Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio with WLAN & DAB+, Black (Each)

The Ruark Audio R1S is a compact mono smart radio that combines WLAN streaming, internet radio and DAB+/FM in a single tabletop unit.

The R1S is the connected evolution of Ruark's classic R1: the same handy cabinet with a hand-finished wooden slat grille, the same RotoDial on top – but inside, a colour TFT display and a WLAN module that bring Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and internet radio from around the world straight into the unit. Small enough for the nightstand, good enough for the living room.

Why the Ruark R1S?

Because it combines the best of two worlds: the simplicity of a radio and the convenience of a streamer. A 75 mm Ruark NS+ driver and a linear 9-watt Class A/B amplifier with adaptive tone control sit in a bass-tuned cabinet – sounding surprisingly full and warm for its size. Add DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS and internet radio, WLAN streaming and Bluetooth 5.2 for everything else. USB-C, an aux input and a headphone output are also on board.

What you hear

Surprisingly much for a mono unit of this size: voices sit clear and present in the room, pop comes through crisp, and the bass reaches deeper than you'd expect from the small cabinet (frequency response from 55 Hz). This isn't a stereo replacement with spatial imaging – but exactly the characterful, full-bodied sound that effortlessly fills a kitchen, bedroom or study. It's precisely this mix of clarity, detail and playfulness that earned it the award for best internet radio at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025.

Who is the Ruark R1S for?

Plain talk: the R1S is for you if you want a beautiful, well-made unit that wakes you up in the morning, keeps you company while cooking and plays your streaming services and internet radio directly along the way – without a detour via your phone. It's less suited to you if you're after true stereo with spatial imaging (then the R2 is the better choice) or if you want to do entirely without WLAN – then the more affordable R1 MK4 will do.

Our verdict

The R1S is the logical evolution of a classic: all the strengths of the original, plus streaming and internet radio – and all in a cabinet you'll enjoy looking at and touching every day. That What Hi-Fi? named it best internet radio doesn't surprise us. If you're unsure whether the R1S, R1 MK4 or R2 fits your everyday life, tell us a bit about it – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will help you decide.

Technical data

• Type: compact smart radio (mono) with WLAN
• Amplifier: Class A/B, 9 W (linear); adaptive tone control
• Driver: 75 mm Ruark NS+; bass-tuned cabinet
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Radio: DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS, internet radio (8 presets per mode)
• Streaming: Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, podcasts
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth: version 5.2 (up to 6 devices paired)
• Inputs: aux line-in (3.5 mm), USB-C (playback & charging, FAT32)
• Output: headphone (3.5 mm)
• Display: colour TFT with automatic brightness adjustment
• Controls: RotoDial; Ruark app (iOS/Android); remote control optional
• Extras: two alarm times, sleep timer, auto standby; telescopic antenna
• Power supply: mains (plug-in power adapter)
• Cabinet colour: Black (Charcoal) with wooden slat grille
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 13.0 × 17.5 × 13.5 cm
• Weight: 1.6 kg
• Warranty: 2 years (Swiss warranty via Timeless Products)
• In the box: R1S, plug-in power adapter, quick-start guide

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the R1S and the R1 MK4?
The R1S has WLAN and plays Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and internet radio directly; the R1 MK4 only streams via Bluetooth from your phone. Cabinet, NS+ driver and RotoDial control are the same on both. If you want streaming without the detour via your phone, go for the R1S.

Which streaming services does the R1S support?
Built in directly are Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer, plus internet radio from around the world and podcasts. Via Bluetooth 5.2, any other service runs from your phone or tablet. The R1S also receives DAB, DAB+ and FM the classic way. So there's plenty to listen to even without a subscription.

Does the R1S play in stereo?
No, the R1S is a mono unit with one NS+ driver – but it sounds surprisingly full-bodied and bass-rich for its size. If you want true stereo with spatial imaging, the R2 MK4 or a larger Ruark system is the better choice. We're happy to help you decide.

Is the R1S suitable for the bedroom?
Very much so. The colour display dims automatically according to ambient light, there are two alarm times, a sleep timer and auto standby. At 13.0 × 17.5 × 13.5 cm it fits on any nightstand and can be operated blind via the RotoDial – no need to reach for your phone.

Why buy the Ruark R1S at HD Zürisee?
Because we put the excellent R1S in the right context: we'll tell you honestly whether it fits your everyday life – or whether the R1 MK4 or R2 would suit you better. We advise you personally rather than via a hotline and deliver to the region on request. Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Want more music around the house? If you're after a second unit for multiroom or a bigger system, browse the all-in-one systems – from the R2 MK4 to the large Ruark consoles. A tidy aux or power cable rounds things off.