The best tabletop radio to transform your home
Transforming your home décor with the best tabletop radio doesn’t just make it look great. With a good tabletop radio, you’ll also have access to a fantastic source of entertainment.
Radios come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Some are perfect for providing a pocket-sized solution for entertainment. Others are designed for use in the shower or bathroom, with waterproofing built-in.
Some of the best radios even come with their own Bluetooth connections.
However, if you want access to the ultimate audio experience in your home, there’s nothing quite like having the best tabletop radio that money can buy.
These simple but eye-catching audio devices are excellent for listening to your preferred FM/AM broadcasts. However, they also deliver a sense of style to your home too.
Today, we’re going to be sharing some of our top tabletop radio reviews, to give you an insight into the products that could transform your home.
1. Sangean WR-2 AM /FM cabinet (best cabinet table radio)
From cute kitchen radios to practical portable options that you can take with you on the move, Sangean has something for everyone. This table radio brand is well-known throughout the States for a dedication to both style and quality.
Although we’ve mentioned a number of Sangean products here on Radio Fidelity in the past, today we’re focusing specifically on the WR-2 AM / FM tabletop radio.
Featuring a stylish real-wood cabinet that combines both beauty and sound quality, the WR-2 is compact, but powerful.
There’s a 3-inch front-firing speaker that’s capable of delivering amazing levels of volume. What’s more, with 10 memory preset stations, you’ll be able to find the channels that appeal to you quickly too.
The Sangean isn’t the cheapest product on the market, but it does come with features like:
- Compact tabletop radio design
- Acoustic bass compensation
- Warm room-filling audio
- 3-inch front-firing speaker
- Clear and easy-to-read display
- DC-input, aux-input
- REC-out
- Stereo headphone output
- Remote control
- Sleep and snooze timer
Although this device is compact enough to be portable, you’re probably not going to take it on the move, even with the battery back-up function.
It’s not really the kind of radio you would see sitting on a picnic blanket. The Sangean does, however, come with an excellent quality of sound for your home, and a selection of buttons and tuning dials that are easy to use for any radio lover.
Pros:
- Clock and alarm function
- 10 memory preset stations
- Great bass boost functionality
- Stunning wooden cabinet design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- A little chunky for some households
- No Bluetooth connections or advanced features
- No USB ports
2. PRUNUS M-160BT classical vintage (best vintage)
The PRUNUS brand isn’t quite as well-known in the radio landscape as options like Sangean, but it’s still definitely worth a look. This compelling radio, known as the M-160BT is a classical vintage radio offering Bluetooth connectivity and FM/AM performance for a low price.
Designed to provide fantastic reception and a unique aesthetic for any household, the PRUNUS M-160BT is brimming with charm.
We’re particularly fond of the red version, which could look fantastic in a retro style kitchen. The device comes with a copper retractable antenna to improve your connection, and the whole experience is very easy to use.
You can also play music from Bluetooth, and aux-in cable, or even a flash drive.
Features include:
- Retro design
- Compact and lightweight
- 270-degree tuning space
- Easy to use design
- Warm light for night-time viewing
- Rechargeable and removable battery
- FM/AM connection
- Wireless Bluetooth connection
- Add your own flash-drive
- Aux-in cable
The PRUNUS M-160BT is one of the most eye-catching options for the best tabletop radio that we’ve looked at in this review. Although its vintage style won’t appeal to everyone, it’s sure to have an impact on anyone who has a fond memory of the golden age of radio.
Pros:
- Excellent range of listening options
- Unique vintage design
- Bluetooth capability
- Small and portable (if you want to carry it around)
- Good volume
Cons:
- Limited sound performance
- Very distinct aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone
3. Bose Wave SoundTouch (best with CD player)
Tabletop radios might not be the most versatile listening tools, particularly if you’re looking for a device you can use on the move. Manufacturers can often pack more features into a larger device, including USB connections, and CD players.
