Before portable music players, iPods and smartphone music were popular; the hip and stylish boombox ruled the streets. From the end of the 1980s to the early and mid-1990s, anyone who wanted to show off his moves had to take his boombox along. With this music equipment, you can enjoy music on the go. Whether you’re listening to the radio, playing music from a cassette tape or a CD, the powerful speakers of a boombox gave the best beats and sounds.
And if you think boomboxes are of the past, think again. It still remains as a portable, easy to use, and versatile music box to take anywhere. So whether you’re looking for a new boombox or you’re thinking of replacing your old music machine, we recommend the following top boomboxes available online.
Quickly Review
Best Sony Stereo Boombox
Editor’s Rating: 3.9 out of 5
The Sony Stereo Boombox is a CD/cassette tape player and a radio in one. You’ll enjoy stereo sound as you listen to music from the radio and from compatible media. It comes with a shuffle as well as program functions, so you can listen to different songs just the way you like it. It even has a working tape deck that can play, pause, rewind, forward, and records using its built-in microphone.
This boombox has a digital AM/FM tuner with 30 preset stations. It has enhanced bass boost features that improve low-frequency bass performance even with just a touch of a button. This may be AC operated or battery operated with 19 hours of music, radio, or recording time in one battery charge. It also comes with an AUX audio input so you can connect your digital music player.
This Sony boombox stays true to the traditional boombox weight at less than 5.5 pounds. You can carry this anywhere, even on your shoulders, just like a regular boombox.
- With Mega Bass for an enhanced bass response – you can play music with thundering bass and get the best effects using this boombox’s Mega Bass feature.
- Play music from a cassette, CD, AM/FM radio, or MP3 – you can enjoy playing your old-style cassette tapes and relive the past. Or you can explore CD music or listen to your favorite AM or FM stations. You may also connect your MP3 device using the AUX feature.
- Shuffle functions and program functions – the shuffle and program functions let you move through different songs in the playlist, or you can just randomize songs; you’ll never know what will play next.
- Extended battery life – with fresh batteries, this boombox can last for around 19 hours. You can enjoy listening to music outdoors with its long battery life.
- With AUX audio feature – the AUX feature helps connect your favorite audio or music device to the boombox and play it anytime. No need to make special adjustments or use difficult connections.
Specs
- With Mega Bass
- Listen to a cassette tape, CD, AM or FM radio and MP3
- Stereo sound
- Cassette tape with recording feature
- AM/FM with 30 preset stations
- 19 hours of battery life
- Can connect to a wall socket
- With AUX audio
- Measures 13.7 x 6.1 x 9 inches
- Weighs 5.1 pounds
Best Magnavox CD Boombox
Editor’s Rating: 3.8 out of 5
This Magnavox MD6924 has a unique, sleek design that makes it easier to carry anywhere. You can listen to your favorite music from a CD, AM, or FM radio and from an external music source. You don’t need to be stuck at home with a corded radio because this Magnavox boombox may be used with compatible batteries.
It has two large stereo speakers and easy access control buttons in front. With an easy to read LED display on the front, you can easily check what track is playing. And because it weighs only 3.3 pounds, you can easily carry this anywhere by hand or over your shoulders.
- Compact and easy to take anywhere – this is one of the most compacts in our list. You can take it anywhere and carry it without tiring your arms and shoulders because it weighs only 3.3 pounds.
- Can run on batteries or using a plug – you don’t have to be bound by power cords because this can run on batteries. You can spend more time outdoors and even anywhere without any power socket in sight.
- With LED display – the LED display is large and easy to read, and thus, it’s easier to check the tracking number.
