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The 10 Best Boombox Reviews & Buying Guide

As you already know, the boombox was quite trendy around the 80s and it was one of the coolest things around that time. Well, if you have still your music CD or Cassette collection with you, you can still get your hands on a brand-new boombox and enjoy the old-school vibes. But, to pick the best boomboxes for yourself, there are a few key aspects that you should always keep in mind before buying one, such as:

  • Form-factor: As we know, boombox devices are meant to be portable and you should be looking for something lightweight that you can easily carry around and travel without stressing your shoulders or arms.
  • Audio Quality: Since boombox speakers are slightly larger in size, people tend to have many expectations from them in terms of audio quality. That said, you should always check the speaker-wattage and also look for other aspects like bass for a decent sound experience.
  • Compatibility: Boombox devices are still so popular because of their versatile nature of providing us with multiple listening options. The modern boombox devices often come with AM/FM radio, and CD Player, along with new techs such as AUX-in, USB, and even Bluetooth also.

That said, we have compiled a list of all the Best Boomboxes out there based on the key aspects we just discussed. Moreover, you will also find a detailed “Buying Guide” and a FAQ section later in this article which will help you make the right decision for your purchase.

Best Boombox 2024

Best BoomboxListening OptionsAudio OutputWarrantyBuy Now
JBL BoomboxBluetooth160 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
Toshiba BoomboxMP3 CD, Cassette
tapes, Bluetooth, and AM/FM Radio
2.4 Watts RMS---Check On Amazon
Philips Portable BoomboxMP3 CD, Cassette
tapes, Bluetooth, AUX-in, and AM/FM Radio
12 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
SINGING BoomboxMP3 CD, AM/FM
Radio, and AUX-in
3 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
Sylvania BoomboxMP3 CD, AM/FM
Radio, and AUX-in
3 Watts RMS---Check On Amazon
GPX Top-Loading BoomboxBluetooth, MP3 CD,
AM/FM Radio, and AUX-in
4 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
LONPOO Stereo BoomboxBluetooth, MP3 CD,
AM/FM Radio, and AUX-in
4 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
Tenmiya BoomboxFM Radio,
Bluetooth and AUX-in
30 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
Megatek BoomboxBluetooth, MP3 CD,
AM/FM Radio, USB,
and AUX-in
4 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon
QFX ReRun BoomboxBluetooth, Cassette
Player, AM/FM Radio
3 Watts RMS1 YearCheck On Amazon

Best Boombox Reviews

1. JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Boombox

On top of this list, we would love to place the JBL Boombox since it is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth CD speakers that you can find around. Unlike a traditional Boombox, this falls into a completely different league.

If you are a bass lover, then its 160W RMS speakers (woofer & tweeter) will deliver monstrous loud and clear sound, thanks to the 2 JBL bass radiators along with 4 active transducers (2 woofers & 2 tweeters). Even though, the size of the JBL Boombox speaker is large but not heavy and comes with an iconic grip handle which makes it super portable and handy.

Thus, it is a perfect option to take this Bluetooth speaker with you on picnics can be a pleasant experience as its 10,000 mAh in-built battery offers all-day battery life. You can stream music wirelessly from your tablet, phone, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Also, you can charge other devices like smartphones using the speaker’s battery thanks to its built-in power bank. Its IPX7 waterproof rating makes it one of the best Bluetooth speakers outdoors. While its party boost feature lets you link multiple JBL party boost-compatible speakers. Apart from these, you can enjoy playtime with its 24-hour battery life all day and night.

Highlights

  • 10,000 mAh Li-ion polymer battery
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • Output: 2X40W (woofer) + 2X40W (tweeter), 160W RMS audio output
  • All-day battery life (up to 24 hours)
  • Built-in power bank to use to charge other devices
  • Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
  • Bluetooth 5.1 version that lets you connect your devices wirelessly
  • Operates quietly with >80 dB
  • Rumbling bass with dual 4-inch Woofers
  • IPX7 waterproof design to enjoy indoors or outdoors
  • Dual 20mm Tweeters
  • JBL party boost for pairing speakers
  • Weighs 5.91 kgs
  • Slightly expensive

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2. Toshiba TY-CRS9 Portable Cassette Boombox

Toshiba BoomboxWe love the Toshiba TY-CRS9 Portable CD Cassette Boombox because of its versatile nature, yet still being one of the most affordable options around. Looking at its design, it gives retro vibes and becomes your go-to companion for a classic audio experience wherever you go.