The Bose Wave is one of the best products on the market for those in search of a combination of tabletop style and excellent high-fidelity CD player performance.
This device comes with a number of advanced features you wouldn’t typically get from other products, such as high-level Bluetooth, and an alarm clock function for your beside table.
The biggest downside with this item, is that you have to pay for the extra functionality. It’s probably a good thing that this device wasn’t designed for portability – because you wouldn’t want to take it out of your home.
Features include:
- CD player
- AM/FM tuner
- Room-filling sound quality
- Excellent LED display screen
- Wireless streaming via Bluetooth
- Alarm and timer functionality
- Convenient remote control
- Sleek and stylish design
The Bose Wave is an excellent option for those who want the best table radio to impress their friends.
You’re going to get one of the top devices in terms of sound quality and performance here. All you need to do is find the extra money to pay for it.
It’s also worth noting that there are a few things missing from the Bose, like NFC connections, or smart speaker assistants, for instance.
Pros:
- Amazing sound quality
- Room-filling volume
- Can play MP3 and CDs
- Bluetooth included
- Excellent AM/FM tuning
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No advanced features (smart speaker)
4. Sangean WR-15WL (best compact)
Here, we have another table radio from the Sangean brand.
This sensation WR-15WL model is all about giving you the sound quality you deserve, in a compact package. If you want something that will fit neatly on your bookshelf or bedside table, you can’t go wrong with this WR-15WL.
Similar to the other Sangean that we reviews above, this item comes with a pure wood casing – ideal for acoustics.
The device includes an aux input for playing music from your iPod, or MP3 player. There’s no Bluetooth for wireless streaming, unfortunately.
On the plus side, you still get high-quality AM/FM radio built-in, and there are a range of great colors to choose from, so you can find something that suits your style.
The Sangean WR-15WL comes with some good features, like:
- LED tuning eye
- AM/FM tabletop radio performance
- 3” 10 watt speaker
- Aux input for extra playing modes
- Range of designs to choose from
- Soft and precise tuning
- Line-out to connect to another speaker system
The Sangean WR—15WL might be a relatively basic tabletop radio, but it’s something that you can rely on to give you a good quality of sound, without taking up too much space. There’s even a headphone jack included for private listening.
Pros:
- Headphone access
- LED tuning eye for accurate tuning
- Compact and stylish design
- Excellent sound quality
- Stable signal
Cons:
- Limited volume
- Lacking features like Bluetooth
5. Toshiba TY-CWU700 (best with remote)
Toshiba is one of the best-known technology brands in the world today. It’s rare that the company gets any attention for its radio systems, however.
When we came across the Toshiba TY-CWU700 we were pleasantly surprised by not just the appearance of this stunning wood encased speaker, but the sound quality too.
With a USB port for MP3 playback, and a bunch of other advanced capabilities, the Toshiba is a dream come true.
Whether you’re looking for a device that you can connect to your phone for Bluetooth streaming, or you want something that lets you listen to FM radio in style, the Toshiba has it all.
The elegant aesthetic of this table top radio means that it really will fit into virtually any room. It’s worth noting that the device is a little bigger than some of the other options we’ve covered.
You’ll get features like:
- Compact table radio design
- Excellent power output 15w x 2
- Bluetooth compatibility
- CD and MP3 player
- Aux-input
- Built-in FM radio
- LED display
- USB support
- Included remote
This Toshiba tabletop radio doesn’t get nearly enough attention for what it has to offer.
It’s one of the most reliable tools on the market, with a fantastic image that really grabs attention. Unfortunately, it’s also lacking a lot of features, like a high-quality Bluetooth signal. Although you can connect via Bluetooth, it’s only 2.1, which is a very low standard.
Pros:
- Excellent appearance
- CD and MP3 player included
- USB support
- Included remote
- Good sound quality
Cons:
- Very low quality of Bluetooth
- Limited features
6. Crosley CR612B-AB (Best Retro)
The Crosley CR612B-AB is an ideal alternative for people who don’t want a tabletop radio made with the classic wooden cabinet.
