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In this article, we cover the top 10 portable CD players with Bluetooth for 2024. We explore each model’s unique features, pros, and cons, helping you choose the best one for your needs. The guide also addresses key factors to consider when purchasing a portable CD player with Bluetooth and answers frequently asked questions about these devices.
Looking for a multifunctional portable CD player with Bluetooth connectivity? This article will give you all the answers you may need. We will tell you all about a CD player’s working principle, explain what to pay attention to when looking for CD players, answer some common questions about CD players, and present to you our selection of 10 best portable CD players with Bluetooth in 2024.
Table of Contents
- What is a CD Player and How it Works?
- Why Should You Buy a Portable CD Player with Bluetooth?
- Best Portable CD Players with Bluetooth – Comparison Table
- Buyers’ Guide – Things to Look for When Buying a portable CD Player with Bluetooth?
- 10 Best Portable CD Players with Bluetooth in 2024
- 1. Best Pancake-Style Portable CD Player with Bluetooth Under $100 – HOTT CD611T
- 2. The Most Feature-Rich Pancake-Style Portable CD Player – LUKASA
- 3. The Best Boombox-Style Portable CD Player Under $50 – MAGNAVOX MD6972
- 4. Best for Kids – AUNA Roadie
- 5. Best Boombox CD Player Under $100 – Sony ZSR-60BT
- 6. Best for Your Kitchen – Jensen CD-565SL Home CD Player
- 7. Best Desktop CD Player Under $50 – Gueray CD Player
- 8. Best Boombox-Style CD Player with Lights – Toshiba TY-CWU510
- 9. FELEMAN CD Player Portable
- 10. RIPTUNES CDB234BT Stereo Boombox CD Player
- Buying Guide For The Best Portable CD Player With Bluetooth
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is a CD Player and How it Works?
A CD player is a device designed to play audio CDs. It works by using a transport system consisting of a motor, laser diode, and photodiodes to read digital data from the CD. The digital data is then converted to analog by a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) before being sent to the audio output or speakers. This principle allows for the playback of music from CDs in a format that can be easily heard and enjoyed.
A CD player is a device that plays CDs. Obviously. You can find a CD player built inside many devices – it can be found in your home audio system, in your stereo receiver, in your car audio system, etc. Your Blu-ray player can read audio CDs, too. The same goes for some all-in-one audio systems. We all know what they do and how to use them – there’s nothing confusing or new about that.
What’s much more interesting than their purpose and the way we use them, is the way CD players work. The working principle is based on the cooperation of two integral parts of every CD player – transport and DAC.
Transport is the part responsible for reading digital data written on the audio CD. It has three parts – motor (spindle), laser diode, and a tiny array of photodiodes. When you insert a CD and press play, the motor starts spinning the CD. The laser diode creates a laser beam. The beam is directed toward the CD and, as the CD rotates, the beam reflects off the surface of the CD. Those reflections are received by the light sensor that consists of an array of photodiodes. Every change in these reflections is perceived as digital data. Now, since we are not computers and can’t perceive digital data, this data has to be converted to analog. The device that performs this conversion is called DAC (stands for Digital to Analog Converter). When the conversion is done, the signal is sent to the audio output (AUX or RCA) or to the speakers, depending on the type of a CD player.
Why Should You Buy a Portable CD Player with Bluetooth?
We recommend buying a portable CD player with Bluetooth for its wireless convenience. It allows for the use of Bluetooth headphones and speakers, eliminating the need for cables. Additionally, some models come equipped with Bluetooth transmission and reception capabilities, offering greater versatility in how you listen to your music.
If you don’t have CDs you want to play on-the-go, there’s no point in having a portable CD player. If you have a nice CD collection, you already know that you need a CD player. But why should you buy the one with Bluetooth? The answer is simple. Convenience. We all hate cables and Bluetooth proved to be a pretty good and cost-efficient way of eliminating all the unnecessary cables.
If you want to use Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker, you should be looking for a CD player with Bluetooth transmitter. Pancake-style portable CD players have the ability to transmit audio wirelessly.
If you want to stream music from a Bluetooth-enabled audio source to your CD player, you should be looking for a player with a built-in Bluetooth receiver. Larger CD players with speakers (boombox-style CD players) usually have built-in receivers.
As far as we know, there are no players with both – Bluetooth transmitters and Bluetooth receivers.