At the front, you can notice a small LCD screen, along with 2 front-facing speakers with an attractive grill design. Ideal for those who appreciate the timeless charm of CDs and radio, this boombox combines modern functionality with a touch of nostalgia.

Equipped with an AM/FM stereo tuner, the TY-CRS9 ensures you never miss your favorite radio stations. The built-in CD player allows you to play your cherished CD collection, bringing back the joy of physical media. Connect your external devices effortlessly through the AUX input, expanding your audio options.

Designed with portability in mind, this boombox is perfect for on-the-go music enthusiasts. The easy-to-carry handle adds convenience, making it suitable for picnics, beach outings, or simply enjoying music in different rooms of your home, thanks to its super convenient handle.

Highlights

  • AM/FM stereo tuner for radio enthusiasts
  • Built-in CD player for a nostalgic audio experience
  • AUX input for versatile connectivity to external devices
  • Portable design with a convenient carrying handle
  • Utilizes 6 UM-2/C sized batteries
  • Output power: 1.2W X 2 RMS
  • Easy-to-read LCD panel allows easy control even in dark
  • Perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

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3. Philips Portable Boombox CD Player

Philips BoomboxIntroducing the Philips Portable Boombox, a versatile audio companion that seamlessly combines classic and modern features for an immersive music experience. Perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of digital music alongside traditional CD playback, this boombox delivers powerful sound with added connectivity options.

Featuring a built-in CD player, Bluetooth capability, and an FM radio tuner, the Philips Boombox ensures you have a variety of music sources at your fingertips. Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth for a hassle-free streaming experience or enjoy your cherished CD collection with the integrated player. The Mega Bass Reflex stereo sound system guarantees rich and dynamic audio, transforming any space into your personal soundstage.

Equipped with NFC technology, pairing your devices is a breeze, providing a quick and efficient connection. The 12W output amplifies your music, filling the room with vibrant sound. The USB input allows for additional versatility, and the headphone jack ensures private listening when needed.

The user-friendly LCD keeps you informed of your playback options, making navigation a breeze. Whether you’re at home, on a picnic, or enjoying outdoor activities, the Philips Portable Boombox is designed for convenience and portability.

Highlights

  • Built-in CD player for classic music playback
  • Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming
  • FM radio tuner for versatile listening options
  • Mega Bass Reflex stereo sound system for immersive audio
  • NFC technology for easy device pairing
  • 12W output for powerful sound
  • USB input for added connectivity
  • Headphone jack for private listening
  • LCD display for user-friendly navigation

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4. SINGING WOOD Portable CD Player

SINGING WOOD Portable CD Player

Next up on this list, we have a boombox that kind of looks like an old-school radio, but the glossy plastic finish gives it a fresh look at the same time. It is the SINGING WOOD Portable CD Player. Coming over to its key features, you will find a top-loading CD player on this boombox that is compatible with CD-R, and CD-RW MP3 music CDs.

Moreover, at the front section, a small LED CD Track display is also there. If you are concerned about its audio quality, the Dual Dynamic 2.5” Speakers deliver a fantastic soundstage with a total RMS output of 3W.

On the other hand, this Singing Wood Boombox also comes with an AM / FM Analog Tuning Radio, an aux-in, and a 3.5mm headphone jack as well. Although it is powered by AC, you can also use 6 Type-C batteries if you wish to take it out with you while traveling and enjoy non-stop music.

