We explore the best portable CD players with speakers in 2024, offering a comprehensive guide to find the perfect device. This article covers important features, common questions, and presents a selection of top models, ensuring readers can make informed choices in maintaining their CD collections.
The introduction of digital audio players and online streaming platforms had a pretty big effect on the audio CD industry. CDs were cast aside and many people switched to smaller, more convenient ways of listening to music. Even though they are a little bit outdated there are still millions of people all over the world with large CD collections that don’t want to give up on them.
If you are one of those and you’re looking for a new portable CD player with speakers, you’ve come to the right place. This article is designed to help you find the right player for you. We will discuss the most important characteristics of CD players, give you the answers to the most common questions about them, and present to you our selection of 10 best portable CD players with speakers in 2024. Without further delay, let’s get started.
What is a CD player?
A CD player is a piece of audio equipment that plays audio CDs. Regardless of additional features (portable/non-portable, with or without speakers, with or without Bluetooth, etc.), every CD player has two main parts – transport and DAC. Transport is the part that holds the CD, spins it, and reads digital data from it, while DAC transforms digital signal into analog and sends it to headphones or speakers.
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A CD player can be a part of your home or car audio system, but it also exists as an individual device. They can be portable or desktop (non-portable). Some portable CD players are designed for headphones only while others have built-in speakers and usually look like old-school boomboxes. The last type (portable CD players with speakers) will be our main topic.
How Does a CD Player Work?
Like we’ve mentioned in the previous section, every CD player has two parts – transport and DAC. Transport reads the digital data written on the CD and DAC transforms it into analog signal and sends it to RCA or headphone outputs.
The transport consists of two parts – laser (laser diode) and a tiny light detector (photodiode). When you insert the CD, there’s a motor (aka spindle) that spins the CD when you press play. Simultaneously, laser diode produces a laser beam that's focused on the CD and reads the data from it. The beam reflects off the CD to a photodiode array sensor. This sensor detects changes in these reflections and interprets it as binary/digital audio data. The data is then sent to the DAC, which converts the digital audio signal to analog. The signal then goes to the headphones/speakers which convert it to sound that we hear.
Why Do You Need a Portable CD Player with Speakers?
Well, isn't it obvious? If you have a bunch of CDs and you want to play them on the go, a portable CD player with speakers is the only way. Sure, it's not as convenient as your phone and it's not exactly pocketable, but it will deliver better sound quality and it will come with a few more additional features like AM/FM tuners, additional inputs. In some cases, you’ll be able to connect your phone to a CD player (via Bluetooth or via AUX cable) and use the CD player as a portable speaker.
Things to Pay Attention to When Buying a CD Player with Speakers
When buying a CD player with speakers, consider sound quality, battery life, connectivity options like Bluetooth, portability, durability, and additional features such as FM radio and remote control to ensure a satisfying audio experience.
As always, the first thing we all pay attention to is the price. Luckily, most portable CD players with speakers are relatively affordable. Even those made by reputable manufacturers, like Sony, are priced under $100. The price usually doesn’t go over $150.
You should also check the build quality. Since most of these CD players are affordable, they are usually made of plastic, but some are more rugged and more durable than others. So, if you are going to use the player outdoors, it’s important to look for something that can withstand all the rigors of outdoor use.
Furthermore, you should always check the dimensions and portability. Sure, portable CD players with speakers aren’t tiny but most of them are relatively small and lightweight.
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Having all the controls at your fingertips is always desirable. All portable CD players have basic playback and volume controls, but more advanced (and more expensive models) have additional buttons for controlling the AM/FM radio, EQ settings, etc. Some players also come with a remote.
Since these players have built-in speakers, it’s only natural to check the speakers, too. Naturally, you will never get an audiophile-grade sound quality, but you can find a loud, clear, and balanced sound, maybe even with some EQ settings and bass-boost options.
Battery life is one of the essential things when it comes to portable audio equipment. The bad thing is that portable CD players usually don’t have built-in rechargeable batteries. So, you are supposed to buy the batteries and insert them. You can either use rechargeable or disposable batteries. Most portable CD players will deliver 8-10 hours of continuous playtime.
Many portable CD players have AM and FM tuners, while some also feature Bluetooth connectivity. If these things are important to you, check if the player has those additional features.