If you’re searching for something that’s a little more retro in style, then the Crosley is sure to hit the mark.
Available in a range of colors, including a fantastic Aqua Blue version, this device comes in both a Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth version.
The Bluetooth receiver means that you can stream your music wirelessly to your favorite device, giving you a wider range of potential options to choose from.
At the same time, there’s also a CD player, so you can play your content that way instead. The dynamic table radio comes with a set of full range of stereo speakers, and a headphone-in jack too.
Features include:
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Range of colors to choose from
- Dynamic full-range stereo speakers
- Headphone in
- Tuning for AM/FM radio
- Excellent CD player included
- Dual alarm clock and timer
With easy-to-use buttons and an overall retro appeal, this fantastic speaker is sure to grab anyone’s attention. It looks a little bit like the front of an old VW, which is a big part of what makes it so appealing.
The device also comes with a range of modern features to top up its retro style, including Bluetooth and a CD player.
Pros:
- Great retro design
- CD player included
- Bluetooth capability
- Full-range speaker or headphones
- Excellent remote control
Cons:
- Limited in sound and volume
- Can’t plug in your MP3
7. Victrola wooden radio (best for nostalgia)
A lot of the best tabletop radios on the market today are brimming with features that make them more attractive to look at, as well as being more compelling to listen to.
This Victrola wooden radio looks like it has stepped straight out of the past, with various tuning knobs on the front face, a powerful speaker, and an amazing hand-crafted wooden cabinet.
The Bluetooth connection included with this tabletop radio is particularly good, working at a range of up to 33 feet away.
There’s a backlit analog tuner so you can find your channels easily, at any time of the day or night. If you want to play your own music without Bluetooth, you can use the 3.5mm aux-in jack instead.
Features include:
- Tuning knobs
- Handsome real wood cabinet
- Excellent Bluetooth range
- Aux-in compatibility
- Fantastic brushed metal faceplate
- Excellent design
- Compact and portable
Both beautiful to look at and brimming with amazing features, the Victrola wooden table radio is a fantastic choice for anyone with a strong sense of style. We’re particularly fond of how solid and durable this radio feels.
Pros:
- Excellent stylish design
- Aux-in jack for non-Bluetooth
- Bluetooth connectivity included
- Fantastic sound and volume
- Durable and sturdy materials
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi or advanced features
- Knob is very sensitive for volume
8. Crosley CR3501A-WA (best with EQ)
If you want an amazing portable radio, but you don’t want to compromise on excellent tuning and audio control, then you’ll love the Eton Elite portable AM/FM radio.
Another fantastic contender for the title of the best tabletop radio comes from Crosley.
This CR3501-A radio features FM radio, and a clock, so it could be the perfect companion for your bedside table. Inspired by 1970s décor, the product looks amazing, with a wonderful wooden casing that’s great for amplifying the audio.
The Bluetooth receiver means that you can stream your digital playlist straight to your radio from your phone. Unlike many of the best tabletop radios that we’ve covered so far, the Crosley also comes with a built-in equalizer.
Using the remote control provide, you can adapt the sound of the radio to suit your own individual needs. That’s a fantastic extra touch for most music lovers.
Features include:
- Built-in CD player
- Bluetooth connection
- RCA inputs
- Full-range stereo speakers
- Excellent FM radio
- Equalizer control.
- Remote control
- Amplified sound for extra volume
Honestly, this is one of the most attractive and compelling tabletop radios that we’ve seen on the market.
The remote control and radio itself are both very easy to use, with things like timers and clocks to keep you working according to your schedule. What’s more, the fact that you can adjust the audio is a huge bonus.
Pros:
- EQ control provided
- Fantastic stylish design
- Good quality of volume
- Bluetooth streaming
- CD player included
Cons:
- Quite bulky compared to other radios
- No headphone jack
9. Tivoli Audio Model One (best classic)
Finally, if you’re searching for the best tabletop radio to appeal to your classic music lover side, then this is the option for you.
