Better Homes And Gardens September 2021 Magazine

The Best Table Radios for Your Home in 2021

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Thanks to mobile devices that are at our fingertips almost 24/7, listening to the radio is a little less common these days, but it's hard to beat the old-school tradition of tuning in to your favorite radio station when you want to blast entertainment through your entire house. From listening to soapy serials from the early 20th century (via Bluetooth) to counting down the latest top 40 hits to tuning in to your favorite podcast, you can do it all with a fully modernized table radio.

From kitchen counters to nightstands, table radios make great additions to every room in your home. But how do you tune into the best radios for your needs? We're here to help! Sangean dominates the market when it comes to quality sound in both modern and retro radio styles, but other well-known manufacturers like Sony, Bose and Victrola make some top-rated products as well. Here's a look at some of the best table radios for your home.

Best Overall: Sangean PR-D18BK AM/FM/Portable Digital Radio With Protective Bumper

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Among the many table radios on the market, only one hits the sweet spot of quality and price: the Sangean PR-D18BK AM/FM/Portable Digital Radio. It provides high quality sound from both AM and FM frequencies, and the LED display is easy to read. Seventy-one percent of reviewers give this radio five stars, and they're impressed with the rich sound for a radio of its size.

Best Value: Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth FM/AM Radio with Rotary Dial

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If you're looking for old-school style that sounds great and comes at an irresistible price, the Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth FM/AM Radio is a terrific option. Reviewers rave about the beautiful construction and design, and one even compared its quality to Bose. This beautiful retro table radio is simple, yet versatile, with plenty of entertainment options including enjoying high tech tunes though its bluetooth speakers.

Best Bluetooth/USB Compatible Radio: Sangean WR-22WL AM/FM-RDS/Bluetooth/USB Table-Top Digital Tuning Receiver

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For a table radio that does just about everything, take a look at the Sangean WR-22WL AM/FM-RDS/Bluetooth/USB Table-Top Digital Tuning Receiver. Solidly constructed and powerful, this handsome choice radio puts you in control with treble and bass control, and it provides high quality sound. Consumers love its sturdy build and the refined look of the case, plus the fact that it gets excellent reception and booms some serious bass from such a bitty box.

Best Portable Bluetooth Radio: Sony Bluetooth Portable CD Player Stereo Sound System Bundle

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Sony Bluetooth Portable CD Player Stereo Sound System combines great sound with convenience. The mini boom box styling looks right at home on a table, but it's also portable. You can listen to AM/FM radio, CDs, USB, or Bluetooth audio with ease. Reviewers rave about the functionality and versatility of this table radio.

Best Digital Display: Sangean HDR-18 HD Radio/FM-Stereo/AM Wooden Cabinet Table-Top Radio

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If you're looking for a table radio with an impressive display, train your eyes the Sangean HDR-18 HD Radio/FM-Stereo/AM Wooden Cabinet Table-Top Radio. It plays AM, FM and HD radio stations with clarity and power, and the digital display is bright and informative--basically an audiophile's dream. Buyers rave about the sound and sturdy construction of the radio, along with the sensitive reception and distortion-free sound ("deep, clear, and rich like a table radio should be," gushed one reviewer.)

Best Classic Analog Radio: Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio

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Most retro table radios conjure the golden days of radio, but the Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio looks like it came from the glory days of the '80s. This radio looks and sounds great on a table or shelf, but it's also portable and ready to go anywhere--even propped on your shoulder. Reviewers love the powerful antenna, easy to tune dial, and the deceptively faithful sound quality for such a small radio.

Most Striking Design: Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table-Top Wooden Radio

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Retro table radios rarely fail to charm, and the Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table-Top Wooden Radio is no exception. Boasting one of the most striking designs on the market, its analog dial allows you to tune in to the classic stations you want, but don't be fooled: the inside is all modern, with a powerful speaker and terrific quality. Buyers rave about the tone and range of the sound--and about its exceptional good looks.

Best Mid-Priced Radio: Tivoli Audio M1BTCLA Bluetooth AM/FM Radio

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If you're willing to invest in something at a slightly higher price range than other radios, check out the Tivoli Audio M1BTCLA Bluetooth AM/FM Radio. This beauty streams wirelessly combining amazing audio with a design that definitely conversation-piece worthy. Consumers love how it versatility (it plays Bluetooth audio as well as AM/FM radio), and they remark that the sound quality is especially top-notch for a single speaker radio. They also rave about the overall luxe look and feel of the radio--a richness in sound that matches a richness in style (even the tuning knob is apparently a delight to use).

Best Soundbar Table Radio: KEiiD Compact Soundbar

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If a tabletop soundbar is more your speed, the KEiiD Compact Soundbar offers terrific sound quality and design that blends retro and modern style. Seventy percent of buyers gave this radio five star reviews, and they love how it plays AM/FM radio, CDs, and even Bluetooth streaming audio. The overall sentiment is one of wow--good looks, crisp, clear sound, and impressive versatility at a fantastic price.

Best Sound Quality: Bose Wave Music System IV

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The Bose Wave Music System IV uses its own proprietary technology to create sounds that are faithful to their source and higher in quality than anything else on the market. Sure, it's pricey, but if full sound is your highest priority, this is the radio you want. Reviewers rave about the rich textures and fidelity of the sounds they hear on this tabletop radio. More than 80% gave it five stars--not unexpected from a brand that comes so well regarded.

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