What Are The Different Kinds of In-Car DAB Digital Radio?

Upgrading your vehicle to have DAB digital radio installed is undoubtedly one of the most popular automotive upgrades here in the UK. It enhances your in-car experience with a better quality and more reliable sound, breathing new life into an ageing system, and allows you to experience a whole host of DAB-only stations. 

You’ve got no shortage of ways to install DAB technology into your car, either - from low-cost, low-hassle Plug and Play options, to units that seamlessly integrate with your current stereo. You’ve even got the option of full replacements to your current stereo’s head unit. Whatever your current setup and requirements, there’s an option to suit you. We’ve got a great range of options to choose from right here at Car Communications, spanning from DAB car converters to brand new DAB car radio. Here are the essentials on the five main types. 

 Different kinds of digital car radio choice ?

Portable Plug and Play options

Prices start from around £69...

The portable DAB digital car stereos are popular for their simplicity, and the convenience they offer. There’s no lengthy installation process to speak of, as they just plug straight into the 12v socket, and work independently to the radio your car. (Hence the term Plug and Play.) They’re also easy to hide away for security purposes, as it’s just a matter of unplugging them and then bundling them into the glovebox. They’re not the most aesthetically appealing of options, as they do involve a certain amount of loose wires trailing around your car’s interior, but for most people, the convenience they offer is more than enough to outweigh this. An example is the AutoDAB Go in-car DAB Receiver. It is a Universal digital radio receiver and has built-in bluetooth. It’s compatible with all vehicles and is the quickest and easier solution if you want digital radio in your car. 

One of our most popular products of this type here at Car Communications is the AutoDAB Go in-car DAB receiver - a universal digital radio receiver that has built-in bluetooth. It’s compatible with all vehicles, and is the quickest and easiest solution if you want digital radio in your car. 

Integrated DAB adapter, with wireless RF remote control

Prices start from: £99 (excluding installation)

As the name suggests, the integrated DAB adapter isn’t a Plug and Play option, as a straightforward installation is required. Fitted behind your dashboard, it integrates with your existing AM/FM stereo and converts it into a car DAB radio, operated by a wireless RF controller. Any messages that relate to the DAB station are displayed on the screen of your in-car audio system, which also displays radio text and song information, such as the song’s title, artist, and station you’re listening to. 

The universal unit converts your existing AM/FM radio into a car DAB radio and is operated using a wireless RF remote controller. Messages that relate to the DAB station are displayed on the screen of your in-car audio system and it displays radio text and songs.

It’s another neat and effective solution, and the fact that it’s integrated means that you won’t have to deal with any trailing wires or similar clutter across your car’s interior. This is one of the reasons it’s such a popular addition to prestigious makes and models such as those by Audi, BMW and Mercedes. We regularly recommend it to customers here at Car Communications, as it’s one of the best buys in terms of value for money and ease of fitting. It’s also very discreet compared to the Plug and Play options we discussed above, and serves as a great compromise between the convenience of removable options and the expense of fully integrated kits or full head replacements, while still offering an impressive level of functionality. A favourite product of our customers is the Dension DAB+A. If you want a best buy in terms of value for money and ease of fitting, this is definitely the one for you!

Fully integrated DAB adapter

Price starts from around £119.90...

These handy gadgets are essentially small USB powered solutions; you can plug in a USB stick with music or podcasts, and play it back through the stereo. There are no wires or extra screens involved, just a simple, easy solution that enables to you to play music without needing to change the radio.

Similarly, Fistune from Kufatec is the most advanced system on the market but it is also the most expensive and these DAB kits are not compatible with all vehicles so please check availability.

If you’ve got steering wheel controls for using a memory stick or iPod via the USB port, you can change the radio station using these. The most popular versions of these here at Car Communications include the Dension DAB+U receiver, which basically works like a USB flash drive with MP3 files. It’s compatible with most cars from leading manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen and similar global brands. (However, before you buy it, it’s still worth taking a moment to check whether it’s compatible with your own vehicle, just to be on the safe side!)

Another popular make is Fistune from Kufatec, which is one of the most advanced systems on the market. As you’d expect though, its price tag reflects that, so it’s worth shopping around for your preferred adapter before you commit to a purchase!

Integrated DAB with dashboard display

Prices start from: £150 (excluding fitting)

If none of the other options have appealed so far, it may be worth considering a DAB tuner that’s integrated with your existing radio, and has a display fitted on the dashboard. It provides superb digital radio reception, and gives you the ability to connect and control any Apple products such as your iPod, iPhone or iPad. It’s a highly discreet option, and many variants allow you to use steering wheel controls to change the volume and channel. A particular favourite of Car Communications customers is the Pure Highway Digital DAB, which is pictured above. It gives you access to a sleek wireless display, music on demand, and even a personal assistant, which can allow you to set reminders, check the weather and traffic information, all without touching your phone - letting you stay safe and focused while on the road. A great example is the Alpine EZI DAB Add on Receiver Pure Highway Digital DAB which is pictured above. It provides superb digital radio reception and lets you connect and control your Apple products such as your iPod, iPhone or iPad.

5 illumination colours for controller buttons are available, so you can switch the colour to suit your mood:

• Red
• Amber
• Green
• Blue
• White