Passionate about music and radio? A portable radio is just what you need. And, given the countless varieties available on the market, you may think that it will be easy to choose one. The reality is, however, quite different. And you need to consider quite a few important factors, to make sure that you don’t throw your money out the window.
The radio is a vintage invention that still remains relevant today because of its simplicity of use. Also great for keeping you up to date while you relax and listen, it helps keep and make us feel connected.
But technology has moved on since the day of the ‘wireless’ and the best tabletop radios currently available have upgraded functions, including Wi-fi, Bluetooth and voice command.
So, let’s check out the best tabletop radios on the market, and find out which is the perfect pone for you…
Contents
- Top 10 Best Tabletop Radio For The Money 2023 Reviews
- 1 Grace GDI-WHA6005 Digital Mondo+ Classic Wireless Internet Radio
- 2 Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
- 3 REVO Technologies SuperCD Radio – Best Tabletop Radio with CD Player
- 4 Sangean WR-50P Table Top Stereo Digital Receiver System
- 5 C. Crane CC Radio-2E Enhanced Portable Radio
- 6 Crosley Solo CR3003A AM/FM Radio
- 7 Sony ICF-F10 FM/AM Portable Transistor Radio
- 8 Muzen Portable Wireless High Definition Audio Radio – Best Tabletop Radio with Bluetooth
- 9 Como Audio Solo – Wireless Music System
- 10 Avantree Portable FM Radio with Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Tabletop Radio Buying Guide
- So, What’s The Best Tabletop Radio?
Top 10 Best Tabletop Radio For The Money 2023 Reviews
1
Grace GDI-WHA6005 Digital Mondo+ Classic Wireless Internet Radio
This best tabletop radio has wi-fi that enables it to connect to internet radio. Thus, you get access to hundreds of thousands of worldwide internet radio channels on this device. You can even connect to satellite radio on this unit with its pre-installed iHeartRadio, CBS radio (radio.com), BBC, NPR, and SiriusXM apps.
This unit also has a Bluetooth adaptability feature. So, you can sync this with your phone to get even more flexibility of use. It also includes a digital display and easy to use buttons. For even more convenience, it has a remote control as well.
Keep in time by using its clock (12 and 24 hours), and to make things better, this clock has an alarm feature. The alarm has a volume setting, different tone selections, or could wake you up to your favorite channel. It also features a backlight, which has 30 adjustment features to make for an exact match for any of your needs.
The Grace GDI-WHA6005 is sold in two color variants – black or walnut – to perfectly suit your decor.
Durable, and having a speaker that produces a rich sound output, this tabletop radio is one to look out for.
- Two colors.
- Interactive digital display.
- Adjustable backlight.
- Internet and Satellite radio enabled.
- Allows for phone sync via Bluetooth.
- 12 and 24-hour clock plus Alarm feature.
- Rich speaker output.
- No AM/FM feature.
2
Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
Allowing you access to local radio, internet radio, and satellite radio, this unit keeps you connected in several ways. Nice looks, and proper gloss finish, this ultra-modern tabletop radio is sold in platinum silver and espresso black.
This unit can be voice controlled. It syncs with your Alexa device, and then Alexa can adjust the settings as you please. For even more flexibility, you get an App that can also be used to control the Bose Wave from anywhere. Plus, this best tabletop radio has a remote control if you prefer that to using the App?
The sound quality of this radio is amazing! The exclusive Bose waveguide speaker technology ensures that. This energizes sounds and makes them lifelike and with superior richness.
Also featuring a CD player, simply slot in your discs to listen to songs you love. If the songs are on your phone, then sync both devices via Bluetooth to enjoy your favorite tunes!
Providing you with six preset stations, you can find your favorites with just one-touch. And, if you have more than one Bose Wave system in your home, even better, as they can all be synced to play the same content or individual content. This Bose CD player and radio can serve as the controls panel if you prefer it that way.
Also providing you with a time function, you have all you need in one place.
- Nice design and finish.
- Great sound quality.
- Two cool colors.
- Local radio enabled and internet and satellite radio ready.
- Compatible with Alexa for voice controls.
- Can be controlled via its mobile phone app or by remote control.
- Can be synced with phones via Bluetooth.
- The unit has no buttons. It is only operable by other means.
3
REVO Technologies SuperCD Radio – Best Tabletop Radio with CD Player
The REVO Technologies SuperCD radio is a true classic. And its durable wood casing is given a fine finish, as well as the frontal frame and is available in either silver or black.