Specs
- CD with AM/FM radio
- With top-loading CD player
- Can play CD-RW or CD-R
- 3.5mm auxiliary port
- AC or DC operation
- 2 x 0.8w RMS output
- LED display for CD tracks
- Measures 8 x 8.52 x 4.6 inches
- Weighs 3.3 pounds
Best Portable Bluetooth Digital Boombox
Editor’s Rating: 4.3 out of 5
The Sony Portable Bluetooth Digital Tuner is an AM/FM, CD player, stereo sound system in one. When using the CD playback, you can enjoy listening to CD-R and CD-RW music discs. This has Bluetooth streaming so you can connect to compatible Bluetooth-equipped devices. Forget about connecting with media wires.
The AM/FM tuner as up to 30 preset stations (10 AM and 20 FM) so you can select from a variety of talk, music, and many types of programming. This portable boombox also comes with a USB recording and easy playback. You can record music from a CD in MP3 or on a flash drive with the CD Sync. Just like the previous Sony boombox, this also comes with the Mega Bass feature that enhances bass sounds. It runs on batteries, and a full one can give you up to 26 hours of non-stop battery life.
- Play CDs or listen to MP3 files – you can play your favorite CDs, or you can connect your MP3 music player to the AUX port of this boombox to listen to your saved songs.
- With 30 preset radio stations – the preset stations save you time from looking for radio stations to listen to.
- With CD Sync feature – the CD Sync lets you record music from a CD to a flash drive or an MP3 player. It is simply a way to transfer old data to new media to protect it.
Specs
- Bluetooth 2.1 interface, pairs with NFC technology
- Mega Bass stereo sound
- With preset AM and FM radio stations
- With USB recording and playback – CD Sync features
- A battery can last up to 26 hours (battery is six types Cs)
- Measures 5.5 x 15.2 x 2.7 inches
- Weighs only 1.04 pounds
Best Portable CD Player from Sylvania
Editor’s Rating: 3.6 out of 5
The Sylvania SRCD243 is a portable CD player with AM and FM radio features. This is a portable boombox that comes in seven different colors (black, blue, green, red, pink, and silver). This has convenient control buttons at the front of the machine, and a large LED display will tell you what track you’re listening to. The controls come with a skin-search function as well as a repeat one or all feature.
It has two large stereo speakers to give you an enjoyable sound for any application. You can also play your own music from an audio source through this boombox using the AUX feature in jack. This has a top-loading CD tray, so a CD is easier to load no matter where you are. This boombox is one of the lightest weighing only 3 pounds. You can take this anywhere: at the park, at the beach, in school, at the gym, at work or anywhere you want to enjoy, booming bass or any kind of music.
- With Skip and Search functions – the skip and search functions make it easier to find the song you want to play from an album or a long playlist.
- With programmable memory – you can program your music settings and immediately listen to your favorite song/track or your favorite radio station the moment you power on the boombox.
- Lightweight, perfect for carrying anywhere – this radio/speaker system weighs just 3 pounds, and thus, you can easily carry this with ease no matter where you want to go.
Specs
- With AM/FM radio tuner
- With Skip and Search features
- With 20-track memory, programmable
- Uses AC or DC for power, Uses 8 C-type batteries
- With outdoor antenna
- LED display
- AUX jack
- Measures 9.7 x 10.2 x 16.9 inches
- Weighs 3 pounds
Best Jensen Portable Stereo CD Player
Editor’s Rating: 3.9 out of 5
The Jensen CD-490 portable stereo CD player has an AM/FM radio and an AUX line in. You can listen to your favorite FM or AM radio stations and enjoy preset stations as well. The AUX line-in can connect a digital audio player, iPod, or MP3 player to the boombox so you can listen to your favorite saved music from the boom box’s powerful stereo speakers.
The CD player is top-loading and is CD-R and CD-RW compatible. The LED at the front of the boombox tells you what track is playing as well as other information like volume levels. This has a skip-search back and forward, repeat all, or repeat one plus programmable boombox memory.
This Jensen boombox comes in different attractive color combinations: black and red, black and silver, back and blue, white and pink, and white and red.