Best Portable CD Players with Bluetooth – Comparison Table
| Portable CD Players With Bluetooth | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOTT CD611T | 4.1 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| LUKASA | 4.1 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| MAGNAVOX MD6972 | 4.2 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| AUNA Roadie | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Sony ZSR-60BT | 4.3 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Jensen CD-565SL | 4.3 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Gueray CD Player | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Toshiba TY-CWU510 | 4.1 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| FELEMAN CD Player Portable | 4.3 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| RIPTUNES CDB234BT | 4.0 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
Buyers’ Guide – Things to Look for When Buying a portable CD Player with Bluetooth?
When buying a portable CD player with Bluetooth, consider the player type (boombox-style or pancake-style), Bluetooth version and connection characteristics, additional features (like AM/FM tuners or EQ presets), and battery life. The choice between boombox and pancake-style impacts size, portability, and whether the player has built-in speakers. Check the Bluetooth capabilities for compatibility with other devices. Extra features can enhance usability, and battery life is key for portability, with different types offering varying playtime durations.
Buying a portable CD player is not that hard, especially when you know what to look for. The good news is that most of them are priced under $150 (usually under $100).
One of the first things to think about is the player type. There are basically two main types –boombox-style players and pancake-style players. This decision also determines some other features. For example, boombox-style players are always larger and have built-in speakers. In case they are Bluetooth-enabled, they usually have built-in receivers and can be used as Bluetooth speakers. On the other hand, pancake-style players are usually much smaller (although not exactly pocketable), more portable, and usually don’t have speakers. Also, pancake-style players usually have built-in Bluetooth transmitters (not receivers).
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Since you are looking for CD players with Bluetooth, it’s only natural to check the Bluetooth version and connection characteristics (range, supported profiles, supported audio codecs). You should be aware that many portable CD players feature some outdated Bluetooth version (usually 2.1 or 3.0). Only a few players feature Bluetooth 4.0 or later versions.
Any additional features are always welcome. So, if you can afford a CD player with AM and/or FM tuners, EQ presets, or some other function, go for it.
Battery life is also incredibly important. Battery type, too. Some players run on disposable batteries while others have built-in rechargeable batteries. Pancake-style players usually deliver 6-8h of playtime, while larger boombox CD players deliver up to 15h.
Now that you know some basic stuff about CD players and what to look for when buying them, let’s move onto our selection of 10 best portable CD players with Bluetooth in 2024. These are our favorite models.
10 Best Portable CD Players with Bluetooth in 2024
1. Best Pancake-Style Portable CD Player with Bluetooth Under $100 – HOTT CD611T
HOTT CD611T is one of the most compact and easiest to use portable CD players we’ve come across. It runs on AA batteries, it’s compatible with a wide variety of audio CDs (including mp3), and it features Bluetooth 5.0 with a satisfying range and perfectly reliable connection.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find your HOTT CD player, a pair of wired earbuds, an external power adapter with a USB power cable, 3.5mm AUX cable, manual, and an 18-month warranty. The batteries are not included.
Things we like
HOTT player is, like many other players of this type very thin and compact. It has a diameter of 5.6in and weighs 7.2oz. It can’t exactly fit your pocket but it will easily fit a smaller bag or backpack.
The control scheme is very user-friendly. On the top, you have a small LCD screen and all the playback control buttons including Bluetooth button and one button for EQ presets. Along the rim, there’s the volume dial, DC power input (for attaching the included power adapter), headphone output, and CD OPEN switch. On the bottom, you have the lock switch (it blocks all the control buttons) and a battery compartment.
The player has the anti-shock protection, which is pretty much a standard feature in today’s portable CD players. When playing regular audio CDs, there’s 45s anti-skip protection, and for mp3s, there’s 120s anti-skip protection. The player supports CD-R, CD-RW, and mp3 CDs.
HOTT CD611T features the latest Bluetooth version – Bluetooth 5.0 (it’s Bluetooth transmitter, not receiver). The range is pretty much standard (33ft). You can probably get more than 50ft without obstacles. The connection is stable and we didn’t experience any issues with it. The initial pairing takes a bit too long (about a minute), but once you pair it with your speaker or headphones, all the future pairings are automatic and take no more than 10sec.
The player runs on two AA batteries and it will deliver 5-6 hours of playtime. After that, you’ll need new batteries. If you don’t want to use batteries and have a wall outlet nearby, you can connect the included power adapter and use it without batteries.
The included earbuds are not great but deliver a satisfying performance. The player has four EQ presets (classic, jazz, pop, rock) that you can change by pressing the EQ button.
