I know it sounds dramatic, but I’m in love with my new VQ Hepburn Mk II DAB Radio and Bluetooth Speaker.

And I don’t say that lightly. You know how bloggers often write “I’m in love with this lipstick” or “this candle changed my life”? I usually roll my eyes. But this time, I genuinely mean it.

This radio has totally won me over — with its sound, its design, and its ease of use. It’s quite possibly the best thing I’ve ever been sent to review.

First impressions: a radio that looks as good as it sounds

When the VQ Hepburn Mk II arrived, even Ben — who’s usually indifferent to the things I review — was intrigued.

He’s a former sound technician, so when he’s impressed by audio quality, you know it’s good. In fact, he was the first to dive in, unpack it, plug it in, and start playing his music through Bluetooth before I’d even had a chance to take photos!

The first thing that struck me was how beautiful it looks. My radio is teal, which happens to match the colour scheme throughout our home. It’s stylish, retro, and high-quality — the kind of thing that turns heads when guests walk into the kitchen.

But if teal isn’t your shade, there are plenty of other colours and patterns — including neutrals, pastels, and even gorgeous Emma Bridgewater floral designs. There’s something to suit every style of home.

Simple setup, even for the non-techy among us

I’ll admit, I’m not the most tech-savvy person. Normally, I leave new gadgets for Ben to set up, then grumble for weeks that I have no idea how to use them. But this time was different.

The VQ Hepburn Mk II couldn’t be easier to use. Setup took all of ten seconds. Plug it in, switch it on, pair your phone via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to go. No complicated menus or frustrating instructions — just instant music.

The buttons might look like there’s a lot going on, but everything’s clearly labelled. Within seconds, I had my playlist blasting through it, admiring the crisp, full sound filling the kitchen.

Sound quality that surprises you

For a compact speaker, the sound quality is genuinely impressive. It’s rich, balanced, and surprisingly powerful. Even at higher volumes, it stays clear — no distortion or tinny echo.

Ben, with his sound technician background, was quick to comment on how balanced it is across different genres. Whether you’re listening to acoustic, pop, or radio talk shows, everything comes through beautifully.

It’s equally good for streaming from Spotify or tuning in to your favourite DAB station. There’s even an FM option if you want it.

Why DAB radio is a total game-changer

Until this radio arrived, I’d never owned a DAB radio. I’d always used the traditional kind that requires endless tuning and adjusting, with crackly stations that fade in and out.

But DAB? It’s like a revelation.

The radio automatically finds all available channels, displays their names on the screen, and delivers clear, consistent sound. There are so many more stations available too — from mainstream to niche, so there’s always something new to discover.

Honestly, my car radio now feels ancient by comparison.

Perfect for every room — or even outdoors

Right now, my VQ Hepburn lives proudly on top of the fridge in our kitchen. It’s the perfect spot — central, visible, and easy to reach when I want to switch from Bluetooth to radio.

But one of my favourite things about this model is that it’s portable. You can plug it in anywhere or pop in a set of batteries and take it with you.

Imagine listening to your playlist while gardening, picnicking at the park, or relaxing on the beach. The freedom to move it around makes it even more practical.

Though, I’ll admit, I’m a little protective of it. It’s so pretty that I can’t bear the thought of scratching or damaging it!

A beautiful mix of retro charm and modern tech

There’s something special about how VQ combines old-school style with modern convenience. The Hepburn Mk II looks like a classic 1950s radio but works seamlessly with today’s tech — DAB, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX.

The build quality feels solid and luxurious, from the smooth faux leather casing to the sturdy handle. It’s not one of those cheap imitation retro gadgets — it’s the real deal in both looks and performance.

Every time I glance at it, it makes me smile. It’s not just a speaker; it’s part of the room’s aesthetic.

The perfect companion for home and travel

If you love music or podcasts, this radio easily becomes part of your daily routine. It’s perfect for background music while cooking, cleaning, or working from home.

You can even use it as a Bluetooth speaker for your phone — ideal for hands-free calls or streaming your favourite playlists.

And because it’s portable, it can come along on road trips, picnics, or holidays. Just add batteries, pack it carefully, and you’ve got music wherever you go.

Final thoughts: totally worth it

I can’t find a single thing I dislike about the VQ Hepburn Mk II. It’s stylish, easy to use, sounds incredible, and fits beautifully into my home decor.

Even Ben, who’s usually unimpressed by my blog reviews, agrees this one’s a keeper.

If you want a radio that does more than just play music — one that brings joy, nostalgia, and modern function together — this is the one.

It’s a great gift idea too, whether for yourself or for someone who loves both design and great sound.

You can find it and browse other designs on the official website: https://www.myvq.co.uk