- Comes in cute colors and color combinations – you can choose from several colors and color combinations. The most popular color combinations are black and red and white and red, which are stylish and perfect for a modern-style room or home.
- With AUX input features – the AUX input feature lets you connect this boombox to digital music sources like your smartphone, music player, laptop, or PC.
- All CD player features – you will enjoy all the CD player features you love like forward, backward, and skip/search features.
Specs
- Plays CD-R and CD-RW
- Large LED for track display
- With skip, search, forward or back, repeat CD features
- AM/FM stereo receiver
- Foldable handle and antenna with a telescopic design
- AUX input
- With headphone jack
- Output 2 speakers each with 1.5W RMS
- Power is AC 120V at 60Hz or eight C batteries
- Measures 12.5 x 9 x 5.9 inches
- Weighs 3.4 pounds
Best Jensen CD Bluetooth Boombox
Editor’s Rating: 4.1 out of 5
The Jensen CD-555 is a Bluetooth boombox, CD player, and FM radio. Available in four cool color combinations, this boombox is portable with a stylish-cute style. It has a top-loading CD player that’s compatible with a CD-R or a CD-RW. It is Bluetooth compatible and will support all the updated Bluetooth-capable devices.
The blue light LED display in the middle of the device will tell you what track is playing. You can use features like skip, search, forward, backward, and repeat all or repeat 1. This CD player boombox has a programmable memory, FM tuner receiver with a bass boost feature, and headphone jack. You may also connect your music player, iPod, or any kind of digital audio player to this device.
- Adorable color combinations to choose from – everyone who has seen this cute boombox admires its design. It’s adorable despite its size and is available in lovely colors as well.
- Bluetooth connectivity – this comes with Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to your device. No more wires that will only limit your distance. You can connect even from across the room and play the music that you enjoy.
- AUX feature – and aside from connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth, this boombox also connects using wires with the AUX port. Use the correct cable to connect your mobile phone, music player, laptop, or PC to this boombox to use it as an external speaker.
Specs
- Top-loading CD player design
- Supports A2DP and AVRCP, CD-R and CD-RW
- Blue LED to display tracks
- With skip-search, back, forward and repeat functions
- With programmable memory
- FM stereo receiver
- Headphone jack and AUX feature
- Measures 7.1 x 6.1 x 10.2 inches
- Weighs 2.3 pounds
Best Magnavox Boombox with Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Editor’s Rating: 3.9 out of 5
The Magnavox Boombox connects wirelessly to compatible devices using Bluetooth. You can stream music played from your PC, tablet, or smartphone to this device’s powerful stereo speakers. This has a top-loading CD player and is compatible with a CD-R or a CD-RW.
This boombox is also an AM/FM radio tuner and receiver. You can listen to your favorite AM or FM radio stations as well as enjoy preset stations. You can connect this device using a wired connection through the 3.5mm AUX input. It is available in a cool red and black color, just perfect for a modern-themed room. And because this boombox weighs only 3.6 pounds, you can take this wherever you want to go. You can take this to the park, beach, and gym or just in your backyard. It can work using 6 type C batteries or connected to a power outlet using a convenient adapter.
- Use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly – this is another boombox that comes with Bluetooth. You can connect wirelessly and play your favorite music even from across the room. Pairing is easy, too, and this happens as soon as you power on Bluetooth from your device and this Boombox.
- AUX input ready – aside from connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth, you can also connect through wires to the AUX port. Connect any music source like your smartphone, music player, or your laptop or computer to this boombox and enjoy playing audio from an external speaker.
- Can work with type C batteries – you don’t have to depend on a power outlet to use this boombox because you can use batteries as well. Use six type C batteries to take this boombox outdoors. You can listen to music on the patio, at the poolside, at the beach or when you go camping. Fresh batteries can last for many hours, even if you use the boombox continuously.
