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I’ve been using Microsoft Windows since the days of Windows 3.1, but I’ve never loved the operating system. Instead, I’ve stuck with it over the decades mainly out of familiarity. I know how Windows works and when things break (which they continue to do all too often), I usually know how to fix things quickly.

On the surface, there might not seem like there’s a lot in common between Windows 3.1 and Windows 11, but some things – especially legacy features added in Windows 95 – continue to work the way they've always done.

While this causes problems – Windows 11 feels like a modern OS glued on top of an old, rickety OS at times – there’s a certain comfort to using such a familiar product.

Also, while Linux and macOS, Windows’ biggest competitors when it comes to operating systems, are getting better at supporting games, if you’re a PC gamer who wants the widest selection of titles to play – like I am – then Windows 11 really is the only choice.

Nostalgia, laziness, and being a hostage to my own games library aren’t the best reasons to keep using a product, however, and it’s a problem that I feel Microsoft has been struggling with for a long time.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows is by far the most popular desktop operating system in the world when it comes to user numbers – but it just isn’t that popular when it comes to… well… popularity.

Despite Microsoft wishing people loved Windows, the lack of affection is a danger for the company, because it means rival operating systems are finding it easier and easier to win over Windows users.

With Windows 10’s End of Life approaching in October 2025, this danger could be even more pronounced as there are going to be a lot of Windows 10 users looking to change operating systems after Microsoft stops officially supporting the older OS.

While the Redmond-based company would like all those users to move to Windows 11, there are going to be many users looking at other operating systems – and if people don’t enjoy using Windows, but just stick with it out of habit, then that’s not going to be enough to guarantee that those users will continue using Windows.

Recently, Apple has been putting out some great computing products, and that’s meant I’ve been using macOS a lot more – both at home on my M2-powered MacBook Pro and at work with the Mac mini M4.

With the Windows PC I use at work showing its age, I decided it was time to make the switch permanently and use the Mac mini as my main PC – and therefore stop using Windows 11 daily and instead use macOS Sequoia. Here’s what I found.

(Image credit: Sergey Zaykov / Shutterstock / Microsoft) What I didn’t miss when ditching Windows 11

I’ve been using macOS for years as well, so I wasn’t going in completely blind. However, I was removing the safety net of deep familiarity that I have with Windows.

After two weeks of using macOS as my sole operating system for work, there were plenty of Windows 11 quirks I wasn’t missing.

For a start, I certainly didn’t miss the adverts and nagging messages from Microsoft trying to get me to use more of its services, something that is getting increasingly annoying in Windows 11.

Where Windows 11 puts games in my Start menu that I have no interest in, ignores my default browser settings to open up Microsoft Edge at any given opportunity, and shows pop-ups trying to get me to sign up for Games Pass, macOS is impressively clean.

There’s still attempts to get you to use Apple’s ecosystem, but it seems less invasive, and can mainly be ignored. The closest it came was in the Preferences app where Apple was trying to convince me to try its AI tools known as Apple Intelligence. Still, compared to Microsoft’s attempts to force me to use its own AI assistant, Copilot, this was far less annoying.

(Image credit: Future)

I also appreciated that when I used Apple’s own Safari browser to download Google Chrome, my web browser of choice, I wasn’t bombarded with messages and warnings trying to put me off – something that Microsoft tries to do with varying degrees of desperation when using Edge to download Chrome.

It also felt like macOS respected my choices when I set non-Apple applications as defaults. Once I’d set Chrome as my default web browser, that was it. Meanwhile, with Windows 11 it always felt like it was trying to either change my mind or trick me into using Edge, even when I explicitly set Chrome as my default web browser.

This includes incidents like opening a website from within the Start menu, Widget area or within the Settings app – as they would ignore my settings and open up the website in Edge.

