In this post:
- Are Under Cabinet Radio CD Players Worth It?
- Best Under Cabinet Radio CD Players in 2025
- Best Overall: MONODEAL Under Cabinet Kitchen FM Radio CD Player
- Best Bluetooth: JENSEN SMPS-628 Under Cabinet Universal Bluetooth Music System
- Best for MP3 Playback: iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio (FM) CD and MP3 player
- Best Budget: PROSCAN ELITE Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth
- Shopping Tips: What To Look For
- Final thoughts
Under cabinet radio CD players were especially popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were designed for kitchens, workshops, and other spaces where counter space was limited. Instead of using a bulky stereo or portable CD player, you could mount one of these units under a cabinet and have easy access to music, news, or talk radio.
You can still buy under cabinet radio CD players today, and many people continue to use them. While they aren’t as common as before, several options are available with CD and radio functions. Some also include Bluetooth for wireless audio.
Most models include a built-in AM/FM radio, a CD player, and sometimes a clock with a timer. Homeowners use them for cooking, listening to the morning news, or playing background music while working on projects. Some units also have a remote control. While they were never high-end sound systems, under counter CD players can provide decent audio for everyday use.
Are Under Cabinet Radio CD Players Worth It?
CDs aren’t as popular as they used to be, and many people now use smart speakers to stream music instead. With voice control and wireless streaming, fewer households rely on CD players or AM/FM radios, so under cabinet models are not as widely produced as before.
Still, they are a good option for those who prefer physical media or want a simple radio that doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi or a phone. Some people have large CD collections and still enjoy using them. Others like having a dedicated kitchen radio without needing to connect another device. Many models also include Bluetooth, so you can stream music when you want.
Prices range from $50 to $150, depending on features like Bluetooth, sound quality, and extra functions like timers or remote controls. If you want a CD player and radio in one device, there are still some good choices available.
Best Under Cabinet Radio CD Players in 2025
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONODEAL Under Cabinet Kitchen FM Radio CD Player | ~$90 | Bluetooth, CD, FM radio, MP3 support, LED kitchen light, 30 radio presets, remote control, dual alarm | Best Overall |
| JENSEN SMPS-628 Under Cabinet Universal Bluetooth Music System | ~$50 | Bluetooth, FM radio, aux input, LCD display, LED work light, clock, timer, hands-free speakerphone | Best Bluetooth music system |
| iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio (FM) CD and MP3 Player | ~$60 | Bluetooth, CD, FM radio, USB, 20 FM presets, remote control, clock, timer | Best for MP3 playback |
| PROSCAN ELITE Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth | ~$30 | Bluetooth, CD, FM radio, built-in speakers, LED time display, remote control | Best Budget Player |
Here are the best under cabinet Radio CD Players available today.
Best Overall: MONODEAL Under Cabinet Kitchen FM Radio CD Player
- Bluetooth, FM, CD, MP3 support
- 30 radio presets
- LED kitchen light
- Timer, remote control
- Dual alarm, 2x5W speakers
- Large display, easy setup
The MONODEAL Bluetooth Under Cabinet Kitchen FM Radio CD Player is a compact music system that supports Bluetooth, FM radio, and CDs, including CD-R and CD-RW formats. It has a built-in LED light, a dual alarm clock, and a kitchen timer. The unit also includes a remote control and has an easy installation process using a mounting plate.
👍 What we like
The sound quality is better than expected for a small under-cabinet system, and there are five different music tones to choose from. Bluetooth works well and connected easily to my phone. The CD player is also easy to use and reads discs without skipping. There is an included remote for controlling the unit from across the room. The built-in LED light is nice and bright, probably best for kitchens with limited lighting. Installation went fast thanks to the good instructions.
👎 What we don't like
Honestly, it's hard to complain about this CD player. FM radio reception could be better. It picks up stations, but some don’t come in as clearly as it should. The display is functional but not particularly bright, so it may be harder to read in certain lighting. There’s no headphone jack, which may matter for some users. While the unit is compact, it still requires some planning to mount it properly.
Overall, the MONODEAL Under Cabinet Radio is an excellent choice if you want a Bluetooth-enabled CD player with a built-in radio for your kitchen or small space. It’s easy to use, sounds good for its size, and the LED light is a nice extra. If you mainly listen to the radio and need strong FM reception, it might not be the best option, but for playing CDs and streaming music it works well.
