The Best Kids Radios – Designed Specifically for Kids & Toddlers

In this age of smartphones and the internet, watching is a common past-time among children. Nonetheless, while it is entertaining, it can result in addiction or screen dependence. If you want to introduce a new hobby that is equally fun, you need the best kids radio.

Radios may be obsolete these days, but there are still many products available, including those that are designed specifically for children. It works like a regular radio, but it has simpler features for ease of use. Plus, it has bright colors and kid-friendly designs.

To help you narrow down the options, below are some of the most important factors to consider:

Are you looking for a child radio? Read this “Buying Guide”, and I will share some of the top products available, as well as their most notable features.

Best Kids Radio Reviews

1. AUNA 00819885021020US Radio

Regardless of the musical genre, this is an excellent option for radio for kids. It is chic and multifunctional while still being affordable.

Designed by a sound engineering team from Berlin, it delivers the best listening experience. Audio engineers analyze and optimize even the smallest details to ensure the best output. From design to assembly, the company’s experienced team fine-tunes every component. With its thoughtful construction, it is also easy to use, even for kids.

This radio has a multi-color LED. It does not only change color, but it also does it based on the rhythm of the song that it is playing. It has a switch on the side so that I can turn it on and off anytime.

The versatility of this radio is one more reason to consider it over others. It has a port for connecting it to external devices, such as a smartphone. Alternatively, there is a slot to play music straight out of a USB stick. Moreover, it has Bluetooth connectivity to play music wirelessly and a CD player.

 Heads-up:  Before using this radio, take note that it needs an 8c battery to function. Even if you will plug it into a wall outlet, a battery is necessary.

 Bottom Line:  Wrapping up, this is an exceptional kids radio player because of the colorful LED that changes patterns depending on the music and its versatile functionality, including a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.

2. PROSCAN SRCD243 Radio

Radios are not just for oldies. This user-friendly and affordable radio is perfect for children who would like to listen to music.

Among others, what I love the most about this children’s radio is its portable design. It has a lightweight and compact body. Plus, it comes with a convenient handle. Even a little kid will not need to exert too much effort when carrying the radio around.

More so, it is also a good thing that it comes with a built-in CD player. There are also buttons that will allow children to skip or search music. These buttons are large enough and easily accessible from the front of the radio.

If I want to connect my smartphone to the radio, I can do so easily because of the aux input jack. This means that I can plug in other compatible audio sources, so I can play music beyond radio stations and CDs.

For an economical radio, the sound quality is surprisingly great. I like how the speakers are in front of the unit, unlike others that are on the side. This way, the audio is clearer and louder. It also does not produce any static.

 Heads-up:  However, one of the biggest drawbacks of this radio is its flimsy construction. The quality looks inferior straight from the packaging. I do not expect it to last many years, which is pretty understandable since it is cheap.

 Bottom Line:  Overall, this affordable kid’s radio is a great option because of its built-in CD player, portable design, and excellent sound quality.

3. Magnavox MD6972 Radio

While the company markets this product mainly as a CD boombox, it is also an exceptional stereo for kids. It has an AM/FM tuner, so I can listen to various stations.

Using this radio is fun for children because of the color-changing lights. It pulsates to the music, following the rhythm of the song that it plays. Furthermore, it has an LCD with a blue backlight, making it easy to see whatever is on the screen.

The dual power supply is another good feature of this radio. When I am at home, I can plug it into the wall socket. Alternatively, when I am outside, I can use the battery. I also like how the battery compartment serves as an organizer for the AC plug when it is empty.

When I saw this product for the first time, I was initially hesitant about its quality. After turning it on, I was instantly amazed at the sound quality. It is rich and crisp, something that I did not expect from the price point of this radio.

I also love how I can play music wirelessly through Bluetooth. The range isn’t that long, but I had no problem using it near my phone. Through the connected device, I can adjust the volume.

 Heads-up:  One of the drawbacks of this radio is that the light turns on instantly when the radio starts. I have to press a button five times before it switches off.

 Bottom Line:  From the pulsating light to the rich audio, this is another great radio for kids. It also has wireless functionality and a dual power supply.

4. NAXA Electronics NPB-251RD Radio

For children’s musical entertainment, it is hard to go wrong with this portable radio. It has a top-loading CD player, making it multifunctional despite being economical.

