Although the popularity of smartphones in the past decade has increased tremendously, there is still something special that makes tabletop radios worth buying.

Tabletop radios are practical and easy to use, giving you total control of manually or automatically tuning to your favorite radio station with ease.

When shopping for tabletop radios, some key features you should consider are reception, durability, portability, and sound clarity.

Here are the best tabletop radios you can buy today.

Premium pick

1. C.Crane CC 2E

9.00 / 10
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If you’re looking for a top-grade tabletop radio with great functionality, the C.Crane CC 2E is an excellent pick. It features a built-in weather band that provides access to the NOAA weather station to keep you updated on current local conditions. With its weather alert feature, it sounds an alarm that notifies you in case of emergency weather updates.

Since it has three alert functions (NOAA audio, flashing light with siren, and flashing light without alarm), you can select one that best works for you so that you can respond fast and appropriately. You’ll also be impressed by its extensive reception to AM and FM frequencies. This model features a patented C.Crane’s twin-coil Ferrite antenna that significantly boosts weak AM signals, making it easy to select your favorite stations.

In addition, it has a precise tuning knob that allows you to effortlessly navigate different stations. This tabletop radio is quite light and compact as it weighs four pounds and measures 11 x 4 x 6.5 inches. As such, it’ll effortlessly fit in your bag, making it a great companion for outdoor activities such as camping.

Key Features
  • Two-meter Ham band
  • Five memory buttons
  • Patented twin-coil ferrite AM antenna
  • Comes with a sleep timer
Specifications
  • Brand: C. Crane
  • Connectivity: Auxillary in, Headphone jack
  • Battery: 4x D size
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Exceptional AM reception
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Dull design
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C.Crane CC 2E
Editors choice

2. Avantree SP850

9.20 / 10
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Versatility makes the Avantree SP850 one of the best tabletop radios. It’s a three-in-one portable Bluetooth speaker, FM radio, and SD card player. It has strong FM reception, so it automatically searches available FM stations and saves them.

If you prefer being in control of your playlist, the microSD playback comes in handy. You only need to select a playback mode (repeat one, repeat all, random, and repeat folder) of your choice from the menu button to listen to music that best suits your mood. With six equalizer modes, it produces a crisp and clear sound that’s customized to meet your unique taste.

Enjoy your favorite tunes with classic, natural, soft music, jazz, pop, and rock for the ultimate listening experience. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, you can enjoy listening to FM radio for up to six hours. Recharging the batteries to full capacity only takes two hours, so you can continue enjoying audio content conveniently.

Key Features
  • MicroSD card support
  • Auto-scan and save FM channels
  • Six equalizer modes
  • Additional hand strap
Specifications
  • Brand: Avantree
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Aux
  • Battery: 1x Nokia-type Lithium-ion (BL-5C)
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Clear reception without antenna
  • Lightweight
  • Bluetooth compatibility
Cons
  • No support for AM radio
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Avantree SP850
Best value

3. Panasonic RF-2400D

8.80 / 10
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The Panasonic RF-2400D is one of the best options if you are looking for a reliable tabletop radio for outdoor activities. The design of this model stands out if you fancy the retro 80s look. For instance, its tuning dial scale, which features a fluorescent pointer not only reminds you of the 80s and early 1990s but also increases visibility when tuning in the dark.

The large tuning knob and the volume adjustment dial on the side also give it a striking old-school look. Weighing one pound, this tabletop radio is perfect if you love hiking and camping, among other outdoor activities since you can carry it with ease.

For added portability, you don’t have to always carry the AC adapter since it is powered by four batteries. The 10cm three-watt speaker also produces clear and pristine sound. You’ll enjoy detailed vocals and decent bass in FM and AM stations.

Key Features
  • Large dial with a fluorescent pointer
  • Tuning dial scale
  • 10cm three-watt speaker
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
  • Size: 3.23 x 9.21 x 4.8 inches
  • Power: AC and battery
  • Driver Size: 4 inches
  • Cable Length: 5 feet
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Great reception
  • Portable
  • Long-lasting battery
Cons
  • Mono to stereo adapter needed to use normal headphone plug
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Panasonic RF-2400D

The Sony CFDS70-BLK is one of the best tabletop radio CD players. It has a built-in cassette and CD player, so you can enjoy your old collection of music with stunning sound quality. If you’re buying it to listen to the radio, you’ll have a good time as it gets great reception using a digital tuner. Better yet, you can preset 30 radio stations for fast access.

The other standout feature of this tabletop radio is the full stereo sound with deep bass. It packs a mega bass boost feature that gives the bass a more powerful punch to make your house party livelier. If you’d like to switch to personal listening, there’s a headphone output.

This tabletop radio is convenient to use as it works with both battery power and AC. This makes it ideal to use during a power outage as the six C-size batteries have a playback time of approximately 19 hours.

Key Features
  • A compact CD/cassette player
  • Sleep time function
  • You can preset 30 radio stations
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Connectivity: Audio-in jack
  • Battery: Six C-size batteries
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Long battery life
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight for easy transportation
Cons
  • Not ideal if you want to play digital music
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Sony CFDS70-BLK

The Eton Elite Executive is a feature-packed tabletop radio that gives you value for your money. This model stands out with its capability to receive a wide range of radio wavelengths such as SW, FM with RDS, MW, and LW. This offers you a variety of radio stations to listen to both home and abroad.

