(Jul 06, 2009)
Matthew Moskovciak
For many people, local AM/FM radio is essentially unlistenable, but paying a monthly fee for a satellite radio subscription isn't attractive either. Fortunately, there are thousands of radio stations available on the Internet that aren't lame and don't cost any money. These include Internet-only stations, radio stations from other countries, and even many AM/FM radio stations in the U.S. simulcast online. Wi-Fi radios tap into this resource by giving you access to all the content on the Web via a tabletop radio you can tune into wherever you get a Wi-Fi signal.
While the products below have similar (or even identical) functionality to network music players such as Sonos, Apple TV, and the Logitech Squeezebox Duet, we differentiate these as Wi-Fi radios because they all have built-in speakers and don't require a PC to work.
Logitech Squeezebox Boom
The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is the best all-in-one tabletop Wi-Fi radio we've seen to date.
Price: $259.00 - $306.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Excellent
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Philips Streamium NP2900
The Philips NP2900 is a great-sounding Wi-Fi radio with a unique color display, but it doesn't offer enough features to justify its price premium over competitors.
Price: $241.41 - $259.29 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 2, 2009
Excellent
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Grace GDI-IR2000
The Grace GDI-IR2000 Wi-Fi radio has an exceptional feature set for the price and a stylish design, but it doesn't sound as good as its predecessor.
Price: $184.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 2, 2009
Very good
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Grace Digital Bravado GDI-IRD4400M
The Grace Digital Bravado Wi-Fi radio has a unique component-style design and better sound than step-down models.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jun 29, 2009
Very good
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Livio Radio
Despite some missing features and average sonics, the Livio Radio's beautiful design, simple controls, and affordable price make it an excellent Wi-Fi radio for Pandora fans.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: May 27, 2009
Very good
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Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built in WiFi
The Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built-in WiFi won't wow you with its sound, but it won us over with its versatile feature set and solid streaming performance.
Price: $108.72 - $149.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 1, 2008
Very good
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Grace GDI-IR1000
The Grace GDI-IR1000 Wi-Fi radio does a great job streaming Internet radio, Pandora, Sirius, and podcasts at a bargain price, but it doesn't sound as good as its predecessor.
Price: $152.90 - $181.03 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 6, 2009
Very good
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Tivoli Audio Networks FM (walnut)
The Tivoli Audio NetWorks boasts impressive sound quality and solid streaming audio, but some shortsighted design issues and an extremely high price tag spoil the package.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jul 11, 2008
Very good
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Oxx Digital Tube
The Oxx Digital Tube's unique design allows it to put out more bass than other Wi-Fi radios, but it takes up a lot of space, is difficult to navigate, and lacks additional music streaming services.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: May 20, 2009
Good
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