Now that you know a few basic things about CD players, we can move onto our selection of 10 best portable CD players with speakers in 2024. We’ve tested more than 20 popular portable CD players, and picked out the best. These are our top picks.
10 Best Portable CD Players with Speakers
1. Best Portable CD Player with a Cassette Tape Deck – SONY CFD-S70
Sony is probably the biggest name on the portable CD player market. Their CFD-S70 CD player is a great choice for people who like doing things the old way. This device is not only a CD player but also has a cassette tape deck. So, if you have a nice collection of old tapes you made or recorded decades ago and you want to evoke some memories, CFD-S70 is your go-to option.
What’s in the box?
What’s in the box?CFD-S70 comes in a modest packaging along with an AC power cable, user manual, and a 1-year warranty. Batteries, audio cables, and remote are not included.
Things we like
Things we likeCFD-S70 has the basic shape of an old-school boombox cassette player with rounded edges. It’s relatively small (12.25in x 5.6in x 8.4in) and weighs 4.2lbs (without batteries). It’s not pocketable, but it’s fairly portable and has a nice plastic handle on the top so you can carry it around.
On the front, you have a cassette tape deck (in the middle) and two full-range 3.25in cone woofers (on the left and right).
On the top, you have a CD player, large control panel, and an LCD display. The control panel is divided into three parts. On the left end, you have the power button and all the buttons for controlling the radio (AM/FM switch, preset buttons, tuning buttons). In the middle, you have the playback buttons for the cassette tape deck. On the right, you have the CD controls, volume controls, and bass-boost button.
On the back, you will see the FM antenna (AM antenna is built inside) and AC power input. On the bottom, you have a battery compartment (requires 6 R14 batteries). On the left panel, there is one 3.5mm input and one 3.5mm (headphone) output.
To summarize, CFD-S70 is a portable CD player with speakers, a cassette player, and a radio with AM and FM reception. Thanks to the AUX input, you can connect your phone or some other source with analog audio output and use the CFD-S70 as a speaker.
The CD player section supports regular CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RW, and it can also play your mp3 CDs. The cassette tape section can play cassettes and it also supports recording.
The radio sections can receive both AM and FM radio signals. The reception is more than satisfying, especially the FM reception. You can save up to 30 presets (20FM + 10AM).
When it comes to mobile use, you should know that CFD-S70 has a battery compartment but doesn’t come with batteries. You will need six R14 (9V) batteries and depending on the mode, you can get up to 23h of playback (in AM/FM mode). When playing CDs, you’ll get up to 10h of playback (at 23 volume level). When playing tapes, the playtime is 15h.
S70 houses two full-range 3.25in woofers. They deliver detailed midrange, clear vocals, and nicely balanced treble, but the bass is quite weak (which is not a surprise considering their size). The CD player features the MEGA BASS button, which is one of the trademarks of Sony audio products (Bluetooth speakers and CD players). Engaging the MEGA BASS makes the low-end a little bit more impactful.
Things we don’t like
Things we don’t likeCFD-S70 doesn’t come with a remote. We could also complain about some other things (lack of USB input or powerbank output, lack of micro SD card slot, lack of Bluetooth connectivity, etc.) but, for the price, S70 still offers more than you would expect.
2. Smallest Portable CD Player with Speakers – ARAFUNA Portable CD Player
The ARAFUNA portable CD player is one of the smallest devices on the list and is excellent if you're looking for portability. It is very simple but has all of the basic needed features.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you get the ARAFUNA portable CD player, an AUX cable, a USB-C charging cable, a pair of earphones, and the owner's manual.
Things we like
This CD player is quite portable but it has a battery life of 12 hours, which is ok for the size of the device.
The controls are intuitive and easy to use, and there are options for speed playback and AB-repeat. Useful if you like listening to audiobooks.
The CD player has a last memory function, so it will start playing from the track where you stopped even after you open the lid.
The LCD screen is backlit and will automatically turn off after 10 seconds of inactivity.
There are five EQ options available.
Things we don’t like
The CD player takes 4 hours to be fully charged, which is a bit long compared to other models.
The sound quality is a bit weak since it's a smaller device.
