If you require a quick answer, the best DAB car radio adapter is the Pure Highway 600. It’s the brand’s flagship model that’s packed full of intuitive features such as handsfree calling, Spotify control, voice assistance and so much more. However, if you are looking for a more affordable alternative, the Tin-Nak DAB-388 is the best budget option.
To rate the DAB radio adapters within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of using multiple, research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the design, display, ease of installation and setup, pre-set stations available, music playing modes, warranty and value for money.
Table of Contents
DAB Radio Adapter Comparison
| DAB Car Radio Adapter | Pre-Sets | Colour Display |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Highway 600 | 60 | No |
| Alpine Kit | 60 | No |
| Nextbase DAB350BT | 60 | No |
| BluFree In-Car | 60 | No |
| Tiny Audio C3+ | 30 | Yes |
| Tin-Nak DAB-388 | 10 | Yes |
Below is a list of the best car DAB radio adapters that are easy to install and allow you to listen to all your favourite digital radio stations.
The Best DAB Car Radio Adapter
1. Pure Highway 600 DAB Radio Adapter
The Pure Highway series are popular aftermarket DAB car radio adapters that are available in three different models. The best of the bunch is the 600 model and although expensive, it’s packed full of extra intuitive features.
Additional features compared to the base model include Bluetooth, voice assistance, handsfree calling and Spotify control. For the small added cost, it’s worth paying the extra considering the amount of additional features.
Other features of the Pure Highway 600 include:
- Works via Aux or FM frequency
- Stylish wireless controller
- Can be mounted virtually anywhere
- Supplied with a fitting kit
- 12V dual USB power adapter
- Designed and engineered in the UK
- Backed by a three year warranty
Although expensive, the Pure Highway is a high quality DAB car radio adapter that won’t disappoint. The combination of the stylish design and intuitive features make it a far superior device when compared to the cheaper alternatives.
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2. Alpine DAB Car Radio Adapter Kit
The Alpine DAB Kit features a similar design to the Pure Highway above and also features the same DAB and Bluetooth functionality. Although less popular, it’s almost identical to the Pure Highway 600 model. The only notable difference between the two is the warranty length but this is reflected in the price.
Other features of the Alpine DAB Adapter include:
- Easy to install and setup
- Bluetooth handsfree and music streaming
- Spotify control (along as you have a Spotify account)
- Stylish design that’s made using premium materials
- Supplied with installation hardware
Overall, if you want the functionality of the Pure Highway 600 but without the premium price tag, the Alpine kit is the best alternative. It’s also backed by the reputable Alpine brand for complete peace of mind.
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3. Nextbase DAB350BT DAB Radio Adapter
Nextbase are well-known for their car dash cams but they also produce a number of other products such as this DAB radio adapter. There is a choice of two different models but the 350BT is the better option as it includes Bluetooth.
Depending upon your requirements, the brand provide both a windscreen or dashboard mounting system with this adapter. The active film antenna can also be easily installed to the windscreen using the magnetic tail.
Other features of the Nextbase DAB350BT include:
- Plug and play adapter
- Bluetooth hands free calling
- Built-in signal stabilization system
- 2.4 inch LCD display
- Supplied with all the required hardware
The Nextbase DAB350BT is an excellent all-round option that combines performance and value for money. It’s also developed by the reputable Nextbase brand and not an unknown brand like many of the similar priced alternatives.
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4. Blufree In Car DAB+ Digital Radio Adapter
The BluFree is another popular DAB adapter that’s portable and plugs straight into your cigarette lighter. Once setup, you are able to connect to the DAB radio stations using either the FM frequency or the AUX “Out” function.
In terms of what’s in the box, it comes as a complete kit, which includes the self-adhesive clips, audio line, magnetic antenna and a detailed user manual.
Other features of the BluFree DAB Adapter include:
- 2.3 inch LCD display
- Bluetooth hands free calling
- 2.1A USB charging port
- Micro SD card input
- Pre-set scanned DAB stations
If you want a simple to install DAB car radio adapter that provides great reception, the BlueFree is the best option. It’s relatively affordable and is by far the easiest upgrade you will do to your car’s audio.
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5. Tiny Audio C3+ DAB Adapter System
The Tiny Audio C3+ is another premium option that has a large design and easy to read LCD display. It’s able to play music via Bluetooth, FM transmission or the AUX port and it provides crystal clear sound from the digital signal tuner.
Other features of the Tiny Audio DAB Adapter include:
- Bluetooth hands free with built-in microphone
- Large and easy to read colour display
- 30 pre-set DAB stations
- Traffic announcement functionality
- Three music playing modes
- Comes as a complete kit
Overall, the Tiny Audio C3+ is an excellent all-round DAB car radio adapter that won’t disappoint. Although slightly more expensive than many of the alternatives, it’s built to a much higher standard.
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6. Tin-Nik DAB-388 Car Radio Adapter
One of the cheapest DAB adapters that’s actually worth buying is the Tin-Nak DAB-388 and its another option that features a colour TFT 2.4 inch display. Included in the complete package is also a remote control that can be used by the backseat passengers for extra bang for your buck.
Other features of the Tin-Nak DAB-388 include:
- DAB connection via FM transmission or AUX
- 2.4 inch TFT colour display
- 10 DAB pre-set stations
- Station rotate switch
- SMB Active Antenna
- Comes as a complete kit
Although it doesn’t allow you to make handsfree calls, it’s more than capable of providing you with all your favourite DAB radio stations. It also allows you to play music via the AUX port or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Therefore, if you require a cheap DAB car radio adapter, you cannot go wrong with the Tin-Nak DAB-388.
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How We Tested & Rated The Car DAB Adapters
As we own a number of old/classic cars, we regularly install aftermarket in-car entertainment and a great example of this is a DAB radio adapter. As you can see in the photo, we installed the Alpine unit to one of our cars, which gave us the ability to perform handsfree calls as well as listen to DAB radio and Bluetooth streamed music.
Therefore, along with our experience of using a number of DAB radio adapters, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and multiple factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the design, display, ease of installation and setup, pre-set stations available, music playing modes, warranty and value for money.
Conclusion
Unless you upgrade your car stereo to an aftermarket head unit or drive a modern car, it’s unlikely that you’ll have access to DAB radio stations. However, if you were to invest into one of the above recommendations, it will allow you to listen to all your favourite digital radio stations without spending a fortune.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise purchasing one of the premium options with a stylish design. The main reason for this is due to the fact that it will be on display on your dashboard and the last thing you want to look at it is a cheap looking DAB radio adapter.