This high-performance table radio has a relatively simple design, but it doesn’t compromise on performance. Every aspect of the radio has been built to deliver great quality, from the genuine walnut wood casing, to the high-level accurate tuner.
This fantastic product comes with a 3-inch throw driver to ensure more accurate tonal balancing and base response. What’s more, thanks to the amber tuning light, you can rest assured that you’re setting your radio to the best possible channel for fantastic audio quality.
Another bonus for the Tivoli is that unlike other tabletop radios, it comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
This product includes:
- Stylish wood casing
- 3-inch throw driver
- Amazing FM tuner
- Excellent tuning and volume control
- Unique classic design
- Amber tuning light
- Superior sound reproduction
The only real problem with this table radio is that it doesn’t offer anything besides AM/FM radio. If you want to listen to your own music, there are no aux input options or Bluetooth connections. That means that you might need to splash out for a speaker to go alongside your radio.
Pros:
- Great tuning potential
- 3-inch throw driver included
- Classic and unique design
- Good sound quality
Cons:
- No extra features
- No Bluetooth
Choosing the best tabletop radio
Radios come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, from stunning pocket radios designed to keep you entertained wherever you go, to fantastic retro radios that are ideal for sitting on your bedside table.
Depending on the amount you’re willing to spend, you could even get your own internet connected radio.
Of course, with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide what you want from the best tabletop radio. With a little luck, our reviews above will have given you an insight into the kind of products available today.
If you still need help figuring out which features to look at, we recommend considering the following:
Size
How big should your table radio be? Some are extra-large, designed to give you additional features like a built-in CD player, or a charging port for your smartphone. If you don’t have much space in your home, however, you might prefer something a little smaller, like the compact WR-15WL. Think about where you’re going to be placing your radio, and how much attention you want it to grab.
Style
When you’re picking the right size of your radio, it’s worth thinking about style too. Are you searching for something unique and vintage, or do you want a playful retro appeal? Maybe you’re on the hunt for a modern product like the Bose Wave. On the other hand, if you want something with a stunning industrial-chic look, you can’t go wrong with the Victrola wooden tabletop radio.
Audio quality
Probably the most important decision for any radio purchase, is how you want it to sound. Your radio shouldn’t just look good; it needs to sound incredible too. The sound quality you get will depend on a number of things, including what the radio is made out of, what kind of audio codecs it uses, and even if it has extra features for tuning built-in. If you want something that gives you a lot of control over your EQ, try the Crosley CR3501A-WA.
Connectivity
Do you want your radio to do more than just give you basic AM/FM channels? If so, then you’re going to need to look at connectivity. Ask yourself whether you need a radio with Bluetooth, or whether something with a strong internet connection is necessary. If you don’t want to go wireless, you can also consider aux-in ports that allow you to connect your phone or MP3 player.
Budget
Like with most things in life, you often get what you pay for when choosing a table radio. Ideally, you won’t want to go for the least expensive product on the market, but you can’t break the bank either. Think about what kind of features you need, then make your decision based on the average price for your preferred radio solution.
Remember, with tabletop radios, you can also explore a range of other extra features too.
You might want your radio to have a built-in CD player or presets for saving your favorite radio channels. You can also explore options like headphone jacks, remote controls, and even recording components too.
The possibilities are endless.
Find the best tabletop radio for you
The tabletop radio is more than just an audio investment; it’s a chance to transform your home with a stylish new piece of furniture. If you’re keen to take your living room, kitchen, or bedroom to the next level, then you should think about getting your own tabletop radio.
For style and versatility, we believe that the Crosley CR3501A is an excellent option, with everything from Bluetooth to CD player functionality built-in.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and simple, you could try the Victrola wooden table radio, with its unique aesthetic appeal and its sensational sound quality.
What’s your favorite tabletop radio on the market today? Let us know in the comments or chat with us on social media.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
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