Additionally, it receives both SSB and VHF aircraft bands, so it delivers strong and clear audio with minimal interference. This model is made with portability in mind. It only measures 4.1 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches, so it is compact enough to fit in a backpack. You’ll also be impressed by the leather case that gives it a premium look and makes it suitable for travel.

The Eton Elite Executive features a sleep timer, both world and local time settings, and alarm clock settings, so you can keep time regardless of the time zone. The backlit orange LCD improves the visibility of time settings in the dark for seamless functionality.

Key Features
  • VHF Aircraft band
  • 700 memory stations
  • Local/world time zones
Specifications
  • Brand: Eton
  • Connectivity: Headphone jack
  • Battery: 4x AA
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Great reception
  • Sturdy
  • Attractive leather case
  • Portable
Cons
  • Lacks AC adaptor
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Eton Elite Executive

The elegant design of the Sangean WR-16SE is one of its most noticeable features. It is designed with rose gold plates that blend with a walnut veneer finish, giving it that 80s feel. If your home has vintage-style decor and furniture, this radio will serve as a complement to it.

Although it features an analog dial scale, a tuning knob, and tunes like analog radios, this model is different since it is PLL digitally tuned to allow for a quick selection of channels. Unlike most analog models, it also offers Bluetooth connectivity, so you can play audio content from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-compatible devices.

With the three-inch 10-watt speaker, you enjoy a rich and clean sound without necessarily connecting it to a home theater system. The dynamic bass compensation feature also helps deliver deep bass for a more impactful listening experience.

Key Features
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Tuning and band indicators
  • Stereo headphone output
  • PLL digitally tuned
Specifications
  • Brand: Sangean
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary In
  • Size: 9.4 x 6.75 x 4.62 inches
  • Power: 6.5 watts
  • Driver Size: 3 inches
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Great sound quality
Cons
  • Only corded electric
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Sangean WR-16SE

If you’re looking for a vintage vibe in a tabletop radio, the Crosley CR3036D-WS is the ideal pick. The golden knobs and buttons give it a retro 80s look that’s unique and eye-catching. As such, it can blend well with a wide variety of interior decor styles.

Although it has an analog tuning dial scale that makes searching for channels a seamless process, it still has modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity. With the built-in Bluetooth receiver, you can stream music, podcasts, and other types of audio content from your smartphone. You’ll find a 3.5mm audio jack on the back that allows you to share your favorite music with others around you, or tune into private listening with your own headphones.

The small footprint of this tabletop radio allows it to fit in tight spaces such as your computer desk or on a nightstand. Plus, it only weighs 0.5 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down if you carry it around during hiking, cycling, or camping.

Key Features
  • Gold knobs and buttons
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • Supports both AM and FM
Specifications
  • Brand: Crosley
  • Connectivity: Auxillary in, Bluetooth, headphone jack
  • Battery: 2,200mAh
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Portable
  • Easy to use
  • Premium-looking design
Cons
  • Charging cable is short
Buy This Product
Crosley CR3036D-WS

FAQ

Q: What Should I Consider When Buying a Tabletop Radio?

The main types of tabletop radios to consider include AM/FM (analog), digital, and internet. Analog radios are the traditional ones, which are more durable but are prone to signal loss.

Digital radios are modern feature-rich models that offer better audio quality and reliable coverage.

Internet radios allow for more customization. They also offer more radio stations, but you need a stable internet connection, which can sometimes be a challenge.

Audio quality is another crucial factor to consider when buying a radio. To get a higher audio quality, consider getting a radio that uses stereo sound or modern technology.

Q: Can I get a Tabletop Radio with External Connectivity?

Yes, you can buy a tabletop radio that offers external connectivity. Modern devices provide options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and headphone jacks. Bluetooth enables you to connect your tabletop radio with your phone. This feature allows you to stream music from Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, or Apple Music.

Tabletop radios with Wi-Fi connectivity allow for internet radio stations. Such radios are becoming popular because they offer more options regarding radio stations. Headphone jacks enable you to use your headphones while listening to your music. This feature provides a more private listening experience.

Q: How Can I Enhance My Tabletop Radio Reception?

A radio with excellent selectivity will offer good reception. Positioning the antenna at a higher height makes it easier to receive clear signals.

Ensure your antenna is outside because it’ll give you better reception than when it’s inside. Some radios have built-in antennas, which can be problematic if you’re in weak signal areas. However, you can try moving the power cord higher to enhance reception. Other radios come with separate wire, telescoping, and outdoor antennas, offering a better reception.

Q: Can I Repair My Tabletop Radio?

Yes, you can tackle some minor repairs to get it up and running. These tabletop radios are not complicated plus they’ve been around for many years. As such, most people have already dismantled them to understand how they work.

You may need to replace the power cords, switches, batteries, or repair the antennae. Sometimes, switches and controls only need some cleaning.