A global reference, What Hifi? is one of the most comprehensive magazines covering Home Cinema and Hifi. The "5 stars" award distinguishes the highest quality products, according to this British magazine.
The Roberts Revival Petite 2 carries forward over 90 years of British craftsmanship in a pocket-sized format. This second-generation portable radio incorporates significant technical improvements while preserving the retro aesthetic that has made the brand famous since 1932. Combining DAB/DAB+/FM reception and Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers sound quality that belies its compact size thanks to its 40 mm driver paired with a passive radiator.
This new iteration addresses the main limitations of the first generation while preserving its DNA. The wire antenna has been replaced by a retractable telescopic antenna, improving both aesthetics and reception performance. This technical change meets user expectations while reinforcing the product’s nostalgic appeal.
The charging system has also evolved to USB-C, abandoning the proprietary connector of the previous version. This standardization makes charging easier and improves integration with modern device ecosystems. The user interface benefits from ergonomic enhancements with the replacement of individual buttons by a single directional pad, simplifying interactions while maintaining reliability.
The alarm function, absent from the original model, turns the Petite 2 into a versatile bedside companion. The OLED display now offers adjustable brightness suitable for nighttime use, while the snooze function rounds out the feature set expected of a modern clock radio.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Revival Petite 2 delivers a coherent sound signature that surprises with its richness. The 40 mm speaker combined with a passive radiator produces a dynamic presentation with strong vocal presence, particularly well-suited to spoken-word content. This intentional tuning prioritizes clarity and intelligibility for radio programming.
The volume range extends from 0 to 20, providing comfortable headroom for different listening environments. Levels 4 to 6 suit personal listening, while higher settings can fill a modestly sized room. Beyond level 15, slight distortion may appear, but this limit remains more than sufficient for the intended use.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity effectively complements the radio functions, enabling playback of playlists and podcasts from smartphones and tablets. Switching between sources is smooth via the source button, allowing quick transitions from DAB radio to streaming and back without noticeable interruption.
A 20-hour battery life positions the Revival Petite 2 as a true travel companion. This endurance enables continuous use over several days without recharging—ideal for trips or outdoor use. The approximately 6-hour USB-C charging time is reasonable given the onboard capacity.
The 3.5 mm headphone jack replaces the auxiliary input from the first generation, reflecting a shift in usage toward private listening. This change suits nighttime use or environments where discretion is required. The 20 preset stations are evenly split between DAB (10 slots) and FM (10 slots), making it easy to access favorite content.
The OLED display, though compact, clearly shows essential information: station name, current track title, and status indicators. Adjustable brightness adapts to lighting conditions, from daytime use to evening listening. The sleep timer rounds out the set of convenient options for drifting off.
The Petite 2 features a retractable telescopic antenna, USB-C charging, an alarm function, and a headphone output. These improvements address the limitations identified on the original model while retaining the iconic design.
This battery life corresponds to mixed use including DAB/FM radio and Bluetooth streaming at moderate volume. Actual endurance varies with usage intensity and volume level, but 20 hours is a reliable baseline for several days of listening.
The 40 mm driver paired with the passive radiator delivers a coherent presentation that prioritizes vocal and midrange clarity. While bass is naturally limited by physical constraints, the overall balance remains satisfying for radio and streaming.
There are 20 preset stations available, split between 10 DAB/DAB+ slots and 10 FM slots. This capacity more than covers everyday needs and allows quick access to favorite content.
Philippe
This is the second one I’ve bought and it still has the same very good sound for its size. One for the bathroom and the other for the office. Excellent battery life.
Comment from January 06, 2026 — Experience from December 26, 2025