After installing large updates, Windows 11 will also sometimes show a screen asking you to finish setting up your PC, and it often includes an option to use recommended internet settings. If you don’t pay attention and just click ok, you end up with Edge becoming your default browser again.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Another thing I didn’t miss was the instability. While I usually have a good idea of how to fix Windows 11 problems, it doesn’t mean they are any less annoying when they strike – and sometimes there’s no easy fix. Meanwhile, macOS feels a lot more stable and dependable.

To be fair to Microsoft, this is mainly due to the sheer breadth of devices that can run Windows 11, with PCs and laptops from all manner of manufacturers coming with different hardware configurations. It’s essentially impossible to write software for a near-infinite number of hardware configurations and guarantee that there will be no bugs or incompatibility problems.

Meanwhile, Apple strictly restricts what devices can run macOS to Macs and MacBooks that the company itself makes – and it can be ruthless about cutting support for older devices as well. I’m not a massive fan of this, but it does mean Apple has a clear idea of the hardware that will be running macOS, and can therefore more easily ensure that the software works properly.

That’s not to say that there are never macOS problems, but they feel a lot less common – and overall the user experience just feels a lot more stable.

On the other hand, when something does break in macOS, I’m often at a bit of a loss, whereas with Windows I have a good idea of what might be causing the issue and how to fix it.

(Image credit: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock) What I missed about Windows 11

The more I used macOS every day, however, I found myself missing certain things about Windows 11 – things that I hadn’t really paid much attention to before.

Perhaps the biggest, yet least exciting, thing was copy and pasting. I’m not talking about getting used to pressing CMD + C on a keyboard instead of CTRL + C (that was annoying but quickly became second nature, and you can also change it to the Windows way of doing things in Preferences).

What I did miss was Windows 11’s excellent Clipboard Paste feature.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Rather than using CTRL + V to paste something, in Windows 11 you can press the Windows key + V to open up a small menu that shows a history of things you’ve copied to the clipboard, making it easy to switch between items to quickly paste. It’s one of Windows’ best recent features, and I really missed it in macOS.

I ended up installing a third-party tool to do something similar, but it wasn’t was easy to use as Microsoft’s integrated feature.

When I work on the smaller screens of laptops, I also really appreciated how easy it was to snap windows to the left and right-hand sides of the screen, which made multitasking with a small display much easier.

Just grabbing the menu bar of a window and dragging it to the left or right of the screen will enlarge the window so it takes up half the screen. You can then do the same with a different window on the opposite side of the screen to get two equally sized windows open side-by-side.

I often use the Windows key + arrow key keyboard shortcut to make this process even easier. When snapping a window, Windows 11 can also show you other open windows to quickly snap to the opposite side.

(Image credit: Apple)

While macOS Sequoia has finally introduced a similar feature, it still isn’t as slick as Windows 11’s implementation, and lacks some of the features. Being able to drag a window to the top of the screen in Windows 11 to open it full-screen is also something I really missed when moving to macOS.

To be honest, the clipboard feature alone has been enough for me to go back to Windows 11. Despite all the hassles and annoyances, this one feature really makes a difference to my day job.

So, Microsoft might be pleased that it’s not completely lost another customer (and I’d still use Windows on my gaming PC), but I’d also like it to understand that the best way it can keep people using its operating system, and maybe even one day like its operating system, isn’t with AI gimmicks and annoying ads for its services, but by concentrating on seemingly simple features that work well and make people’s lives easier.

My concern is that Microsoft won’t, and will instead think that shoving Copilot in more apps will be the way to keep people using Windows. Trust me though, it won’t.

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I’ve been using Microsoft Windows since the days of Windows 3.1, but I’ve never loved the operating system. Instead, I’ve stuck with it over the decades mainly out of familiarity. I know how Windows works and when things break (which they continue to do all too often), I usually know how to fix things quickly.

On the surface, there might not seem like there’s a lot in common between Windows 3.1 and Windows 11, but some things – especially legacy features added in Windows 95 – continue to work the way they've always done.

While this causes problems – Windows 11 feels like a modern OS glued on top of an old, rickety OS at times – there’s a certain comfort to using such a familiar product.

