Best boombox radio: 10 to bring the house down
Contributing Editor
The best boombox radio is an amazing way to demonstrate your love of music. The best sounding boombox instantly pumps up your tunes for an amazing performance.
For most of us, the boombox is as much a style icon as it is a piece of audio history.
Designed to make music portable, without compromising on volume, the best sounding boombox is the perfect addition to any BBQ, house party, or casual event.
If you were around in the 80s, you probably have fond memories of carrying your boombox on your shoulder, listening to your favorite tunes as the bass rattled your eardrums.
Perhaps the best thing about boomboxes is their versatility. You can use your boombox to share your tunes with your friends or listen to it with a headphone jack when you’re chilling at home.
Some of the most modern boomboxes come with a wide variety of music options too.
You can find models with built-in CD players for your music collection, options with Bluetooth streaming, and most importantly, boombox radios.
Today, we’re going to be exploring some of the best products to appear thanks to the unique relationship between radio and boombox technology.
Let’s get this party started.
1. JENSEN CD-490 (best cd boombox)
Boomboxes are all about versatility. The best products are portable, durable, and designed to deliver excellent audio on the move.
The JENSEN CD-490 is a perfect example of what you can achieve with the right tech.
Conveniently sized, this device is small enough you can carry it with you wherever you go without compromising on deep and dramatic sound.
At the same time, the JENSEN gives you a variety of ways to listen from a CD player mode to FM and AM radio.
If you want a wired connection for your smartphone, you can plug in your device with the included aux cable too. With a headphone jack, a range of color options, and an easy-to-read digital display, the CD-490 is full of value.
For a price of around $40, features include:
- Top-loading CD player
- Skip, search, and repeat functions
- Programmable memory
- Lightweight and portable design
- AM/FM radio receiver
- Aux input jack
- Headphone input
- Bright, easy to read display
One of the great things about the JENSEN is how easy it is to take with you wherever you go.
There’s even a durable carry handle included. The rechargeable battery is pretty reliable too.
It’s worth noting this device does lack a little durability. It feels a little cheap in some places, and the aux cable can fall out easily.
Pros:
- CD player included
- Lightweight and portable design
- Headphone input and aux input
- Bright and clear display
Cons:
- Feels flimsy in places
- Aux cable isn’t as reliable as it should be
2. Sony portable Bluetooth (best with USB)
Sony is a popular name in the audio world, not just for boombox radios, but portable devices and home speaker systems too.
This portable device from Sony comes with everything you need to listen to your favorite tunes, from CD playback functionality to Bluetooth audio streaming. You also get a fantastic FM/AM tuner included with a 30 station memory.
One of the things that makes this Sony modern boombox stand out is the USB recording and playback function. You can record music to a USB from a CD or the radio, using the CD Sync feature.
Sony also delivers incredible bass enhancement too, so the depth of your music is even more significant. All that and the battery life lasts up to 26 hours!
For a price of around $190, features include:
- USB recording and playback
- Bluetooth streaming
- AM/FM radio connectivity
- CD player included
- Mega bass enhancement
- LCD display
- 26 hours of battery life
- 30 radio presets
The Sony might not be the most attractive device we saw during our boombox reviews, but it is one of the more reliable.
With a massive battery life and a bunch of presets to get you started, there’s a lot to love about this product.
There’s no remote control or app for managing your music and the volume doesn’t go as high as it could.
Pros:
- 30 radio presets
- 26 hours of battery
- Bluetooth streaming option
- CD player included
- USB recording
Cons:
- Limited volume
- No app or remote control
3. Studebaker SB2149B (best design)
The Studebaker SB2149B stood out among all of our boombox reviews for one thing – appearance.
This is a device that looks somehow modern and retro at the same time with an LED EQ display, so you can play with the sound of your music.
There’s a durable carry handle for portability, bold speakers, and a range of features to explore.
Aside from AM/FM radio and a CD player, the Studebaker also comes with MP3 playback performance, a USB input, and Bluetooth connection too.
You can even choose whether you want to power your device with batteries so you can take it on the move.