The sleek design of this boombox makes it portable. It has a lightweight and compact body, so your kids will not have a problem carrying it around. Moreover, I like how it has a convenient handle that easily folds when it is not used.

While it is small, the audio quality is exceptional. It is almost surprising that a radio of its size can produce a clear and crisp sound. It has high-performing speakers that add life to any music kids will play.

The portability of this toddler radio is not just because of its mini body but also because of its versatile power supply. I can connect it to an outlet through an AC plug when electricity is available. Otherwise, it runs on DC power through the batteries.

As a CD player, a notable feature of this model is the programmable memory. It can remember the favorite songs of the users. I can set them manually, and it will automatically remember the playlist that I customized.

 Heads-up:  If there’s one improvement I would like to see, it would be the symbols and letters on the triangle and square buttons. They are too small, which can be difficult for children to read.

 Bottom Line:  Overall, this portable kid’s radio is notable because of its crisp audio, CD memory function, and dual power supply.

5. LONPOO LP-D03-Pink Radio

This cute boombox radio delivers multiple functionalities, making it worth every dollar. With its pink color and retro-inspired design, it is a great choice for girls.

One thing that I like the most about this radio is its ease of use. Even kids will not have a problem operating the unit. The buttons are large, clearly marked, and strategically positioned. It also has a memory function, so I can save my kid’s favorite FM stations. I can choose from 87.5 to 108 MHz when it comes to the radio frequencies it can play.

The sound quality of this radio for toddlers is incredible as well. It has two speakers on the side. Even better, there is an equalizer. This allows the user to select from pop, classic, jazz, or rock, depending on the genre of the music that is playing. It optimizes the audio quality.

With this radio, you won’t have connectivity problems. I can use Bluetooth to play music wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, I can also plug a source through the aux input. There is even a headphone jack for private listening.

 Heads-up:  If you are going to use it outdoors, note that the volume isn’t as loud as what you can expect in a regular radio.

 Bottom Line:  More than being a radio, it plays music from external sources through Bluetooth or aux. Plus, it has superb speakers, although some might find the volume quite loud when used outdoors.

6. Toshiba TY-CRS9(R) Radio

A kid-friendly boombox, it is not just an AM/FM radio. It also has a top-loading CD player and can even connect to external devices.

With the aux input, I can connect external devices. This way, I can use them as speakers for music playback. The speakers have an attractive grill design, which perfectly complements the overall design of the radio.

A common problem in many kid’s radio FM is the difficulty of capturing signals. With this model, such is not an issue as it comes with a telescoping antenna. It is quick to adjust, making it a snap to have a clearer reception to improve the audio quality.

For radios within its price range, sound quality often suffers. Nonetheless, with his model, it has surprisingly good and dynamic audio. My kids love listening to any music because of how clear and crisp the output is.

The backlit LCD panel is another good feature of this radio. Day or night, it is easy to see the display because of its illumination. It shows the frequency of the radio station to which kids are listening.

 Heads-up:  While it is generally a good product, it has a few problems. For instance, the button layout is impractical, making it tricky for kids to use. Also, they are prone to get stuck.

 Bottom Line:  Overall, this radio for kid’s room is a great pick because of its telescoping antenna, aux input, and dynamic audio.

7. August SE20 Radio

Wrapping up my recommendations for radios for kids is another product with multiple functionalities, including Bluetooth connectivity. It has a sleek body, which makes it easy for children to carry the radio around.

The durability of this radio is one thing that I like the most. My kids often drop almost anything that they use. Good thing, even after crashing several times, it is still in good condition. Everything works fine even after years of use, which is great considering how affordable it is.

For something as small as this radio, the sound quality is pretty decent. It has 2 x 3 watts speakers for clear audio. Regardless of the source of music, kids can hear them clearly. It is also a good thing that the volume can get as high as 30dB.

With its rechargeable battery, this is a great radio for outdoor use, such as for camping. When the built-in battery is fully charged, it has up to eight hours of power. If there is an outlet, I can plug in the radio directly to save the battery.

For convenience, it comes with a track control panel. It allows quick adjustments depending on the user preference. From adjusting the volume to pausing a track, the buttons are in strategic placements.

 Heads-up:  The biggest drawback of this radio is perhaps its size. While it is portable, it is surprisingly small. It is just the size of a giant hamburger.

