More stations
Many stations broadcast only on DAB+, such as dedicated jazz, classical or folk music channels. Most FM stations are on DAB+ too.
Digital radio for older cars
DAB+ radio retrofit for your car
More stations, noise-free sound and song info on screen: we retrofit DAB+ into your car – built into a new touchscreen or as an adapter for your existing radio, with pickup and return if you like.
- More stations, clearer sound
- New display or adapter
- Pickup & return
- 2-year warranty
Complete fromCHF 690incl. device, installation & pickup
DAB+ retrofit: digital radio for older cars
Many cars built between 2000 and 2018 only receive FM. With a DAB+ retrofit, you hear most of your usual stations in digital quality without hiss – plus plenty of stations you can't get on FM at all. At Auto Upgrade we add DAB+ either as part of a new touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or as a compact adapter if you'd rather keep your original radio.
We check your car free of charge, recommend the right solution and send a written fixed-price quote within 24 hours (working days). If you like, we collect your car – free in Zurich and Zug, further afield from CHF 49 – install DAB+ including the aerial and usually bring it back the same day. See how it works.
What DAB+ brings to your daily drive
Clear sound
No hiss, no crackle. Being digital, though, the sound briefly drops out instead of hissing when the signal gets too weak.
Station and song info
Station name, artist and track title appear on the screen – with some stations and devices, logos or album art too.
No retuning
Stations with wider coverage stay tuned right across German-speaking Switzerland. Regional stations stay regional, just as on FM.
On holiday too
DAB+ is widespread in Germany, Austria, Italy and beyond. After the border, simply run a new station scan.
No mobile data
Unlike web radio, DAB+ needs no phone or mobile signal – handy where reception is patchy and abroad, where roaming can be costly.
FM and DAB+ – where do things stand?
FM radio – UKW in German – has made plenty of headlines in Switzerland in recent years. The current situation in brief:
- The SRG, Switzerland's public broadcaster, switched off its FM transmitters at the end of 2024.
- In December 2025, Parliament decided to keep FM. The Federal Council now grants FM licences until the end of 2034.
- The SRG is returning to FM with a few stations, expected from autumn 2026.
So your current car radio keeps working and nobody has to retrofit DAB+ – but it's still worth it for more choice, better sound and song info. Our displays with DAB+ also receive FM, so you're covered either way.
Three ways to get DAB+ in your car
The right option depends on whether you want a new display anyway or would rather keep your original radio.
Included in Comfort and Premium
DAB+ with aerial comes as standard, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a QLED display and DSP sound settings. Comfort from CHF 890.
Compare packagesAdd-on to the Essential package
Choose the entry package with CarPlay and Android Auto and add DAB+ for CHF 149, installation included.
See pricesAdapter for your existing radio
Keep your original radio and add DAB+ via a compact adapter – from CHF 249. Ideal for modern classics, or if digital radio is all you need.
Request a quoteNew display or adapter? A quick comparison
| DAB+ in a new display | DAB+ adapter | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | touchscreen with station list | small separate control unit |
| Station and song info | large, on the display | on the control unit |
| Sound | digital, straight into the unit | good via AUX, weaker via FM transmitter |
| Steering-wheel buttons | depending on the car | usually not |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | No |
| Original radio stays in the car | No | Yes |
| Price | Comfort from CHF 890 or Essential + CHF 149 | from CHF 249 |
With a new display, you get your original radio back – it can be refitted at any time.
DAB+ for your existing radio: the honest version
The DAB+ adapter is a good choice if you want to keep your original radio – in a modern classic, a car with the radio built into the dashboard, or if you simply want digital radio. What to expect:
- Operation: you choose stations on a small, separate control unit with its own display, mounted within easy reach and clear of your view and the airbags.
- Sound via AUX: if your radio has an AUX input (an audio input for a cable), the sound goes straight in. This gives clearly better sound.
- Sound via FM transmitter: without AUX, the adapter sends the audio to your radio on a free FM frequency. It works, but sounds less clean and can occasionally pick up interference.
- Steering-wheel buttons usually can't control the adapter, and song info appears on the control unit, not the radio display.
We'll tell you which option works in your car during the free check. If you're considering CarPlay or navigation anyway, a package with DAB+ is usually the more complete solution.
Aerial and reception: what matters
Good DAB+ reception stands or falls with the aerial (antenna). Depending on the car, we use one of two solutions:
Film aerial on the windscreen
A thin adhesive aerial on the inside edge of the windscreen, barely visible, with the cable hidden behind the A-pillar trim. Less suitable for coated or heated windscreens.
Splitter for the roof aerial
A splitter divides the signal from your existing roof aerial between FM and DAB+, so nothing changes on the outside. We check beforehand whether your roof aerial is suitable.
What about tunnels?
Many Swiss tunnels have DAB+ coverage, but not all; it depends mainly on how each tunnel is equipped.
Prices: DAB+ in our packages
DAB+ is included in Comfort and Premium; with Essential, you can add it for CHF 149.
Essential
The smart start
from CHF 690
A large touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto — everything you need every day.
Request this packageMost popular
Comfort
More speed, better sound
from CHF 890
Faster hardware, a brilliant QLED screen and DAB+ digital radio included.
Request this packagePremium
The complete upgrade
from CHF 1,190
The largest display that fits, top hardware and an HD reversing camera included.
Request this packageYour car already has a factory screen? Original look from CHF 790 · Factory screen stays · Learn more
"From" prices: the final price depends on your car (e.g. a sound-system adapter) and is stated bindingly in your quote — no surprises.
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Learn moreDAB+ in your car: frequently asked questions
Is FM being switched off in Switzerland?
Not as things stand. The SRG did switch off its FM transmitters at the end of 2024, but in December 2025 Parliament decided to keep FM: licences are now granted until the end of 2034, and the SRG is expected to return to FM with a few stations from autumn 2026.
How much does a DAB+ retrofit cost?
DAB+ is included in the Comfort (from CHF 890) and Premium (from CHF 1,190) packages. With Essential it costs CHF 149; the adapter for your existing radio starts from CHF 249. Your binding fixed price is in the quote.
Can I add DAB+ and keep my original radio?
In most cases, yes – with the DAB+ adapter, operated via a small control unit. Depending on the car, the sound goes through AUX (better quality) or an FM transmitter; we'll see which during the check.
Do you need to drill a hole for the DAB+ aerial?
As a rule, no. We use either a film aerial on the inside of the windscreen or connect to your existing roof aerial via a splitter.
Does DAB+ work abroad?
Yes. DAB+ is a European standard and widespread in Germany, Austria and Italy, among others. Abroad you receive the local stations – just run a new scan after crossing the border.
How good is reception in tunnels and valleys?
DAB+ coverage in Switzerland is well developed, and many tunnels are covered – whether a particular one is depends on its equipment. In remote valleys, reception can be weaker – as with FM. More answers in our FAQ.
Get DAB+ for your car
Send us your make, model and year – you'll receive a fixed-price quote for DAB+ in your car within 24 hours (working days).