At around $150, this isn’t the cheapest boombox radio we’ve seen, but it’s a product you really can’t ignore.
Features include:
- Complete EQ control with LCD screen
- 3-way power with car adapter included
- AM/FM radio
- USB port
- CD player and MP3 playback
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Excellent sound support
One of the things we loved most about this item was how great it sounds for audio lovers.
It’s rare to find a boombox that looks amazing and gives you control over sound quality too.
The EQ settings are easy to use, and there are even fun light features embedded into the boombox for extra visual appeal.
On the downside, the knobs are a little loose in places, so be careful.
Pros:
- Excellent EQ control
- USB port and Bluetooth
- CD player included
- Fantastic aesthetic
- Multiple power options
Cons:
- Lacking some bass performance
- Knobs could be more durable
4. Toshiba TY-ASC20 (best water-resistant)
One of the reasons boombox radios are so popular is that they let you take your music with you wherever you go. Sometimes, that even means braving unpredictable weather patterns.
This high-performance boombox from Toshiba ensures that you’re ready to withstand splashes with an IPX4 resistant design. This means that you don’t need to worry about protecting your device if it rains.
Aside from a durable design, the Toshiba also offers Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream your own music and a USB input too.
You also get FM radio, although AM connectivity isn’t available. The rechargeable battery means that you can listen wirelessly anywhere, and there’s even a microphone input too.
For a price of around $100, features include:
- Rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth connectivity
- IPX4 water resistance rating
- Additional ports for guitar and microphone
- FM radio
- USB input
- Excellent compatibility
One particular bonus of this device is that it’s great for those who like to create their music.
There are a guitar and microphone input for karaoke lovers. Thanks to excellent compatibility, anyone can stream their music in no time.
Figuring out how to use the device is a little tricky, as there aren’t any useful instructions included.
Pros:
- Excellent water resistance
- USB input
- FM radio included
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Microphone and guitar compatibility
Cons:
- Instructions aren’t great
- No CD player
5. Victrola mini (best retro)
If you’re looking for a boombox radio you can fall in love with, then try the Victrola mini. This isn’t the most advanced retro boombox on the market, but it’s one of the most attractive.
We love the fact you can play audio cassettes, if you have a slightly older music collection. Don’t worry; there’s a USB port for your digital songs too.
Aside from a USB port and a charging system, you also get a headphone jack for private listening and AM/FM radio with an analog tuner.
Everything about this radio is appealing, from its dainty design to its portability. We think it would look brilliant in any kitchen or living room.
For a price of around $45, features include:
- AM/FM radio and analog tuner
- USB port with MP3 playback
- Headphone jack
- Battery or AC operated
- Headphone jack
- Cassette tape player
- Portable handle
- Bluetooth connectivity
Ideal for playing older and more modern boombox music collections, the Victrola mini has it all – and for a reasonable price too.
Bluetooth streaming and a USB port mean you can play your own music, while AM/FM radio supports listening to your preferred channels.
On the downside, Bluetooth connections can drop very quickly, and sound quality is a little tinny at higher volumes.
Pros:
- Tape recorder
- USB port
- Bluetooth connection
- Unique retro design
- Battery operated
Cons:
- Tinny sound at high volume
- Bluetooth connection isn’t reliable
6. Ryobi P746 (best rugged option)
Ryobi’s P746 boombox radio is one of the products on our list more designed for workspaces than home use.
This ruggedized device will continue working perfectly wherever you go with a design that withstands knocks and bumps. You can plug the device straight into the wall or use lithium-ion batteries.
There’s an aux port for plugging in your smartphone to listen to your stored songs or you can connect to AM/FM radio.
Ryobi also offers a Bluetooth link for wireless streaming too.
Another big bonus of this boombox radio is it comes with an extra USB charging system for giving your phone a boost of power.
You even get to control the quality of your sound with a convenient EQ management system.