Best Bluetooth: JENSEN SMPS-628 Under Cabinet Universal Bluetooth Music System
- A2DP, NFC Bluetooth pairing
- FM radio with presets
- Aux input for MP3/iPod
- Hands-free speakerphone
- LCD display, LED light, clock, timer
The Jensen SMPS-628 Under Cabinet Bluetooth Music System is a compact unit designed for kitchens, workspaces, or anywhere you want background music without taking up counter space. It includes Bluetooth for wireless streaming, an FM radio with presets, an auxiliary input for wired devices, and a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls. It also has a digital clock, a timer, and a dim LED work light. The unit runs on AC power with an option for battery backup.
👍 What we like
The Bluetooth works well and pairs easily. I had no trouble connecting my phone, and it stayed connected as long as I was in the same room. The sound is surprisingly loud for a small unit, and it works fine for casual listening. Music and talk radio sound clear, though the bass is weak. The FM radio reception is decent if the antenna wire is positioned correctly. The compact size is a plus, and the included spacers make it easy to adjust the height when mounting.
👎 What we don't like
The display is hard to read unless I’m looking straight at it. If I’m standing too close or at an angle, the numbers disappear. The LED work light is dim and doesn’t do much for lighting up the counter. The tuning buttons and labels are tiny, which makes them hard to read. Setting the clock is more complicated than it should be, and the battery backup only keeps the clock from resetting – it doesn't save radio presets. The FM reception depends a lot on where the unit is placed and how the antenna wire is arranged, so it takes some trial and error to get it right.
If you just want a basic under-cabinet radio with Bluetooth, this gets the job done. The sound is good for the size, but the display and controls could be better. It’s fine for casual listening, but if you’re looking for strong bass, a bright display, or an effective work light, you could be disappointed.
Best for MP3 Playback: iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio (FM) CD and MP3 player
- Space-saving under-cabinet design
- Bluetooth, CD, FM radio, USB
- 20 FM presets
- LCD display, clock, timer
- Remote control, mounting kit
Priced around $60, the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is a compact music system designed to save counter space while letting you listen to CDs, FM radio, or Bluetooth audio. It supports Bluetooth 2.0 with a 33-foot range, plays standard and MP3 CDs, and has a USB port for additional playback options. The LCD display includes a clock, kitchen timer, and a remote for easy control. It comes with a basic mounting kit for installation under a cabinet.
👍 What we like
The CD player, FM radio, and Bluetooth all work fine. Bluetooth pairing was simple when I followed the instructions, and it automatically reconnects to my phone. The sound is decent for a small unit. It’s not powerful, but it’s clear enough for music and talk radio. The volume gets loud enough to hear from another room. The installation process only took a few minutes, and the included remote is useful since the unit’s buttons are small.
👎 What we don't like
The display is hard to read unless I’m looking straight at it. If I’m too low or too close, it disappears, which is frustrating in a kitchen. The timer is poorly designed, only adjusting in 10-minute increments, and it doesn’t give a clear indication when it’s running. The CD player sometimes stops working, and I have to unplug the unit to reset it, which also resets the clock. FM reception is okay, but one of my favorite stations doesn’t come in as clearly as it does on other radios.
It’s a decent choice if you just need a simple under-cabinet radio, but the display and timer issues can be annoying. If those things don’t bother you, it works fine for basic listening.
Best Budget: PROSCAN ELITE Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth
- CD, FM, Bluetooth playback
- Built-in speakers
- LED time/radio display
- Mounting kit, remote included
- AC power, battery backup
Formerly branded as Sylvania, the PROSCAN ELITE Under Counter CD Player with Clock Radio and Bluetooth is a compact kitchen music system that supports CDs, FM radio, and Bluetooth streaming. It has built-in speakers, a digital clock, and a remote control. The package includes a mounting kit for installation, and it runs on an AC adapter with a battery backup.
👍 What we like
The CD player works well, and the sound quality is decent for a small unit. It’s not meant to be a high-end speaker, but for casual listening in the kitchen, it gets the job done. Bluetooth pairing is easy, and streaming music from a phone works without issues. The remote control is useful since the buttons on the unit itself are small.
The installation process is straightforward, but I had to make my own mounting template because the one included was inaccurate. Once I got past that, securing it under the cabinet wasn’t too difficult.
👎 What we don't like
The FM reception is hit or miss since there’s no external antenna. It picks up some stations fine, but others come in with static or not at all. The display is hard to read from certain angles, which can be annoying depending on where it’s mounted.
