Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock: Two-minute review
Sure, you can almost always use a web browser or smart speaker to listen to the radio, but sometimes you want a traditional all-in-one solution like the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock. It offers everything you could need on your bedside cabinet. That means plenty of ways to listen including DAB, FM, Bluetooth and aux-in. It also has simple to use alarm settings and you can always charge other devices with it thanks to a wireless charging pad up top and a USB charging port.
Sounds perfect, right? Yes and no. The coolest thing about the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock is the fact it's named after the Greek god. Other than that, it's not exactly good looking and won't compete with the best DAB radios in terms of style. Plasticky and very lightweight, it feels cheaper than it is. It's cheap anyway but this feels like the bad kind of cheap.
It's solely mains-powered too and has no waterproofing or anything that would suggest it should go any further than your bedroom or maybe your kitchen. Still, it's low in price and it has the essentials. If you prefer to not rely on one of the best smart speakers to keep you entertained, this is a more traditional way to listen to the radio.
Dozens of presets can be set up across both DAB and FM so a short time spent setting it up soon leads to plenty of time saved. As a radio, sound quality is pretty crisp too although the letdown comes from Bluetooth connectivity. Connect your phone to it and you'll have to crank up the volume to be able to hear it. When we say crank it up, that's across both the radio and your phone.
If you want great Bluetooth performance, stop reading now and go find something dedicated to the job in our best Bluetooth speakers guide. However, if you want a little bit of everything, the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock will suffice. As a radio, it works well and the convenience of wireless charging is always good, even if it could be faster. At this price, the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock is rather more compelling too, saving you the need to buy multiple devices.
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock: Price and release date
- Released in June 2022
- Officially priced at $69.99 / £59.99
The Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock was released in June 2022 for £59.99. Since then, there have been modest price cuts to £54.99 in the UK, but it's not currently possible to buy outside of the country.
Only the one color option is available: black. This isn't a radio for style fans looking for the perfect aesthetic. At this price, its main rival is the Pure Elan Connect+ DAB/Internet radio, although the Groov-E offers more features like wireless charging. For good looks, you're going to have to spend more.
The Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock: Specs
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock review: Features
- DAB and FM radio
- Wireless charging built-in
- EQ options
The amount of features within the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock is easily its strongest point. Setting up the radio side of things is likely to be your first port of call. It takes moments for the DAB radio to scan through your options, instantly setting aside relevant presets. What's likely to be less popular these days is the FM side of things, but there's still room for 60 presets with 30 each between the two.
Working your way through the buttons may take a moment or two but hidden within the options are things like EQ presets and the ability to brighten up the screen. Holding down the Menu button and using the forward and back buttons are the key to finding what you need, and it's worth poking around. None of this is necessary but they're nice additions to have. There are alarm settings too with either a buzzer or the radio waking you up. A sleep timer can put the radio into standby for up to 90 minutes too.
Adding to your options are Bluetooth connectivity and an aux-in port. Bluetooth is pretty weak here. It takes moments to pair up with your phone but the sound quality is woeful until you crank up the volume. More on this later but don't buy this radio for Bluetooth. Aux-in goes far better than that.
Also making the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock more something to have by your bedside is its charging options. There's a wireless charging pad on the top of it that promises 10W. In reality, it feels slower than that but as something to leave your phone or earphones on overnight, it's fine. USB charging is also possible if you'd rather go down that route.
Features score: 4/5
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock review: Design
- Black and plasticky
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Clearly marked buttons and ports
The Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock won't win prizes for looks. While other DAB radios have delightful retro stylings, this one sticks to the very basics. It is lightweight though and small enough to hold in one hand. The only obtrusive part is the aerial, which sticks out when needed but that's understandable.
The front of the radio offers up the main buttons along with the LED screen. The screen is bright but sometimes you may find yourself needing to get closer to see what's being displayed. The buttons are clearly labelled, although there's no tactile quality to them to help those hard of sight from knowing which button is which.
On the back are ports for USB charging, the power port and one for aux-in. The aerial pulls out here too, while up top is the wireless charging pad. It's all just fine but not exactly exciting. The black exterior is functional but distinctly plasticky and uninspired. The lack of accessibility for those with limited vision (or who are simply leaning over without looking) is a missed opportunity though.
Design score: 3/5
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock review: Sound quality
The Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock isn't really made for fantastic sound quality. That's not to say that audio doesn't sound crisp and clear, but that you're probably not buying this 6W driver-based radio for thumping bass. Listening to the radio is a pleasant experience. With the aerial on your side and everything correctly tuned in, dialogue comes across clearly.
Where the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock falters most is with its Bluetooth connection. It's incredibly quiet. You'll need to turn up the volume on both your phone and your radio to hear music clearly. Go too high and it can sound distorted. It's only really wise to use the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock for streaming music if you absolutely have to. Weak bass and those volume issues really will put you off for future endeavours.
On the plus side, you can pick out EQ settings hidden away in the menu to provide a slightly better experience. Still, stick with these for radio rather than Bluetooth. It really is dreadful.
Sound quality score: 3/5
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock review: Value
For its price, the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock packs a lot in. It has all the essentials you could need and at a lower price than some of the DAB radio competition. That's in part because it doesn't have the style of pricier DAB radios but if you don't mind having super stylish tech, this is a good deal.
The only issue that may truly put you off is its poor Bluetooth performance. If you plan on playing a lot of music via Bluetooth, the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock isn't the one for you. Despite that though, the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock does work well as a bedside all-in-one unit.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock review: Also consider
How I tested the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock
- Tested for one week, listened against the JBL Tuner 2, Earfun UBoom L and Roberts Beacon 310
- Used at home (in the bedroom and bathroom)
- Listened to DAB and FM radio, Apple Music and Spotify via Bluetooth and an iPhone 14 Pro
To get a full overview of what the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock felt like to use regularly, I used it throughout the day for a solid seven days. This meant using it as a radio between nine and five every day, usually listening to LBC or BBC Radio 1. Primarily, I listened to it through DAB but tried out FM a few times as well to check it worked effectively.
In the evenings, to test out the Bluetooth facility, I listened to Apple Music and Spotify through it and my iPhone 14 Pro. I also tested out the wireless charging bonus feature by leaving my iPhone on the top of the radio to do its thing. I listened to a variety of music including classical music playlists along with more bass-heavy rock. I also spent some time listening to familiar podcasts to see how it sounded on the Groov-E Zeus DAB/FM radio clock.
I've been testing and reviewing audio products for over 10 years. Outside of doing so for work, I appreciate the delights of great sounding music and crisp audio when I'm going about my day.
First reviewed: August 2023