This best tabletop radio with cd player receives DAB, DAB+ and FM tuner frequencies. It also has a wi-fi connectivity option with which you can access an endless stream of internet radio stations. It also allows you to sync with your phone via Bluetooth, and play any additional content with its speakers.
The REVO radio promises the perfect phone/radio stream as it uses Qualcomm aptX technology. This technology is top of the line and will not cause breaks, skips, or crackles to your audio while you are listening to it. As mentioned, you also get a CD slot, so you can play any of your collection of CD whenever you fancy
Under its wood-cabinet enclosure is anodized aluminum and mild steel for durability, so this should be playing you great music for many years to come. It comes with a long range remote control to make changing settings easier, and it even features a joystick for even faster controls if need be.
Sound wise; its 40-watt speaker gives you a great sound that is envied by most other products. And, as a nice little extra, a cleaning cloth is also included in the box of this best tabletop radio and cd player.
- Nice design and finish and available in two colors.
- Manufactured from top grade materials.
- Local station and internet radio compatible.
- Can sync with your phone Bluetooth to play content from your mobile.
- A CD slot is provided.
- Remote control and Joystick for faster controls.
- Rich speaker output.
- Limited use to a few factory-preset internet radio stations.
4
Sangean WR-50P Table Top Stereo Digital Receiver System
The Sangean WR-50P tabletop radio set is sold in a single piece unit with an in-built medium-range speaker. For music lovers, however, there is the option of adding a larger speaker (the size of the unit) for a higher quality fuller range output. Both components sync wirelessly, and will not add any clutter to your home as a result.
This best tabletop radio is AM and FM compatible. For easy use, you can preset up to 9 AM and 9 FM stations for one-touch future access. This simplicity of use makes it the favorite for most users.
Even better, this radio also has a backlight feature with four brightness settings. This allows for all-the-time visibility and user convenience. On the screen though, aside from basic radio station display, you will also get a clock as a standby feature.
This clock can be set to an alarm time to wake you. The alarm even has a sleep timer for the radio if you want it to shut down a certain time after you start dozing. Like a normal alarm too, it has a snooze function, just in case.
Allowing as well for Bluetooth sync and auxiliary connectivity, it can play audio from all of your mobile and portable devices. The speaker has an in-built subwoofer, so if its bass you want, you got it. You can do as you please; you get full control of the bass and treble, giving you the exact sound you like.
For even further flexibility, you as well get a remote control.
- Wireless radio/speaker connectivity with the additional speaker.
- In-built subwoofer for bigger bass.
- Treble and bass adjustment.
- Eighteen presettable stations for easy station access.
- Auto sleep setting and Alarm with an added snooze button.
- Remote control.
- Syncs with your mobile phone to stream content.
- No wi-fi feature for direct internet radio streaming.
5
C. Crane CC Radio-2E Enhanced Portable Radio
The C. Crane CC radio uses a patented twin-coil ferrite antenna to give you superior AM receptivity. The FM as well is not left out as it too has long-range reception and boasts superior audio clarity. It can also pick up emergency channel frequencies. It has a 2-meter ham band that effectively picks up these high-frequency transmissions. Also on the high-frequency transmission range are weather channels that you sure need to tune in to.
For ease of use, you can preset five stations on this radio for single touch access. And, this best tabletop radio has a clock that tells the time in standby mode. It also has an alarm and a sleep timer that auto shuts down your radio at the set time.
Featuring an adjustable brightness display as well, you can use this radio anytime. It requires little power to run, so you will not be left stranded by a dead battery. Where there is a mains outlet, however, you could also plug in your unit!
Simply plug in your headset to the headphone jack. Want to get grooving? The adjustable bass and treble will let you pick out just the right sound for your preferred music.
This radio is portable and has an integrated handle for easy movement.
- Patented twin-coil ferrite antenna for superior AM receptivity.
- Long-range FM reception.
- Wide frequency range.
- Five preset station setting for easy access.
- Alarm and Auto shut off feature.
- A headphone jack space is provided with this unit.
- Adjustable bass and treble settings.
- Not internet radio enabled.
6
Crosley Solo CR3003A AM/FM Radio
Just about the simplest unit to use in this review, this best tabletop radio can be used by both the elderly and youngsters alike. As opposed to other units that have been influenced by the digital revolution, this radio set has not. It has an analog display and uses knob dials for selecting channels.
The Crosley Solo has a wide frequency range. It is also AM and FM compatible to give you even more channel options.