Specs
- Bluetooth compatible
- AM/FM radio in stereo
- AUX input with 3.5mm jack
- Can work AC/DC using an adapter or 6 type C batteries
- Measures 8.3 x 11.4 x 5.5 inches
- Weighs 3.6 pounds
Best CD Boombox with Color Changing Lights
Editor’s Rating: 4.2 out of 5
The Magnavox MD6972 boombox comes with digital AM and FM radio, CD player, and Bluetooth technology. This has a top-loading CD player design and comes with a digital AM and FM radio tuner. And possibly a feature that you won’t see in other boomboxes is the color-changing lights that will dance to the beat. It also has a large LCD display with a blue backlight.
This Magnavox boombox is compatible with a CD-R and CD-RW disc. You can use this Bluetooth compatible device to connect to a Bluetooth device as well, such as your smartphone, PC, or laptop. And with the AUX port, you can connect any audio device using a 3.5mm jack. This may be operated using a battery or using a power cord.
- With fun color changing lights – this is the unique feature that you’ll find in a boombox. The dancing color-changing LED lights found at the front of the boombox moves to the tune of the music you’re listening to. Similar to equalizer bars, you’ll find these entertaining, especially when you’re playing music with awesome beats.
- With AUX port – the AUX port makes this boombox more versatile. It can connect to any compatible music device using an AUX cord. You can connect your phone, your music player, or any device and use this boombox speaker as a powerful external speaker.
- With Bluetooth connectivity – connect your mobile phone, laptop, or PC through Bluetooth and enjoy listening to music even when you’re across the room or even from another room. You can connect your Bluetooth-enabled device almost instantly to this versatile.
Specs
- Digital PLL AM-FM radio receiver
- With top-loading CD player, compatible with a CD-R and CD-RW
- With pulsating lights at the front
- AUX connectivity
- AC or DC operation
- Uses 8 type C batteries or power cord
- Measures 9.7 x 12 x 5.3 inches
- Weighs 4.5 pounds
Best Riptune Portable CD Player Boombox
Editor’s Rating: 3.7 out of 5
This colorful Riptune Portable CD Player and Boombox come in black/silver, blue, green, pink, and white. It offers an awesome sound despite its small and compact design. It can play CDs, allow you to listen to AM or FM radio stations, or use the AUX feature to connect to your music player, smartphone, or any audio source.
It can play CDs, CD-R, or CD-RW or use the easy programming features of this boombox to save your settings. It has a durable design and is sturdy with a large handle for an easy grip. It comes with a stylish, sleek design; you can let is sit in your room, or you can take it anywhere like at the gym as you work out, at the beach or near the pool as you relax.
Other great features of this device include the large LCD display that will tell you who track you’re listening to. You can skip songs or move forward or back and listen to anything according to your own preference.
- Compact design – this boombox comes with a compact, easy to carry anywhere design. You can take it anywhere with you wherever you want to go. You can take your music to the street, at the beach, at the park, to camp or to school.
- AUX cable – just like most boomboxes in this list, the Riptune CD player comes with an AUX port where you can connect your digital devices like your smartphone, laptop, or your PC and use it as an external speaker.
- Sturdy and cool design –this boombox is compact, sturdy, and cool. You can easily hold it with one hand as it has a large handle so you can carry it wherever you want to go.
Specs
- Plays CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs
- AM/FM radio
- With large LCD display
- AC or DC power
- AUX features
- With a telescoping antenna, detachable plug
- Measures 10.5 x 9.1 x 5.3 inches
- Weighs 3 pounds
Best CD Player Portable Boombox from Lonpoo
Editor’s Rating: 3.8 out of 5
The LONPOO CD player and lightweight-portable boombox come with an FM radio, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. The top-loading CD player will work with CD-R and CD-RW. It is Bluetooth compatible, and thus, you can use this as an extra speaker for your laptop, smartphone, or any Bluetooth compatible music device.
