Radios seem to be out of date nowadays since we have many other options for high-quality entertainment such as our smart TVs, smartphones, and some special smart speakers. However, these devices are certainly more expensive than traditional radio and you would not get the authentic feel of listening to a radio station with such options.
So, a lot of users prefer an under-cabinet radio. These are compact and highly affordable options for a radio that can be installed practically anywhere. But before you can buy an under-cabinet radio, here is a quick outlook of key features that you need to keep in mind while selecting…
- Size: Since it is an under-cabinet radio, the size matters most for its proper installation below the cabinet. So, make sure to measure the depth (available size) of your cabinet and purchase the right option that fits perfectly and delivers amazing sound quality without sticking out of the cabinet boundary.
- Features: Whether you’re purchasing a simple radio for your sturdy room or kitchen, it is essential to check for the required features that come within your budget. Some radios offer the functionality of a music player so that you can listen to the music you like on-demand. Other important features include wireless connectivity and battery-powered operation to offer you a completely wireless experience.
- Performance: The overall performance is determined by the type and capacity of its speakers, which results in the sound quality. Being a pretty slim design, the speakers of these under-cabinet radios are relatively smaller. So, it is essential to check the frequency response, bass output, and wattage of the speakers to get an idea about the sound quality.
Today, we are here with the best options you can find right now for an under-cabinet radio. Since there aren’t a lot of manufacturers that deal with such options, the choices available in the market for one are rather slim. And finding the one perfect option amongst that can be challenging since you might miss out on some good options in terms of features. However, you won’t have to worry about that as we will be explaining the features and specifications of each option in detail as we go through our list. You can also check our “Buying Guide” for the best under-cabinet radio if you want to know more about the qualities and important specifications of a radio.
Best Under Cabinet Radio 2024
| Under Cabinet Radio | Connectivity Options | Power Type | Size | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROSCAN Under Cabinet Radio | Bluetooth | Corded Electric, Battery | 14 x 4 x 12.5 inches | Check On Amazon |
| ILive Wireless Under Cabinet FM Radio | Bluetooth | Corded Electric, Battery | 9.09 X 7.32 X 2.44 Inches | Check On Amazon |
| Tyler Under Cabinet Radio | Bluetooth | Corded Electric | 10.24 x 7.24 x 2.68 inches | Check On Amazon |
| ILive Under Cabinet Radio | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB | Corded Electric, Battery | 13.2 x 12 x 3.5 inches | Check On Amazon |
| PROSCAN Under Cabinet Clock Radio | Bluetooth | Corded Electric, Battery | 11 x 9 x 4 inches | Check On Amazon |
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Best Under Cabinet Radio Reviews
1. PROSCAN Under Cabinet Radio
Since a lot of you must be looking for a budget and reliable option for an under-cabinet radio, we are starting our list with this radio from PROSCAN. PROSCAN also has a kit of a variety for such a device which is worth checking out.
In the 1st place, we are putting the PROSCAN SYLVANIA SKCR2713 CD player. While it is mainly a CD player, it has the added functionality of an FM radio for multi-purpose installation. You will get both corded electric as well as battery power options on this CD player as a backup. The speakers of the PROSCAN SYLVANIA SKCR2713 CD player are built-in and work pretty well with all kinds of music.
This unit is only 4 inches thick with 14 x 4 x 12.5 inches external dimensions. And within that, PROSCAN is offering a mini LED display to check the status of the device as well as currently playing media. You also get a dedicated remote with this player to offer ease of access. As for the onboard controls, you will get dedicated buttons for controlling almost all aspects of the player without any problem.
Best Features
- It has a Bluetooth connectivity option
- Works with Corded Electric, Battery power
- Measures about 14 x 4 x 12.5 inches in size
- Mini LED display even with the slim design
Pros
- Most popular option for an under-cabinet radio
- Built-in CD player for HQ music
- Battery option for backup
Cons
- AM feature is missing
2. ILive Wireless Under Cabinet FM Radio
iLive is also a well-known brand in the market for entertainment-based electronic devices like an under-cabinet radio. You also find boomboxes, cassette players, and CD players made by iLive.
The iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is present in the 2nd place on our list of the best under cabinet radios. First of all, it is also one of the budget options that we found on the market. Apart from that, this unit comes with 4 spaces as well as 4 screws to make the installation quick and easy. Unlike many other options, the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio has a negative LCD display at the front which is much more visible under bright daylight.
The FM radio functionality on the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is especially intriguing. This player comes preset with 20 FM stations. So, you may probably find your favorite station on the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio without much hassle. As this unit also works as a digital clock, you can use it as a timer or even an alarm which can come in handy in a kitchen. The best part about the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is its wireless range. It offers up to 60 feet of Bluetooth range so that you can connect to this media player even from another room.
Best Features
- It has a Bluetooth connectivity option
- Works with Corded Electric, Battery power
- Measures about 9.09 X 7.32 X 2.44 Inches in size
- 60 feet wireless connectivity range
Pros
- Great option around this budget
- Negative LCD display for better visibility
- Dual power option
Cons
- Sound quality could have been better
3. Tyler Under Cabinet Radio
When it comes to quality products, there are a few brands like Tyler that ensure a great user experience for their customers. Thus, we are offering a decent under-cabinet media player from Tyler on this list.
The 3rd pick for our list today is the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System. As the name suggests, this is more of a universal music system rather than a simple radio. It supports wireless connectivity, offering the functionality of an external speaker along with a built-in FM radio. This unit has dual built-in speakers for perfect stereo separation which is great for such a small device. And with the clock functionality, it also offers alarm, timer, and snooze functions.
In terms of design, you will find the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System the most attractive option of all. It has a futuristic design aspect with rounded ends that also works in your favor at the time of installation. On top of that, the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System measures about 10.24 x 7.24 x 2.68 inches in size, making it the slimmest option on our list today. Alongside listening to music, you can also answer calls directly from the player thanks to its built-in microphone.
Best Features
- It has a Bluetooth connectivity option
- Works with Corded Electric power
- Measures about 10.24 x 7.24 x 2.68 inches in size
- Touchscreen display
Pros
- Best option in terms of design
- Slimmest option for an under-cabinet radio
- Built-in mic for calls
Cons
- It does not have a CD player
4. ILive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio
iLive has managed to land yet another under-cabinet radio player on our rather short list of the best options today. As we mentioned earlier, it is one of the premium alternatives from the variety of options developed by iLive.
The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is a premium choice that we have selected for our list today. If you are looking for an overall entertainment center for your kitchen, this is the perfect option for you. The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio has it all, whether you want a CD player, MP3 player, or wireless music player functionality. For wired connections, it also features an auxiliary port alongside a USB port so that you can directly connect your smartphone for offline music without audio loss.
For wireless connection, it supports Bluetooth connectivity offering 33 feet range. Even though it is a CD player, the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is one of the slimmest options in the market measuring about 13.2 x 12 x 3.5 inches in size. Along with that, you will also notice dual power options on the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio. The included remote for the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio makes it a much easier option to control from anywhere in the room.
Best Features
- Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB connectivity options
- Works with Corded Electric, Battery power
- Measures about 13.2 x 12 x 3.5 inches in size
- CD player feature even with the slim design
Pros
- Premium choice for an under-cabinet radio
- Remote control along with onboard control buttons
- Offers many useful features
Cons
- Bluetooth range could have been better
5. PROSCAN Under Cabinet Clock Radio
In the end, we have another PROSCAN Under Cabinet Clock Radio from SYLVANIA, featuring the latest Bluetooth technology. This comprehensive music system is designed to be mounted easily in your kitchen cabinet and stands out with its exceptional features and user-friendly design.
Combining the functionality of a clock radio, music system, and Bluetooth (V3.0) streaming capabilities, the PROSCAN model ensures you have a versatile entertainment center in your kitchen. It has a large LED screen display for easy reading (of time, volume, or station) and its intuitive controls allow for easy operation.
The standout feature is its Bluetooth streaming option, allowing you to wirelessly connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices for a hassle-free music experience. Power this unit via an AC adapter, and in case of power failure, it works on a battery backup.