Highlights

  • Top-loading CD Player
  • AM/FM Radio
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Affordable price
  • Dual Power supply: AC or 6 C Batteries
  • Powerful Sound
  • Lightweight and Portable
  • Build quality is average

Buy Now From Amazon

5. Sylvania Portable CD Player Boombox

Sylvania Portable CD Player Boombox

In case you are looking for something highly affordable, yet capable of doing all the basic tasks that a boombox does, the Sylvania SRCD243 Portable Boombox will be a good choice to pick. Starting from its build quality, it is pretty average, but considering its affordable pricing, we can’t complain either. On the top, it has a decent CD Player, and a hefty handle to carry it as well.

Also, you can enjoy AM/FM Radio, or just plug in your mobile phone or MP3 player using the Aux-in port to listen to your favorite music. While an MP3 CD is inserted, the two-digit LED display shows you the Track number where you can use the Skip Search function as well. You can even set up 20 favorite music tracks in its programmable memory.

Speaking of its speakers, both the units deliver decent cleat audio output of 1.5W, but the bass is low. Moreover, to power up this boombox, you can either use an AC supply or 8 Type-C Batteries.

Highlights

  • AM/FM Radio
  • AUX-in jack
  • Top-loading CD Player
  • Audio Quality is very good
  • Lightweight
  • Radio Signal reception is good
  • Build quality is poor

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6. GPX Portable Top-Loading CD Boombox

GPX Portable Top-Loading CD Boombox

Since there are so many affordable boombox brands around the market, GPX is one of them too. Specifically talking about the GPX boombox, we loved its design with Black color and Red accents, and also the build quality. It is quite a feature-full boombox as there is a CD Player on the top, and also comes with a built-in AM/FM telescoping antenna as well.

Not just that, there is even an AUX-in port that can come in handy if you want to plug in your MP3 player or smartphone to access your favorite playlist. Speaking of its speakers and audio quality, the front-firing speakers offer a crisp audio output of 3 W RMS with a little pinch of bass for an enhanced sound experience at all times.

You will find the AC power cord built-in on this boombox. However, if you are planning to go out, you can use this boombox by installing 6 Type-C batteries.

Highlights

  • Stereo Speakers
  • 3.5mm audio line input
  • Top-loading CD player with AM/FM Radio
  • Modern design
  • Fantastic Build quality
  • Affordable pricing
  • Only sounds good on AC power

Buy Now From Amazon

7. LONPOO Stereo CD Boombox

LONPOO Stereo CD Boombox

For budget-oriented people who are looking for a feature-full product while still not crossing the budget line, the LONPOO Stereo CD Boombox will be the right choice for you. Similar to other boomboxes in this article, you will find a CD Player, AM/FM Radio, AUX-in, and a Headphone jack on this one too. Apart from that, we loved the fact that it even offers you the Bluetooth connectivity feature that allows you to use it wirelessly.

As far as other features are concerned, you can program up to 20 different Radio Channels in its memory. Moreover, there are all the basic music control functions such as digital volume control, Previous/next song, stop, and repeat function, etc.

You can also choose between the 5 pre-programmed EQ modes for music and choose between Rock/ Pop/ Flat/ Classic/ Jazz as per your mood and enjoy your music in super-clear clarity from its dual 2W stereo speakers. For powering up this boombox, you either need 4 Type-C batteries or just plug it directly into any AC outlet.

Highlights

  • CD Player
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • AUX in
  • Five different EQ modes
  • FM with 20 Radio stations memory
  • Uses 4 Type-C batteries or AC Power
  • EQ presets are quite effective
  • Build quality is good
  • Lacks Bass

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8. Tenmiya Portable Bluetooth Boombox

Tenmiya Portable Bluetooth Boombox

All the party-minded people who like to invite friends over, or go out on picnics with family or friends on weekends frequently will love to spend their money on this party Bluetooth speaker from Tenmiya. The dual 15W stereo speakers are extremely loud and deliver booming bass on all volume levels without any distortion. Hence, no matter whether you are partying indoors or outdoors, this speaker will always make your parties more interesting.