Things we don’t like
The player doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery. Also, two AA batteries will provide only 5-6 hours of playtime (in CD playback mode), which is not much considering the price.
2. The Most Feature-Rich Pancake-Style Portable CD Player – LUKASA
Like the previous CD player, LUKASA player also supports Bluetooth connectivity but, unlike HOTT player, this one has a built-in receiver (not a transmitter). This is just one of many features of this compact CD player. LUKASA is one of only a few pancake-style players with built-in speakers. It also has an AUX input (along with a standard headphone output), and a USB port for music playback. So, LUKASA is primarily a CD player but it’s actually a multifunctional digital player.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the CD player, USB charging cable, AUX cable, a cheap-looking pair of earbuds, a small pouch, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
LUKASA CD player is thin and compact. It weighs 6 ounces and it has a 5.8in diameter. It’s available in white color only.
Most of the controls are located on the top. There is one tiny LCD display in the middle, four playback control buttons, two volume control buttons, and 6 buttons for additional features (for selecting mode, engaging Bluetooth, for engaging anti-skip protection, for skipping 10 songs forward/backward). On the rim, there’s the OPEN/EJECT switch, AUX input (for connecting external audio source), headphone output (for connecting headphones/speakers), and a USB port (for playing music from a USB drive (32GB is the max flash drive capacity).
LUKASA player features anti-skip protection, just like many other players of this kind. It can play all kinds of audio CDs (CD-R, RW, and mp3). It can also play WMA and WAV files in USB mode.
Bluetooth connection quality is satisfying but not impeccable. You will have to stay within a 10ft range. One thing to be aware of is that this thing has a Bluetooth receiver, not a transmitter. So, it cannot be paired wirelessly with an external Bluetooth speaker, Bluetooth headphones, or a Bluetooth-enabled car audio system. It can only be paired with a Bluetooth-enabled audio source and used as a Bluetooth speaker.
The built-in speaker is quite tiny. It offers pretty good sound quality, considering its size. The mids and highs are clear and nicely balanced. The bass response is really poor. You will get a better sound if you connect the player to an external speaker or to some headphones. The included earbuds sound better than the built-in speaker but won’t blow you away.
LUKASA has a built-in battery. The battery will deliver 5-6 hours of continuous playback.
Things we don’t like
Unlike the majority of pancake-style CD players, this one only has a Bluetooth receiver instead of a Bluetooth transmitter.
The bass response is simply nonexistent.
The Bluetooth range is below-average. You should probably stay within the 10ft range.
3. The Best Boombox-Style Portable CD Player Under $50 – MAGNAVOX MD6972
If you are interested in those bigger boombox-style speakers and you can’t spend more than $50, MAGNAVOX MD6972 is one of the best options. This thing can play all kinds of audio CDs, it has a built-in Bluetooth receiver, it has two speakers, and it can be used as a regular AM/FM radio. In short, MD6972 offers a great feature set at a more than affordable price.
What’s in the box?
Along with your MAGNAVOX CD player, you’ll get an AC power cable, manual, and a warranty card. MD6972 can operate on batteries but they are not included in the package.
Things we like
MD6972 is compact and relatively light, but still much larger than the previous two pancake-style players. These boombox players are mostly made for indoor use, but you can also use them on the go – you just need to buy the batteries.
The construction is pretty good and feels durable. Control and input schemes are also pretty simple and user-friendly. On the front, you have two speakers on the ends, one tiny LCD display with power and Bluetooth indicators in the middle, and one large LED lighting panel. On the top, there’s a CD player with all the control buttons (playback controls, volume dial, tuning dial, mode button, lighting button, etc.). On the back, there’s a retractable antenna, mode switch, two 3.5mm ports (one input and one headphone output), and power input.
When it comes to features and performance, there’s not much to complain about. MD6972 plays all kinds of audio CDs (CD-R, RW, mp3). AM and FM tuners work fine. You can also connect it to an external audio source with analog outputs or pair it with a Bluetooth-enabled audio source and use it as a regular or Bluetooth speaker.
The player features Bluetooth 2.1 (it’s a receiver, not transmitter). Considering the outdated Bluetooth version, the connection offers satisfying range but it’s shorter than the standard 33ft.
MD6972 can run on batteries but they are not included in the package. You will need 8 C batteries and they will provide up to 15 hours of music playback in CD mode (more than 20h in FM mode).
