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The Best CD Clock Radios for Bedside Table Reviewed

Writen by Edwin Jones

Fact checked by Andrew Wright

best cd clock radio

The best CD clock radio is one of the most functional items you can have in your home. From the kitchen to your bedroom, it is a great addition to your house. Not only that you can listen to your choice of music, but it also lets you know the time in an instant!

Having a CD clock radio has plenty of benefits. More than being a functional alarm clock, it will let you enjoy your favorite tunes. Whether you need melodies to put you to sleep or songs to uplift you while cooking, a CD player with an alarm clock is a great investment.

While there are tons of choices for a CD clock radio, they are not all the same. Below is a quick rundown of some of the most important things to help you narrow down the options:

  • Ease of Use: It is frustrating if the radio has complicated features. Look for one that offers a user-friendly interface. For instance, the control panel should have buttons in strategic locations. A comprehensive manual is also a must.
  • Display: A large, illuminated, and easy-to-see display is a must. This means that you can easily see the time, even when it is dark. Some radios have variable dimmer settings, so you can choose the specific brightness level.
  • Sound Quality: This depends on many things, such as the quality of the speakers and the built-in antenna. The sound must be clear and crisp, which will improve your overall listening experience.

Change the way you enjoy music and look at the time. Invest in a multifunctional and compact appliance. Read on and we’ll share some of the top options for a CD player clock radio.

Top 1

BTECH NA-24J

Speaker Type Stereo
Power Source Corded Electric
Weight Auxiliary

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Top 2

ABBREE AR-152A

Speaker Type Stereo
Power Source Corded Electric
Weight 5 pounds

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Top 3

Bingfu BFN00544 

Speaker Type Stereo, Headphone jack
Power Source Corded Electric
Weight 3.31 Pounds

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Top 10 CD Clock Radio Reviews

1. Jensen JCR-310 Dual-Alarm Clock Radio

As you look for an alarm clock with a CD player, this should be on the top of your list. From your favorite songs to the latest news, this radio offers a remarkable listening experience.

Looking at its great features, we’re most likely to fall in love with digital phase-locked loop tuning (PLL). It has an electric circuit that compares a reference signal to an input frequency and phase. It locks at accurate frequencies while also eliminating the need for manual tuning. Not to mention, it has ten AM and ten FM presets for easy access to your favorite stations. You do not need to search for them every time you want to listen.

More so, it has a multifunctional 6-inch green LED. The backlit digital display is highly visible, even at night. When you wake up in the middle of your sleep and all lights are turned off, you won’t have a problem seeing the time.

It also has an incredible clock function. Aside from waking up through the alarm beep, you can also do so through automatic radio tuning or CD playback. Your favorite songs can be the perfect background music to wake up to. The alarm also has sleep and snooze functions.

The radio has a top-loading CD player, making it easy to insert a disc. It is compatible with CD-R and RW. Plus, it has different functions, including skip, search, forward, and back. You can even connect it to smart devices using the auxiliary input jack.

 Heads-up:  However, one of the drawbacks is that it is quite confusing to use. The buttons are not laid out strategically and are not intuitive. You need to study the manual comprehensively to use the radio without a problem.

 What We Liked: 
  • Has digital PLL and memory function for quick tuning
  • Highly-visible backlit digital display
  • Set radio or CD playback as your alarm
  • Stream music from other devices using the aux input
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • The interface can be confusing
 Bottom Line:  Wrapping up, this clock radio with CD is a stand-out because of its digital tuning, digital display, and aux input to stream content from other devices.

2. Crosley CR612B-BK Corsair Tabletop AM/FM Radio

An alarm clock CD radio should not be boring! That said, if you want something beautiful, you will appreciate the retro-inspired look of this model. It will double as a functional home accessory.

More than its looks, it also stands out because of the full-range stereo speakers. Located under the pretty grills, they help in ensuring clear and outstanding sound reproduction. At its size, the output is surprisingly powerful. Meanwhile, if you want to listen privately, it has a headphone jack.

The external FM antenna is one more feature that improves the overall audio quality. This will let you connect to different stations and expect impressive clarity. The antenna is also effective in minimizing interference.

