Ruark R1S Smart Radio
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming built in the appeal of R1S is further enhanced. R1S directly supports Spotify Connect*, Amazon Music and Deezer, and with its Bluetooth 5 receiver, virtually every other service available. The Bluetooth function remembers up to six devices and provides excellent sound quality and efficiency, meaning minimal battery drain on battery powered devices. Another notable feature of R1S is its full colour TFT display. This clearly shows time, alarm, and programme information and on Wi-Fi sources, album, and station artwork, too. The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen to suit light levels, making it an ideal bedside companion. Other features include a USB-C charge and MP3 playback port, headphone output, switchable line input and for those wanting portability, R1S is fully compatible with the optional BackPack 3 battery pack. Most importantly, radio and streaming technologies are only truly enjoyable if they are matched with great sound and Ruark’s rich Hi-Fi heritage enables the brand to provide this. Powering R1S is a dynamic linear amplifier which with adaptive equalisation provides a highly listenable sound at all volume levels. The latest NS+ driver in an optimised enclosure provides a smooth and extended frequency response with bass performance that belies its compact dimensions.Without question R1S will have you listening and discovering just how good new generation radio can be.
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming built in the appeal of R1S is further enhanced. R1S directly supports Spotify Connect*, Amazon Music and Deezer, and with its Bluetooth 5 receiver, virtually every other service available. The Bluetooth function remembers up to six devices and provides excellent sound quality and efficiency, meaning minimal battery drain on battery powered devices. Another notable feature of R1S is its full colour TFT display. This clearly shows time, alarm, and programme information and on Wi-Fi sources, album, and station artwork, too. The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen to suit light levels, making it an ideal bedside companion. Other features include a USB-C charge and MP3 playback port, headphone output, switchable line input and for those wanting portability, R1S is fully compatible with the optional BackPack 3 battery pack. Most importantly, radio and streaming technologies are only truly enjoyable if they are matched with great sound and Ruark’s rich Hi-Fi heritage enables the brand to provide this. Powering R1S is a dynamic linear amplifier which with adaptive equalisation provides a highly listenable sound at all volume levels. The latest NS+ driver in an optimised enclosure provides a smooth and extended frequency response with bass performance that belies its compact dimensions.Without question R1S will have you listening and discovering just how good new generation radio can be.
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming built in the appeal of R1S is further enhanced. R1S directly supports Spotify Connect*, Amazon Music and Deezer, and with its Bluetooth 5 receiver, virtually every other service available. The Bluetooth function remembers up to six devices and provides excellent sound quality and efficiency, meaning minimal battery drain on battery powered devices. Another notable feature of R1S is its full colour TFT display. This clearly shows time, alarm, and programme information and on Wi-Fi sources, album, and station artwork, too. The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen to suit light levels, making it an ideal bedside companion. Other features include a USB-C charge and MP3 playback port, headphone output, switchable line input and for those wanting portability, R1S is fully compatible with the optional BackPack 3 battery pack. Most importantly, radio and streaming technologies are only truly enjoyable if they are matched with great sound and Ruark’s rich Hi-Fi heritage enables the brand to provide this. Powering R1S is a dynamic linear amplifier which with adaptive equalisation provides a highly listenable sound at all volume levels. The latest NS+ driver in an optimised enclosure provides a smooth and extended frequency response with bass performance that belies its compact dimensions.Without question R1S will have you listening and discovering just how good new generation radio can be.
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming built in the appeal of R1S is further enhanced. R1S directly supports Spotify Connect*, Amazon Music and Deezer, and with its Bluetooth 5 receiver, virtually every other service available. The Bluetooth function remembers up to six devices and provides excellent sound quality and efficiency, meaning minimal battery drain on battery powered devices. Another notable feature of R1S is its full colour TFT display. This clearly shows time, alarm, and programme information and on Wi-Fi sources, album, and station artwork, too. The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen to suit light levels, making it an ideal bedside companion. Other features include a USB-C charge and MP3 playback port, headphone output, switchable line input and for those wanting portability, R1S is fully compatible with the optional BackPack 3 battery pack. Most importantly, radio and streaming technologies are only truly enjoyable if they are matched with great sound and Ruark’s rich Hi-Fi heritage enables the brand to provide this. Powering R1S is a dynamic linear amplifier which with adaptive equalisation provides a highly listenable sound at all volume levels. The latest NS+ driver in an optimised enclosure provides a smooth and extended frequency response with bass performance that belies its compact dimensions.Without question R1S will have you listening and discovering just how good new generation radio can be.