With built-in FM radio functionality, you can tune in to your preferred stations while working in the kitchen like Hi-Fi speakers. The under-cabinet design maximizes space efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful audio solution.
The unit boasts a sleek appearance with dimensions that seamlessly fit under your cabinet, ensuring it doesn’t take up valuable counter space. The inclusion of a remote control enhances convenience, allowing you to manage settings and playback from a distance.
Best Features:
- Bluetooth streaming for wireless connectivity
- Built-in FM radio functionality
- Measures about 11 X 9 X 4 inches in size
- Under-cabinet design for space efficiency
- Works with corded electric and battery power
- Compact dimensions for a seamless fit
- It is backed by a 1-year long warranty.
Pros:
- Versatile entertainment options
- The cheapest option for an under-cabinet radio
- Space-efficient design with ease of installation
- Wireless connectivity for convenience
Cons:
- The FM reception could have been better.
- It does not have a CD drive.
Buying Guide For The Best Under Cabinet Radio
The things that you need to check before buying an under-cabinet radio depend upon your needs as well as the installation position of the radio. If you need one for basic news casting and radio, even the most basic option can offer you these features. But, there are also a lot of advanced options available in the market for an under-cabinet radio that offers much more than just radio functionality.
So if you are going to spend a lot of hours around this radio, you need to make sure that you get the right option for your needs. To help you with that, we are bringing this buying guide for the best under-cabinet radio. In this guide, we will talk about some of the most important features of an under-cabinet radio and how they affect the performance and installation of a unit. So, you can easily understand the product thoroughly and buy the one that seems perfect for your needs without any additional research.
1. Connectivity Options
Connectivity options are one of the crucial factors of all entertainment-focused devices, whether it is your smart TV, smart speaker, or just a simple under-cabinet radio. Having more connectivity options makes the device more versatile and compatible with a wide range of inputs. In the case of an under-cabinet radio, the one thing that you need to check when it comes to connectivity options is whether it supports Bluetooth connectivity or not.
With Bluetooth support, you will be able to pair your under cabinet radio directly with your smartphone or laptop and play the media using the radio as a speaker. Since there are no wires involved in this method, the connection will be stable and you can also use your smartphone at the same time without any problem. Having wireless support also unlocks a lot of entertainment options for you that you can access from your mobile.
While some options may not offer Bluetooth support, you may use them with external media files with the help of a USB port or an SD card port. You can simply store all of your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks on a USB drive of a memory card and plug it directly into the under cabinet radio.
2. Power Type
The power type of an under cabinet radio is a factor that severely affects its installation or rather the position where you can install it. In terms of power type, there are 2 options available for an under cabinet radio that are corded electric options and battery-powered ones. The battery-powered ones, as you may already know, need external AA or AAA batteries that you can easily find on the market.
While it does make the unit a little less reliable since its performance is dependent on the battery backup, it offers higher portability and freedom to install the unit anywhere you want. The same cannot be said for a corded electric under cabinet radio. These units have to be installed near a power plug and need to be plugged in at all times to function. Along with hindering the installation, it also occupies a power plug that you may need for other appliances, especially in a kitchen.
But, the better part about corded electric under-cabinet radio is that you won’t have to worry about buying batteries to keep it functional. You will be able to use the radio all day long without any problem. The best options are the ones that offer both power options so that you can continue with the entertainment even if there is a power cut.
3. Dimensions
The physical dimensions of an under cabinet radio are also an important factor that affects its installation. Unlike regular speakers or radios that you would rather keep on a desk or a flat surface, the under-cabinet radios are supposed to be installed on the lower side of a cabinet. So, there is already a shortage of space for such installations. If the size of the radio that you are buying does not match the size available for its installation, you may not be able to install it at all.