Also, while Linux and macOS, Windows’ biggest competitors when it comes to operating systems, are getting better at supporting games, if you’re a PC gamer who wants the widest selection of titles to play – like I am – then Windows 11 really is the only choice.

Nostalgia, laziness, and being a hostage to my own games library aren’t the best reasons to keep using a product, however, and it’s a problem that I feel Microsoft has been struggling with for a long time.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows is by far the most popular desktop operating system in the world when it comes to user numbers – but it just isn’t that popular when it comes to… well… popularity.

Despite Microsoft wishing people loved Windows, the lack of affection is a danger for the company, because it means rival operating systems are finding it easier and easier to win over Windows users.

With Windows 10’s End of Life approaching in October 2025, this danger could be even more pronounced as there are going to be a lot of Windows 10 users looking to change operating systems after Microsoft stops officially supporting the older OS.

While the Redmond-based company would like all those users to move to Windows 11, there are going to be many users looking at other operating systems – and if people don’t enjoy using Windows, but just stick with it out of habit, then that’s not going to be enough to guarantee that those users will continue using Windows.

Recently, Apple has been putting out some great computing products, and that’s meant I’ve been using macOS a lot more – both at home on my M2-powered MacBook Pro and at work with the Mac mini M4.

With the Windows PC I use at work showing its age, I decided it was time to make the switch permanently and use the Mac mini as my main PC – and therefore stop using Windows 11 daily and instead use macOS Sequoia. Here’s what I found.

(Image credit: Sergey Zaykov / Shutterstock / Microsoft) What I didn’t miss when ditching Windows 11

I’ve been using macOS for years as well, so I wasn’t going in completely blind. However, I was removing the safety net of deep familiarity that I have with Windows.

After two weeks of using macOS as my sole operating system for work, there were plenty of Windows 11 quirks I wasn’t missing.

For a start, I certainly didn’t miss the adverts and nagging messages from Microsoft trying to get me to use more of its services, something that is getting increasingly annoying in Windows 11.

Where Windows 11 puts games in my Start menu that I have no interest in, ignores my default browser settings to open up Microsoft Edge at any given opportunity, and shows pop-ups trying to get me to sign up for Games Pass, macOS is impressively clean.

There’s still attempts to get you to use Apple’s ecosystem, but it seems less invasive, and can mainly be ignored. The closest it came was in the Preferences app where Apple was trying to convince me to try its AI tools known as Apple Intelligence. Still, compared to Microsoft’s attempts to force me to use its own AI assistant, Copilot, this was far less annoying.

(Image credit: Future)

I also appreciated that when I used Apple’s own Safari browser to download Google Chrome, my web browser of choice, I wasn’t bombarded with messages and warnings trying to put me off – something that Microsoft tries to do with varying degrees of desperation when using Edge to download Chrome.

It also felt like macOS respected my choices when I set non-Apple applications as defaults. Once I’d set Chrome as my default web browser, that was it. Meanwhile, with Windows 11 it always felt like it was trying to either change my mind or trick me into using Edge, even when I explicitly set Chrome as my default web browser.

This includes incidents like opening a website from within the Start menu, Widget area or within the Settings app – as they would ignore my settings and open up the website in Edge.

After installing large updates, Windows 11 will also sometimes show a screen asking you to finish setting up your PC, and it often includes an option to use recommended internet settings. If you don’t pay attention and just click ok, you end up with Edge becoming your default browser again.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Another thing I didn’t miss was the instability. While I usually have a good idea of how to fix Windows 11 problems, it doesn’t mean they are any less annoying when they strike – and sometimes there’s no easy fix. Meanwhile, macOS feels a lot more stable and dependable.

To be fair to Microsoft, this is mainly due to the sheer breadth of devices that can run Windows 11, with PCs and laptops from all manner of manufacturers coming with different hardware configurations. It’s essentially impossible to write software for a near-infinite number of hardware configurations and guarantee that there will be no bugs or incompatibility problems.