in 5 offers
The lowest price for Ruark R1S Smart Radio right now is $649.00 at JB Hi-Fi, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $389.00 on 25 Apr 2026 — today's price is 67% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 09/10/2026 09:10:43
Ruark R1S Smart Tabletop Radio (Charcoal)
Delivery $12.99
Ruark R1S Smart Radio | Bluetooth Streaming Satin Charcoal
Free delivery between 15–17 Oct
Ruark R1S Smart Radio Satin Charcoal lacquer with Walnut grille
Free delivery
Ruark R1S Smart Radio - FM / DAB / DAB+ / Network Streaming - Satin Charcoal
Free delivery
Ruark R1S Charcoal
originally posted on ruarkaudio.com
Let me state upfront that the sound quality is fantastic and build quality and appearance are both great. However, I don't feel that the R1S fully lives up to its potential.Key reasons:- DLNA/UPnP is missing so the music collection stored on my NAS is not accessible.- It doesn't seem to be possible to play FLAC files from USB stick- Bluetooth appears to be SBC only (lowest quality codec). AptX is not present and I was not able to trigger AAC connection from any device.- Display can't be turned off completely. Even at lowest setting it's quite bright for a bedside radio- Podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app.Overall, while the sound ... MoreLet me state upfront that the sound quality is fantastic and build quality and appearance are both great. However, I don't feel that the R1S fully lives up to its potential.Key reasons:- DLNA/UPnP is missing so the music collection stored on my NAS is not accessible.- It doesn't seem to be possible to play FLAC files from USB stick- Bluetooth appears to be SBC only (lowest quality codec). AptX is not present and I was not able to trigger AAC connection from any device.- Display can't be turned off completely. Even at lowest setting it's quite bright for a bedside radio- Podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app.Overall, while the sound quality exceeds expectations, it's not very easy to get high quality music "into" the radio. I will be keeping the R1S, but I remain hopeful some of the omissions above will be addressed via future firmware updates.
originally posted on johnlewis.com
This radio is a lovely bit of equipment with beautiful build quality and excellent sound quality. I also managed to get £20 off as part of a John Lewis offer which was a bonus. I am using it in the bedroom, replacing a 4 year old Pure, the Ruark certainly is much better built and is far easier to use and also looks so much better! It is also great having a display that automatically adjusts to the light. The menu system is okay, it can be a bit fiddly, I prefer to use the Octiv app, this gives full control and graphics. However, podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app. I contacted Ruark and they confirmed this is not possible at present. Another ... MoreThis radio is a lovely bit of equipment with beautiful build quality and excellent sound quality. I also managed to get £20 off as part of a John Lewis offer which was a bonus. I am using it in the bedroom, replacing a 4 year old Pure, the Ruark certainly is much better built and is far easier to use and also looks so much better! It is also great having a display that automatically adjusts to the light. The menu system is okay, it can be a bit fiddly, I prefer to use the Octiv app, this gives full control and graphics. However, podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app. I contacted Ruark and they confirmed this is not possible at present. Another downsides is having to pay £15 for a remote control, at this price it really should be included with the radio. Therefore, while I am pleased with the radio, I have marked it down to 4 stars for these reasons.
originally posted on johnlewis.com
I expected premium quality build, user experience and sound. This product looks great. However my initial experience was that the buttons and control on the top felt less than premium. Not terrible, but not premium. (I didn't buy the remote control, however I must admit it looked cheap - like the membrane remotes which you get with low-price LED lights.) The tuner pulled in all the local and national stations and I felt the sound quality was very good. Not amazing, but very good. Unfortunately it all went wrong when I connected the radio to my network and started using the app on my phone. As soon as I opened the app there was very noticeable audio interference on the radio output - on both the DAB reception and internet radio audio. If listening to DAB, when I ... MoreI expected premium quality build, user experience and sound. This product looks great. However my initial experience was that the buttons and control on the top felt less than premium. Not terrible, but not premium. (I didn't buy the remote control, however I must admit it looked cheap - like the membrane remotes which you get with low-price LED lights.) The tuner pulled in all the local and national stations and I felt the sound quality was very good. Not amazing, but very good. Unfortunately it all went wrong when I connected the radio to my network and started using the app on my phone. As soon as I opened the app there was very noticeable audio interference on the radio output - on both the DAB reception and internet radio audio. If listening to DAB, when I closed the app the interference went away, so it was definitely connected to the app connection. However if listening to internet radio the interference remained even with the app closed. I tried it in a different location, and I tried it with the phone (Google Pixel 7) further away. It didn't make any difference to the issues described. As a result I returned this product. I'm disappointed as I was looking forward to a new, well designed, good looking and good sounding radio with internet connectivity. Sadly the product I received did not live up to the price or expectation. Perhaps the one I got was faulty, as others don't seem to have had the same experience.
