DAB+ has been used in the UK for a few years and some of the UK’s national digital and local radio stations use this new technology. Although there are benefits to DAB+ some older radios don’t understand the new standard and you may not be able to receive DAB+ stations.
Some digital radios can be upgraded to receive DAB+ stations, but unfortunately many cannot and you may have to buy a replacement radio to receive Jazz FM, Fun Kids and talkRADIO across the UK.
DAB Digital Radio launched in the UK in the 1990’s and most digital radio stations in the UK currently use this version of the DAB standard.
DAB+ (sometimes called DAB plus) is a newer version of DAB and has been used in some European countries for some time. DAB+ is more efficient than DAB, allowing more stations to be broadcast and in higher quality if desired by the broadcaster.
A radio which can only receive DAB will not be able to receive DAB+ stations. However, DAB+ sets are ‘backwards-compatible’ and will receive both DAB and DAB+ stations. The first services to use DAB+ have launched in recent years, both nationally and on small ‘trial’ multiplexes.
Although millions of digital radios have been sold the distinction between DAB and DAB+ has only been made clear recently on packaging and websites by some manufacturers. Many shops and online retailers continue to sell radios which cannot receive DAB+ stations.
As some radios won’t be able to receive DAB+ stations it’s unlikely that many services would switch to the newer DAB+ soon.
When purchasing a new radio it’s worth ensuring it supports FM, DAB and DAB+. The easiest way to check is to look for the Digital Radio Tick Mark. This logo only appears on radios which are ready for DAB+.
Radio stations using DAB+ in the UK
There are more than 20 radio stations using DAB+ instead of DAB which cover the whole of the UK. In some areas you may receive additional DAB+ radio stations.
During autumn 2019 and summer 2020 some DAB digital radio stations transitioned to DAB+.
talkRADIO
News and talk radio station. Moved to DAB+ in June 2020.
Radio X
Alternative and indie music with the Chris Moyles Show.
Fun Kids UK
The only national digital radio station for children and families. Music, games, competitions and silliness!
Jazz FM Stereo
Jazz, blues and soul music from music legends and new artists. Specialist programmes are dedicated to funk and soul, live performances and interviews with jazz stars.
Gold
The Greatest Hits of all Time.
Virgin Radio Anthems
Virgin Radio Anthems plays rock, pop and indie songs from the 80s and 90s.
Smooth UK
A relaxing mix of music with Jenni Falconer at Breakfast. Smooth is available in some areas on DAB and FM.
Smooth Chill
Chill out with non-stop smooth music.
Heart dance
Non-stop club classics with Toby Anstis at breakfast.
Capital XTRA
Dance. Urban. UK. (Formerly DAB)
Capital XTRA Reloaded
Non-stop Old Skool
Boom Radio UK
Radio station for Baby Boomers.
Forces Radio BFBS
BFBS broadcasts music, news and entertainment to service personnel and families in the UK and worldwide.
Union JACK
Playing the best British music from the last six decades. The station also plays music by new and emerging British bands and performers. Upcoming songs can be voted up and down on the website and in the smartphone app.
Virgin Radio Chilled
Virgin Radio Chilled offers “blissed out” songs from artists such as Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, George Ezra, The Lumineers, U2 and more.
Union JACK Dance
Playing only British dance music.
Union JACK Rock
Playing only British rock music.
Heart UK
Feel good music with Jamie & Amanda at breakfast. Heart is available in some areas on DAB and FM.
Heart 70s
1970s music with Carlos at breakfast.
Heart 80s
Non-stop 80s feel good
Heart 90s
Non-stop 90s feel good
Capital
The UK’s No. 1 Hit Music Station. Capital is available in some areas on DAB and FM.
talkSPORT 2
Sport commentaries. Moved to DAB+ in June 2020.
LBC News
Rolling news coverage from LBC.
More DAB+ stations coming soon?
In ten areas of the UK trials of small scale DAB are taking place. Around 70 radio stations are participating in the trials to see how smaller radio stations can broadcast digitally. This means listeners in the trial areas can currently tune into brand new stations on DAB.
Seven of the ten trial areas have radio stations using DAB+ instead of DAB. In areas like Portsmouth and Manchester more radio stations are able to broadcast than would be the case with only DAB.
When the trials are completed and legislation is passed to allow permanent small scale DAB it’s likely many more stations will use DAB+ in the UK.
Radio compatibility: Do I need to buy a new radio?
If you’ve bought a DAB digital radio in the last few years which carried the Digital Radio Tick Mark your radio already supports DAB, DAB+ and FM.
If your radio has a DAB+ logo it should also be fine.
Many digital radios have different DAB and Digital Radio logos, but these only indicate that DAB can be received.
DAB+ radios are ‘backwards compatible’ and receive DAB stations.
Some digital radios can be upgraded. Pure offers a website portal where owners can enter details of their radio to see if a free upgrade is available. The software update has to be performed at home by the owner, although some TV and radio retailers and repairers may be able to help for a fee.
Unfortunately for many radio owners their sets cannot be updated and it will be necessary to buy a new radio to receive DAB+ stations. As of early 2017 there are no plans to migrate existing digital radio stations to DAB+, so you will be able to enjoy your existing DAB stations for a few years yet.
DAB+ Compatible Radios
When purchasing a digital radio you should always ensure it has the Digital Radio Tick Mark. This shows that the radio is ready for the future and can receive DAB, DAB+ and FM stations.