One big issue is the volume. Every time I turn the unit on, it blasts at max volume for a few seconds before settling down, which is really frustrating, especially if I’m turning it on in the morning or at night. I couldn’t find a way to fix this, so I had to start muting it before shutting it off.
Overall, it works fine for playing CDs and streaming music, but the poor radio reception, hard-to-read display, and volume issue make it frustrating at times. If you mainly want a Bluetooth and CD player for your kitchen, it does the job, but there are better options out there.
👉 Related reading: How To Connect a Microphone To a Soundbar
Shopping Tips: What To Look For
Picking the right under cabinet radio CD player depends on your needs. Some models focus on basic functions, while others add modern features like Bluetooth. Here’s what to consider before buying.
🎶 Sound Quality
Sound quality varies by model. Most under cabinet units have small speakers designed for background music rather than deep bass or high-volume playback. If audio quality is important, look for models with larger speakers or built-in bass boost features. Some have preset equalizer settings to adjust the sound to your preference.
💿 CD Playback Features
All models will play standard CDs, but some also support CD-R and CD-RW discs, which let you play burned CDs with custom music mixes. If you want to listen to MP3 CDs, check that the model supports them. Some players offer programmable playback, shuffle mode, and repeat functions for more control over how your music plays.
📻 Radio Reception (AM/FM)
Most under cabinet players include AM/FM radio, but reception quality varies. If you listen to the radio often, look for a model with a strong built-in antenna or an external antenna connection. Some units offer digital tuning, which makes finding stations easier, and preset buttons that let you save your favorite stations for quick access.
⚡ Bluetooth and Other Connectivity
Bluetooth lets you stream music from your phone or tablet. Some models support hands-free calling through Bluetooth, which can be useful in the kitchen. If you prefer a wired connection, check for an AUX input. A USB port can also be handy if you want to charge your phone while playing music.
⭐ Extra Features (Clock, Timer, Remote Control)
Many under cabinet players include a built-in clock, which is useful in the kitchen. Some also have cooking timers or alarms. A remote control can make it easier to adjust settings without reaching for buttons, especially if the unit is mounted high. Backlit displays are helpful for viewing the clock in low light.
Taking the time to check these features can help you find a player that fits your needs. Whether you want basic CD playback or a model with Bluetooth and extra features, there are still good options available.
🔧 Size and Installation
Under cabinet models are designed to be space-saving, but sizes vary. Measure your cabinet space before buying to make sure the player fits. Most models include a mounting template for easy installation, but some require drilling holes in the cabinet. If you don’t want to mount the unit permanently, look for a model that also works as a tabletop radio.
How To Install an Under Cabinet Radio CD Player
Proper installation keeps your under cabinet radio CD player secure and easy to use. Follow these steps to mount it safely and get the best performance.
Choose the Right Location: Pick a spot with enough clearance for buttons, the CD tray, and any ports. Make sure the display is easy to read from where you’ll be standing. Avoid areas near stovetops or sinks to prevent heat or moisture damage.
Use the Mounting Template: Most units come with a paper mounting template. Tape it to the underside of the cabinet and check that it’s straight. The template marks where you’ll drill holes for the screws. If the unit doesn’t include a template, hold the player in place and mark the screw holes manually with a pencil.
Drill Pilot Holes and Secure the Unit: Use a drill with a small bit to create pilot holes where you marked the screw locations. This helps prevent the wood from splitting. Align the unit with the holes and use the provided screws to secure it. Tighten them enough to hold the player firmly, but don’t over-tighten, as this can damage the cabinet.
Route the Power Cord: Plug the unit into a nearby outlet. If the cord is too long, use cable clips or adhesive hooks to keep it neatly tucked under the cabinet. Avoid running the cord near hot appliances or areas where it could get pinched. Some models support hardwiring into the home’s electrical system. If you choose this option, follow the manufacturer’s wiring instructions or hire an electrician if needed.
Test the Player: Turn the unit on and test all functions. Open and close the CD tray to ensure it isn’t obstructed. Tune the radio and check reception. If the sound seems muffled, reposition nearby objects that could be blocking the speakers.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for an under cabinet radio CD player with reliable performance and the fewest complaints, we recommend the MONODEAL Under Cabinet Kitchen FM Radio CD Player. With good sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and a bright LED light, it's a good choice for kitchens and workspaces.
The JENSEN SMPS-628 Music System is also a great option, though you might find the display to be a little too dim.
Whether you prefer playing CDs, listening to the radio, or streaming music, there are still some decent options available (though not as many options as there used to be). Thanks for reading! Hope this guide helped you find the right one for your needs.
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