Not as ancient as it may seem, this unit uses AroundSound technology to give you superior sound output. It also features an auxiliary audio jack to connect other devices. Therefore, you can use it to play all your top tunes from your smartphone, MP3 player, or whatever?
- Easy to use.
- Wide frequency range.
- AM and FM ready.
- The AroundSound technology-infused speakers give a nice sound output.
- Allows for auxiliary connectivity to play media from your mobile devices.
- No Bluetooth phone sync feature.
- The wires are not the most convenient to use.
7
Sony ICF-F10 FM/AM Portable Transistor Radio
Built for the road, you can take this portable radio everywhere you go. It works entirely on batteries and is lightweight for easy movement. To make things even easier, there is also a carry strap attached to the unit.
The unit requires little power to run, so your batteries will last a very long time. Holding up for well over a week of constant use.
This unit is easy to use as it features knob controls. Simply turn it to tune in to your favorite channel. The volume is as well the knob type to make this unit easy to understand by both old and young alike.
Also featuring a ferrite bar telescopic antenna, you can be assured of the superior reception of this unit. To cap it all, it also has an input jack for headphone or external speaker connectivity.
- Lightweight for easy transport.
- Features a carry strap.
- Low battery consumption.
- Easy to use.
- Ferrite bar telescopic antenna for superior receptivity.
- Headphone jack ready.
- The small manual readings make it difficult to tune in to stations properly.
- Not internet radio compatible.
8
Muzen Portable Wireless High Definition Audio Radio – Best Tabletop Radio with Bluetooth
“Retro unit with a classic ultramodern design.” That’s the Muzen portable radio. This radio set is sold in a variety of five colors – lavender, rosewood, blue, green or white – to perfectly match your style or decor.
With this best tabletop radio, you get a handcrafted woven bag and a travel case. These allow for over the shoulder carrying, and suitcase-style carrying respectively.
To add to its efficiency, this unit auto recharges when plugged to a mains outlet. The in-built battery will last for up to 8 hours, so no worries. And, what is even more amazing is that it takes less than three hours to charge.
Manufactured with Rosewood for durability, this material is also responsible for its superior aesthetic value. Both carrying cases also included with the Muzen radio are made of leather, so it beautifully compliments your units looks.
This tabletop radio has amazing sound quality. It produces a rich, clear sound. Winner of the 2017 CES Innovation Awards (sound category), you can be absolutely sure of that.
Also compatible with phone sync via Bluetooth, this unit can play a lot more content past its in-built FM range. The Bluetooth range is long and works up to a distance of 33 feet. It also connects automatically with recently used devices, so no stress there. It even has an auxiliary feature for wider connectivity range with other non-Bluetooth enabled devices.
The radio has a large analog display and large knobs. Old or young, you will have no problem finding a way around this unit.
- Great sound quality; CES Innovation Award 2017 winner.
- Five color variants.
- Handcrafted shoulder sling bag and travel case for suitcase-style carrying included.
- Rosewood wood structure for durability and superior aesthetics.
- Leather carrying cases.
- Rechargeable battery feature.
- Syncs with phone via Bluetooth to play all media content.
- Long Bluetooth range with auto connect.
- No AM radio feature.
9
Como Audio Solo – Wireless Music System
Manufactured with a furniture-grade wood finish, the Como Audio Solo has a high aesthetic value. It is also sold in any of four colors to match your individual needs.
This unit has the option of presetting six channels for fast and easy access. It has a wi-fi connectivity feature, so will receive internet radio channels as well. Locally, it receives FM frequency channels to keep you up to date.
Also, Bluetooth enabled, you can sync your mobile phone with this best tabletop radio. Alternatively, you have the option to connect via USB cable or its auxiliary port to sync with other devices if you prefer. The USB cable allows for flash drive connectivity, and media playing.
This unit can also be synced with your Alexa device. You can give Alexa full control and have her control the radio set as you please. If you do not have an Alexa device, then the included remote will do just fine as it too, works from a distance.
Or you could use the Como Control Android/iOs app that allows you the flexibility of making a selection or setting from anywhere.
It also has a standby clock, and alarm so offers you more practicality of its use. And, the speaker delivers a great sound, so you can enjoy your music in style.
Built to last, the Como Audio Solo is one that you should really look out for.
- Nice design and finish with four colors.
- Internet and local radio ready.
- Compatible with Alexa for voice controls.
- Allows for phone sync via Bluetooth.
- Remote control.
- Rich speaker output.
- USB and Auxiliary connectivity.
