Should I buy a radio or smart speaker in 2025? This question continues to challenge customers at Moss of Bath, as both options offer compelling benefits for different listening preferences. Whether you’re deciding between a radio or smart speaker for your home, this comprehensive guide will help you make the right choice with expert recommendations from our 60+ years in audio installation.
The Resurgence of Traditional Radio
Traditional radio has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years. There have been reports of increased interest in conventional radios, partially attributed to privacy concerns some consumers have about smart speakers potentially listening to conversations. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of consumers becoming more conscious about their digital privacy.
A high-quality radio offers a blend of simplicity and reliability that’s hard to match. The tactile experience of tuning a station or pressing physical buttons delivers a satisfaction that touch screens sometimes lack.
Top Radio Options for 2025
Roberts Revival Range
The Roberts Revival series has become iconic for good reason. These radios combine nostalgic design elements with modern technology, making them as much a stylish interior accessory as they are audio devices. Available in a spectrum of finishes and colours, the Revival range offers something to complement any home décor while delivering the excellent sound quality Roberts is known for.
Ruark Audio R1S
The Ruark R1S represents British engineering at its finest. This compact powerhouse delivers room-filling sound that belies its size. With its handcrafted wooden cabinet and intuitive controls, the R1S makes a statement both visually and sonically in any room.
Loewe Radio Frequency
For those seeking premium audio experiences, the Loewe Radio Frequency stands out with its exceptional build quality and superior sound performance. German-engineered precision meets minimalist design, making it an excellent choice for discerning listeners.
The Smart Speaker Revolution
Smart speaker v radio – this comparison has become increasingly relevant as smart speakers have transformed how we interact with music and information at home. Voice commands to play specific songs, control other smart devices, or answer quick questions have become second nature for many households.
Leading Smart Speaker Options
Roberts Reunion
The Roberts Reunion represents the brand’s entry into the smart speaker market, combining their audio expertise with modern connectivity. This versatile smart speaker offers the familiar Roberts quality sound while adding convenient voice control features.
Sonos Roam 2
The Sonos Roam 2 represents the perfect blend of portability and powerful sound. This compact speaker offers exceptional audio quality whether used indoors or outdoors. With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it transitions seamlessly between home use and on-the-go adventures.
Sonos Move 2
For those requiring more substantial sound, the Sonos Move 2 delivers room-filling audio with impressive bass response. Its weather-resistant design makes it suitable for garden parties or kitchen installations alike – particularly relevant for our variable British weather.
Sonos Era Range
The Sonos Era speakers represent the cutting edge of smart audio technology. With sophisticated room-adapting tuning and intuitive touch controls, these speakers deliver exceptional clarity across all frequency ranges. The range offers various sizes to suit different rooms and requirements.
Making Your Decision: Radio or Smart Speaker?
When deciding what’s best, radio or smart speaker, several factors merit consideration:
Sound Quality Considerations
Both premium radios and smart speakers can deliver excellent sound, but they often have different sonic signatures:
- Radios: Brands like Ruark and Loewe often focus on balanced, warm sound profiles optimised for speech and acoustic music. Their dedicated amplification circuits are specifically designed for radio reception.
- Smart Speakers: The Sonos range and Roberts Reunion offer impressive dynamic range with the advantage of customisable EQ settings through companion apps. This adaptability makes them versatile for different music genres.
We’d recommend visiting our showroom in Bath to compare these different sound signatures firsthand.
Connectivity and Features
Your existing technology ecosystem might influence your choice:
- Radio Benefits: Simpler operation, no internet dependency, and often longer product life cycles. Most modern radios also include Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from your devices.
- Smart Speaker Advantages: Voice control, multi-room capabilities, and regular software updates that add new features. The Sonos ecosystem in particular excels at integration with music streaming services.
Privacy Considerations
Privacy has become an increasingly important factor when choosing between radio or smart speaker:
- Traditional Radios: Complete privacy with no listening capabilities or data collection.
- Smart Speakers: Convenience of voice control balanced against potential privacy concerns. Most modern smart speakers now include physical mute buttons and enhanced privacy controls.
What’s Best, Radio or Smart Speaker?
The ideal choice depends on your specific needs and preferences:
Choose a radio if you:
- Value simplicity and reliability
- Prefer not to rely on internet connectivity
- Have privacy concerns about smart devices
- Appreciate traditional design aesthetics
- Primarily listen to broadcast radio
Choose a smart speaker if you:
- Stream music from services like Spotify or Apple Music
- Want voice-controlled convenience
- Plan to build a multi-room audio system
- Enjoy having the latest technology
- Use other smart home devices
Should I Buy a Radio or Smart Speaker?
We’d recommend considering how you’ll primarily use your audio device:
For kitchen or bedroom use where simplicity matters, the Roberts Revival or Ruark R1S provide excellent sound without complications. For more tech-savvy users looking to expand their smart home ecosystem, the Sonos Era range offers incredible versatility.
Many of our customers actually end up with both – perhaps a quality radio in the kitchen and a Sonos system for the living areas where music streaming is more frequent.
Smart Speaker v Radio: The Technical Perspective
From a technical standpoint, the comparison between smart speakers and radios often comes down to connectivity:
- Smart speakers like the Sonos Move 2 rely on Wi-Fi connections and sometimes require proprietary apps. They excel in networked environments where streaming is the primary source.
- Dedicated radios from manufacturers like Roberts Radio, Ruark and Loewe prioritise tuner quality and signal processing. They perform consistently regardless of internet connectivity, making them reliable companions.
Expert Installation from Moss of Bath
Whichever option you choose, proper setup maximises your listening experience. As Bath’s leading audio installation specialists with over 60 years of experience, our team ensures your new audio system integrates perfectly with your home.
For smart speaker systems, we can create seamless multi-room setups that respect the character of your property.
Visit Our Showroom
The radio or smart speaker debate ultimately comes down to personal preference. We invite you to visit our showroom where you can experience both options firsthand. Our knowledgeable team can demonstrate smart speakers and radios helping you make an informed choice.
As a local, independent business that’s served Bath for over six decades, we pride ourselves on offering personalised advice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you’re looking for a single device or planning a comprehensive home audio system, we’re here to help.
Conclusion: Radio or Smart Speaker in 2025
In 2025, both radio and smart speakers offer compelling benefits. Your choice should align with your listening habits, technology preferences, and privacy priorities. Many homes now incorporate both technologies, enjoying the simplicity of radio alongside the versatility of smart speakers.
At Moss of Bath, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect audio companion – whether that’s a beautifully crafted Roberts Revival radio, an intelligent Sonos system, or a complementary combination of both. Visit us today to explore what’s best, radio or smart speaker, for your unique needs.