 Bottom Line:  With wireless connectivity, long battery life, and tough construction, this is another extraordinary option for a kid’s Bluetooth radio.

8. Lauson Woodsound CP548 Radio for Kids

From CDs to USB, I can play music from different sources in this children’s stereo. It is functional not just for kids but even for adults.

As an FM radio, it comes with 20 presets, providing many options when it comes to the stations I can listen to. Since it has digital tuning, it is easier to pick up a signal. The chosen station frequency shows up in the display.

The flashing light of this radio is a big hit, making it more fun to use. This light makes it more attractive to children as it has a multi-colored light that goes with the rhythm of the song that it plays.

Another good thing about this model is that it has multiple inputs and outputs, depending on the available source of music. It has USB and aux ports for accommodating external devices. Plus, it has an earphone jack, which is useful for private listening.

Capturing radio signals is easy with the telescoping antenna. Without using the latter, it won’t be easy to absorb frequencies that will allow me to play music on the unit. The antenna feels solid, so I am confident that it will withstand many years of use.

 Heads-up:  While it is a good radio player, one issue is that the CD player does not remember the last song I select. This means that after restarting, it automatically plays the first song that is on the CD.

 Bottom Line:  With a telescoping antenna, AUX and USB inputs, earphone jack, and multi-color LED, this is another exceptional option to consider for a kid’s FM radio.

9. Riptunes CDB232BT Radio

Listen to music anywhere and anytime with this portable radio. It is functional enough to be a good choice for both kids and adults.

Amongst its features, one of the best is the ease of set-up. Right out of the box, it is almost ready to use. I can quickly connect it to any Bluetooth-compatible device, which means that I can play music wirelessly. It also has a jack for wired connectivity.

The sound quality is impressive, especially considering its price. With high-fidelity audio, I can hear the music clearly. Even if the speaker or the radio itself is small, they generate exceptional output.

It also comes with a built-in antenna, which is a great way to boost the signals. With its telescoping design, I can make it longer if I need it to absorb frequencies from longer distances to improve the reception.

Regardless of the kid’s personality, there is an attractive color for this radio. I can choose from black, blue, silver, and pink. Regardless, they are simple and beautiful. The solid colors of the handle and base perfectly contrast with the silver body.

 Heads-up:  Many times, the switch that changes the function from radio to CD or vice versa becomes sticky. I have to press harder to finally get it out from being stuck.

 Bottom Line:  From its Bluetooth connectivity to high-fidelity audio, there are plenty of reasons why this makes a great pick for a top-notch radio.

10. DreamWorks TR-430.EX Radio

If you are looking for radios for girls, this should be on the top of your list. Most parts are bright pink and there are high-quality Trolls graphics that make it attractive for children.

Aside from the kid-friendly design, I also like that this radio has a CD function. Plus, it has an aux input. This way, it is easy to connect to other devices if a child would want to play music from an external device.

This radio has a versatile power supply. I can use it indoors or outdoors without a problem. When there is an available socket, it plugs directly using an AC cord. When there is no electricity, it uses 6C batteries for a portable power supply.

Kids will have an easy time using this radio because of the oversized buttons. They are large enough and accessible in their strategic positions. It did not take long before my children figured out how to use the controls and knobs.

The reception of this radio is also incredible. It is nowhere you can expect from high-end models, but for one that is specifically made for kids, it picks up strong signals. As a result, the sound is good and crisp.

 Heads-up:  While I did not have any problem with its size, some people might think it is too small. It is one of the smallest of the products in this guide.

 Bottom Line:  The unit itself may be small, but the radio has large buttons for ease of use amongst children and comes with a strong reception to pick up signals easily.

11. Lauson Woodsound LLB597 Radio

This unit is another great option for a kid’s portable radio that won’t punch holes in your wallet. It has superb features that will encourage children to listen to music instead of being on the screen most of the time.

Indoors or outdoors, this is a great radio. I like how it runs on batteries, although they are not included upon purchase. There is a robust handle that makes it easy to carry. It is also lightweight enough for children.

Tuning to the favorite FM stations is effortless. It has 20 memory presets, which means that there is no need to set it every use manually. Instead, it can remember different frequencies, so kids can find them in a snap.

The built-in 1.5-watt RMS speaker is another incredible feature of this kid’s radio. More than having clear audio, it lights up to the music as well. It is a great way to set the mood, making it fun for children to use.