It is also worth noting that it works as a Bluetooth receiver. You can connect to another device in a breeze without the need for annoying wires. It’s amazing when I pair it wirelessly with a tablet or smartphone and stream content from such devices.

Ease of use is another benefit that you can enjoy in this CD player alarm clock. It has strategically laid buttons, which will be easy to access. Additionally, you can program 20 tracks, so you can personalize the music you are listening to.

 Heads-up:  Nonetheless, some people note that the radio does not hold up over time. It feels quite flimsy, so be extra cautious in its use to avoid premature damage.

 What We Liked: 
  • Has a beautiful retro-inspired design
  • Comes with powerful full-range speakers
  • Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming
  • Easy programming with a 20-track memory
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • May not hold up over time
 Bottom Line:  Be seen and be heard with this aesthetically pleasing Bluetooth CD player alarm clock, which offers full-range speakers, seamless wireless connectivity, and 20-track memory.

3. Sony ICF-CD815 AM/FM Stereo CD Clock Radio

For a long time, Sony has been a company that many people associate with high quality. That said, this radio is another option that should be on your radar.

Waking up is easy when you have this in your room. While you have the option to set it using the conventional buzzer, you can also set it to a radio or CD. This way, you can start your day listening to your favorite music.

The 57mm built-in speaker is another great feature of this small CD player clock radio. It ensures great audio clarity, although it is admittedly not as powerful as those that you will find in its larger counterparts.

Additionally, this dual alarm clock radio CD player is a great option if you are looking for something intuitive. With the AM/FM tuner, it is easy to scan using the dial and find the right station. The buttons are large and have clear markings, which make them a snap to operate.

It has a 1.4-inch green LED, which is large enough for you to see the digital clock. The illuminated display means that you can see it easily even in the dark. Plus, you can choose from three brightness settings.

If you prefer playing music from your device of choice, then you will love how it has a built-in port for connecting portable players. The 3.5mm jack is also ideal for plugging in your headphones if you want to enjoy private listening.

 Heads-up:  The price of this product is its biggest drawback. It is not for people on a budget. Nonetheless, with the reputation of the manufacturer, it is worth every dollar.

 What We Liked: 
  • Set the alarm using a buzzer, radio, or CD
  • Great built-in speakers
  • The backlit display has three brightness settings
  • Has a jack for connecting other devices
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • Not for people on a budget
 Bottom Line:  This Sony clock radio CD player has a large backlit display, built-in speaker, and jack for connecting external devices, including earphones for private listening.

4. NAXA Electronics NRC-175 CD Clock Radio

This is more than just a radio for a bedside table. It is compact and lightweight, which makes it portable. Even in picnics and camping, it is easy to bring anywhere you are going. It is battery-powered, so there’s no need to worry about looking for a place to plug it in. Although, if you prefer, you can still use the included AC power adapter.

Among others, what I like the most about this alarm clock with radio and CD player is its USB port. With the latter, I can connect and charge my smartphone, which comes in handy when I am out of home and there is no electricity.

It has a 9-inch high-contrast display. Some people might find it quite small, but it is highly visible. With the high-contrast and illuminated LED, it is easy to stay updated about the time, even in a dark room.

If you hate complications, you will love the digital tuning function. The latter makes it effortless to set your favorite stations. You do not need to press a button manually to find a station. Instead, all you must do is to press it once and it will continuously scan until you find the right channel.

 Heads-up:  Right out of the box, there are no instructions for setting up the clock and the alarm. This is one thing that you have to figure out yourself.

 What We Liked: 
  • Has a compact body for portability
  • Comes with a USB charging port
  • Visible high-contrast illuminated display
  • Digital tuning for easy set-up
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • No instructions for setting the clock
 Bottom Line:  With this clock radio CD player battery backup, you will enjoy easy digital tuning, a high-contrast display, and convenient USB charging.

5. G Keni CD Player Boombox Dual Alarm Clock

Wrapping up my recommendations for the top-rated clock radio CD player is one of the most advanced products in the market. It packs plenty of amazing technologies that provide the best bang for the buck.

Looking at its innovative features, one of the most notable is its wireless charging. Get rid of cables with the built-in QI pad. Put your device on the top and watch its battery level goes up. It has a maximum output of 10 watts for Android and 7.5 watts for iOS.

