The best stereo system: Our top 9 for spectacular sound

1. Yamaha MCR-B020BL (best mini stereo system)

If you love high-quality music and radio, but you don’t have a lot of space in your home, we’ve got just the thing. This compact stereo system from Yamaha is one of the most appealing audio systems on the market. 

It comes with a CD player, AM and FM radio, and a Bluetooth connection for wireless streaming. 

All that, and the device is still small enough to fit in virtually any room or cabinet. 

The mini Yamaha stereo system comes with detachable speakers so that you can arrange the system according to your space requirements. 

There’s an aux input for connecting to a computer or external music system. Plus, you can charge your devices with the Yamaha through the included USB ports. 

You even get a remote control to manage your music from a distance. 

For a very reasonable price of around $200, features include:

• CD player 
• AM/FM radio
• Bluetooth for wireless streaming
• Aux input connections
• USB port for mobile device charging
• Remote control 
• Compact design to fit in any living space
• Large diameter speaker for full-room sound
• Extra support for bass

If you’re looking for a big listening experience in a small package, this stereo system from Yamaha could be the answer. 

You get fantastic sound quality, from a device that’s small and unobtrusive enough to work well in any home. 

Unfortunately, the CD player does have a habit of jamming at times. 

Another issue is that you need to turn the device every time you want to switch CDs, which is a bit of a hassle. 

2. Sharp CD-BH950 (best CD stereo system)

Why settle for a stereo system with a single CD player when you can have a device capable of taking up to 5 CDs at once? 

The Sharp CD-BH950 is one of the most versatile CD stereo system products we’ve seen. 

Offering the option to load and swap between five CDs at a time, there’s no limit to what you can do. There’s even a vintage cassette tape tray included for other music collections. 

If some of your content is digital, then you can switch on Bluetooth and stream from any device. You’ll also have an audio line-in for music and a USB port too. 

It’s worth reading through the full instruction manual before you get started so you know how to use everything properly. 

For an impressive price of around $200, features include:

• 5 CD trays 
• Cassette tape tray
• Support for CDs, WMA, and MP3s
• Bluetooth streaming 
• Digital FM/AM tuner with 40 pre-sets
• Optional subwoofer
• Audio line-in and USB-in
• Remote control

The Sharp 5-disc stereo system is a versatile and reliable piece of audio equipment. 

Whether you’re looking to play multiple CDs at once, or you just want to tune into the radio, Sharp has you covered. 

One slight issue is the CD player doesn’t always work as well as it should. You may need to spend some time figuring out how everything operates. Plus, the remote can be complicated to use.

3. KEiiD compact stereo system (best multi-functional)

Compact stereo systems today can accomplish a lot more than you might expect. You can find Bluetooth stereo system products that also operate as portable speakers, for instance. 

The KEiiD is a stereo system combining incredible Hi-Fi audio with the option to use your kit as a TV soundbar. Just connect to the TV via an aux cable, and you’re ready to go. 

There’s a built-in microphone so you can control your device with a smart speaker. Plus, you also get a CD player included, Bluetooth streaming, and FM radio too. 

Unfortunately, there’s no AM radio, but you could always play other channels via your Bluetooth connection. 

For a price of around $220, the KEiiD comes with lots of functionality, including:

• Real wooden surround
• Hi-Fi sound speakers
• CD support included
• Treble and bass components
• FM radio 
• Memory play with pre-sets
• Built-in Bluetooth 
• Microphone for smart control
• USB, and aux port

This is a highly versatile stereo system with lots of features to explore. 

The HD display shows you what you’re listening to, and you can plug your product in and use it as a sound bar. There’s even an EQ system so you can control things like bass and treble. 

One slight issue is the remote doesn’t handle more than 10 feet very well. It’s also a shame that you don’t get AM reception.

4. NAXA Electronics NPB-426 (best portable)

The best stereo system hasn’t always been the most portable device. 

Although companies have sold compact stereo systems for many years now, the multi-component structure of a stereo means carrying everything around is often a hassle. That doesn’t have to be the case with the NAXA Electronics NPB-426. 

This compact stereo system comes with a cassette player, recorder, and AM/FM radio. On top of all that, you get twin detachable speakers, and a carry handle. 

Created for people who want to take their music on the go, the NAXA Electronics is one of the best mini stereo system choices we’ve seen. 

There’s a CD player, and a bass boost so you can really get the most out of your audio quality. 

For a price of around $55, features include:

• AM/FM radio
• CD player included
• Cassette tape player
• Bass boost option
• 2-way power choice
• Wireless stereo system performance
• Removable speakers
• Carry handle

Convenient and easy to carry, this CD stereo system gives you everything you need in a neat package. 

Although the sound quality leaves something to be desired – particularly at high volumes – it’s a great product for the price tag. 

It would be nice to have something that feels a little more durable though. Carrying a flimsy stereo system might leave you feeling a bit nervous. 

5. Bose Wave System IV (best all-in-one)

If you’re looking for the best mini stereo system that won’t compromise on power, performance, or sound quality, you can’t go wrong with Bose. 

Although this compact stereo system isn’t the cheapest product on the market, it is one of the most dependable. Offering the perfect blend of elegant simplicity and amazing audio, the Bose has it all. 

There’s only one component to think about, which means you don’t have to take up too much room in your home. The Bose Wave system can play anything from CDs, to AM/FM radio. 

The whole product sets up in a matter of seconds, and you can even set up to 6 pre-sets for both AM and FM stations. 