What makes this player a great choice for kids is the lighting on the front side. It’s not crazy bright but it’s still fun.
We can’t complain much about the sound quality at this price point. There’s a subtle hint of bass, but nothing more than that. Mids are pretty sweet and the vocals are clear. The midrange reproduction is probably the greatest highlight. Highs are a little bit brighter but not fatiguing.
Things we don’t like
The Bluetooth chip needs to be updated. This would be a relatively inexpensive upgrade but it would make the player so much better. Also, adding a Bluetooth transmitter would be a huge plus.
Also Read: 5 Best Under Cabinet Radio CD Players.
4. Best for Kids – AUNA Roadie
Looking for a compact, fun-looking, and affordable CD player for your kids? AUNA Roadie is a great choice. Not only that it looks like something any kid would like, but it’s also a reliable and versatile little device. Aside from the CD playback capabilities, this player can also be used as a radio (FM tuner), as a Bluetooth speaker (built-in Bluetooth receiver), and it can play audio files from a USB flash drive.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you will find your AUNA Roadie player, power cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
The player is super-compact and lightweight. It’s entirely made of plastic. It kind of looks like a toy.
On the front side, there are two speakers, angled to the left and to the right in order to provide better sound dispersion and wider soundstage. In the middle, there’s a simple LCD display with power and FM indicators. Below the display, there’s a USB port (for music playback, not for charging phones).
On the top, you’ll see the CD player and all the playback controls. On the left side, there’s the volume dial and a power/function switch (OFF/FM/CD/USB/BT/AUX). On the right, you have the tuning dial and a light switch. On the back, there’s the FM antenna, AUX input, headphone output, and power input.
AUNA can play all the common audio CD types (CD-R, CD-RW, and mp3). It can also play mp3 files through the USB port. AM/FM reception is pretty decent (especially FM reception). The player can be used as a regular speaker or as a Bluetooth speaker thanks to the AUX input and built-in Bluetooth receiver. The Bluetooth version is outdated but still offers a satisfying performance with a decent 15-20ft range.
The player doesn’t have a built-in battery, but it can be battery-powered and used on the go. You will have to buy 6 C batteries separately. They will provide you with 12 hours of music playback in CD mode (up to 20h in FM mode).
The sound is pretty much on par with the price. It’s nothing mind-blowing but it’s good enough. The bass response is poor. The mids and vocals are clear and pretty detailed.
Things we don’t like
The Bluetooth version is outdated and, even though it offers a satisfying performance, it’s not on par with the latest Bluetooth versions.
To be completely honest, AUNA doesn’t look like a durable product. It’s all plastic and it’s very toyish.
5. Best Boombox CD Player Under $100 – Sony ZSR-60BT
Sony is always a safe choice. It’s one of the rare reputable names on the portable CD player market and it’s our top pick when it comes to boombox CD players under $100. This is a highly versatile player with Bluetooth connectivity. It also has built-in AM and FM tuners, it can play files from a USB stick, and it has built-in speakers.
What’s in the box?
Along with Sony ZSR-60BT, you’ll get a power cable, manual, and warranty. The player runs on batteries but they are not included.
Things we like
ZSR-60BT is a compact and lightweight boombox-style CD player. It looks simple and stylish, and it’s available in black color only.
Most of the controls and inputs are located on the front panel. The control panel may look a bit too crowded and it takes some time to get used to, but it’s actually fairly easy to use. From top to bottom, you have a simple LCD display, source selectors, playback controls, MEGA BASS button, REC button, USB port (for music playback), AUX input, and headphone output. Two full-range woofers are also located on the front.
There are also some controls on the top – you have 3 radio preset buttons, power button, and volume controls. The CD player is also located on the top.
On the rear panel, you will see the FM antenna and power input. On the bottom panel, there’s just a battery compartment.
ZSR-60BT can play all the common CD types (CD-R, RW, and mp3). It can play music from a USB and you can even record songs from a CD to a USB stick (you just have to press the REC button on the front). ZSR-60BT can also be used as a wired or wireless speaker. It has an AUX input so you can connect any audio source with analog outputs. It also has a Bluetooth receiver so you can stream audio from your phone or some other Bluetooth-enabled source and play it through the player’s speakers. In the end, you can also use it as a radio – the player allows you to memorize 10AM and 20FM stations.
The player can be battery-operated but you have to buy 6 C batteries separately. Depending on the mode and volume level, you can get up to 25 hours of playback (FM mode). When playing CDs, you will get up to 9 hours and, when playing files from a USB, the batteries will deliver 15 hours.
