability.

Audio Performance: Rich, Room-Filling, and Remarkable

Let’s be clear: the single greatest reason to choose the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth is its sound. Forget the tinny, thin audio of lesser radios; this is a different class of device. The magic lies in its 2.1 speaker configuration. Two forward-firing speakers create a clear and detailed stereo image, but the secret weapon is the dedicated bass woofer on the back. This combination produces a sound profile with surprising depth and warmth for a unit of its size. As one user emphatically put it, “The sound has so much depth and quality you forget that it’s coming out of a unit no bigger than a biscuit tin!” We wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.

Testing with a variety of sources confirmed its prowess. On BBC Radio 4, voices were crisp, clear, and resonant, making talk radio and podcasts a pleasure to listen to. Switching to a bass-heavy electronic station via Internet Radio, the rear woofer came alive, providing a punchy and controlled low-end without muddying the mid-range. With Spotify Connect, streaming high-bitrate tracks from artists like Massive Attack and Daft Punk, the Stream94i filled our medium-sized office with a rich, immersive sound that never became harsh, even at higher volumes. The onboard equalizer is a welcome feature, allowing us to tweak the bass and treble to our liking, though we found the default “Normal” setting to be exceptionally well-balanced for most content. This isn’t just a radio; it’s a compact hi-fi system in its own right.

Connectivity & Content: A Gateway to a World of Sound

The Stream94i’s true power lies in its versatility. It’s a chameleon that can adapt to any audio source you throw at it. The DAB/DAB+ tuner proved to be exceptionally sensitive. In an area with moderate reception, it locked onto stations that other radios struggled to hold, providing a stable, glitch-free listening experience. For traditionalists, the FM tuner is equally capable.

However, connecting it to Wi-Fi is what truly unlocks its potential. Internet Radio opens up a staggering universe of thousands of global stations. We spent hours exploring everything from Japanese jazz stations to American sports talk and German classical broadcasts, all in high-quality audio. The ability to save 40 presets for Internet Radio (plus another 40 for DAB and 40 for FM) is a huge plus, making it easy to access favourites. Spotify Connect is another highlight. As long as you have a Premium account, you can use your Spotify app as a remote, sending music directly to the radio over Wi-Fi, which offers better quality and stability than Bluetooth. It’s a seamless integration that just works.

The addition of Bluetooth is a practical feature, perfect for when guests want to quickly play a song from their phone. We also tested the USB port on the back, plugging in a FAT32-formatted flash drive filled with MP3s, and it played them back flawlessly. Control is further enhanced by the UNDOK smartphone app. While the app itself is a third-party solution and can be a little basic, it makes navigating the vast list of internet stations and managing presets far easier than using the radio’s physical dials. It’s this comprehensive suite of options that makes the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth such a compelling audio hub.

Design, Usability, and a Few Annoying Quirks

While the audio and connectivity are top-tier, the daily user experience isn’t flawless. The design itself is beautiful, a perfect blend of old and new. The colour screen is bright and easy to read, displaying album art and station info beautifully. However, we must confirm the feedback from several users regarding the physical controls. The central ‘Select’ button, used for confirming menu choices, is frustratingly stiff. Pressing it requires so much force that you often need to hold the radio with your other hand to prevent it from tipping or sliding, especially on a smooth surface. It’s a bizarre design flaw in an otherwise premium product.

The included remote control is, unfortunately, another weak point. It feels cheap, the buttons are also stiff, and its infrared sensor has a very narrow field of view. You have to point it directly at the radio for it to register a command. Thankfully, the UNDOK app provides a much better “remote” experience from your phone. The biggest usability issue, however, is portability. Despite its convenient handle, the Stream94i is a mains-powered device. Roberts sells an optional battery pack, but it’s expensive and, as users note, doesn’t offer a particularly long life. This is a significant drawback for anyone hoping to take their radio into the garden on a sunny afternoon. It’s a shame, as it feels designed for portability but is tethered by its power cord. This makes the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth an exceptional stationary radio, but a compromised portable one.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly echoed in the broader user community. The overwhelming consensus is praise for the device’s exceptional sound quality. One user summarised it perfectly: “The sound quality is great, the radio has 2 speakers on the front and 1 bass speaker at the back. The high price is well justified by the radio’s versatility.” Many also highlight the superb DAB reception and the joy of exploring thousands of internet radio stations as key selling points.