This is for people who emphasize aesthetics in CD players. It has an elegant and minimalist design, making it a great addition to any space. It has a full-screen mirror-type display, which is also dimmable. You can choose from four brightness settings to guarantee easy visibility.

The versatility of this radio is also worth commending. This boombox has a top-loading CD player, which can play different formats. It has a USB port for connecting your music player of choice. You can also stream music wirelessly because of its Bluetooth connectivity.

Its alarm has various functions. For instance, there is an easily accessible snooze button, so you can add nine minutes. There is also a timer, which comes in handy if you want to track how long you have been sleeping.

 Heads-up:  One of the problems with this alarm clock radio, however, is that the CD player is prone to skipping. It may jump to the next song even if it is not yet finished playing the current one.

 What We Liked: 
  • Allows wireless mobile phone charging
  • Elegant and dimmable display
  • Bluetooth connectivity to play music from your device
  • The alarm has a snooze button and a sleep timer
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • The CD player is prone to skipping
 Bottom Line:  With its wireless charging, snooze function, sleep timer, Bluetooth connectivity, and dimmable display, plenty of reasons make it amongst the top CD player alarm clocks.

6. Sylvania SCR4986 CD Clock Radio

One look is all it took to convince me that this is a great option for an alarm clock radio with CD player.

While it has many notable features, one thing that stands out is its built-in USB port. The latter means that I can charge my phone with the CD player if I need juice. This is convenient since I no longer need to plug my wall charger into a socket.

I have multiple ways of listening to music using this product. Aside from the top-loading CD player, it also has an AM and FM radio. There are also ten AM and ten FM presets, making it quick to find my favorite radio stations.

The sound quality packs a punch! It has three-inch twin stereo speakers, which are responsible for the incredible audio output. With clear vocals and solid tunes, this is a radio to put you to sleep or wake you up in the morning.

Speaking of waking up, there are three ways by which you can set the alarm. The most common is to set it on the buzzer function. Alternatively, it is also possible to automatically turn the radio or CD on depending on your set times.

The red LED is a plus for visibility. Even in the dark room, it is easy to see the time because of the illuminated display.

 Heads-up:  Despite the good things, one issue with this CD radio alarm clock is that it does not have input for other audio sources. For instance, it does not have an aux port and Bluetooth connectivity.

 What We Liked: 
  • Comes with a built-in charging function
  • High-quality speakers for exceptional sound output
  • Use a buzzer, radio, or CD for the alarm
  • Red LED for visibility
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • No input for other sources
 Bottom Line:  In sum, the Sylvania alarm clock radio has a built-in USB charger, three different alarm settings, powerful three-inch speakers, and an illuminated display.

7. Memorex MC318B CD Clock Radio

For people on a budget, this is another notable pick for the right clock radio CD player. Even if it is affordable, it has decent features.

One of the best things about this radio is its sound quality. Thanks to the two internal speakers, the audio is loud and clear. Not to mention, it also comes with an internal antenna, and the latter boosts signals for better reception. This is effective in minimizing the negative impact of interference.

More so, this dual alarm clock radio with CD player and battery backup has two separate wake times. You can set them independently. Even better, you are not stuck with the usual alarm. Instead, you can also wake up to the sound of the CD player or radio.

It has a 9-inch red display, which makes the clock easily visible, even at night. With the illuminated screen, you can see the clock’s face easily, even in the dark. It is also dimmable, so I can adjust the brightness.

I am in complete control when I am using this CD player alarm clock. One thing that makes this possible is the Program button, which will let me arrange the sequence of the tracks that the CD will play. Additionally, I can also skip a tune. When it is in radio mode, I can set 23 stations, so they are easy to find every time I use the radio.

 Heads-up:  This isn’t the most intuitive to set up. It would have been better if it came with easy-to-understand instructions.

 What We Liked: 
  • Has two built-in internal speakers for clear audio
  • Comes with an antenna to boost reception
  • Allows users to set two separate alarms
  • Illuminated display with a dimmer
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • Can benefit from having better directions
 Bottom Line:  Overall, I love this Memorex CD clock radio because of its dual alarms, dimmable display, internal antenna, and high-quality speakers.