For a price of around $100, features include:
- USB port for charging devices
- Extra speaker inputs
- Built-in equalizer
- Multiple listening options including AM/FM radio
- Bluetooth streaming
- Aux-in cable
- Hybrid power options
- Durable design
If you’re looking for a boombox speaker that will stand the test of time and deliver excellent performance, Ryobi has you covered.
There’s even the option to plug in additional speakers if you want more volume from your device.
One slight issue is the FM reception struggles at times, particularly with such a small antenna.
You might have to adjust the treble when you get this product out of the box.
Pros:
- EQ settings available
- USB port for charging
- Multiple listening options
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Durable design
Cons:
- Treble is a little off at first
- Difficult to connect to FM radio
7. DPNAO boombox radio (best with clock)
Want a boombox radio that helps you manage your schedule as well as keeping you motivated?
The DPNAO portable boombox radio is a multi-function device with FM radio and a CD player.
You get a USB flash drive port for playing your own music, or you can use the aux cable instead.
The included automatic scanning system for your FM radio makes finding the right channels easy.
This device also comes with a remote control, so you can manage your audio from up to six meters away. If you want to avoid any issues with CD skipping, you can use the portable stand to prop your device up as it plays.
DPNOA have even taken the quality of their boombox a step further by including a 24-month warranty and a Hi-Fi stereo system.
For a price of around $70, features include:
- CD player
- USB flash drive player
- Clock and alarm setting
- Snooze function
- Sleep timer
- LCD backlight
- Wall mount or use on your desktop
- FM radio
We love the fact you can place this boombox on your wall if you don’t have any space for it elsewhere in the home.
The alarm clock function with snooze and sleep timer come in handy if you want something for your bedroom. Setting your alarm, however, can be a bit of a pain from awkward controls.
The speakers aren’t quite good enough to deliver much volume.
Pros:
- USB and CD player
- Sleep timer and alarm clock
- Wall mount available
- FM radio connectivity
- Unique design
Cons:
- Not the best user interface
- Limited in volume
8. Pyle Bluetooth boombox radio (best with lights)
As the popularity of boombox radio technology continues to grow, many manufacturers are beginning to experiment with new features and extras to add to their products.
This often includes adding CD players into the mix. Pyle has taken a different approach. This high-performance industrial-style speaker comes with its own interior LED lighting effects.
Along with a unique light show, you also get FM radio and a great Bluetooth connection for streaming at up to 32 feet away.
There’s also an input available for your microphone or guitar so you can play your music through the speaker.
The Pyle comes with everything you need for portability, too, including a detachable carrying belt.
For a price of around $100, features include:
- LED light show
- Bluetooth streaming
- FM radio included
- Huge speaker volume
- Digital amplifier
- Aux-in and USB connectivity
- Microphone and guitar inputs
- Portable design
We loved this Bluetooth radio for a range of reasons.
Not only is it one of the best boombox options we’ve seen, but it’s an excellent addition to any party, thanks to its light show.
The digital screen also makes it easier to sort through your music and find the right channels in a hurry too!
This is quite a bulky device compared to other speakers. The Pyle also doesn’t remember previous Bluetooth pairing settings either.
Pros:
- Great sound quality and bass
- Fun lighting effects
- USB connectivity and aux-in
- Microphone and guitar input
- Bluetooth streaming
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Challenging to figure out the EQ at first
- Settings don’t save
9. LONPOO portable (best budget option)
You don’t need to be rich to get a great boombox radio with Bluetooth and other great features. That’s something the LONPOO Portable CD player and boombox can prove.
This convenient device comes with FM radio connectivity, Bluetooth, a CD player, and MP3 playing features too.
You can choose between plugging your device in to a wall or using batteries for portable listening.
This affordable boombox also comes with an excellent LCD so you can keep track of the CD and radio channels you’re listening to.
For a tiny price of around $50, features include:
- Portable design with carry handle
- Convenient LCD
- Aux-in cable
- CD player
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Programmable CD tracks
- FM radio
- USB port
Although this modern boombox won’t give you the same quality of sound or volume you would expect from some of the market-leading products on the market, it’s a great pick for value.
If you don’t have a lot of cash to spend, but you want a versatile boombox, LONPOO has you covered.