To connect to these speakers, you can either choose Bluetooth mode or use the AUX port for a wired connection. To improve the looks of this speaker, Tenmiya has also included flashy and colorful lighting that will match well with your party mood. You can even choose between several EQ modes and sound effects as well.

Speaking of its battery life, it carries a 4,000 mAh in-built rechargeable battery that offers a whopping 10 hours of playback time. Apart from that, it is not just a basic party Bluetooth speaker as you also get the FM Radio functionality as well. On top of that, a separate remote control even comes in the package that allows you to operate all the speaker functions remotely from a distance.

Highlights

  • 30 Watts RMS audio output
  • Both Wireless and Wired Connectivity (Bluetooth and AUX-in)
  • Multiple EQ modes
  • Party lighting is a great add-on
  • Rumbling bass output
  • 10 hours of playback time with 4,000 mAh  Battery
  • Does not include a CD Player
  • Can be controlled with a remote control

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9. Megatek CD Player Boombox

Megatek CD Player Boombox

While finding the most versatile boombox device, we came across this Megatek Boombox and loved it for the features it comes with.  Offers you 5 different modes to play your music, you can use it in CD Mode, Bluetooth Mode, FM Mode, USB Mode, and even AUX-in mode whichever you like.

You can choose from the pre-programmed 20 radio station presets for faster access. Not only that, but all the music playback buttons are also present on this device such as play/pause, repeat, shuffle, etc.

The speaker design is pretty similar to other boomboxes that we have covered till now as it also has a similar dual 2W front-facing stereo setup. Although the bass on this one is not that rich, the audio quality is quite decent and clear which can also be tweaked by choosing between various EQ modes. A separate AC power cord also comes along in the box which will be helpful to power up this boombox. Otherwise, you can use it with Type-C batteries as well.

Highlights

  • CD Player, AUX-in, USB Port
  • 5 different play modes
  • Bluetooth 4.2 Connectivity
  • 20 Station Presets
  • Crisp Audio Quality
  • Versatile play modes
  • USB memory devices up to 64 GB supported
  • AM Radio is not supported

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10. QFX ReRun X Cassette Player Boombox

QFX ReRun X Cassette Player Boombox

There must be plenty of people looking for a retro-designed boombox, well, we have found just the right product for you. The QFX J-220BT ReRun X features a cassette player along with a recording function as well. If you notice closely, the switches used on this boombox are also the old-school analog buttons that give you an entirely different vibe.

Speaking of other features, it supports AM/FM/SW1 and SW2 4-band radio along with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity which is quite great. Mentioning its dual front speakers, you get a total RMS audio output of 3 W which is quite impressive if we consider the pricing of this boombox. This boombox can be powered using 4D Batteries.

Highlights

  • Supports AM/FM/SW1 and SW2 4-band radio
  • Has Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Connectivity
  • Cassette Player with Recording function
  • Bluetooth 5.0 working range is about 30ft.
  • Retro-design
  • Easy to operate
  • Requires four D Batteries
  • Average build quality

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Buying Guide for the Best Boombox

Finding the best boombox around in the market is pretty easy if you know what to look for and the features you need. Since there is a wide range of products available out there in the name of the boombox, all of them differ from each other in some way.

That said, we have come up with this short and detailed buying guide that will help you find the most suitable boombox for yourself. Hence, don’t forget to read this section until the end because we are going to discuss some major factors that everyone should consider checking before buying.

Form-Factor

When we call the name boombox, the first image that comes to our mind is of a big box-designed speaker, right? But, at the same time, we think of it as a portable speaker or CD player as well. In that case, considering the form factor of the device is a major task.

Although the size of boomboxes is fairly large, you will find that all the products presented by us on our list are quite lightweight. Henceforth, no matter which of the boomboxes you decide to pick, you will be able to carry it around and take it out as well.

Listening Options

As we said earlier, there are plenty of boombox options available out there that serve completely different purposes. In case you have a bunch of old-school music CDs, or cassette tapes that you want to enjoy these days, you can go with a boombox that is compatible with running them. On the other hand, AM/FM Radio is yet another feature that is so much in trend these days. Well, no worries as you could easily find one for that purpose also in the list.

