Robust, high-quality, versatile and with a long battery life: the LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio with its display, integrated rechargeable battery and generous station selection will not only score points in noisy environments or on construction sites. We took a closer look at the device in the test.
Technical data
| The product | DAB+ construction site radio |
| Frequency range | 87.5 MHz – 108.0 MHz |
| Transmitter positions | 30 |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) |
| Range | Up to 10 meters |
| Protection class | IP54 |
| Power output | 30 watts (2x 15W) |
| Rechargeable battery | 4,000 mAh (Li-Ion) |
| Special features | 2.4-inch display, USB port with charging function, dual alarm clock |
| The price | 199.99 euros |
LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio Review: design and workmanship
The LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio looks exactly as you would expect from a typical construction site radio: functional, solid and uncompromisingly designed for robustness. Even at first glance, the housing looks very robust and solid. It consists of a sturdy plastic frame with impact-protected edges that reliably protect the radio from drops, knocks and rough working environments. Just as you would expect.
A particularly positive feature is the IP54 protection class, which protects the device against dust deposits and splashing water from all directions. This makes the radio suitable not only for workshops and construction sites, but also for use in the garden, in the garage or when camping.
The entire design is clearly geared towards practicality. There are no playful design elements, but a clear, uncluttered structure with easily accessible control buttons. The integrated carrying handle is sturdy and sits comfortably in the hand, making transportation much easier. Despite its robust appearance, the radio does not look bulky, but rather well-balanced. The front panel houses an easy-to-read 2.4-inch color display that offers sufficient contrast even in difficult lighting conditions.
The overall build quality leaves a very high-quality impression for this device category. Gaps are even, nothing rattles or looks cheap. The rubber coating on the sides also provides additional shock resistance and prevents unintentional slipping on smooth surfaces.
The features of the LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio
In terms of features, the LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio is surprisingly versatile. It combines classic radio functions with modern playback options and thus covers almost all relevant usage scenarios. At its heart is the integrated DAB+ receiver, which enables digital radio reception with significantly better sound quality than FM.
Of course, a classic FM tuner is also available to ensure problem-free radio operation even in regions without DAB+ coverage. Up to 30 stations can be stored for each of the two reception modes, making quick access to favorite stations very convenient in everyday working life.
In addition to radio reception, the device also offers Bluetooth connectivity in the modern Bluetooth 5.3 standard, allowing music to be streamed wirelessly from smartphones, tablets or laptops. This is a great advantage, especially on the construction site or in the workshop, as you can easily play your own playlists or podcasts. Alternatively, an AUX input is available if a playback device is to be connected via cable. A USB port is also integrated, which can not only be used for audio playback, but also for charging external devices such as smartphones. A welcome addition, especially when on the move.
The built-in 2.4-inch color display provides all relevant information clearly: station name, reception type, volume, time and operating mode are clearly visible. The menu navigation is logically structured and easy to operate even when wearing gloves. The range of functions is complemented by an integrated alarm function with two alarm times, which also makes the device interesting for use in the office, garage or break room.
Overall, the LEICKE construction site radio stands out positively from many simpler construction site radios thanks to its extensive range of functions and offers much more than just radio reception.
Up to 15 hours battery life
The integrated lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4,000 mAh forms the heart of mobile use. This capacity is definitely very good for a construction site radio in this performance class. According to the manufacturer, the device achieves a battery life of up to 15 hours at a moderate volume. Of course, the actual runtime depends heavily on individual usage behavior. If you constantly use the radio at a high volume or mainly stream via Bluetooth, you can expect a slightly shorter battery life. However, with mixed use of radio operation and moderate Bluetooth playback, realistic runtimes of a full working day are certainly possible.
In practice, this means that an entire working day can easily be bridged without an external power supply. This is an important criterion for construction site or outdoor use, especially when there are no power sockets available.
A positive feature is that the battery is permanently integrated and can be easily recharged via the mains connection. The radio can still be operated while charging, which minimizes downtime. All in all, the rechargeable battery is sized for everyday use and is well suited to the device’s areas of application. The battery power is therefore not a limiting factor for professional users or DIY enthusiasts.
Sound test of the LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio
Sound quality is one of the most important evaluation criteria for a construction site radio, as it has to hold its own in noisy environments. The LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio is equipped with two 15-watt loudspeakers, which together achieve a total output of 30 watts. This power class is more than sufficient for a portable radio and ensures that music, speech and radio broadcasts remain clearly intelligible even in noisy environments.
The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz specified by the manufacturer indicates full sound reproduction across the entire audible spectrum. In practice, the radio impresses with powerful, clean mids, clear highs and a surprisingly present bass for this class of device. Of course, you can’t expect low bass reproduction comparable to subwoofers, but for use in the workshop, garage or on the building site, the bass range is perfectly adequate and gives music a pleasant fullness.
Especially in DAB+ mode, the sound is very stable and low-noise, while Bluetooth streaming also achieves an overall balanced tuning. Distortion only occurs to a small extent even at high volumes, which speaks for a clean amplifier performance. Voices remain easy to understand, which is an important plus point when listening to news or podcasts.
Naturally, you shouldn’t expect audiophile fine detail or extremely precise stereo stages from a construction site radio, but that’s not what we’re aiming for here. Instead, the LEICKE radio delivers a powerful, robust and assertive sound that is precisely tailored for use in noisy environments.
LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio Review: Conclusion
The LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio presents itself in the test as an extremely robust, versatile and powerful-sounding work radio for almost all areas of application. The high-quality workmanship with IP54 protection, the extensive reception and playback options, the practical battery life and the powerful sound reproduction make the device a convincing solution for craftsmen, DIY enthusiasts, garden owners and outdoor fans.
- Robust workmanship
- IP54
- Bluetooth and USB
- Good sound
- Practical display
- Bass could be more powerful
- Rather short antenna
- Quite expensive
LEICKE DAB+ construction site radio
Design and Workmanship
Features
Battery life
Sound quality
Value For Money
89/100
Robust and high-quality construction site radio with good battery life, IP54 certification and Bluetooth connectivity.