- App access to your radios features for easy control.
- Standby clock and Alarm feature.
- No AM radio range.
10
Avantree Portable FM Radio with Bluetooth Speaker
The Avantree radio is rechargeable to give you a very versatile product. It is also lightweight and has a carrying strap so is easy to move about. Also easy to operate, this best tabletop radio is an all in one.
The Aventree uses an auto scan system. Simply scan and save the station frequencies. Afterward, much like you would select music tracks on a CD player, press the next and previous buttons to move up and down between saved stations. For specific stations, it provides you with an option for punching in your desired radio frequency (e.g., 947 for 94.7 FM).
There’s more…
You can also stream content from your mobile device by syncing with Bluetooth. It also features a micro SD slot for direct media playing from your memory card.
Providing you with a 24-month warranty, you can have full confidence in the quality of this tabletop radio set.
- Lightweight for easy transport.
- Carrying strap included.
- The auto scan-then-save feature makes it easy to operate.
- Backlit digital LED display.
- Bluetooth connectivity feature to play mobile media content.
- Micro SD card is compatible.
- 24-month warranty.
- No AM radio.
Best Tabletop Radio Buying Guide
Here are a few tips that will help you make the best out of your purchase:
Design
While your tabletop radio is specially intended to be placed on your table, having a movable unit is not a bad idea. That way, you can use it during a trip, you can also listen to it in your garden, or anywhere in your home, by taking it with you wherever you go.
In any case, having a model with an elegant and practical design is always important. Some models have a classic design, and others have an innovative aesthetic side and ultra modern looks. Check out a color and design type that pleases you.
Most importantly, for the movable units, it should have special features like an integrated or carrying handle for easy movement.
The mobile unit, however, should be battery efficient. Even better: rechargeable. This will save you a lot of money over the years of use.
Analog or Digital Display?
With an analog tuner, the selection of stations is made by means of a potentiometer or a wheel that activates a pointer along a graduated scale indicating the frequencies. But, the stations cannot be memorized.
With a digital tuner, searching for a station is done automatically or manually very precisely. The frequency is displayed on an LCD screen, and several stations can be memorized. The RDS function is used to display the name of the received station in full.
Whichever you choose, the main thing to look out for is the clarity. While several analog tabletop radios have this problem, a lot of the best tabletop radios have large, easy to read numbers, that are easier to work with.
If your choice is the digital type, then ensure that it has a backlight feature for day and night use. Also, note other features like a standby clock and an alarm. These are only obtainable on the digital display models and should be looked out for because you never know when you may have a need for them.
The Sound
It’s always nice to listen to music with the best sound quality possible. Make a pick according to your needs. But, a system with high sound quality is the best choice, even though they usually come at a higher cost.
A tabletop radio can provide you with various options.
They can act as a standard radio and allow you to access different stations to listen to programs or music. However, they can also allow you to listen to items stored on your smartphone, USB key, SD card, or Compact Disc. In each case, the radio needs to have inputs allowing you to connect it to these devices. Some even sync with your home Alexa device for voice controlled activation and selections.
These features are quite important to look out for if you have a specific need for them.
In the most general sense though, buying a unit with either a Bluetooth connectivity feature or an auxiliary feature is the most flexible. This connection type will open up a new world of entertainment to you.
For example, if you sync your phone to a non-internet enabled radio set, you can use your phone to access this content and play it on your radio.
So, What’s The Best Tabletop Radio?
There is probably no better way to relax than by listening to some music. For some reason, it just calms your nerves and puts everything into place. Amongst its many attributes though, it is also a vital way to keep up to date with current happenings and be aware of worldwide events in real time.
Not just for radio listening pleasure, tabletop radios also play media content, tell the time, and can be preset to wake you up. They thus are very practical in every sense.
We hope our best tabletop radio review has been of help. If you have not already, we recommend that you go through our buying guide. In it are helpful tips that will help you make the best out of your purchase.
Our pick as the overall best Tabletop Radio, however, goes to the…
It’s a nice design and top of the line speaker delivers a quality sound. Also sold in five colors, there sure is one for everyone. It has a leather shoulder strap for easy carrying and another for hand carrying. Durable, and with a likewise durable fast charging rechargeable battery, it is an all in one.
Even more, the Muzen radio is the best tabletop radio with Bluetooth. It is also included with an auxiliary connection port for smartphones and a wide range of other devices. The radio is easy to use, and is bold enough to be seen and understood by all; old or young!
A practical and efficient product through and through! Highly recommended!