Another way by which you can use the boombox is via the AUX inline input port, which is generally present on every device. Apart from that, some boomboxes come with an additional 3.5mm headphone jack in case you want to listen to some cassette tape or CD privately.

For those people who are looking to have several new features on their boombox, the modern ones do offer Bluetooth Connectivity that allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet devices wirelessly with the boombox.

Audio Quality

When looking out for a speaker, you can miss out on checking if the audio quality is right or not as it is simply one of the main factors. While almost all the boombox speakers come in a similar design with two front-firing speakers, you can judge the speaker quality by their RMS audio output given in Watts. A speaker with higher Watts speaker units sounds much louder and clearer and even performs better in terms of delivering bass effects.

If you are buying a boombox for your personal use, you can even choose one with lesser watts speakers. However, if partying is your primary motive, you should always look for a device that has more watts output and bass-rich sound quality to have the best possible experience and fun.

Power Source

Depending on your usage pattern, you can select the most suitable boombox device for yourself as there is a wide range of products available to choose from. While some boombox devices have an in-built AC power cord and take power directly from the AC power outlet, these ones are best suitable for you in case you are buying one to use only indoors.

Even if you buy one such boombox for indoor purposes, you will still be able to have fun with it outdoors as you will also get the option to use the boombox using batteries.

On the other hand, the ones that are specifically designed for outdoor use, boombox devices come with in-built rechargeable batteries as they offer much better battery backup roughly around 10 hours or more pretty easily on a single charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are boomboxes still worth buying?

Ans. Yes, of course, the Boombox was so trendy back then and still they are! Well, the main purpose for which people are using boombox is because these devices are highly versatile and offer you multiple ways of operation. You can simply use them to listen to your favorite Music CDs, Cassette Tapes, and even AM/FM Radio in one single package. You can buy three different devices for these purposes, but if you are getting all of the functionalities in one package, that too for a reasonable price, then there’s no point thinking twice about it and doubting the decision, just get one!

2. Can a Boombox be connected to a laptop?

Ans. Most laptops do come with a 3.5mm jack and you can even find Bluetooth connectivity options on some as well. That said, if the boombox also has AUX-in support or Bluetooth connectivity function, then you will be able to use your boombox with your laptop for audio output.

3. Do modern Bluetooth Speakers perform better than Boombox?

Ans. Speaking of modern Bluetooth speakers, you can easily find plenty of good options around, even at affordable prices. However, comparing them to a boombox, modern speakers do sound better. While boombox devices offer you multiple listening options, modern Bluetooth speakers are more focused primarily on sound quality. Hence, if you are looking for a device that can run your old Music CDs, you should be looking for a Boombox. Otherwise, if you are looking just for a speaker to use for parties, a normal Bluetooth speaker will also be a fine choice to pick.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this article here, we hope you have found the best boomboxes suitable for your requirements and likings in this article. Since we have explained all the key features of every product in detail and have also included a detailed buying guide for the same, there should not be any difficulties for you to find the right one. Still, if you need some help, we would like to share some of our recommendations with you:

Out of all the products, if you want to invest in the best-sounding speakers, suitable for parties, and listening to music, we recommend you pick the JBL Boombox – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker since it has got the most powerful 60W RMS to 160W RMS audio output and offers monstrous bass as well.

On the other hand, if you want to spend on a high-quality boombox that comes with plenty of music-playing modes, the Philips Portable Boombox Home Audio Radio, Black is the best option to pick as it has the best audio quality and overall build quality is quite good too.

However, if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, the LONPOO Stereo CD Boombox Portable Bluetooth Digital Tuner FM Radio CD Player with USB Playback, Bluetooth-in, AUX Input, and 3.5mm Earphone Output & Music Sound System has all the features that a modern boombox should have. You will find multiple EQ modes that will make the music feel livelier.

 

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