Today, with the popularity of digital and wireless technology, most people can quickly get music through smartphones, tablets, or computers, and connect to a Bluetooth speaker, soundbar, or surround sound system to play music. But there are still a group of friends (including me) who love traditional physical media such as CD discs. The portable CD player boombox, which was popular in the 80s, is one of their favorite audio devices. Fortunately, most new CD player boomboxes are equipped with extra features including Bluetooth, NFC(Near-field communication), USB port, SD card slot, audio-in port, and more. It allows us to experience the nostalgic style of old-fashioned speakers, but also to use modern functions.
If you’re looking for a boombox with mp3/CD player that’s right for you, but don’t want to spend a lot of time wandering aimlessly, you can refer to this shopping guide we prepared for you. First, we need to consider some factors before buying:
- Size: Aside from home use, if you’re considering taking your CD boombox player outdoors or traveling, the first thing to consider is size, you need a portable CD player boombox that doesn’t put too much pressure on you during the journey.
- Sound Quality: A reliable CD player boombox must have good sound quality for a good sound experience. If you can’t judge, look at the size and wattage of the speakers, usually larger speakers will perform well, because cheap products usually do not use very powerful speakers. Additionally, some CD player Boomboxes come with an equalizer that allows you to increase or decrease the bass and treble as needed and can be set to various default music effects such as theater effects, concert effects, live concerts, and more.
- Control Display: Some CD boombox players have an LCD control display for easy viewing of music titles, volumes, music modes, lyrics, and more.
- CD-R and CD-RW: Make sure that the boombox CD player you choose supports both CD-R and CD-RW because this will ensure that your personally recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs (including those with MP3 files) can also be played as well.
- Multifunction: In addition to playing CDs, a CD boombox player preferably has premium AM/FM radio, AUX-in (headphone jack), USB interface, Bluetooth, NFC, and other functions, which are convenient for us to use in different scenarios or with other devices. For example, we can connect the CD Boombox via Bluetooth or NFC using a mobile phone, a platform computer, or a computer as a music source.
- Waterproof: If you need to use it in a humid environment such as a swimming pool or seaside, you can consider a portable MP3/CD boombox player with better waterproof performance, which can protect the internal parts well, but be careful not to submerge it completely in water.
- Battery: If you need to play music outdoors for extended periods of time, a CD player boombox with a long-lasting battery is a must. In addition, shorter charging time is also very important.
- Remote Control: If you just keep the speaker in a corner of your home or next to your TV, you might consider a CD boombox player with a remote so you can control it from the couch with the remote.
- Brand and Durability: We always insist on recommending products from professional manufacturing companies, and a reputable company can at least ensure reliable product quality and good customer service. It’s not hard to find many bargains with good reviews, but their quality is just as untrustworthy as their good reviews. A reliable CD boombox player that will last for years without getting annoyed by cheap products that stop working after only a few months.
After a detailed comparison, we have selected the following brands and models of portable CD player boomboxes for your reference:
1. Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox Home Audio Radio, Black (CFD-S70)
Specifications & Features：
- Enjoy full-function stereo sound: Stereo speakers housed in a bass-reflex design deliver an enjoyable listening experience.
- Playback CDs, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CDs with shuffle and program functions: Listen how you want with the ability to playback CDs, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CDs. Shuffle and program functions give you full control of how you listen to your tunes.
- Built-in cassette tape deck with recording function: Playback your old mix tapes and record new ones with the built-in cassette deck.
- The built-in FM/AM tuner with 30-station presets makes it easy to listen to and save your favorite radio stations.
- AC and battery power options with up to 19 hours of battery life: Enjoy your favorite on the go, for up to 19 hours. For battery swaps that are a snap, the battery compartment quickly and easily clicks open and closed.
- Plays well with others: An auxiliary audio input lets you connect select digital music players to the speaker dock for easy access to your music (cable not included).
- MEGA BASS: Bass boost circuitry enhances low-frequency bass performance at the touch of a button.
- Power Supply 1 x AC power cord (120 VAC, 60 Hz) or 6 x R14/Size C dry batteries (9 VDC); Requires 6 C Batteries; Works well and long with Polaroid C Batteries.
- Portable and compact size: 13.7 x 6.1 x 9 inches
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: Excellent sound quality and mega bass, compact size, and support tape playback. You can consider this one if you want to use both tapes and CDs. But it doesn’t support Bluetooth function.