8. dpnao YW-010-pink Alarm Clock FM Radio

Looking for the most favorite CD alarm clock for children? This is a great option to consider, especially for the little girls who love pink.

Among others, this kids CD player alarm clock is well-loved by many because of its versatility. As a CD player, it can play songs in both CD and MP3 formats. It can also play WMA songs. Plus, it has a USB playback, so you can stream music. The port also doubles as a charging slot for your mobile phone.

The alarm function will let you choose from three ways to wake up – buzzer, CD, or radio. You can choose your favorite song instead of the traditional alarm sound. There is also a sleep timer and a snooze function, making it multifunctional.

It has a 3.9-inch LED, which is one of the biggest in this guide. The large display means that it will be easy for the little ones to see, especially in the dark. More so, it is bright enough to provide subtle illumination in their room, especially when they are sleeping.

The user-friendly interface is also commendable. You can preset up to ten stations from 87.5 to 108 MHz. With this, tuning is effortless, eliminating the need for manual scanning. It is also a good thing that there is an antenna, which improves the signal reception.

 Heads-up:  Before buying, take note that it is designed for kids. The manufacturer markets this product as a toy, so do not expect the quality to be at par with the other AM FM CD clock radios in this guide.

 What We Liked: 
  • Plays music in different formats
  • Has a USB port for charging your phone
  • The large digital display is easy to see
  • Comes with a built-in antenna for better signal
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • Only for kids
 Bottom Line:  This children’s AM/FM clock radio with CD player has a large illuminated display, USB port, ten station presets, and a built-in antenna.

9. Craig CM427 Vertical CD Stereo Shelf System

Compared to the other models in this guide, it looks different. Instead of being a single unit, it is a three-piece system.

Using this radio is a snap. It comes with an intuitive control panel. The buttons are in strategic positions, so you can access them easily. In the middle, you will find the front-loading CD slot. Another thing that makes it easy to operate is the programmable memory. With 20 presets, it remembers your favorite stations to eliminate manual tuning.

It also provides an aux jack, which will let you connect to other devices. Plus, there is a headphone slot, which allows private listening. You can also connect external speakers if you want the sound to be louder.

More so, with the battery backup, you will never lose your clock settings. This reveals that even in case of a power interruption, the time updates continuously, so you do not need to set it again once the electricity is back.

Another good reason to choose this radio is the 100% satisfaction guarantee that the manufacturer offers. If you are unhappy in any way, get in touch with one of their representatives and they will do what it takes to make things right.

 Heads-up:  However, because it has multiple components, it is not for people who are after saving space. Aside from the main unit itself, there are also two speakers.

 What We Liked: 
  • Easy to use with the intuitive control panel
  • Has a programmable memory for quick tuning
  • AUX and headphone jack for private listening or external speaker
  • The battery backup keeps the clock running continuously
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • Requires a large space
 Bottom Line:  To conclude, I love this CD clock radio because of its intuitive control panel, programmable memory, headphone jack, aux port, and battery-back-up.

10. HANNLOMAX 8541745843 HX-300CD CD Player Clock

Tired of the usual buzzing noise that wakes you up in the morning? With this product, you can play music or listen to the radio once it alarms.

The digital PLL tuning is one of the most notable features of this AM FM clock radio with CD player. No need for manual scanning as you search for your favorite stations. All it takes is a push of one button and it automatically searches for the nearby frequencies.

Never run out of battery with the dual USB ports. It has 1.A and 2.1A support, making sure that the batteries of your mobile phone and tablet do not drain. You can charge two devices at the same time!

With an aux-in connection, you can play music from another device. It offers plug-and-play connectivity, eliminating the need for a complicated setup. You just have to link your gadget to the radio, and it will stream in an instant.

Like many of the radios in this guide, it also comes with an LED display. At 1.2 inches, it is large enough for easy viewing, even in the dark. Not to mention, it has a dimmer function, so you can adjust the brightness as you desire.

The memory backup is another nice feature. The latter is especially useful if you live in a place where electricity is often cut off. When the latter happens, no need to worry about restoring all the settings upon power resumption, including the clock.

