Listening to tabletop radio is not as common as it used to be, but it’s still a popular pastime. Sure, they might seem old-fashioned, but they’re an essential source of information for millions of Americans. Whether it’s listening in on NFL games or counting down billboard top hits, modern tabletop radios can do it all.
How to Choose a Table Top Radio?
Features
If you’re planning to buy a tabletop radio, it’s essential to consider which features you need. For advanced wireless audio streaming functionality like Airplay, you’ll need to par with at least $300 for your radio. While it might seem expensive, it lacks the 30-foot-range limitation typically associated with Bluetooth radios.
You may also consider added features like USB support and alarm capability. Look for a radio with an in-built CD player if you intend to play your music collection but haven’t transferred it yet to your computer.
It’s impossible to add a missing feature to a product after buying it, so you must get one that meets your expectations.
Ergonomics
Even if a radio has the best features in the world, it’ll feel useless if its interface makes it hard to access your music. One of the most significant attributes of a good tabletop radio is that it gives you quick access to the features you need to play radio or stream music from your MP3 player or radio.
You’ll want to look for radio sets with minimal controls that give you quick access to your preferred features. A volume knob, for instance, will always beat a pair of buttons. Similarly, a tuning knob will be better at switching tracks and changing stations than a button-based control system. Button-based systems can be confusing. If your tabletop radio has half a dozen buttons or more, and they’re all the same size, it’ll be hard to access features.
Here’s our list of the best tabletop radios, according to SaveNetRadio author John Draper.
Portability
How large do you want your radio? Desktop radios vary significantly in size, from tiny Bluetooth speakers to large sets that can dock android or Desktop speakers. Size may also affect output quality, so you should carefully weigh your options.
1. Sangean WR-16SE 45th Anniversary Special Edition
The Sangean WR-16SE 45th Anniversary Special Edition is probably the best entry on this list. This radio is stylish and elegant, with just three control knobs for volume adjustment, AM/FM/BT/AUX selection, and tuning.
Features
- The Sangean WR-16SE comes with USB 5V/1a charging for smartphones and stereo headphone output.
- If you’re looking for radios with exceptional output quality, this might be the one for you. The unit offers deep bass compensation with a 3 inch 10 watts full-range speaker
- the radio has FM/AM functionality and built-in Bluetooth, wireless audio streaming, and NFC.
- It’s fitted with a vernier tuning mechanism for soft and precise tuning.
- There’s also an auxiliary input for other incoming audio signals like those from CD and MP3 Players.
2. Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth FM/AM Radio with Rotary Dial
Victrola’s wood Bluetooth AM/FM radio combines unique modern features with antique design. It is the perfect addition to any home.
Features
- The radio comes with both AM and FM capability.
- It has integrated stereo speakers for a full range of audio output and distortion-free sound reproduction.
- There’s also a long-range Bluetooth feature that lets you quickly pair tablets, smartphones, and even computers.
3. Vintage Radio Retro Bluetooth Speaker- Greadio
this vintage radio speaker is housed in natural cherry wood, and it seamlessly combines the latest technology with retro design principles.
Features
- This unique retro Bluetooth is fitted with a bass enhancement system so you can enjoy the full stereo experience without large speakers.
- With 5-watt amplifiers, Greadio’s radio boasts impressive volume. It may be small, but it’ll give you better sound than most other tabletop radios.
- The unit comes with a 1100mAh rechargeable battery that gives you 9 hours of playback. So you can take it camping, partying or hiking, it’s all up to you.
4. Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table Top Wooden Radio
the WR-15 is both stylish and straightforward. True to Sangean tradition, it provides crystal clear AM and FM tuning in an attractive acoustically designed box.
Features
- The radio comes with a 3-inch 10-Watt full-range speaker with deep bass compensation.
- It has several rear ports that include AC in, Auxiliary in, Headphones, and FM class F antenna terminal.
- There are precise vernier tuning and volume controls.
5. Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio
If you’re looking for a product with top-of-the-line features, this might be the best choice for you.
- Panasonic’s Portable radio offers both FM and AM tuning.
- It also has a broadband LED indicator for low light conditions, a ferrite rod AM antenna, a telescoping antenna, and a dynamic speaker for high-quality audio output.
That is all about the best tabletop radios. Let us know which one you like better.
Leave a Reply