And even if you manage to do it, you may notice an insecure grip or the radio will stick out of the cabinet. To avoid that, simply check the dimensions of the under cabinet radio before making your choice. For that, just measure the depth of the cabinet and measure it with the width of the under cabinet radio. While doing so, make sure that the display of the radio is supposed to be facing you after the installation, so match the dimensions accordingly. To be on the safe side, you should go with a compact option. While it may affect the performance slightly, it can be an ideal pick for a basic radio that you are going to use for only a couple of hours every day.
4. Features
Lastly, let us talk about the features that you can find on an under cabinet radio. Gone are the days when a certain electronic device would only offer a limited set of features designed to serve a single purpose. Nowadays, almost all electronic devices are multi-functional, especially the ones that are aimed at the entertainment of the user. When it comes to under cabinet radio, you will also notice a lot of handy features despite its compact form factor that makes the unit even more attractive.
Some under cabinet radios offer a built-in CD layer so that you can listen to the offline records of your favorite artists that you may have collected over time. Other than that, most under-cabinet radios these days have a built-in external media player that operates over a wired or wireless connection. For wired connection, it offers an auxiliary port by which you can directly connect your smartphone to the media player. You will also get ports for USB drives or SD cards on an under cabinet radio to directly access the media files without engaging your smartphone.
As for wireless connection, most of these under cabinet radios offer Bluetooth support. With that, you can simply connect a smartphone or any other Bluetooth-powered media player to the radio and get it working without any problem. Some options also have a built-in microphone to support hands-free calling functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Mounting an under cabinet radio is not that difficult. In most cases, you will receive the tools and accessories needed for mounting the radio along with the product that makes the process much simpler.
Once you have the right tools, choose the right spot for its installation, preferably near a power socket if you are getting one that requires a corded electric connection. Once that is done, simply drill the holes according to the mounting points of the under cabinet radio and put it in place by putting the screws or bolts, which you will also receive with the radio.
Ans: The range of an under cabinet factor should only affect its performance if you are going to use it with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Otherwise, it can work just fine in radio mode wherever you install it.
Just make sure that you put it in an open place that wouldn’t affect the radio transmission. As for the Bluetooth range, anything between 30 to 60 feet is good enough for normal usage. Just keep in mind that a longer range gives you the freedom to access the radio from a farther distance.
Ans: Choosing the type of under cabinet radio depends upon how you are going to use it. Most users go with a wired option for one since it is going to be installed permanently under a cabinet. And if you put it near a wall socket, you probably won’t even need battery support as long as you have a stable electrical connection. However, choosing an option that offers both options is always a better choice since you can use the batteries as a backup option for the under cabinet radio.
Conclusion
Today, we have covered the best options that you can find right now for an under cabinet radio. Since such radios are not that popular and there are a lot of advanced alternatives in the market that can easily replace them, there aren’t many choices available. But, if you still want a basic radio unit within an affordable price range, we have got you covered. Here, you can find the best options for an under cabinet radio along with detailed specifications to help you make the right choice. We also have a buying guide that you must refer to before deciding so that you end up with the right product. Lastly, we will go over some handy recommendations from our picks that can be perfect for you.
- If you are wondering which of these choices is most budget-friendly, we suggest you take a look at the PROSCAN Under Cabinet Clock Radio. Even though it is the cheapest option on our list today, it still offers many desirable features. It comes with a clock and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you quickly pair your device and get it working right away. For wired connections, it has an auxiliary port. And for wireless options, it offers Bluetooth connectivity along with amazing FM radio stations to immerse yourself in music.
- The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is the most versatile option that you can find on our list today. This is more of an under-cabinet entertainment center rather than an FM radio. The ILive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio can be used as an FM radio, CD player, MP3 player, or wireless speaker for external media devices. Still, it is quite a slim unit and features an attractive and modern design aspect. The Bluetooth support for the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio ranges up to 30 feet for flawless connections.
- Lastly, we will suggest the SYLVANIA SKCR2713 Under Counter CD Player since it is also a preferred choice for thousands of buyers. It is the most popular option on our picks today. The PROSCAN Under Cabinet Radio works with a corded electrical connection along with a battery for backup. You will also notice a small LED display at the front of the player so that you can check the radio station or the title of the music you are playing. It also works as a passive clock for your kitchen.