 Heads-up:  Nonetheless, it isn’t the easiest to use. The controls are a bit difficult to configure, so make sure that you do not throw the manual.

 What We Liked: 
  • Digital PLL tuning for automatic scanning
  • Two USB ports for simultaneous charging
  • Plug-and-play aux input for connecting another device
  • Memory backup for automatic restoration of last settings
 What We Didn’t Like: 
  • Controls are difficult to figure out
 Bottom Line:  A well-loved CD clock radio, it has digital tuning, dual USB ports, aux input, illuminated display, and memory backup.

What to Look for When Buying CD Clock Radio

best-clock-radio-cd-player

The options abound, but that does not mean that they are all the same. Aside from reading clock radio CD player reviews, consider the factors I will talk about below.

  • Ease of Use

Operating a CD clock radio should be straightforward. It is a must to have instructions from the manufacturer, especially when it comes to setting the time and alarm. There should be an intuitive control panel, which includes buttons with a strategic layout. It is also crucial to have clear labels so you will know the function of each.

  • Display

This is the part where you can see the time. It must be illuminated, so you can see it even in a dark environment, such as in your room when you are sleeping. To be visible, the digits must also be large enough. Plus, it is good if there is a dimmable setting so you can change the brightness as you prefer.

  • Sound Quality

Whether you are using it as a CD player or a radio, the sound output is an important consideration. For optimal quality, pay attention to the speakers. They must deliver a clear and crisp sound. More so, the antenna is also an important component. It will let you absorb signals and frequencies while also minimizing the hissing sound when listening to AM and FM radio stations.

  • Functions

One of the most important functions is as a CD player. There are two main ways to load the disc – on the top or in the front. There is no wrong or right option as they are both great. It is good to have a function that will let you skip the song and create a track so you can arrange the sequence as you wish. You might also want to opt for an alarm clock radio with cassette player.

AM and FM functions are must-haves. This will make it easy to be updated on the latest news while also listening to your favorite songs. More so, there should be a programmable memory, so you can set different stations for easy scanning instead of searching for them manually.

A dual alarm is another essential. The latter will let you set two alarms at once. Another good thing is to customize the sound of the alarm. Aside from a buzzer, you can also use the radio or CD. A snooze function and sleep timer are also good to have.

  • Connectivity

Make the most of the radio by having different options for connectivity. One of the most common is Bluetooth, which will let you connect your smartphone or tablet for music streaming. Some will have a USB port, which you can use for charging. An aux jack is also common, which will let you link an external speaker or earphones for private listening.

  • Power Supply

The most common radio comes with an AC power adapter, which means that you need to plug it into a socket. Some will have batteries, which are ideal for portability. Plus, it provides backup power, which will prevent the unit from resetting in case of an outage. It automatically reverts to the previous setting, such as the time and stations, when the electricity is back.

  • Price

At the end of the day, many people will decide based on price. It may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but that should not be the case. Consider quality and performance over cost. The ones from reputable manufacturers might be expensive, but the cost is justifiable.

What Clock Radio Has the Best Sound Quality

alarm-clock-with-cd-player

I cannot name one specific model because there are lots of products with exceptional sound quality, including the models mentioned above. Brand-wise, I would say that you should go for Sony, Jensen, Sylvania, and Panasonic clock radio CD player. They are some of the best names in the market, so I am confident that their sound is second to none.

How Do I Set the Time on My CD Clock Radio

The specific steps will vary from one model to another, so I suggest that you read the manual. In most instances, however, you will need to tap the Clock Set button on the control panel. Next, use the arrows to set the hour and minute counter. Once you are ready, press the set button again and the time that you have earlier set will now appear.

Can I Connect My Smartphone to the Radio

Yes, you can connect your phone to the radio, but it depends on the specific model and functionality of the latter. Many will have Bluetooth pairing, which means that you can stream music wirelessly from your device. Alternatively, you can also connect it through a USB port.

Conclusion

With the best CD clock radio, you will have a beautiful and multifunctional appliance that is perfect for your bedroom or any other part of the house. With practical features like an alarm clock, it is a great investment. From the quality of the speakers to the durability, consider different factors. To make things easier, keep an eye on my recommendations above, so you don’t have to look far.

5/5 - (2 votes)