| Water Resistance | IPX0 – No protection |
| Frequency Range | 87.5-108MHz (FM) |
| Number of Channels | 8 radio presets per mode |
| Hand Crank | No |
| Solar Powered | No |
Ruark R1S Smart Tabletop Radio (Charcoal)
Delivery $12.99
Ruark R1S Smart Radio | Bluetooth Streaming Satin Charcoal
Free delivery between 15–17 Oct
Ruark R1S Smart Radio Satin Charcoal lacquer with Walnut grille
Free delivery
Ruark R1S Smart Radio - FM / DAB / DAB+ / Network Streaming - Satin Charcoal
Free delivery
Ruark R1S Charcoal
Let me state upfront that the sound quality is fantastic and build quality and appearance are both great. However, I don't feel that the R1S fully lives up to its potential.Key reasons:- DLNA/UPnP is missing so the music collection stored on my NAS is not accessible.- It doesn't seem to be possible to play FLAC files from USB stick- Bluetooth appears to be SBC only (lowest quality codec). AptX is not present and I was not able to trigger AAC connection from any device.- Display can't be turned off completely. Even at lowest setting it's quite bright for a bedside radio- Podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app.Overall, while the sound ... MoreLet me state upfront that the sound quality is fantastic and build quality and appearance are both great. However, I don't feel that the R1S fully lives up to its potential.Key reasons:- DLNA/UPnP is missing so the music collection stored on my NAS is not accessible.- It doesn't seem to be possible to play FLAC files from USB stick- Bluetooth appears to be SBC only (lowest quality codec). AptX is not present and I was not able to trigger AAC connection from any device.- Display can't be turned off completely. Even at lowest setting it's quite bright for a bedside radio- Podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app.Overall, while the sound quality exceeds expectations, it's not very easy to get high quality music "into" the radio. I will be keeping the R1S, but I remain hopeful some of the omissions above will be addressed via future firmware updates.
This radio is a lovely bit of equipment with beautiful build quality and excellent sound quality. I also managed to get £20 off as part of a John Lewis offer which was a bonus. I am using it in the bedroom, replacing a 4 year old Pure, the Ruark certainly is much better built and is far easier to use and also looks so much better! It is also great having a display that automatically adjusts to the light. The menu system is okay, it can be a bit fiddly, I prefer to use the Octiv app, this gives full control and graphics. However, podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app. I contacted Ruark and they confirmed this is not possible at present. Another ... MoreThis radio is a lovely bit of equipment with beautiful build quality and excellent sound quality. I also managed to get £20 off as part of a John Lewis offer which was a bonus. I am using it in the bedroom, replacing a 4 year old Pure, the Ruark certainly is much better built and is far easier to use and also looks so much better! It is also great having a display that automatically adjusts to the light. The menu system is okay, it can be a bit fiddly, I prefer to use the Octiv app, this gives full control and graphics. However, podcast management is poor. It doesn't seem to be possible to "subscribe" to podcasts and browsing podcasts is clumsy, equally on the radio and via the app. I contacted Ruark and they confirmed this is not possible at present. Another downsides is having to pay £15 for a remote control, at this price it really should be included with the radio. Therefore, while I am pleased with the radio, I have marked it down to 4 stars for these reasons.
