Why are the best DAB radio adapters relevant? Do you remember the crinkly AM/FM radios fitted in older cars? The semi-understandable dialogue, warbled tunes, and that horrific static noise now and again. All that is now a thing of the past with DAB radios. Now industry-standard, DAB offers clearer quality to get the best in-car entertainment options possible. Back in 2010 however, only 4% of new cars featured DAB and it’s only recently that it became the standard as required by law.
This means that if you own an older car, chances are it doesn’t have DAB and you won’t be enjoying your favourite station in the best quality. Sure you can spend a load of cash and buy a new stereo system, but this is an extreme option and cheaper alternatives are available to upgrade your in-car entertainment. We’ve found some excellent DAB radio adapters for your car that will have you enjoying your music more in no time.
DAB is digital radio. It stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and basically means more stations can be squeezed onto a single frequency, called multiplexing. It’s not quite as advanced as car Bluetooth devices, but they are very clever. These stations offer better sound quality and can even be transmitted with extra data, like electronic programme guides.
The best DAB radio adapters at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Pure Highway 200 – buy from Amazon.
Best for smartphone users: Anker Soundsync – buy from Amazon.
Best for portability: I-Star DAB/DAB+ – buy from Amazon.
When you’ve got a DAB radio adapter, you can undoubtedly enjoy every moment of your journey, no matter what age the vehicle is. Especially when you have the best quality stereo installed.
The best DAB radio adapters
Editor's pick
This model offers both DAB and DAB+ using an aux slot. It lacks the voice control featured in the 400, which also means it does without Spotify controls and Bluetooth but it is more affordable. Plus, the lack of features should make it more straightforward to use.
Pros
- Offers both DAB and DAB+ radio
- Sleek design
- Great value
Cons
- Still requires an Aux slot
- Lacks voice control
Best value DAB radio adaptor
It also has a USB socket on top of the plug which allows you to charge your phone. But it has 60 pre-set stations available and it can connect up to your music streaming service. It's much easier to install than the others, as it's simply a case of plug-in and enjoy.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Very versatile in its uses
- Can simultaneously charge your phone
Cons
- Build quality not as great
The best DAB adapter for smartphone users
This Anker Soundsync is a simple device that plugs into an Aux slot and allows you to wirelessly connect a smartphone to it, allowing for an un-intrusive way to wirelessly connect to an older car's entertainment system.
Pros
- Small but very useful
- Easy to set up
- Can be set up using your smartphone
Cons
- Still requires an Aux slot
The best DAB radio adapter for the AUX-less
It works by connecting to your smartphone like any other Bluetooth device but then transmits music, radio or podcasts as an FM frequency that you then tune your radio to. It's by no means perfect and will crackle occasionally, but it will give you a near-unlimited music selection.
Pros
- Works with any car with an FM radio
- Sleek design
- Easy controls
Cons
- Doesn't offer DAB radio quality
The most comprehensive DAB radio adaptor
It comes with a three-year warranty, is quite easy to install according to Pure, and is even quite subtle when on the dashboard of your car.
Pros
- Can access Spotify, Siri, and Google Assistant
- Quite easy to install
- Clear quality
Cons
- Limited stock
Best DAB radio for portability
While it may not pair with your car's speaker system, it's the most portable way to enjoy DAB radio and can store 40 of your favourite radio stations.
Pros
- Go anywhere with it
- Solid battery life
- Useful to have around the house
Cons
- Won't connect to your car's speakers
- May be difficult to place in your car
What you need to know about DAB radio adapters
What about DAB+?
The next step up from DAB is DAB+. It refines the DAB technology to allow even more stations onto one frequency. Be careful however, while DAB+ can accept regular DAB, this isn’t true the other way around. Look for DAB+ or even in-car WiFi setups to futureproof yourself.
Will it fit my car?
All new cars fitted with a radio now come with DAB as standard, even the cheapest new car on sale features DAB radio. Any car that doesn’t feature DAB can be adapted with one of these products. The same follows for cars with USB sockets that can be adapted to USB-C setups.
What this means is that as long as your car has a radio and working speakers, these adapters will work. So unless you’re driving a Caterham Seven or a similar track-ready car it’ll simply be a case of plugging the adapter into the 12V socket or USB port. Mind you, if said Caterham doesn’t have a windscreen, you’d struggle to put a phone holder anywhere in it.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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