Six ways to listen to the radio online
- Written by David Beard
- Posted: 7 July 2025
If you’re blind or partially-sighted, the radio can be a lifeline to world. But – faced with a broad range of online services that all do slightly different things - getting started listening to online radio on your phone or Alexa device can be daunting.
This quick guide provides a summary of some of the most popular radio streaming services, what they offer and how you can get started.
Read our run down of some of the most popular services available to listen to a host of UK and international commercial and BBC radio using your phone, computer or Alexa device. Find out what it costs and anything else you might need to bear in mind before you get going.
Get help from our team
If you've used our Speech Radio app in the past and want help moving to other online audio streaming services, we're here to help. We recognise that navigating the array of platforms, apps and services can be daunting.
Please email dave@blind.org.uk and he will be happy to provide one-to-one advice to get set up and get listening.
TuneIn Radio
TuneIn Radio is a global audio streaming service that provides access to a vast library of radio stations, podcasts, and live sports, as well as on-demand programming.
The app and Alexa skill provides access to catalogue of more than 100,000 radio stations, including UK staples like Classic FM, Capital, Heart, Smooth Radio and more. UK users won’t be able to access BBC stations via TuneIn though.
TuneIn Radio at a glance
Is it accessible?
TuneIn Radio works with screen readers, including the Voiceover or TalkBack features on your smartphone. You can also listen with Alexa.
What does it cost?
Free or go Premium for £69.52 for less ads and access live sports.
Do I need to sign in?
To use the basic version, no sign in is necessary. But you’ll need an account if you want to go premium.
Listen to TuneIn Radio
Or, to listen with Alexa, say: “Alexa, open TuneIn Live”
BBC Sounds
Get every BBC Radio station live or listen to your favourite podcasts or ‘music mixes’. BBC Sounds offers a range of local and national stations, a range of on demand programmes, as well as more than 1,000 podcasts. It also provides audio described content and content for children.
This being a BBC service, you’ll need to go somewhere else for your commercial stations though.
BBC Sounds at a glance
Is it accessible?
BBC Sounds is built to be accessible with screen readers including VoiceOver or TalkBack features on smartphones. The desktop version is keyboard navigable. You can also listen with Alexa.
What does it cost?
Because it’s the BBC, it’s free and has no ads.
Do I need to sign in?
Yes, you’ll need to create an account to use BBC Sounds.
Listen to BBC Sounds
Or, to listen with Alexa say, “Alexa, open BBC Sounds”
UK RadioPlayer
UK RadioPlayer is a non-profit partnership between the BBC and commercial radio. By bringing together both BBC channels and commercial stations like Heart, Capital, Kiss, Absolute Radio, Jazz FM and talkSPORT, the aim is to make listening to the radio simple—particularly for people using internet-connected devices.
Since 2023, users have been re-directed to BBC Sounds when listening to BBC content via UK RadioPlayer.
UK RadioPlayer at a glance
Is it accessible?
RadioPlayer should be accessible when using screenreaders, although some iOS users have reported VoiceOver issues. You can also listen with Alexa.
What does it cost?
It’s free and you’ll only get the normal ads you get when listening to commercial radio stations.
Do I need to sign in?
You don’t need an account to listen to UK RadioPlayer, but you will be re-directed to BBC Sounds and asked to sign when listening to any BBC stations.
Or, to listen with Alexa, say, “Alexa, open RadioPlayer”
Other online radio providers
There are a host of other online radio players out there, catering to different needs. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to find the right service for your needs, so here are a few more services you could explore.
myTuner Radio
More than 50,000 International and UK commercial and BBC stations (you’ll be redirected to BBC Sounds). It’s free with ads, but you’ll have to upgrade to listen ad-free. It’s generally useable with your accessibility features on your phone, but there have been some reports of unlabelled controls.
Get it on the Play Store (Android)
Or, to listen with Alexa, say: “Alexa, open myTuner Radio”
Simple Radio
Created with the express aim of simplifying online radio listening, Simple Radio provides more than 75,000 international, and UK commercial and BBC stations (again, you’ll be redirected to BBC Sounds). You can use Simple Radio Free or sign up to the premium version to remove ads. It’s broadly accessible using the features on your smart phone.
Get it on the Play Store (Android)
Or, to listen with Alexa, say: “Alexa, open Simple Radio”
Get Me Radio!
A truly international catalogue of radio stations from hundreds of countries. You won’t get BBC or many of the big commercial stations, but there are lots of more specialist and less mainstream listening options. It’s free, but you’ll get some ads in return. Again, it’s broadly accessible using your smart phone.
Get it on the Play Store (Android)
Or, to listen with Alexa, say: “Alexa, open Get me Radio”
Share your experiences
If you're new to internet radio, listening to the radio online can be daunting, but once you get going the rewards can be great. What's your experience of using online radio platforms and apps? What's your favourite and how have you overcome pitfalls that can exist for users living with sight loss? Please email dave@blind.org.uk to share your tips and experiences. Your feedback will help us make sure that we're offering the best advice and support for our community.
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