3. Best Portable CD Player with Disco Lights – Toshiba TY-CWU510
If you are looking for something incredibly versatile and with a bunch of features, including disco lights, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charge-out port, FM radio, different EQ modes, etc., Toshiba TY-CWU510 is a great choice. It’s one of the priciest portable CD players with speakers on this list but it’s definitely worth it.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your Toshiba portable CD player, IR remote, AC power/charging cable and adapter, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Toshiba TY-CWU510 has an interesting boombox-like design. It’s fairly light and has a handle on the top which makes it fairly easy to transport.
Most of the controls, inputs, and outputs are located on the front panel, right in the middle. At the top, you will see the power button, function/mode button, and a small LCD display. Below, you have all the controls including large volume dial, playback controls, tuning controls (for the radio), radio preset buttons, mute button, lighting button, and EQ button (4 EQ presets available). At the bottom, there are 3.5mm input, 3.5mm headphone output, and a USB port (supports USB sticks of up to 32GB). The product description says that CWU510 features a micro SD card slot, but that's not true. Only CWU500 has this feature.
On the left and right ends of the front panel, you have two 3.5in full-range woofers. The woofers have built-in lights and you can turn them on/off by pressing the light button. On the left and right panels, there’re two passive bass radiators. On the back, you have the AC power/charging input and FM antenna. The CD player is, as usual, located on the top.
Toshiba TY-CWU510 is primarily a portable CD player, but it’s also an FM radio, it can play audio files from a USB stick, and it can be paired with your phone via Bluetooth (built-in Bluetooth receiver). Thanks to the AUX input, you can connect any audio source with analog outputs (like your phone) and use this CD player as a portable speaker. You have so many options to choose from.
In CD mode, the player supports regular CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and mp3 CDs.
Built-in lighting is one of the coolest features and it’s great for small indoor/outdoor parties.
The player has a built-in rechargeable battery so you don’t have to buy batteries all the time. When used for CD playing, the player will deliver 10 hours of playtime (at moderate volumes).
The sound is not amazing but it’s better than average. The mids are clear, the highs are fairly consistent but the lows are not that impressive. The player can get pretty loud. One thing to be aware of is that player becomes quieter when battery-operated, probably in order to lower the consumption and prolong the playtime.
Things we don’t like
The product description says that CWU510 features a micro SD card slot, but that's not true. Only CWU500 (the old version) has this feature.
Toshiba CWU510 features only FM radio. There’s no AM tuner so if you want something for listening to AM radio stations, you should look elsewhere.
When battery-operated, the max volume is limited. The player is louder when plugged in.
Check out our article on ‘Best Under Cabinet Radio CD Players‘.
4. Best Portable CD Player with Speakers Under $50 – MAGNAVOX MD6972
If your limit is set at $50, MAGNAVOX MD6972 is a great choice. Aside from being a portable CD player, MAGNAVOX also has a built-in AM/FM tuner, it features Bluetooth connectivity, and has built-in lighting. All these features for less than 50 bucks – it's pretty amazing.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find your MAGNAVOX MD6972 CD player, AC power cable, user manual, and a warranty card. The batteries are not included.
Things we like
MAGNAVOX MD6972 is one of the smallest portable CD players on this list. It's very light and has a carrying handle, which makes it super portable. In terms of design, it's fairly similar to other boombox-like CD players.
On the front panel, you have two 1.5W speakers (left and right end), LCD display (clock, AM/FM frequency, track info), power indicator, and a Bluetooth indicator.
On the top, you have the CD player and most of the control buttons. On the left end, there’s the volume knob and lighting button. On the right end, you have the tuning dial and a BT/CD switch. In the middle, you have all the playback controls as well as the memory/preset button.
On the back, you have the function switch, 3.5mm input, 3.5mm headphone output, and AC input. FM antenna is also on the back, while the battery compartment is on the bottom.
The CD player section works flawlessly and supports all kinds of CDs including CD-R, CD-RW, and mp3 CD. FM reception is also pretty good, while the AM reception is satisfying (but not great). Thanks to 3.5mm input and Bluetooth connectivity you can connect the CD player to your phone and use the CD player as any other battery-operated speaker.
MD6972 runs on 8 9V C-size batteries and can deliver up to 15h of CD playing.
One of the coolest features is the LED lighting panel on the front. If you want to preserve the battery, you just have to press the light button and turn it off.