I expected premium quality build, user experience and sound. This product looks great. However my initial experience was that the buttons and control on the top felt less than premium. Not terrible, but not premium. (I didn't buy the remote control, however I must admit it looked cheap - like the membrane remotes which you get with low-price LED lights.) The tuner pulled in all the local and national stations and I felt the sound quality was very good. Not amazing, but very good. Unfortunately it all went wrong when I connected the radio to my network and started using the app on my phone. As soon as I opened the app there was very noticeable audio interference on the radio output - on both the DAB reception and internet radio audio. If listening to DAB, when I ... MoreI expected premium quality build, user experience and sound. This product looks great. However my initial experience was that the buttons and control on the top felt less than premium. Not terrible, but not premium. (I didn't buy the remote control, however I must admit it looked cheap - like the membrane remotes which you get with low-price LED lights.) The tuner pulled in all the local and national stations and I felt the sound quality was very good. Not amazing, but very good. Unfortunately it all went wrong when I connected the radio to my network and started using the app on my phone. As soon as I opened the app there was very noticeable audio interference on the radio output - on both the DAB reception and internet radio audio. If listening to DAB, when I closed the app the interference went away, so it was definitely connected to the app connection. However if listening to internet radio the interference remained even with the app closed. I tried it in a different location, and I tried it with the phone (Google Pixel 7) further away. It didn't make any difference to the issues described. As a result I returned this product. I'm disappointed as I was looking forward to a new, well designed, good looking and good sounding radio with internet connectivity. Sadly the product I received did not live up to the price or expectation. Perhaps the one I got was faulty, as others don't seem to have had the same experience.
Great sound from such a small unit and easy connection to wifi. Seems well built and looks attractive while unobtrusive. Once you get the hang of it the rotary dial on top gives easy access to various functions. I listen mainly to internet radio where the choice of stations and music is endless. I have still to use and explore all the features on this radio but very pleased so far with my purchase. It’s more expensive than similar radios but worth the extra.
I have had the R3 for over 3 weeks now and I remain impressed with the build quality looks and sound. I use it wit the Oktive app which help improve usability and makes it easier to search for radio stations on the internet. My main criticism is that you can not save Podcasts and every time you want to listen to one you have to search for it. I also feel that the remote control should be included as the radio is not cheap, £15 extra is just not fair when far cheaper radios have them included. For these reasons I cant give the R3 5 stars.
The R1S is a very good radio with both DAB and FM. Sound quality is great, but it needs a good signal to get the most out of DAB/DAB+Aside from the radio it has other tricks up its sleeve in the shape of integration to common streaming services and internet radio, Bluetooth and USB. The menu system is OK, it can be a bit fiddly and I prefer to use the app. The remote is not included and I think at this price it should be. I got a remote with my R2.I think it also needs to scan FM in the same way it scans DABAll in all, this is a very capable radio, but at a price.
The R1s is my third Ruark purchase. My first 2 were the original R1 & R2 models and have given years of trouble free enjoyment with a high build quality & superb output with rich sound quality.The R1s does not disappoint with all of the above features & sound quality maintained. The technology advances of this smart radio provides in addition to dab radio the flexibility to select internet radio or Bluetooth connectivity opening up a much broader range of options.
The design is great: the Rotodial instead of lots of buttons and dials; the display which can show either a choice of clear black and white text or a coloured station logo. I have listened mostly to speech broadcasts and podcasts and have found the specific menus for the BBC and podcasts together with the Oktiv App to turn up whatever I looked for. The old Frontier Silicon website to set up podcast favourites on an internet radio cannot be used with the R1S but I prefer its way of accessing them.Speech and music, including Apple Music by Bluetooth, have always sounded great to my ears.Frontier Smart Technologies Oktiv App on my iPad has sometimes failed to connect but I cannot fault Ruark’s design.
Bought the R1S as an additional R1 for use in the kitchen.This is basically just an R1 + internet + extra features!Easy to set up and works seamlessly across all sources.Particularly good with the Octiv app which gives full control and graphics.The same excellent sound, build quality and good looks!The colour display is a little smaller with slow text but is very clear and quickly adapts to lighting conditions.Power back up is now provided by the battery Backpack as well as portability, with good performance.Overall a really good mini sound system!
I was initially concerned that this was a lot of money for a relatively small box but trusted previous reviews that it could actually fill a room with rich clear sound and was more than worth the high price. I am pleased to report that it does indeed produce an incredibly high quality, rich sound which belies its diminutive size. It is very easy to set up and access all its various functions and looks a high end with the wooden grill and high resolution colour display. I am delighted with every aspect of this little radio and would recommend it without hesitation.
| Water Resistance | IPX0 – No protection |
| Frequency Range | 87.5-108MHz (FM) |
| Number of Channels | 8 radio presets per mode |
| Hand Crank | No |
| Solar Powered | No |
