Roberts Beacon 335 vs Ruark R1 MK4: 7 Crucial Differences Revealed to Choose Your Perfect Radio

You're checking out Bluetooth radios, and you've got your eye on the Roberts Beacon 335 and the Ruark R1 MK4, right? You're definitely not alone! These two are seriously cool options for great sound and style. But let's be real: with a bit of a jump in price, picking just one can feel like a big decision. Don't sweat it! We're going to break down everything so you can pick the Bluetooth radio that'll be your perfect audio pal at home.

Let's Dig Deeper: What Really Makes These Radios Tick

The previous article gave you the basics, but let's really get into the cool details that make these radios special.

How They Look: Style That Speaks Volumes

Let's be honest, we want our tech to look good, right?

• Roberts Beacon 335 Bluetooth: Think super cool retro vibes. This radio just screams old-school charm with its curvy shape and awesome colors. It's the kind of radio that makes you smile when you see it sitting there. Plus, those physical buttons have a really satisfying click, and it just feels well-made but also fun.
• Ruark R1 MK4: If you're going for classy, this is your guy. The Ruark is all about clean lines, a simple look, and really nice materials like real wood or a smooth, creamy finish. It just blends right into a modern room without even trying. And that spinning dial? It feels really fancy when you use it.

So, what's your style?

Do you want something that's a bit of a showstopper, or something that just quietly makes your room look better? It's totally up to you!

The Sound of Music: What You'll Actually Hear

Okay, this is where things get really interesting. Both radios sound fantastic, but they have their own unique personalities when it comes to sound.

• Roberts Beacon 335: Get ready for a lively and fun sound! We're talking about a bass that makes you want to tap your feet and vocals that are clear as day. It's a great all-rounder, and you'll really enjoy it for things like pop music, rock, and when you're listening to the radio. For its size, that single speaker inside really pumps out some impressive sound.
• Ruark R1 MK4: This one's all about being smooth and detailed. The sound is balanced and clear, so you'll hear all the little things in your music. Think of hearing all the different instruments in a song or really understanding what someone's singing. It's awesome for all kinds of music, but especially when you want to hear every little detail. And here's a cool thing: the Ruark R1 MK4 uses something called aptX Bluetooth. If your phone or computer also uses it, your music will sound even better wirelessly!

Source: STEREO GUIDE

A detailed analysis of the design and performance of the Roberts Beacon 335.

Our Take:

Think about what you usually listen to. If you love music with a strong beat or just want something that sounds fun and energetic, the Beacon 335 might be your jam. But if you really care about hearing every little detail and want a super clear sound, the R1 MK4 could be the way to go.

Getting Connected: Bluetooth and More

Both of these radios let you connect with Bluetooth, but there are a few differences to keep in mind.

What It Has	Roberts Beacon 335	Ruark R1 MK4
Bluetooth	Yep!	Yep, and it uses aptX for better sound!
Radio	You get DAB+ and FM	You get DAB+ and FM
Plugging Things In	A regular headphone jack (3.5mm) to plug something in	A regular headphone jack (3.5mm) to plug something in
Plugging in Headphones	A headphone jack (3.5mm) for your headphones	A headphone jack (3.5mm) for your headphones
Anything Else?	Nope, that's about it!	It's got a USB-C port to charge your phone or play music from a USB stick!
Does it Connect to the Internet?	Nope, it's just a radio.	Nope, it's just a radio.
Can it Play Music in Different Rooms?	Nope.	Nope.
How Much? (roughly)	Around £199 - £229	Around £249 - £279

Good to Know:

That aptX thing on the Ruark R1 MK4 is a big deal if you really care about having the best wireless sound. And that USB-C port on the Ruark is pretty handy for charging your phone or playing music from a USB drive.

How Easy Are They to Use?

No one wants tech; that's a pain to figure out, right? Luckily, both of these are pretty straightforward.

