These days we have seemingly unlimited listening options when it comes to music. There’s music on our phones, in our cars, and streaming from our computers. Nevertheless, for a more convenient experience, nothing can beat the humble radio.
Of course, radios are not what they used to be. In today’s world, internet radio and Bluetooth streaming provide access like never before. However, finding the best Bluetooth radio for you can be a bit of a challenge.
The truth is, to find the best Bluetooth radio, you’re going to need to shop around. It’s crucial to look for build quality, clean sound, simple connectivity, and an appealing style at a price you can afford. Fortunately, we’ve done the shopping around for you. Let’s take a look!
What to Look for in a Bluetooth Radio
First off, there are a lot of Bluetooth radios on the market. When looking for the best Bluetooth radio, a few things to consider include sound quality, style, and price. Also, you’ll want to make sure that Bluetooth connectivity is solid.
In general, models with larger speakers are going to produce better sound, but only to a point. You’ll need to weigh the size of the radio’s speakers against other features, such as battery life, functionality, and portability.
For the most part, all Bluetooth speakers are portable, but some more so than others. Some models are designed to be set up in your home rather than taken out of the house with you. Many Bluetooth speakers these days also feature retro looks and designs, so it’s easy to find one that will look good in your living room or sitting on your kitchen counter.
At the end of the day, it’s crucial to think about what you’ll be using your speaker for. Will you be taking it out of the house with you? Are you planning to use it to catch up on the news or listen to podcasts while cooking? Do you need it to be loud enough for parties and large family gatherings?
Lastly, don’t go overboard when it comes to cost. There are plenty of Bluetooth radios at a reasonable price point. Set a budget and stick to it.
7 Best Bluetooth Radios
Below you will find some of the best Bluetooth radios we could find. There’s something for everyone here, including budget models, speakers with the highest sound quality, and some nostalgic options that feature real wood cabinetry with high tech inside.
Antimi Bluetooth Radio
Speaking of budget models, you can’t go wrong with the Antimi Bluetooth Speaker. It has an FM radio feature, a signal booster that provides excellent reception, and full-range 3-watt speakers.
Its sound quality is ideal for small gatherings, with boosted bass and distortion-free sound. Plus, its speakers wrap around the entire unit so you can fill a good-sized space with music by placing it on a table or counter near the center of a room.
This one is also portable and picks up a clear FM signal wherever you go. It’s also perfect for playing music wirelessly from your smartphone or other portable Bluetooth-enabled devices. Overall, the Antimi Bluetooth Speaker is one of the best in its price point, offering portability along with excellent reception and clear bass-heavy sound.
Pros
- 3-watt speakers and 360 degree sound
- Features an FM signal amplifier
- Easy to use touch buttons
- Portable design
Cons
- Limited battery life
Xeneo X21 Bluetooth Radio
The Xeneo Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for those who value features and functionality. It has a user-friendly interface with a cylindrical design. It’s also lightweight and remarkably durable for only weighing a single pound.
On top of that, it’s waterproof, so if you like to share your music on the beach or by the pool, the Xeneo Bluetooth Speaker is a solid choice. Plus, it has a built-in microphone for voice control and recording.
As far as battery life is concerned, the X21 Bluetooth Speaker has a respectable eight hours on a full charge. And it has impressive sound quality and superior bass.
It has an FM radio that takes full advantage of the speaker’s sound quality. The only downside is that the signal strength is not super strong, so it may not be the best choice if you’re planning to use the radio while out and about.
All in all, the Xeneo X21 Bluetooth Speaker is an excellent all-around choice. It’s easy to use, durable and checks all the right boxes. It’s definitely a top contender when it comes to usability.
Pros
- Lightweight cylindrical design
- 10-hour battery life on a full charge
- Waterproof for a worry-free experience at the pool or beach
- Easy to use FM radio
- Built-in microphone
Cons
- The FM radio is not great and feels like an afterthought
Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio
Remember when we mentioned there’d be some high-tech radios on this list with a retro vibe? Well, this is one of those. The Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio houses some impressive modern speakers inside a vintage style that looks just like an old-style radio you might have seen at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
It features a classic rotary dial for picking up AM and FM radio stations. Plus, there are knobs for adjusting the treble and bass levels. The speakers themselves offer a powerful sound that is crisp and clear. Plus, with Bluetooth capability, you’re free to play whatever you like from a nearby mobile device.
So, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth radio with an amazing classic look and modern sound, the Victrola Retro Wood Radio is probably a top contender. It offers the best of both worlds, then and now.