Meanwhile, Apple strictly restricts what devices can run macOS to Macs and MacBooks that the company itself makes – and it can be ruthless about cutting support for older devices as well. I’m not a massive fan of this, but it does mean Apple has a clear idea of the hardware that will be running macOS, and can therefore more easily ensure that the software works properly.

That’s not to say that there are never macOS problems, but they feel a lot less common – and overall the user experience just feels a lot more stable.

On the other hand, when something does break in macOS, I’m often at a bit of a loss, whereas with Windows I have a good idea of what might be causing the issue and how to fix it.

(Image credit: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock) What I missed about Windows 11

The more I used macOS every day, however, I found myself missing certain things about Windows 11 – things that I hadn’t really paid much attention to before.

Perhaps the biggest, yet least exciting, thing was copy and pasting. I’m not talking about getting used to pressing CMD + C on a keyboard instead of CTRL + C (that was annoying but quickly became second nature, and you can also change it to the Windows way of doing things in Preferences).

What I did miss was Windows 11’s excellent Clipboard Paste feature.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Rather than using CTRL + V to paste something, in Windows 11 you can press the Windows key + V to open up a small menu that shows a history of things you’ve copied to the clipboard, making it easy to switch between items to quickly paste. It’s one of Windows’ best recent features, and I really missed it in macOS.

I ended up installing a third-party tool to do something similar, but it wasn’t was easy to use as Microsoft’s integrated feature.

When I work on the smaller screens of laptops, I also really appreciated how easy it was to snap windows to the left and right-hand sides of the screen, which made multitasking with a small display much easier.

Just grabbing the menu bar of a window and dragging it to the left or right of the screen will enlarge the window so it takes up half the screen. You can then do the same with a different window on the opposite side of the screen to get two equally sized windows open side-by-side.

I often use the Windows key + arrow key keyboard shortcut to make this process even easier. When snapping a window, Windows 11 can also show you other open windows to quickly snap to the opposite side.

(Image credit: Apple)

While macOS Sequoia has finally introduced a similar feature, it still isn’t as slick as Windows 11’s implementation, and lacks some of the features. Being able to drag a window to the top of the screen in Windows 11 to open it full-screen is also something I really missed when moving to macOS.

To be honest, the clipboard feature alone has been enough for me to go back to Windows 11. Despite all the hassles and annoyances, this one feature really makes a difference to my day job.

So, Microsoft might be pleased that it’s not completely lost another customer (and I’d still use Windows on my gaming PC), but I’d also like it to understand that the best way it can keep people using its operating system, and maybe even one day like its operating system, isn’t with AI gimmicks and annoying ads for its services, but by concentrating on seemingly simple features that work well and make people’s lives easier.

My concern is that Microsoft won’t, and will instead think that shoving Copilot in more apps will be the way to keep people using Windows. Trust me though, it won’t.

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Mobapad N1 HD: one-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Mobapad N1 HD is a Nintendo Switch controller aimed towards more serious gamers, thanks to its versatile functionality and premium features.

It doesn’t look particularly spectacular, and it even lacks RGB lighting, a common feature on many third-party controllers. It does, however, look a little more distinct in its pink and purple colorway.

On close inspection, you can tell the N1 HD is built to a high standard, rivaling some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. The materials feel premium and the construction is solid, yet it’s also very light in the hand and comfortable to hold – although those with larger hands might find it a bit too small.

The buttons and sticks also feel great, offering a pleasing amount of dampening and smoothness for the most part. The N1 HD also comes with a USB cable for charging and wired play, although it’s quite short and isn’t braided, restricting its practicality.

The mobile app for the N1 HD includes various customization options, some of which are pretty detailed, such as custom curve profiles for the analog sticks. Certain adjustments can also be made using the settings and other buttons on the controller itself.

To game with, the N1 HD lives up to its promises. The Hall effect sticks are as smooth as you could want, and the buttons are satisfying and super responsive, especially the D-pad – no matter which of the two included hats you have attached. It’s a shame, however, that the triggers lack analog control when used with a PC or mobile.