• Roberts Beacon 335: The buttons are easy to understand and press. The screen is clear, so you can easily see the time, what radio station you're on, or what you're playing.
• Ruark R1 MK4: That spinning dial is a signature Ruark thing, and it feels really nice when you use it to turn up the volume or go through the menus. The screen is sharp and shows you what you need to know. Some people might find using just one dial a little different at first compared to having separate buttons.

Our Experience:

I've used both, and while the Roberts' buttons feel super familiar right away, there's something really cool about using the Ruark's dial. You get used to it pretty quickly!

Let's Tackle Your Questions: More Answers!

Let's dive into some of those questions you might be wondering about.

I listen to podcasts a lot. Which one makes voices sound better?

A:  Both are good, but the Ruark R1 MK4's clear and balanced sound often makes voices sound really great. You'll hear every word clearly, which is awesome for long listening sessions. But the Roberts Beacon 335 also does a good job with voices and has a bit of warmth to the sound.

Can I easily move these around the house?

A: Yeah, they're both small and pretty easy to pick up and move. Just remember you'll need to plug them in since they don't have batteries. The Roberts Beacon 335 is just a tiny bit lighter, which might matter to some people.

Can I plug in my headphones?

A: You sure can! Both have a regular headphone jack (3.5mm) if you want to listen privately.

Is the Ruark R1 MK4 really worth the extra cash?

A: That's the big question, isn't it? When you pay more for the Ruark R1 MK4, you're getting a more stylish design, potentially better Bluetooth sound (if you have aptX devices), and a slightly more sophisticated sound overall. Whether that's worth it to you really depends on your budget and how much you care about those things.

What are the downsides of each radio?

A: The Roberts Beacon 335 doesn't have that aptX Bluetooth, which might be a bummer for audiophiles. The Ruark R1 MK4, while beautiful, might be too simple for some, and that single dial can take a little getting used to. Also, neither of them has those fancy smart features like playing music over Wi-Fi or talking to Alexa, if you're into that.

Does one sound way better than the other for certain types of music?

A: While they both sound good with all kinds of music, the Roberts Beacon 335's strong bass makes it really fun for things like pop, rock, and electronic music. The Ruark R1 MK4 really shines when you're listening to music where you want to hear all the details, like classical, acoustic stuff, jazz, and songs with lots of vocals.

How good are they at picking up radio stations?

A: They're both really good at it! People who have used them say they get good reception for both regular FM radio and those digital DAB stations. And the way you find and switch stations is easy on both of them.

I'm on a budget. Are there other good radios I should check out?

A:  Definitely! If you want something similar but cheaper, take a look at the Majority Oakington Digital Radio (it's around £40-£50). It's got DAB+, FM, and Bluetooth. If you want a step up in sound without spending as much as the Ruark, the Pure Evoke H3 (around £149) is  a solid choice.

Radio Model	What's Cool About It	How Much It Costs (roughly)
Majority Oakington	DAB+/FM, Bluetooth, Doesn't break the bank	£40 - £50
Pure Evoke H3	DAB+/FM, Bluetooth, Sounds really good	£149
Roberts Beacon 335	DAB+/FM, Bluetooth, Looks cool and retro	£199 - £229
Ruark R1 MK4	DAB+/FM, aptX Bluetooth, Super stylish and great sound	£249 - £279

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Your Decision Time: It's All About What You Want

At the end of the day, picking between the Roberts Beacon 335 and the Ruark R1 MK4 comes down to what you care  about most.

The Roberts Beacon 335 might be perfect for you if:

You dig that cool, retro look, love a sound with some punch, and want a great radio without spending a fortune.

The Ruark R1 MK4 might be your winner if:

You like things simple and elegant, really value clear and detailed sound (especially with aptX), and don't mind paying a bit extra for that premium feel.

There's no wrong answer here! Just think about your own style, what kind of sound you like, and what fits your budget. Then go with the radio that makes you excited to listen to music!

Uncover Your Ideal Radio:  Read on to discover a600 the perfect match for your listening needs!