Roberts Play 11 black

The Roberts Play 11 marks a turning point in the Play range with its sophisticated fabric finish and features designed for everyday use. This DAB/DAB+/FM radio combines Roberts’ British heritage with a contemporary design approach, offering 20 preset stations and USB‑C connectivity in an ultra‑compact format weighing just 357 grams.

A textile design that redefines the entry-level segment

The Play 11 breaks away from the traditional codes of budget portable radios. Its premium fabric covering, available in black or white (with a light grey front), turns a simple electronic device into a decorative object. This textile finish is not just aesthetic: it provides a pleasant grip and gives the radio a distinct personality that blends in with modern interiors.

The blue backlit LCD screen simultaneously displays two lines of text with 16 characters each – a rare feature in this price range. This dual-line display lets you see both the station name and additional information such as the current track title or RDS data, without having to switch between different display modes.

The controls have been redesigned for intuitive use. Two separate rotary dials control the volume and station navigation, eliminating the frustration of repetitive up/down buttons. Between these dials, three buttons give access to key functions: mode (DAB/FM), info/menu, and favourites. This streamlined top-panel layout makes operation easy even in the dark.

Technical features tailored to modern use

The Play 11 features a dual tuner compatible with DAB, DAB+ and FM with RDS. This versatility ensures access to all stations, whether digital or analogue. The FM RDS system automatically displays station names and transmitted text information.

Flexible power options are a major asset. The USB‑C port is a welcome replacement for proprietary connectors, allowing you to use any modern smartphone charger. For mobile use, four standard AA batteries are sufficient – a practical choice that avoids costly proprietary batteries. Roberts recommends a mains adapter specifically designed to reduce radio interference, sold separately at £14.99.

The 20 preset station memory (10 DAB and 10 FM) is a significant improvement over the Play 10’s 6 presets. Saving a station is as simple as holding down the favourites button (marked with a heart) for two seconds, then selecting the slot with the navigation dial.

The built-in clock synchronises automatically via the DAB signal, eliminating tedious manual settings. This feature simply requires leaving the radio on a DAB station for a few moments after switching it on. For those who prefer manual setting, the option remains available in the system menu.

The 3.5 mm headphone output on the right side allows private listening. While the sound remains essentially mono even through headphones, the audio quality is perfectly adequate for spoken-word programmes and occasional music listening.

Everyday ergonomics

Daily use reveals particular attention to practical details. At first switch-on, the radio automatically launches a scan of available DAB stations. The telescopic antenna, housed at the back, extends and retracts easily to optimise reception depending on the environment.

The system menu, accessed by holding down the info/menu button, offers advanced settings without excessive complexity. When running on mains power, the backlight offers three brightness levels and automatically dims on batteries to preserve battery life. The sleep function lets you set automatic switch-off after 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

You can browse through the available information by repeatedly pressing the info button: scrolling text (DLS in DAB or RadioText in FM), signal strength, programme type, ensemble/multiplex, frequency, error rate, audio bitrate, power source, time and date. The display automatically returns to scrolling text after 10 seconds, except for the signal indicator, which remains on screen to make it easier to position the radio for optimum reception.

Key lock is not available on this model, unlike the Play 20. This omission can be a drawback when carrying it in a bag, but it simplifies use around the home.

Clear progress compared with the Play 10

A comparison with the Play 10 shows the extent of the improvements. The basic plastic design of its predecessor has given way to a modern fabric aesthetic. The display goes from one to two lines, doubling the visible information. The limited 6 presets (3 DAB + 3 FM) are replaced by 20 memory slots.

Ergonomics have improved significantly with the adoption of two separate dials for volume and tuning, replacing the Play 10’s buttons. This analogue-style approach in a digital world paradoxically makes it easier to navigate the many available DAB stations.

The move to a USB‑C port modernises connectivity, even if the lack of a mains adapter in the box may be surprising. This decision, increasingly common in the industry, reflects environmental concerns and assumes that most households already have USB chargers.

Technical Specifications

Audio Reception

• Digital and FM radios: DAB, DAB+, and FM reception for a wide selection of stations
• 20 preset stations: direct access to your favorite radio stations
• Headphone jack: for discreet listening, wherever you are

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: 174 x 60 x 110 mm (W x D x H)
• Weight: 357 g
• Refined design: high-quality fabric covering for an elegant finish
• Ultra-portable: compact and lightweight format to take it anywhere

Power Supply and Connectivity

• Flexible power supply: operates on battery (not included) or via USB-C port
• Headphone jack: yes

Box Contents

• Roberts Play 11 radio
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Quick start guide
• Safety and warranty sheet