When it comes to sound quality, MAGNAVOX MD6972 is comparable with cheap Bluetooth speakers. So, it’s not great and it lacks real punch but, considering all the features and price, it’s more than satisfying
Things we don’t like
The Bluetooth version is outdated (2.1) and doesn’t really work flawlessly. The range is quite short so it’s smart to stay close to the CD player while streaming audio wirelessly.
Also Read: 6 Best CD Cassette Players.
5. Best Portable CD Player with Speakers Under $100 – SONY ZSR-S60BT
If you are looking for the best and most versatile player under $100, ZSR-S60BT could easily be the winner. It’s a CD player, it’s radio (AM and FM reception), it can play audio from a USB and it can record anything from a CD to a USB stick. It also features Bluetooth (with NFC support) and has the MEGA BASS feature (bass-boost).
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, there’s your ZSR-S60BT, power cable, user manual, and a warranty card. Batteries are not included.
Things we like
Like many other portable CD players with speakers on the market, Sony ZSRS60BT looks like a modern boombox player. It’s compact, lightweight, it has a carrying handle on the top, and it can run on batteries. All these things make it perfect for mobile use.
On the front panel, you have two 3in full-range woofers (on the left and right ends). In the middle, there’s an LCD display with power and battery indicators. Below the display, you have 5 input/mode buttons (CD, USB, Bluetooth, FM/AM, audio input), playback controls, and buttons for other features. At the bottom, there are the USB port (for music playback), headphone output, and AUX input.
On the top, you have the power button, three preset buttons (for radio stations), two volume buttons, and a CD player.
On the back, there’s the FM antenna and AC power input. The battery compartment is located on the bottom. The player requires 6 size-C batteries to operate.
The CD player section works flawlessly. It supports CD-R, CD-RW, and mp3 CDs. One of the most interesting features is recording from a CD to a UBS stick. You can record any song you like in mp3 format from any CD and it’s super simple. You just have to press the REC button.
AM and FM receptions are both great. You can memorize up to 20 FM stations and up to 10 AM stations. On top of that, you can connect any audio source with an AUX output to the CD player (3.5mm input) and use the player as a portable speaker. You can even pair your phone with the player and stream music wirelessly.
When it comes to mobile use, you need six size-C batteries (which are not included). The batteries will deliver up to 25 hours of continuous playback in FM mode (at moderate volumes). You will get less than that in other modes – up to 9 hours of CD playback, up to 15 hours of USB playback or up to 13 hours of wireless streaming via Bluetooth.
Those two built-in speakers can get pretty loud for their size but they won’t deliver an amazing experience. They are great for mid-centric music and have fairly consistent highs. The bass is good for the speaker’s size but definitely lacks some real punch. Luckily, you can change that by engaging the MEGA BASS function.
Things we don’t like
The player features an outdated Bluetooth version (V 2.1). It works like a charm within a 10ft range, but anything further than that could cause issues.
6. Best Cheap Portable CD Player with Speakers – JENSEN CD-490
JENSEN CD-490 is one of the most popular cheap options. Besides the CD player, it has built-in AM and FM tuners, and it also has a 3.5mm audio input. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity but it would be unreasonable to expect it at this price point.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find your JENSEN CD-490 CD player, AC power cable, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
In terms of design, JENSEN CD-490 is fairly similar to other boombox-like CD players. It’s a little bit more rounded and lighter than average, but it’s still a recognizable look. On the top, you have a nice and sturdy handle which, combined with compactness and lightweight, makes this player perfect for portable use. The player comes in 4 colors (color combos) including pink/white (perfect for your daughter’s room), blue/black, red/black, and red/white.
On the front panel, you have two full-range woofers and a small control panel with playback controls, a tiny LCD display, and a series of LED indicators. Below the control panel, right at the bottom, there are two 3.5mm ports – one headphone output and one standard AUX input.
On the top, you have the CD player. On the left end, there’s the volume dial and, on the right, you'll see the tuning dial. Input/mode selector is located on the left panel and the frequency band selector (AM/FM) is on the right.
At the back, there's a telescopic antenna and AC power input. The battery compartment is located on the bottom. The player runs on 8 size-C batteries.
To summarize, this cheap device is a portable CD player and a radio. It can also be used as a portable speaker – you can connect any audio source with analog outputs through the AUX input.