Additionally, this radio is amazing because of the different connectivity options. If my kids don’t want to listen to FM stations, I can play their favorite music through the AUX and USB input jack. Plus, there is a headphone slot for private listening.

 Heads-up:  It comes with a built-in light, but I would not say I like how it does not turn off. It remains on, but luckily, it is not that bright and won’t be too much of a disturbance, even at night.

 Bottom Line:  To conclude, this is an amazing unit with clear sound output, multiple connectivity choices, and a portable design that kids will love.

12. Discovery Kids Water-Resistant Radio

The design itself is already a compelling reason to pick this for a kid’s AM FM radio. The colorful and retro look makes it attractive to the little ones.

It stands out because of its unique design. The radio has a built-in compartment like a bag. With its spacious interior, I can keep a phone inside and close the buckle to protect the device from sand and water. This makes it the perfect beach companion. The interior also has a hook and loop strap to secure the phone.

More than being a radio, it is a smartphone speaker. This means that the playback can originate from other sources that I can easily connect to the unit. It has an aux cord for easy connection of any external device.

Designed with the needs of kids in mind, it has a user-friendly layout. The buttons are large and easily accessible at the bottom. One of them is for treble control, which allows fine-tuning of the audio output. It also has a dial that will switch from AM to FM in an instant. Plus, you will find a tuning window that shows the exact frequency.

 Heads-up:  One of the cons of this radio is that the batteries loosen easily. They do not stay in place even when the compartment is closed.

 Bottom Line:  This child’s radio has a unique vintage design with a compartment to keep your smartphone to protect it from sand and water.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kids Radio

To help you narrow down your choices, below are some of the most important considerations when choosing a kid’s radio.

• Design

Kids are picky when it comes to the things that they are using, including their radio. The best way to compel them to use the latter is to pick one with an attractive design. It should incorporate brown colors and fun styles, including prints of their favorite cartoon characters.

• Functions

It should be more than just a radio. For the best bang for the buck, look for a model that delivers other functions. For instance, it is good if it has a CD player. You will also benefit from choosing one with lights that change depending on the rhythm of the music. This makes the radio more fun for kids to use.

• Ease of Use

A user-friendly radio should have large buttons in strategic positions, making them easy for kids to use. It is also good to have a handle and lightweight body so that it is a breeze to carry it around.

• Connectivity

For a more multifunctional radio, consider the connectivity options available. An aux input is good to have, allowing you to play music from external devices, such as a smartphone. Bluetooth connectivity is also great, so you can stream music wirelessly. Some models will even have a USB port.

• Sound Quality

Many features will influence the overall sound quality of the radio. For instance, it will depend on the speakers. More so, there should also be a telescoping antenna to capture radio signals for clearer output. You will also find models with treble and bass adjustments for customizing the sounds.

• Durability

Like their toys, kids will probably drop their radios several times. With this, choose one with tough construction. It should not easily shatter regardless of accidents. Otherwise, it will be a waste of money.

The Different Types of Kids Radio

There are many ways to categorize the types of radios for kids. For instance, it can depend on the power source. Some will have an AC outlet, which means you need to plug it into a socket. Others can be powered by a rechargeable battery, making them more portable. Many will also have both power sources.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Kids Radio

One of the best things about a kid’s radio is that it introduces an old-school hobby and minimizes screen dependence. It is a great entertainment alternative to smartphones. Plus, it is affordable and compact. It is also fun to play with, especially when there are lights that go along with the music.

Who Makes the Best Kids Radios

Sylvania, Auna, Lauson Woodsound, Riptunes, and Magnavox are some of the most popular manufacturers of kid’s radios. They often have positive reviews and affordable products that can last many years.

How to Use Kids Radio

Using a kid’s radio is pretty much just like using any radio. There is a tuning knob that will let you choose the frequency. It also has a telescoping antenna that you must adjust to get a clearer reception. For more details, look at the manual from the manufacturer.

Where Can I Buy a Kids Radio

I suggest that you buy online from websites like Amazon. More than being convenient, you can read reviews from other users and compare prices. This makes it easier to find the best deals available.

Conclusion

The best kids radio is a great alternative to using smartphones or TVs as a source of entertainment for children. It might be old school, but this is an excellent way to minimize screen time while also listening to music in a fun way.