2. Magnavox MD6924 Portable Top Loading CD Boombox with AM/FM Stereo Radio in Black | CD-R/CD-RW Compatible | LED Display | AUX Port Supported | Programmable CD Player
Specifications & Features：
- CD-R/CD-RW compatible, enjoy your music with this top-loading CD boombox.
- Support AM/FM stereo radio
- It comes with AC/DC adapter and can be powered by 6 C batteries (not included).
- Perfect to take with you indoors, or out. Listen to your favorite music at home or in the shop.
- The aux input allows connection to any device.
- All televisions and computer devices recovered for recycling will be processed in a manner that complies with all applicable federal, state, and county laws and requirements
- Portable and compact size: (8 x 8.52 x 4.6 inches)
- 6 colors options (Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, White)
Overall Evaluation: This is a basic top-loading CD boombox player without Bluetooth and other attractive features, but it sells well. The reasons for recommending it are mainly due to its low price and not bad quality. If you only play CDs occasionally and don’t need very good sound quality, you can consider this.
3. Sony Portable Bluetooth Digital Turner AM/FM CD Player Mega Bass Reflex Stereo Sound System (ZSRS60BT)
Specifications & Features：
- The speakers in this boombox are housed in a bass-reflex design, delivering an enjoyable listening experience. MEGA BASS boosts the circuitry which enhances the low-frequency bass performance at the touch of a button
- CD playback – Enjoy your favorite CDs or personally recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs, including those with MP3 files
- Bluetooth audio streaming – Enjoy convenient Bluetooth connectivity with compatible devices and stream audio without wires
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity with NFC One-touch
- Support AUX-in and has a headphone jack
- AM/FM Tuner – A built-in digital FM/AM Stereo Tuner with 30 stations preset memory (20 FM, 10 AM) lets you choose from a wide variety of radio, talk, and music programming
- Support USB playback & USB recording (Easily record an entire CD, or your favorite tracks from a CD, in MP3 format, onto a flash drive using the CD Sync feature)
- Enjoy your favorite music on the go, for up to 26 hours (requires 6 size C batteries, sold separately). For battery swaps that are a snap, the battery compartment quickly and easily clicks open and closed.
- The compact design (5.5 x 15.2 x 2.7 inches) and carrying handle make it a breeze to carry around with you wherever you go.
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: Compared with Sony CFD-S70, this product not only maintains Sony’s excellent product quality and excellent sound experience, but also adds additional functions such as Bluetooth, NFC, and USB recording & playback, however, this model is not equipped with tape playback and is relatively expensive. If you don’t need to play the tape and want great music quality and wireless connectivity, this is one of the few options.
4. Nextron Portable Bluetooth CD Player Boombox with AM/FM Radio Stereo Sound System, Playback CD/MP3/WMA, USB & AUX Ports, Headphone Jack, LCD Display, AC/DC Operated
Specifications & Features：
- Use this portable home CD player to enjoy your favorite CDs or personally recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs, including those with MP3 files. The repeat play function can realize a single-track loop, all-track loop, or random play mode.
- The built-in Bluetooth plays music wirelessly from your phone/tablet/laptop or other Bluetooth devices, so you can easily enjoy your favorite music on this speaker Or the sound of the game wireless.
- A built-in AM/FM Stereo radio tuner with auto-search with 20 AM and 30 FM station preset memory lets you choose from a wide variety of radio, talk and music programming.
- USB 2.0 port can play MP3 or WMA music files in USB storage devices with a maximum capacity of 64 GB (only FAT/FAT32 format, NTFS not supported).
- Auxiliary audio input (3.5 mm type) allows you to enjoy wired music.
- The stereo headphone jack allows you to connect your headphones to this boombox for a more personalized listening experience anytime, anywhere.
- Power supply 1 x AC power cord (120V AC, 60 Hz) or 6 x R14/Size C dry batteries (9 VDC); Requires 6 C Batteries (not included); Best with alkaline batteries.
- Portable & compact size (9.17 x 8.19 x 4.49 inches)
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: In addition to the NFC and USB recording functions, this is another full-featured CD player boombox similar to the Sony ZSRS60BT. It has a more compact and rounded design. It is currently available in white and black colors. The price is relatively cheaper and the quality is also very good.
5. Retekess CD and Cassette Player Combo, Portable Boombox AM FM Radio, MP3 Player Stereo Sound with Remote Control, USB, TF Port, for Family (TR621)
Specifications & Features：
- Support commercial CDs or personally recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs, including those with MP3/WMA files
- Supports standard-size tapes: You can fast forward and rewind when playing cassettes.
- Play music from a micro-SD card (TF card) or USB flash drive. Supports up to 128GB USB flash drive and TF card in MP3/WMA audio format.