When running on batteries, JENSEN CD-490 will deliver up to 8 hours when playing CDs or up to 25h when listening to FM radio.
You won’t be blown away by the sonic performance but, considering the price, you can’t really expect more. In fact, when you compare it to much pricier portable CD players, JENSEN CD-490 delivers more than satisfying performance.
Things we don’t like
A significant number of customers complained about the durability and reliability of this product. Apparently, this is a poorly built device. We didn’t get that impression during our testing period (3 days) but you should still be careful and go for more reputable brands if you want to be safe.
JENSEN CD-490 doesn’t feature Bluetooth and has no rechargeable battery.
Also Read: 7 Best Wall-Mounted CD Players.
7. Blast from the Past – Studebaker SB2145R
Studebaker SSB2145R is a real blast from the past. Its design is inspired by the old-school boomboxes from the 80s. At first glance, you can’t even notice the difference between this one and some old boombox cassette player. However, when you take a closer look, you'll see that Studebaker SB2145R has CD transport instead of a cassette deck and it features Bluetooth connectivity. Like most old-school boomboxes, Studebaker has a built-in FM tuner and it features AUX inputs and outputs. On top of that, Studebaker has built-in lights and a rechargeable battery. The biggest downside is the price. It’s one of the most expensive portable CD players with speakers on the market.
What’s in the box?
Studebaker SB2145R comes in a simple cardboard box. Along with the player, you’ll get a DC charger, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
If you are into retro stuff, you’re going to love this player. It’s maybe a bit too boxy for today’s standards but there are still people that enjoy this kind of design.
The speakers are located on the front left and front right ends. This player features two 4in woofers and two 1.5in tweeters. In the middle, you have the CD transport and backlit EQ bars.
All the control buttons are located on the top. Besides the standard playback controls and volume and tuning dials, the player features bass, treble, and balance knobs. It also has the light button, preset button (for memorizing FM stations), power/function switch (radio/CD/Bluetooth) and band switch (FM and FM stereo). The carrying handle is also located on the top. On the back, you have a telescopic FM antenna and a DC input.
Studebaker is primarily a CD player and supports all kinds of CDs including CD-R and CD-RW. It’s also a radio since it has a built-in FM tuner. The FM reception is pretty good.
Studebaker can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. It features Bluetooth 4.2 with a standard range and reliable connection. Thanks to the AUX input, you can connect some other analog audio source and use the Studebaker as a wired speaker.
The player features a 2,200mAh rechargeable battery. At moderate volumes, you will get up to 7h of CD playback or up to 15h of listening to FM radio.
In terms of sound quality, Studebaker is one of the best-sounding CD players on this list. It’s also one of the loudest players. Unlike some other models, Studebaker has dedicated tweeters and delivers a more spacious and more detailed sound.
Things we don’t like
Studebaker SB2145R doesn't have an AM tuner, only FM. If you like this kind of design but want a model with AM support, try Studebaker SB2149.
We’ve seen a USB port on much cheaper portable CD players, but Studebaker doesn’t have one.
Studebaker SB2145R is one of the priciest models on our list of 10 best portable CD players with speakers in 2024 and that could be the biggest dealbreaker.
8. Loudest Portable CD Player with Speakers – Panasonic RX-D55GC-K
Panasonic RX-D55GC-K is, along with Studebaker SB2145R, one of the priciest, most versatile, and best-sounding portable CD players with speakers on this list. It doesn’t have that retro look like the Studebaker and it lacks Bluetooth connectivity but, in all the other ways, it’s just as good as the Studebaker. Unlike Studebaker, this one has a cassette deck and can play audio files from a USB stick.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your portable Panasonic CD player, remote, power cable, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
RXD55 has a standard boombox design, similar to previously reviewed Sony CD-players. It’s not exactly small and it weighs 8lbs, but there’s a nice sturdy handle on the top which makes the transportation much easier.
The majority of the front panel is occupied by the speakers. This player houses 4 drivers – two 3in woofers and two .6in tweeters. In the center of the front panel, you’ll see the ON/OFF button, volume controls, small LCD display, AUX input, USB input, tuning buttons, and playback controls. There’s also the EQ button so you can play with different EQ presets. At the bottom of the front panel, there’s the disc tray. You can open it by pressing the CD OPEN/CLOSE button. The remote that comes with the player is quite useful. It doesn’t look cheap and allows you to control everything without having to stand next to the player. It’s a great addition to the package.