Pros
- AM and FM radio capability
- Classic wood and rotary dial appearance
- Excellent stereo sound
- Radio reception is strong and clear
- Knobs control the treble and bass levels
Cons
- AM reception can be weak
Pyle Retro Wireless Bluetooth Radio
The Pyle Retro Bluetooth Radio is another portable speaker system with a classic look, but this one has a lot more functionality. It looks old-fashioned and a bit quaint, with a vintage style that’s a throwback to the early days when radios were made out of a particular type of plastic called “bakelite.”
Nonetheless, don’t let its appearance fool you. Inside, the Pyle Retro Bluetooth Radio full of modern technology. It’s Bluetooth compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop at up to 30 meters away. Plus, it features an Aux input for manually connecting other devices like CD players. What’s more, it has a USB port that can be used for flash drives or for charging other external devices.
The Pyle Retro Bluetooth Radio has twin speakers that produce quality stereo sound, and the control layout is true to its retro design but easy enough to use. It has a large central display and rotary controls. With these controls, you can control the volume and tune the AM/FM radio.
Overall, this is an attractive option for those who like the classic radio experience. However, it’s larger than many of the speakers on this list and weighs seven pounds, so it’s not as portable as some options. It’s made out of fiberboard with an appealing finish.
Pros
- Attractive retro design
- Easy to use controls and rotary dials
- Has additional ports, including Aux and USB
- Includes an AM/FM radio
Cons
- Much larger and heavier than the average Bluetooth speaker radio
Tivoli Audio Bluetooth AM/FM Radio
The Tivoli Audio Bluetooth Radio is yet another option with a design out of the past, only this time it’s a little harder to pinpoint where the design comes from. Nevertheless, it feels vintage, has an attractive design and offers some excellent functionality.
That said, the Tivoli Audio Bluetooth Radio features basic controls that get the job done. It can be operated either as an AM/FM radio or using Bluetooth to connect it with a mobile device. It also has a selector switch, volume control, an Aux port, and a large tuning dial.
As far as the speaker is concerned, it’s a bit small for a device this big but still produces quality sound. It has a 3-inch long-throw driver.
The unit is housed inside a wooden frame with a beige veneer, weighing about four pounds. The biggest problem with this radio is that it is not battery-powered and requires a manual plug to function. As such, the Tivoli Audio Bluetooth Radio is not very portable but might look nice in your home.
Pros
- Solid construction from quality materials
- Unique retro design
- Quality AM/FM radio functionality
- Bluetooth compatibility with most mobile devices
Cons
- It does not have battery power for portability
- Somewhat expensive for the functionality it offers
PRUNUS J-160 Portable Transistor Radio AM FM with Bluetooth
The PRUNUS Transistor Radio has a pretty retro design with a large tuning dial. It’s also beautifully compact and weighs just under a pound for great portability.
What makes this radio stand out is the fact that the bluetooth radio picks up both AM and FM, and it is also able to play MP3 files from a micro SD card or USB flash drive.
On top of that, the PRUNUS Transistor Radio features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with a USB port and an Aux cable plug-in for connecting your music from a separate device.
The sound this little guy puts out is loud and clear with good bass and connects wirelessly to just about any device.
MP3 player
That said, this is an excellent unit with a lot to offer.
Pros
- Loaded with features, including Bluetooth 5.0, a Micro SD card slot, and a port for an Aux cable
- Works as an FM and AM radio and bluetooth speakers
- Excellent build quality
- Made of plastic but feels solid
- Very good sound for the price
Cons
- Volume knob can be sticky at first
- Tuning dial can be slightly off
ION Audio Block Rocker Plus
Lastly, we have the ION Audio Block Rocker Plus Bluetooth Radio that looks like a small guitar amp and is packed with functionality. It’s built to last and designed to be taken out and used for parties, gatherings, and tailgating.
That said, although it has more power than many of the speakers on this list, you’re still going to get the best sound when playing it indoors. It has a built-in tweeter and woofer, which boost sound quality, but it’s still a little too small for large outdoor get-togethers.
However, the ION Block Rocker Plus Bluetooth Radio has a battery life of 50 hours, which is impressive. Plus, there’s an app for Android and iOS that provides you with additional Bluetooth control, and you can use its USB port to charge other devices.
What’s more, it comes with a microphone, making it into a mini karaoke machine, and the AM/FM radio has excellent reception. You can also save up to six of your favorite stations on the radio’s memory.
Pros
- Sturdy, quality construction
- Excellent sound quality indoors
- 50 hours of battery life
- Syncs to an app
- Come with a microphone so you can use it for karaoke
- AM/FM radio reception is excellent
Cons
- Weights nearly seventeen pounds
Final Thoughts
We hope we’ve helped you to find the best Bluetooth radio for you. If you’re looking for a balance of style, functionality, and sound quality, you can’t go wrong with any of the seven Bluetooth radios we’ve featured in this article.