Although I found it easy to connect to the Switch and PC, switching between them on the fly isn’t really viable, since repairing is required, although fortunately, this is an easy process. Connecting to Android is relatively simple too, although beware that you will need to connect to "Mobapad N1" rather than "Mobapad N1 HD" in the list of Bluetooth devices your phone finds.

The N1 HD is expensive, but so too are the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the 8BitDo Ultimate, two of the best Switch controllers out there. Like those pads, it’s a hugely capable controller and although it lacks analog triggers and seamless device switching, the N1 HD is worth your consideration all the same.

Mobapad N1 HD review: Price and availability

• $74 (about £60 / AU$119)
• Available now worldwide
• Similarly priced to key rivals

The Mobapad N1 HD costs $74 (about £60 / AU$119) and is available now in three colorways: black, white, and pink with purple accents. Mobapad only lists USD prices on its website, but it does ship worldwide. It comes with two D-pad hats, a USB cable for charging and wired play, and a dongle for wireless PC connectivity.

If we judge it by its original price (we have seen it on sale at a considerable discount), it’s close to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, although this controller lacks official support for other platforms, as well as extra buttons on the front and rear.

The N1 HD also costs about the same as the 8BitDo Ultimate, our pick as the best Nintendo Switch controller right now. This too has Hall effect sticks and multi-platform support, but unlike the N1 HD, the Ultimate comes with its own charging dock. However, it doesn’t have NFC support, so it can’t be used with Amiibo accessories.

Mobapad N1 HD review: specs

(Image credit: Future) Mobapad N1 HD review: design and features

• Solid yet lightweight build
• Might be too small for some
• Detailed mobile app

The N1 HD boasts a similar design to the best Xbox controllers: it even has the same distinctive D-pad design, although this is removable and can be swapped with a more traditional four-pronged unit included in the box. Due to these similarities, It looks rather unoriginal in its black and white colorways, but the pink and purple variant does help to set it apart somewhat.

However, the upside of this familiar form is the ergonomic benefit: it sits well in the hand, and the lightness makes it even more comfortable. It’s a little smaller than an Xbox Wireless Controller, though, which may be a problem for those with larger hands. And if you're a fan of the best PS5 controllers, then it might not be for you either. Despite its unsubstantial weight, it feels well constructed, with durable, premium-feeling plastics. The textured grips are a welcome touch too.

The USB-C port is easy to use thanks to its placement, although it isn’t recessed, which may be a cause for concern, but I didn’t find it prone to disconnecting while gaming. The included cable is a standard charging cable, without the braiding or length those included with many other controllers have, which does limit its practical usage.

The N1 HD has liquid silicone buttons, which Mobapad claims are more comfortable and more durable, while also improving consistency. Under the thumb, they certainly feel pleasant, but the dampening isn’t the best I’ve experienced, and the button caps aren’t the tightest, with some wobble to them. The shoulder buttons, however, feel better in both these aspects, but the triggers are a little too short for my liking.

The analog sticks are a highlight, with treaded edges to help improve grip, which they certainly do. I did find them to be a tad small, though, but those with smaller thumbs shouldn’t have a problem.

There are also two extra back buttons for customizable programming. While these are also quite small, they did suit my grip style, as my middle fingers naturally landed flush onto them.

Aside from the usual Switch buttons, you’ll also find a setting button, which can be used in conjunction with other inputs to perform various functions, from altering vibration intensity and toggling turbo modes to programming macros. These are complex for input-based functions; some controllers don’t even offer this level of customization in their software tools.

Speaking of which, the Mobapad mobile app offers even more tweaking potential, including the ability to remap buttons and set trigger modes on a per-button basis, with hold and loop options to choose from.

You can also change the dead zones and curve profiles of the analog sticks, with the latter adjusted via two points on a graph, freely draggable to create your own style, which is very involved. It’s a shame, however, that you can’t even view the battery level of the N1 HD in this app, which seems like a basic piece of information to omit.