Pros:
- CD player
- USB and aux-in ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Convenient LCD
- FM radio
Cons:
- Poor volume
- Not the best sound quality
10. Dolphin LX-20 (best HD sound)
Sound quality will always be an important feature to think about when shopping for any kind of radio or speaker. Fortunately, this brilliant dolphin boombox radio has you covered.
A leading solution for those in search of a good party speaker, the Dolphin comes with powerful speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and FM radio included. There’s also a USB input too!
These portable speakers are powered by a massive 3000 mAh battery so you can expect up to 10 hours of playtime with no worries.
We were particularly impressed by the unique technology of this portable speaker.
The original Wave sync technology means you can pair multiple devices at once for a stereo experience.
For a price of around $50, features include:
- Powerful speaker performance
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB and SD card slots
- Portable design with a 10-hour battery
- FM radio
- Wave sync technology
- Durable and portable design
- IPX5 splash-proof rating
With a 30-watt amplifier for volume and a fantastic IPX5 rating, you can take this speaker wherever you go and still get a great quality of sound.
You won’t have to worry about a distorted speaker sound when you’re cranking the tunes out at the beach, and there’s less threat of water damage too.
You even get a 30-feet Bluetooth connection range. One downside is the battery can run out a lot faster when the device plays at higher volumes.
Pros:
- Powerful volume
- Excellent Bluetooth connection
- IPX5 splash-proof rating
- Syncing technology included
- Durable and portable design
Cons:
- Runs out of battery when playing at high volumes
Choosing the best boombox radio
Choosing the ultimate radio isn’t easy.
You’ll need to start by asking yourself what kind of features matter most to you. Are you looking for a Boombox radio with Bluetooth, the best retro boombox, or something with a cd player?
You also need to think about budget. There are countless different products out there, and some are more expensive than others.
Hopefully, the boombox reviews you read above will give you some insight into the kind of leading products you can find on the market today.
While you’re conducting your comparisons, we recommend checking out some of the following features:
Power
Boomboxes should always be portable. That means you can share your music with the world, whether you’re at a garden party, or in your house.
Choose something with a great battery life, like the Sony we mentioned above. It might also be worth choosing something with multiple charging options.
The Studebaker SB2149B even features its own car adapter.
Sound quality
Sound quality will always be an essential part of shopping for the best boombox radio. You need something that sounds great at every volume.
Ask yourself whether things like bass boost are essential to you. If they are, take a look at the Pyle Bluetooth boombox radio with its added light-show.
Extra features
What do you want your boombox to do? There are a lot of options out there.
The Ryobi is ideal for people who want peace of mind when listening to music at a job site. You could even consider something like the Victrola mini for its tape recorder functionality.
Design
When you’re looking at system, you’ll need to think about two things.
First of all, how do you want your boombox radio to look? We love the visual appeal of the Studebaker and the Victrola, for instance.
You’ll also need to consider the size of your device and where you’re going to store it. If you don’t have much room at home, a wall-mountable product like the DPNOA could be a great choice
Music options
Aside from FM radio, how do you want to be able to play your music? Do you want an included CD player with your product or a cassette tape player?
Maybe you want to be able to stream your music through Bluetooth or connect your device with a USB port or aux cable.
Finding the best sounding boombox
Clearly, there’s no one-size-fits-all option for the best boombox radio. We recommend starting your search by focusing on sound quality and performance.
If all else fails, you’ll want a radio that sounds amazing. After that, you can think about extra features.
The Dolphin LX-20, for instance, has excellent HD sound to offer.
For aesthetics and sound quality, we loved the Studebaker, with its unique retro design.
On the other hand, for simple volume and outstanding performance, we’d consider having the Pyle Boombox radio in our gardens at home.
Good luck finding the boombox that’s right for you. Don’t forget to check out our other reviews for some extra insights!
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
Just so you know… This article contains affiliate links. The commission we earn helps to cover our costs, and comes at no additional cost to you. For more information on our affiliate program, please refer to our disclosure policy.