On the top panel, you have the cassette deck and 6 buttons for controlling the tape playback and recording. On the back, there's the AC input, voltage selector (110V/220V), FM antenna, and headphone output. The battery compartment is on the bottom – the player requires 8 C-size batteries (for music playback and recording) and 4 AA batteries (for memory backup).
As you can see, there are so many options for music playback. Besides CD playback capabilities, this device can be used as a radio (AM and FM). You can also play music from a USB stick or you can connect some audio source with analog audio outputs and use the player as a speaker. You can even listen to your old audio tapes if you still have those.
Panasonic RXD55 doesn’t have a rechargeable battery but can run on batteries – you just have to buy them separately. One thing we were not impressed by is the battery life. Sure, this is probably one of the loudest portable CD players with speakers on this list, but we have expected a little bit more than 5h of CD playback at moderate volumes (around 50%). In FM mode, you will get up to 9h of battery life.
Thanks to those 4 drivers (two woofers and two tweeters), RXD55 delivers a nicely balanced sound with quite detailed midrange and treble. As always, the bass response is the biggest issue with tiny speakers.
Things we don’t like
RXD55 lacks Bluetooth connectivity which is quite a surprise considering the price. We’ve seen Bluetooth connectivity on much cheaper CD players.
9. The Most Versatile ‘’Pancake’’- Style CD Player with Speakers – Lukasa
Lukasa CD player looks a lot like the previously reviewed NAVISKAUTO player. It’s the same standard ‘’pancake’’ design but with a few important upgrades. Unlike NAVISKAUTO, Lukasa CD player features Bluetooth connectivity, it can play files from a USB stick, and it has an AUX input. Also, LUKASA has a rechargeable battery so you don’t have to buy the batteries separately.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you’ll find your LUKASA player, wired earphones, AUX cable, USB charging cable, carrying pouch, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Just like NAVISKAUTO, LUKASA has a circular pancake shape but it’s a little bit thicker. The speakers are located on the top, inside the CD player’s cover. The player’s diameter is 6.8in, it’s 0.8in thick, and it weighs 6oz.
The controls are on the top. Right in the center, there’s a tiny LCD display. Around the display, you have 12 control buttons. Along the rim, you have the open switch, USB port, AUX input, and a headphone output. The player is pretty easy to use and the controls are quite intuitive.
Like many other players of this kind, LUKASA features anti-skip/anti-shock protection so you don’t have to worry about missing a beat while walking or driving.
Besides its main function, this CD player can play music from a USB stick. You can also connect it to your phone or some other device (via Bluetooth or via AUX cable) and use it as a regular or a Bluetooth speaker.
The built-in battery is not very large but it can provide up to 5 hours of playback at moderate volumes (when playing music through speakers). When using headphones, you’ll get an hour or two more.
The built-in speakers are relatively small but they do a pretty good job. If you want a more refined sound, you can use some external speakers.
Things we don’t like
Don’t expect any real bass from those tiny built-in speakers. They are simply too small to deliver impactful lows.
Bluetooth connection is not perfectly reliable, especially when the distance between the source (your phone) and the player is longer than 10ft.
10. MONODEAL CD Player
The MONODEAL CD player has a modern cube-shaped design, convenient features such as Bluetooth connectivity, and is very portable. The built-in LCD screen is larger and easier to operate if compared to other models on the list.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you will find the MONODEAL CD player, an AUX cable, a USB-C charging cable, a pair of earphones, and a user manual
Things we like
This CD player has an anti-jump function, which will prevent interruptions caused by vibrations, making it a great option if you're looking for a device to use in your car.
There are dual headphone jacks in this device, meaning you can connect two pairs of headphones at the same time.
One of the best features of the MONODEAL CD player is its backlit LCD screen, which is larger than similar models and easier to see the information of the music you're playing.
This portable CD player has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect it to external speakers wirelessly.
Things we don’t like
This device has a battery life of 10 hours. While the spec is not that bad, some models of the same size have more capacity.
The speakers are very small and not that loud.
Buying Guide For The Best Portable CD Players With Speakers
When choosing the best portable CD player with speakers, consider price, build quality, size, and portability. Look for user-friendly controls, quality speakers, and long battery life. Additional features like AM/FM tuners and Bluetooth connectivity can enhance functionality.
