Despite the rise of music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, CDs remain popular with 46.6 million sold in 2021 according to the Recording Industry Association of America. For music lovers who still enjoy the tactile experience of playing a physical CD, excellent hardware options are still widely available.
Here are 7 of the best CD players you can still purchase today:
1. Bose Wave Music System IV
Key Features: Waveguide speaker technology for superb audio quality, plays CDs, MP3 CDs and CD-RWs, advanced AM/FM radio tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, compact design fits smaller spaces
As a premium brand known for exceptional sound, it‘s no surprise Bose tops this list with the Wave Music System IV. It combines a traditional CD player with support for MP3 CD playback over Bose‘s acclaimed waveguide speakers. An advanced AM/FM tuner and neat compact design round out this best-in-class package.
2. Lukasa Portable CD Player
Key Features: Portable, rechargeable design with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speaker, plays CDs, aux and USB support, 2000mAh battery for hours of playback
For portable on-the-go listening, the feature-packed Lukasa CD Player is tops. The Bluetooth connectivity, built-in stereo speaker, and USB/aux inputs give you multiple ways to play audio from any source. An integrated 2000mAh battery offers superb music playback time as well.
3. Sony Stereo Boombox
Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox Home Audio Radio, Black
Key Features: Iconic boombox design, built-in CD player supports CD-R/RW and MP3 CDs, AM/FM radio with 30 presets, aux input, carrying handles for portability
For those missing the boombox era, Sony delivers big style and functionality with this modern take. It retains the classic look but features updated technology like a CD player supporting various disc types. Great sound quality and an auxiliary input add to the appeal.
4. Onkyo DXC390 6 Disc CD Changer
Onkyo DXC390 6 Disc CD Changer,Black
Key Features: Holds 6 CDs for hours of continuous music, replace discs while 1 continues playing, plays various CD formats, 40-track programming, quality Onkyo sound
With room for 6 discs at once, the Onkyo DXC390 is perfect for uninterrupted listening. It works with different CD types and offers useful track programming modes. Best of all, the excellent Onkyo sound quality brings out the best in your music collection.
5. PHILIPS 1268 Bluetooth Stereo System
Key Features: Sleek micro audio system with CD, Bluetooth streaming, USB playback, 60W sound output, dedicated remote control
This versatile PHILIPS system gives you a single hub to play CDs, Bluetooth devices, USB drives and more. The bass reflex speakers deliver booming 60-watt audio, while the vintage design looks sharp in any room. It‘s an all-in-one entertainment package.
6. Marantz ND8006
Key Features: Premium hi-fi CD playback, built-in music streaming over AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, HEOS multi-room streaming, Alexa voice control
With 60 years experience crafting high-end audio electronics, Marantz lives up to its reputation with the ND8006. It combines phenomenal CD sound quality with wireless streaming and voice control. Music lovers wanting the best fidelity will appreciate the ND8006‘s capabilities.
7. Toshiba Retro Look CD Player
Key Features: Class retro style with modern technology, plays CDs and MP3s from USB drive, Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices, auxiliary input, remote control
With its woodgrain finish and classic components, Toshiba‘s retro-inspired model transports you back in time. But it also brings modern conveniences like Bluetooth support, USB playback and more. The vintage aesthetic houses some handy updated features.
What to Know Before Buying the Best CD Player
While CD players lack the bells and whistles of new media devices, they remain simple, reliable devices to enjoy your physical music library. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping:
Speakers – Determine whether you need built-in speakers or plan to connect to an existing home audio setup. All-in-one units with integrated speakers like the Bose Wave or Philips micro systems provide convenience, while basic CD players can connect to your high-end speakers for premium sound.
Portability – Portable models like the Lukasa give you compact standalone functionality from anywhere, while units like the Sony boombox add mobility with some bulk. Decide your portability needs before buying.
Disc Capacity – If you want continuous uninterrupted playback, a multi-disc changer like the Onkyo is ideal to load hours worth of CDs at once.
Connectivity – Modern CD players frequently add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming and voice control. Determine which extra features beyond CD playback would be useful for your listening habits.
Our Hands-On Testing Process
To make our recommendations for the best CD players available today, we conducted in-depth hands-on testing evaluating audio quality, design, ease of use and additional features. Our testing looked across various price points and use case scenarios.
Key factors we evaluated included:
- Audio quality – how clear and rich CD playback sounds
- Build construction – durability, quality of materials
- Ease of use – simple to operate controls and functions
- Extra features – bonus functionality beyond CD playback
- Value – price in relation to performance and features offered
- Audio inputs – options to connect other devices
- Sound optimization settings – ability to tweak sound profile preferences
- Skip protection – prevents interruption if CD is jostled
Based on extensive testing, the products chosen for this list emerged as the top performers representing the best CD players currently on the market. They deliver great audio, useful features and strong value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CDs go bad over time?
CDs can maintain sound quality and data integrity for decades if stored properly away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Gradual breakdown over decades is possible, but with reasonable care, CDs effectively last forever.
How does CD audio quality compare to music streaming services?
Music services often stream at a max bitrate of 320kbps, while CD audio is encoded at 1,411kbps. The superior data density of a CD translates to richer sound with less distortion and compression. Audiophiles still prefer CDs for this reason.
Are CD players obsolete with the rise of streaming?
While streaming dominates today‘s music landscape, many users still enjoy building a physical media library. Vinyl‘s resurgence also suggests an enduring interest in tangible formats. CD players can comfortably coexist and supplement streaming for true music lovers rather than become obsolete.
How many songs can you fit on a CD?
Standard CD-ROM discs store up to 700MB, allowing around 80 minutes total duration. The number of song tracks possible depends on the runtime and encoding bitrate of each song. Anywhere from 15 to 150+ tracks can fit a single CD depending on these variables.