Other features of the N1 HD include the ability to switch between Xinput, Dinput (for older games), Switch Pro input modes, and NFC support for Amiibo hardware. Currently, it’s not compatible with Mobapad’s PC software, but support is expected after March.

(Image credit: Future) Mobapad N1 HD review: performance

• Great buttons and sticks
• No analog triggers
• Device switching clunky

The N1 HD performs well. The face buttons are satisfying to use, with a good deal of accuracy and responsiveness. The D-pad has these qualities in even more abundance, with an even shorter actuation, making it great for rapid taps. It’s also easy to roll for quick consecutive inputs with either the circular or four-pronged hat installed. It is, however, very clicky, feeling more like a mouse button than a controller button, which may deter some gamers, but I found it satisfying to use.

Even more damped are the shoulder buttons, which have a softer feel but still provide a responsive input. However, since the N1 HD is a Switch controller first and foremost, the triggers lack analog capability, even when used with a PC. This is a shame when playing certain games, such as those involving driving or racing, since they lack the precise control these titles benefit from.

The analog sticks utilize Hall effect technology, which purportedly offers greater precision as well as preventing stick drift. I certainly found them precise and incredibly smooth to move in all directions, providing just the right amount of resistance to impart some useful feedback without being onerous. The N1 HD also supports motion controls, and again I found these accurate, tracking superbly.

In my experience, the rear M buttons were also easy to use, although they were less consistent in their responsiveness; their small size and short travel meant that they were hard to hit in the optimal place every time.

Connecting the N1 HD to your platform of choice is also very easy. During my test, it connected instantly to my Switch, as well as to my desktop when using the included USB dongle, making it just as amenable to the platform as some of the best PC controllers. However, hot-switching between wasn’t an option, as the N1 HD required re-pairing to each device, which is a shame for those who switch between the two regularly.

At first, I was unsuccessful in connecting the N1 HD to my Google Pixel 7a, although this was remedied when I realised that I needed to connect to "Mobapad N1" rather than "Mobapad N1 HD" in the list of found Bluetooth devices. Once paired, using the N1 HD with my phone was as easy and responsive as with other platforms.

I wasn’t able to test the battery life of the N1 HD to exhaustion, and considering the lack of battery information – none in the mobile app and only an LED indication on low battery – I couldn’t gauge how much I had left. I can say, though, that it lasted for several days of use without showing a low battery warning.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Mobapad N1 HD? Buy it if...

You want an Xbox-style controller
The Xbox design is a popular one for good reason: it offers just about the best ergonomics around, and the N1 HD is all the better for following its lead.

You want multi-platform support
Although the N1 HD is primarily a Switch controller, it also works with PC and mobile devices, both wired and wirelessly.

Don't buy it if...

You have large hands
Despite its high levels of comfort, the overall form of the N1 HD is quite small, as are the sticks, triggers, and rear M buttons.

You want analog triggers
Despite being compatible with platforms other than the Switch, the N1 HD doesn’t have analog triggers, which won’t be ideal for certain games.

Also consider...

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
As one of the console’s official controllers, the Switch Pro Controller is unsurprisingly one of the best, offering more features and functionality than the stock Joy Con controllers. We found it comfortable to hold and were taken by its excellent D-pad. And although its original price is relatively high, it can often be found at a discount. Read our Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review.

8BitDo Ultimate
The 8BitDo Ultimate is our number pick as the best Switch controller, thanks to its great price, performance, feature set, and comfort levels. It also comes with its own charging dock, which is very convenient. However, unlike the N1 HD, there’s no NFC for Amiibo support, but this is about the only drawback. Read our 8BitDo Ultimate review.

How I tested the Mobapad N1 HD

• Tested for several days
• Used on Switch and PC
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the N1 HD for several days, during which time I used it on Switch and PC, both wired and wirelessly. I tried to use it on two Android phones but failed to connect with either.