Below, we will go through the main factors and specifications you should look for when shopping for portable CD players with speakers.
Sound Quality
Sound quality varies a lot from product to product, but as a rule of thumb, larger CD players tend to have louder speakers that can reproduce lower frequencies more accurately.
A model like the Toshiba TY-CWU510, for example, will likely have a fuller sound than a smaller model like the MONODEAL CD player. In this case, physics comes into play: since the sound drivers in a boombox are naturally larger as opposed to a portable player, the former will have better bass performance.
It all comes down to preferences and your own personal requirements, though. If you're not able to check the sound quality of a particular portable CD player in person, we suggest you check product reviews on websites such as Amazon and Walmart to help you get an idea.
Usability
There are a few points you should consider regarding usability: how and where you plan to use your portable CD player, which functions are important for you, etc.
Some players such as the ARAFUNA CD player are great if you want a small device to use in your car or in the office, for example, while boombox-style ones are more suited for home usage and for parties.
It is also important to check which functions and features are present in each model. Speed playback and AB-repeat, for example, are important functions if you like listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Some players also have certain features such as Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect them to external speakers.
Material And Build Quality
Another very important aspect is the materials used in a CD player and the build quality. Naturally, more expensive models will be more durable and have better components.
Most inexpensive CD player models are made of cheap plastic though and it can be hard to find a durable one nowadays, especially if you're in the market for a mini-player.
Again, your best bet is to check what other customers have to say on websites such as Amazon and Walmart, so you can estimate the build quality of a particular CD player model.
Battery Life
If you're looking for a portable CD player that can be used without an AC adapter, it is important to check the battery life and how long it takes for the device to be fully charged.
Most portable CD players with a built-in battery have a battery life around the 10 to 14-hour mark.
FAQs
A: When it comes to portable CD players, it's smart to stick to reputable brands with decades of experience in making this kind of audio equipment. Sony and Toshiba portable CD players would be our first choice. However, that doesn't mean that less-known manufacturers make poor audio equipment. Their CD players are usually cheaper than those made by reputable manufacturers and don't offer the features and performance you would get from Sony, but they are still great for the price.
A: If your car audio system has a 3.5mm input you can use the standard 3.5mm AUX cable and connect it to the CD player’s headphone output. The other option is to use Bluetooth – if your CD player has a built-in Bluetooth transmitter (not receiver) and your car audio is Bluetooth-enabled, you can pair them together wirelessly.
A: We have already answered this question in the introduction section but here's the short answer. Every CD player has two main parts – transport and DAC. Transport consists of a laser diode, photodiode, and a motor that spins the CD. This part is responsible for reading the digital data from the CD. The DAC part is responsible for transforming the digital signal into analog.
A: Only some portable CD players have built-in speakers and you can find some of the best portable CD players with speakers on our list. The difference between players with and without speakers is pretty obvious so you shouldn’t be having any problems identifying those with speakers. They are always larger, heavier, and usually look like boomboxes.
A: Only some portable CD players have built-in Bluetooth transmitters or receivers. The CD players that look like boomboxes and have built-in speakers sometimes have Bluetooth receivers and can be used as Bluetooth speakers. Portable CD players without speakers usually have built-in transmitters and can send audio wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth speakers or to your Bluetooth-enabled car audio system.
A: Practically all portable CD players with speakers are priced under $150 and you can find a good one for less than $100. The cheapest CD players are priced under $50 (or even under $40).
A: Yes, they do exist. CD sales are going down every year but this is still a multimillion-dollar business. So, as long as CDs exist, CD players will also exist.
A: If a CD player has a built-in transmitter, you can connect it to your Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headphones. Bluetooth transmitters are usually found in portable CD players without speakers.
A: DAC is an integral part of every CD player. Without the DAC, you wouldn’t be able to hear the music since we can’t hear or see digital data. Our brains and our senses perceive only analog information and that’s why we need a device that converts any piece of digital info into analog.
Key Takeaways
These are the 10 best portable CD players with speakers in 2024. Some of our favorite models on the list were the Toshiba TY-CWU510 (best boombox option) and the MONODEAL CD player (best portable option)
Make sure to refer to our buying guide while shopping and always check product reviews on Amazon and Walmart.
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