However, the criticisms we noted are also common themes. The stiff select button and underwhelming remote are frequently mentioned. One owner stated, “The select button on the front of the radio requires so much force that you need two hands… The remote is truly terrible.” The lack of an included, integrated battery is perhaps the most significant shared disappointment. A user lamented, “My only negative of this radio hence I knock a star off is the lack of a built in lithium battery. The add on battery from Roberts is expensive.” While most experiences are positive, a few isolated reports mention long-term reliability issues, with some users experiencing sound failure after a few months, a worrying prospect for a premium-priced product. These reports appear to be outliers but are important to consider.

How Does the Roberts Stream94i Compare to the Alternatives?

The Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth excels in sound quality and connectivity, but it exists in a competitive market. For some users, alternatives that include features like a CD player might be more appealing, even if it means a different design philosophy.

1. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Player Internet Radio

The MAJORITY Quadriga positions itself as more of a complete, powerful micro-system than just a radio. Its standout features are the built-in CD player and a formidable 120W power output, which will deliver a much louder and more impactful sound than the Roberts. This makes it an ideal choice for someone looking to replace an older hi-fi system in a living room or larger space. If you have a cherished CD collection and want a single box that can play everything from discs to DAB and Spotify, the Quadriga is a very strong contender. However, it’s a larger unit and lacks the classic, portable-inspired design of the Roberts.

2. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet DAB+ Radio CD Player

Similar to the Majority, the Imperial Dabman i200 also integrates a CD player, catering to users who value physical media. It offers a comprehensive suite of features including DAB+, Wi-Fi, and stereo sound in a more traditional, wood-finished hi-fi aesthetic. The Dabman i200 is a great alternative for those who want the functionality of the Roberts but absolutely need a CD slot. While its brand recognition might not be as strong as Roberts in the UK, it provides a solid feature set for the price. The choice between this and the Roberts will likely come down to the need for a CD player versus the specific acoustic tuning and design heritage of the Roberts brand.

3. Hama 00054891 Internet Radio DAB+ WiFi Bluetooth

The Hama Internet Radio is another “all-in-one” competitor that bundles a CD player with DAB+, Wi-Fi, and Spotify connectivity. It presents a very modern, minimalist black design that might appeal to those who find the Roberts a bit too retro. With a 40W output, it’s a powerful unit capable of filling a room with sound. This model is a direct rival to the Quadriga and Dabman, appealing to the same user who wants a do-it-all audio system. For someone prioritising a sleek, modern look and the inclusion of a CD player over the specific audio character and build of the Roberts, the Hama is a worthy alternative to investigate.

Our Final Verdict: A Premium Audio Hub with Minor Flaws

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Roberts Stream94i DAB+/FM Internet Radio Bluetooth is a truly exceptional piece of audio equipment. Its primary strength, and the reason it justifies its premium price, is its magnificent sound quality. The 2.1 speaker system delivers a rich, detailed, and balanced sound that elevates everything from podcasts to complex musical arrangements. Coupled with its exhaustive list of connectivity options—DAB, FM, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth—it stands as a near-perfect solution for anyone looking to unify their audio world into a single, elegant device.

However, it is held back from perfection by a few frustrating design choices. The stiff physical buttons and subpar remote are minor annoyances, but the lack of an integrated battery is a significant missed opportunity that curtails its “go-anywhere” potential. Despite these quirks, we still highly recommend it. If you are looking for a stationary audio hub for your kitchen, office, or bedroom and you prioritise sound quality and versatility above all else, the Roberts Stream94i is one of the best choices on the market today. It’s a modern classic that delivers an outstanding listening experience. If you’re ready to consolidate your audio setup and rediscover the joy of radio and streaming in high fidelity, you can find the best price and see more details right here.