It has an AUX input, and thus, you can use an external device to play music via this port. It also comes with a full LCD screen to check on your tracks. It can play the next song or the previous song, or you can record or playback songs. And because this has a compact and easy to carry design (with a very large handle and foldable antenna) you can take this wherever you want to go. It’s for outdoor activities, camping, at the gym, at the beach or at the poolside.
- Bluetooth compatible – the LONPOO CD player is Bluetooth compatible and thus is perfect for listening to all kinds of music no matter where you are. No more wires as you can connect to this boombox even when you’re located from far across the room. You can even be at the other room and connect a Bluetooth headset or headphone to listen to music played from a CD. Pairing is done almost instantly as you power on your Bluetooth-enabled device and the boombox.
- It has many outputs and inputs – you can enjoy connecting a USB-enabled device to this boombox or play music from a USB stick. The AUX and the headphone jack are also connected at the front, making it easier to connect your devices.
- With a wide range of applications – this boombox allows you to play CDs through its top-loading CD player, to listen to AM or FM radio because it has a tuner and work as a radio receiver, and it can also play from an external source from the USB and AUX port. You may also use this boombox to play music straight from your laptop, PC, or your smartphone using the AUX cable or through Bluetooth.
Specs
- Top-loading CD player, compatible with CD-R and CD-RW
- Bluetooth compatible
- Different audio modes
- With an earphone output, USB and AUX in port
- AM/FM radios, auto scan, with the memory of 20 radio stations
- Comes with power cable, AUX cable and user manual
- With full LCD screen
- With recording and playback functions
- Measures 8.3 x 9.3 x 4.7 inches
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
How to find the best boombox for you
- Consider your preferred music source
Boomboxes have different ways to play music, and thus, the one you have must play the type of music you enjoy. It should play a CD if you enjoy listening to CDs or the radio if you prefer AM or FM radio music. You can get the best of all these sources in most updated boomboxes.
- Take note of updated features
As mentioned, consider boomboxes with an updated design. Choose boomboxes with Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. Choose ones with an updated design and style too.
- Speaker power
You need a powerful stereo speaker system so you can play your favorite music and tunes as loud as you want these to be.
- Weight of the boombox and dimensions
You should be able to comfortably carry your boombox so it must be lightweight and easy to hold or carry. If you intend to take this outdoors, to the park, beach, and gym or to work, then it must be easy to carry with one hand. The handle must be large, durable, and ergonomic.
FAQs
- Why is a boombox so-called?
The boombox was so-called because of its box-like appearance. The very first boomboxes were very heavy because of its heavy bass speakers. The first boomboxes were created before the MP3, and the Sony Walkman was invented, and this allowed people to listen to cassette tapes and the radio even on the go or on the street.
- What is a boombox speaker?
A typical boombox speaker system is a combination of two or multiple loudspeakers. The boombox can receive radio signals and play recorded music from cassettes and CDs, and the sound is from huge and powerful speakers capable of playing loud, deep and satisfying bass.
- Why did people invent boombox?
People invented the boombox because they wanted to record from AM or FM radio to a cassette or from a signal from a microphone. Also, they wanted a way to carry music anywhere and to share their recorded and preferred music anywhere and to anyone as well.
- Is a boombox an obsolete device?
Not really. There are boomboxes with updated features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB connections, and many more. It is unlikely that this device will ever retire.
Conclusion
From our list of the top boomboxes this year, we recommend the Sony Stereo Boombox, which is a CD/cassette tape player and an AM/FM radio. This boombox has a digital AM/FM tuner with 30 preset stations. It comes with a bass boost feature that enhances low-frequency bass performance quickly. This may be AC operated or battery operated with 19 hours of music. This Sony boombox remains as a low, quiet feature and weighs less than 5.5 pounds. You can carry this anywhere, even on your shoulders, just like how boomboxes should be carried. And if you think that the Sony Stereo Boombox is your kind of boombox, check it out at this link.