I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which provides a thorough test for any controller, given the demands it places on all manner of inputs, from the face buttons to the analog sticks and motion controls. On PC, I played Art of Rally to test the triggers and sticks, and Tekken 8, which is great for testing button responsiveness. On my Android phone I played Alien: Isolation and Asphalt Legends Unite.

I have been gaming for over 25 years, and during that time I have experienced a large number of controllers across a myriad of platforms. I play on consoles, including the Switch, as well as PC, both of which I use controllers with.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed January-February 2025

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Sharp Osaka: Two-minute review

If you’re the person that loves to have tech to match your personal aesthetic, the Sharp Osaka isn’t really the one for you. What it is, though, is a great value solution for anyone who simply wants to listen to the radio from seemingly any location.

Smaller than my desk calendar, the Sharp Osaka is easily grabbed with one small hand and slips into my coat pocket well enough, too.

As with all DAB radios, the only bulky part is its extendable aerial arm which you can easily hide away when not in use. The Sharp Osaka's battery life comes in at about 15 hours which isn’t above average for such radios but will serve you well for most of your active day. Charging via USB-C means you’re unlikely to need to pack an extra cable any time you go away, too.

Costing £70 – that's about $90 in the US or AU$143 in Australia, where available – when first released in September 2024, the Sharp Osaka is already discounted at time of writing, bringing it down to an even more affordable £50 ($65 in the US and AU$102). That’s a good price for a DAB radio of this standard and it also doubles up as a basic Bluetooth speaker.

Its controls are more intuitive than its convoluted manual suggests, leading you to mostly enjoying the Sharp Osaka without much hassle. One of the best DAB radios? Maybe not, but still a simple solution to your radio listening needs.

Sharp Osaka review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Released September 2024
• Cost £70 / €90 (currently only available in the UK and Europe)

The Sharp Osaka DAB radio was released in the UK and Europe in September 2024. It costs £70 / €90 depending on your region (unfortunately, it's not available in the US or Australia as it stands) so it’s affordable for a DAB radio.

We’ve already spotted some discounts emerging in the UK with the price more around the £50 mark.

That makes it one of the more affordable portable DAB radios around. It’s much cheaper than the stylish but premium Roberts Revival Petite 2 and also the ageing Sony XDR-P1 DAB radio. It’s slightly more expensive than the Groov-e Boston but that’s far from the right size for putting in your pocket.

Sharp Osaka review: Specs Sharp Osaka review: Features

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• DAB and FM radio, plus Bluetooth speaker
• 12-hour battery life
• 3.5mm headphone jack

The Sharp Osaka DAB radio has all the features you could need without offering up much in the way of surprises. At first glance, it looks like it’s only a DAB radio but it uses a technology it calls BestTune which combines FM, DAB, and DAB+ into a single station list to help you find the best option based on signal strength. I really liked this as it saved me switching between different modes while still gaining the best signal.

In all, the Sharp Osaka has a 120-station memory spread equally across BestTune, DAB and FM and, honestly, you probably won’t have to overthink this either. I simply turned it on and it figured things out for itself, quickly allowing me to find the station I wanted to listen to.

A tap of the source button also takes you to the Bluetooth side of things. Bluetooth 5.3 is in charge here so you won’t need to fret about any drop-out issues when pairing with your phone or tablet. I certainly didn’t have any issues switching between the two.

Sharp's website in various regions differs between 15 and 12 hours of promised battery life, however I found the latter to be the rough sweet spot during use. As is often the way, volume can affect a lot here. The USB-C cable is perfect because on my travels I didn’t have to worry about packing an extra cable to recharge it.

On the side and next to the USB port is a 3.5mm headphone jack if you want to connect the Sharp Osaka DAB radio to the best wired headphones for some added privacy.

Other neat extras include an alarm function and a SlideShow tool which displays images from the radio station where available. In reality, I never found a station that offered this but I’m continuing my search in my own time as it sounds fun.