- The remote control can control CD and USB playback (the working range of the remote is about 33 feet), but cannot control cassette and radio playback.
- Built-in AM (530-1600KHz) and FM (76-108MHz). 17.7 inches telescopic antenna enhances radio reception.
- 2 power supplies: AC 110V power (cable included) and 6 x D size batteries (not included), gives you free choice for home or outdoor use.
- Compact size: 10.24 x 8.62 x 5.47 inches
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: This is another traditional CD and Cassette Player Combo like Sony CFD-S70 without wireless bluetooth or NFC, but it is uniquely equipped with a remote control to facilitate you to remote control CD, TF card and USB playback, yes, in addition to the USB playback it adds TF card. This CD player has a rounded shape similar to the Nextron above, and is a little larger in size, but still very portable.
6. LONPOO Stereo CD Boombox Portable Bluetooth Digital Tuner FM Radio CD Player with USB Playback,Bluetooth-in,AUX Input and 3.5mm Earphone Output & Music Sound System
Specifications & Features：
- Support commercial CDs or personally recorded CD-R and CD-RW discs
- Equipped with newer 5.0 version Bluetooth, you can play music wirelessly from phone/ tablet/ laptop or other Bluetooth device.
- Support FM radio, the range for FM is 87.5 – 107.9 MHz, pull out the antenna to obtained the best reception.
- USB port can play MP3 or WMA music files in USB storage devices with a maximum capacity of 16 GB.
- AUX-in allows you to enjoy wired music.
- The stereo headphone jack allows you to connect your headphones to this boombox for a more personalized listening experience anytime, anywhere.
- Comes with US AC adapter, and can be powered by 4 C Cell batteries for outdoor playback.
- Compact size: 11.8 x 8.5 x 5.1 inches
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: This is also a round CD player speaker, similar in size to the Retekess above. The advantage is the newer Bluetooth 5.0, which has a wider range of compatibility, but it has no tape player and no AM radio support. The product quality and user feedback are good.
7. Toshiba Wireless Bluetooth Boombox Speaker: Portable CD Boom Box with FM Radio, Remote & LED Lights (TY-CWU500)
Specifications & Features：
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: A modern take on the timeless boombox, this Toshiba TY-CWU500 speaker lets you wirelessly stream music and audio from Apple and Android smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth enabled devices.
- Supports CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 formats, with built-in MP3 playback from USB memory sticks or SD card.
- You also have access to FM radio and a 3.5mm AUX input, ensuring this boombox has something for everyone.
- The stereo headphone jack allows you to connect your headphones for a more personalized listening experience.
- Dynamic Audio: Two speakers increase the bass for a more powerful sound, while preset equalization functions perfectly optimize the sound quality. Choose from flat, rock, jazz, classic, and pop modes and hear the incredible difference equalization makes.
- Includes Remote Control: A remote control is included so you never have to stop what you’re doing to change a track or increase the volume. Other functions include stop, start, skip, pairing, and activation of the speaker’s LED disco lights. Their flashing mode will really make your party come to life!
- Cord/ Battery Power Source: Plug in the AC power cord or insert 8 D size batteries for cordless use
- Cool and portable design (Dimensions: 19.7 x 8.3 x 7.9 inches)
- LCD display
Overall Evaluation: This Toshiba TY-CWU500 is positioned to be more modern and stylish, equipped with wireless Bluetooth and powerful speakers, the preset equalization function perfectly optimizes the sound quality, provides rich music modes, and the flashing LED lights on the speakers instantly enhance the music atmosphere. Like the Retekess TR621 above, it comes with a multifunction remote for quick and seamless control of your music and patterns. This TY-CWU500 with cool design and powerful sound has a strong appeal to friends who are looking for a higher experience. Just a heads up, it doesn’t come with a tape player and AM radio, and it’s much more expensive than other speakers.
Summarize
We hope this post will give you a clear idea of what you are looking for and find your favorite boombox as soon as possible. If you’ve found the right CD boombox, find out your favorite CDs before it arrives, and be ready to hit the PLAY button anytime.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a CD boombox as a TV/computer external speaker?
A: Yes! You can connect it to your TV or monitor via AUX-in or Bluetooth as an external speaker.
Q: Which devices can connect to the Boombox?
A: Some boombox only has AUX-in input, you can connect devices with AUX output such as TV, or computer. If the CD boombox you choose has Bluetooth, it’s much easier, because most smart devices can be used as a music source, and then connect to the boombox speaker wirelessly via Bluetooth.