For a price of around $400, features include:

• Beautiful all-in-one system
• Acclaimed performance with digital electronics
• Compact stereo system footprint
• Tiny high-performance remote control
• Multiple radio pre-set options
• Clock settings and alarm features
• CD player and MP3 player
• Easy touch-top control

Oddly, there doesn’t seem to be any Bluetooth option with the Bose system, particularly when you consider the high price tag. You can, however, play your own music through an aux cable, so it’s not a total loss. 

We also love the fact there are multiple alarms available with this product so you can use it in your bedroom. 

If you want high-level audio and you don’t mind paying more for it, this could be the mini stereo system for you. 

6. Philips FX10 (best Bluetooth stereo system)

If you want a stereo system that looks great, sounds better, and can play your own music, Philips has you covered. 

This FX10 stereo system comes with a CD player, USB, MP3 access, and an FM radio. 

You can stream music wirelessly from your smartphone via Bluetooth. This short-range stereo system is both energy-efficient and easy to use. 

Unfortunately, it’s not very portable, so although you do get a compact stereo system, you might struggle to transport it. 

The good news is this device does come with a dual amplifier, which means higher quality sound and performance. 

The dual amplifier ensures excellent outcomes for any kind of music by reducing the distortion from your speakers. There’s even a “Max” sound button which gives your lower end bass a huge boost. 

For a price of around $190, features include:

• Bluetooth wireless streaming
• Dual amplifier performance
• Max sound for extra bass
• Digital tuning with pre-set stations
• FM radio 
• Compact design
• CD player
• USB and MP3 access

The Philips FX10 is an easy-to-use and powerful stereo system. 

Whether you’re listening to your own music via a CD or Bluetooth, or you’re checking out radio channels, you’ll love the deep and high-quality sound here. 

If you’re looking for excellent volume, the Philips delivers. 

The wires to keep your system running are short – meaning you’ll need to keep your machine near an outlet. There’s also no setting for changing treble performance. 

7. Sony Micro (best with NFC)

If your idea of the best audio technology is a mini stereo system that combines great sound with modern features, the Sony Micro is ideal for you. 

This high-performance stereo system doesn’t take up a lot of space, but it can provide a wide selection of features. You get 3 separate components, which you can split any way you like. 

There’s an integrated FM tuner to make finding the right channels quick and easy. 

You also get a CD player built-in, USB for playing your own music, and Bluetooth streaming. 

There’s no limit to what you can accomplish. All that, and Sony throws in a unique “Mega bass” feature, for enhancing some of the lower frequencies in your music. 

With an impressive price of around $150, features include:

• Integrated CD player
• Bluetooth streaming
• NFC connection
• Dual speakers
• Aux-in and USB connection
• FM tuner with digital scanning
• Bass enhancement option

We’re particularly fond of the high-quality tech in this Bluetooth stereo system. Aside from letting you connect your music in seconds, the Sony also comes with an NFC chip. This means you can just tap your device against the stereo system to link it. 

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to figure out how to save your favorite FM stations to the pre-sets. 

The instructions included by Sony are a little confusing.

8. DPNAO mini stereo system (best wall-mounted)

If you’re looking for a stereo system compact enough to fit in any home, then you’ll love this product from DPNAO. 

Both a boombox and a portable stereo, the DPNAO tiny radio system comes with a CD player, FM radio, and USB input. 

You can find the right channel on an FM radio in seconds with the automatic scanning function. 

There’s also a remote control, which makes it easier to manage your music from a distance. 

We loved the unique design of this CD player stereo system. It’s slimline enough you can rest it on a bedside table or place it on the wall in your room. 

The sleep timer and snooze function combined with a clock means you can also use this device as a personal alarm clock. All that, and with a price tag of around $70, you still get a great 2-year warranty. 

Features include:

• Built-in CD player
• USB flash drive support
• Clock, alarm, and snooze function
• LCD backlight
• Wall mounting components
• FM radio 
• Automatic radio scanning
• 24-month warranty

It’s a shame this product doesn’t come with Bluetooth. Most of the leading stereo systems we’ve seen consider Bluetooth to be a standard feature. 

If you’re looking for something basic that can also work as an alarm clock, the DPNAO is a good option. 

Don’t expect the speakers to be incredible in quality. The volume on this device isn’t as great as it could be. 

You might find the user interface a little confusing too. 

9. iLive IHB624B (best color changing)

Finally, if you’re looking for a stereo system that really lights up the party, then you can’t go wrong with the iLive. 

This unique stereo system doesn’t just offer fantastic audio. As well as a Bluetooth connection and CD player, you also get color changing lights to make your listening experience more exciting. There are automatic and manual color changing modes to choose from. 

Aside from a standard FM radio tuner, the iLive also comes with a brilliant USB port, where you can charge your devices when you listen to your favorite tunes. Also, despite a relatively small size, the iLive can deliver quite a lot of high-octane volume. 

For a price of around $95, you can expect features like:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• CD player
• FM radio with wire antenna
• USB port for smartphone charging
• Color changing lights with multiple modes
• Remote control
• High volume support
• Digital clock and sleep timer

There are lots of great features to explore in this Bluetooth stereo system. 

You can control your music from a distance, and you get a sleep timer to automatically turn your device off when it isn’t in use. 

One slight issue is the remote control isn’t excellent at picking up connections all the time. 

The Bluetooth connections are a little sketchy at times.