Features score: 4 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Mono speaker
• A little tinny
• Loud volume but some distortion

The Sharp Osaka is impressively loud, especially given its relative size. Though 10 is the average volume you’re likely to use, it goes all the way to a Spinal Tap-trouncing 30. It travels far, too. I cranked it up then walked a few rooms away and could still hear it.

That comes at a price with the audio quality not the best and offering some distortion but it’s fine for casual listening. I checked out Absolute 90s and found suitably old and nostalgic while listening to Blur’s Tender and The Rhythm of the Night by Corona. The latter lacks some excitement with the Sharp Osaka lacking crispness and spark, but the former translated reasonably well, never once leaving me waiting for that feeling to come.

This is the radio you’ll listen to while doing other things rather than indulging in your audiophile urges.

Sound quality: 3 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Functional, lightweight design
• Simple-to-use buttons...
• ... but not especially tactile

The Sharp Osaka gets right to the point with its design – it isn’t spectacular looking but nor will it confuse you. On the front left sits the mono speaker, with its controls and screen to the right. The 2-inch color display is simple but clear, other than when looking at it in bright light conditions.

Controls are also similarly easy to figure out although there’s no tactile quality to it which will be an issue for anyone with sight issues. That’s not uncommon with many popular DAB radios but it does mean my search for a more accessible DAB radio will have to continue.

When listening to the radio, you’ll need to pull out the antenna which is quite tightly clicked in at other times. On the side are ports for charging and headphones. There’s also a neat little key lock button which means no one can accidentally tap a button by mistake.

The Sharp Osaka is only available in a black/gray mix but it looks reasonably sleek.

Design score: 3 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Value

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Inexpensive
• Ideal for a quick fix
• Cheaper than most

The Sharp Osaka was pretty cheap compared to the competition even before it went on sale (which seems to be commonplace now). Its primary competition for portability is something like the aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2 but it’s far cheaper than that. A closer rival could be the Pure Woodland but that’s less portable.

It might not be as adorable as that Roberts but the Sharp Osaka is far more affordable, which makes it tempting.

Value score: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Sharp Osaka? Buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
The Sharp Osaka brings all the DAB radio essentials at a very affordable price.

You want something truly portable
The battery life could be a little better but in exchange, you get a truly lightweight and portable device for putting in your pocket.

You want simplicity
Combining FM and DAB options together saves you from paying too much attention. I’m a fan of this simplicity laziness.

Don't buy it if... 

You want great audio
With a mono speaker, the Sharp Osaka was never going to be class-leading but it can get a little tinny with music compared with talk.

You want great battery life
The Sharp Osaka’s battery life is about average for the price. There are trade-offs for its size and if you’re away from power for a while, this could be an issue.

You don’t need a radio
Potentially an obvious one, but if you need a Bluetooth speaker more than a radio, there are better choices around.

Sharp Osaka review: Also consider

Roberts Revival Petite 2

My favorite DAB radio in recent times, the Roberts is very portable and looks gorgeous, but it all comes at a higher price.

Read our full Roberts Revival Petite 2 review here

Sony XDR-P1

The Sony is harder to find these days but it certainly rivals the Sharp Osaka for size. If you want the big-name brand, this is the closest rival.

Read our full Sony XDR-P1 review here

How I tested the Sharp Osaka

• Used the Sharp Osaka over two weeks
• Listened to DAB radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
• Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment

The Sharp Osaka followed me around the house and the garden. I mostly used it in my home office but I also moved it to the kitchen while I cleaned and the living room while relaxing. On the rare days of good weather, it followed me outdoors for a little bit.

I used it exclusively via the rechargeable battery as it saved me finding a USB port to connect it to. I mostly listened to the radio but once in a while, I listened to some podcasts through my phone. This was typically via Spotify.

Otherwise, there was a lot of Absolute 90s, ranting at LBC, and relaxing with BBC Radio 5 Live.

• Read TechRadar's review guarantee
• First reviewed in March 2025

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