When it comes to sound, ZSR-60BT is better than most boombox-style CD players under $100 but it can’t really be compared to similarly priced Bluetooth or powered speakers. After all, ZSR-60BT is not just a speaker. The mids and highs are clear and fairly detailed, while the bass is unimpressive. You can elevate the bass response by engaging the MEGA BASS feature, but that could also cause some distortion at higher volumes.
Things we don’t like
ZSR-60BT features Bluetooth 2.1 (with EDR), which is an outdated Bluetooth version. Bluetooth works fine when you’re within 10ft range but you would get a much longer range and more reliable connection with some of the later Bluetooth versions.
6. Best for Your Kitchen – Jensen CD-565SL Home CD Player
If you’re looking for a nice low-profile CD player for your kitchen or a nightstand, Jensen CD-565SL is a great option. This unit plays CDs, it features Bluetooth connectivity, it has a built-in FM tuner, and it has speakers. It’s also super-easy to use.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your Jensen CD player, power cable, manual, and a warranty card. The player can operate on six C-size batteries, but you will have to buy them separately.
Things we like
Jensen CD-565SL is similar to other boombox-like CD players but still distinctive. It’s much slimmer than the average CD player with speakers. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.
On the front panel, you have a CD player and two full-range speakers. Unlike many other boombox CD players, this one doesn’t have plastic grilles. Instead, it has a nice-looking fabric grille which definitely improves the appearance.
All the controls are on the top. There’s a tiny LCD display in the middle. The volume dial is on the left end and the tuning dial is on the right end. There are also all the playback controls, source selector, and radio preset buttons.
On the back, you have the power input, AUX input, and headphone output.
The player works with both CD-R and CD-RW. You can use it as a standard FM radio or you can use it as a speaker (regular or Bluetooth). If you want to connect an analog audio source, you can use the AUX input and if you want to stream music wirelessly from your phone, you can use the Bluetooth.
There’s no info on the Bluetooth version but the wireless connection works as expected. The initial pairing takes a bit longer than usual but, once you are paired, everything works fine if you are within a 20ft range. The player probably has an outdated Bluetooth version (2.1 or 3.0) but if you are not too far away, there’ll be no issues.
If you want to use it on the go, you can insert 6 size-C batteries into the battery compartment. You will get up to 10h in CD mode or up to 15h in FM mode.
Those two tiny speakers deliver decent sonic performance (for their size). There’s practically no bass but the midrange is perfectly clear and the treble is fairly consistent.
Things we don’t like
CD-565SL doesn’t have a built-in AM tuner, only FM.
If you want a better bass, you should look for a CD player with larger drivers.
7. Best Desktop CD Player Under $50 – Gueray CD Player
The Gueray is a multifunctional desktop CD player with a nice design: it has a built-in speaker but also Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily connect it to an external one. Priced under $50, it is one of the best budget options if you want a CD player for your office desk or living room, for example.
What’s in the box?
The Gueray CD Player comes with a remote control, a USB-C cable, a 5V adapter, and a user manual.
Things we like
While a lot of CD players in the market have dated designs, the design of the Gueray is more modern and looks quite good. It doesn’t stand out too much.
This CD player has a built-in speaker and many functions besides being able to play your CDs, such as Bluetooth connectivity, an AUX port, FM radio, and USB flash drive compatibility. It also comes with a remote control for convenience.
It has a high-quality LED display, which is useful for skipping tracks and tracking the duration of your songs.
Things we don’t like
Despite being portable, its design is more suited for home use and for activities where you won’t be moving around too much.
8. Best Boombox-Style CD Player with Lights – Toshiba TY-CWU510
TY-CWU510 is one of the most versatile boombox-style portable CD players and one of the best under $150. TY-CWU510 plays CDs, it has a built-in FM tuner, it features Bluetooth, and it can play audio files from a USB.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you’ll find your TY-CWU510 CD player, remote, power cable, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
In terms of design, there’s nothing not to like about CWU510. It’s a classic boombox-style CD player with speakers. One of the best things about it is the lighting around the woofers. It looks really cool.
The whole control panel is located on the front, between those two backlit woofers. At the top, you have a nice LCD display. At the bottom, you have two AUX ports (one AUX input and one output) and a USB port. In the middle, there’s a large volume dial, surrounded by all the playback controls, tuning buttons, and other controls (like function button and EQ button).
On the top, you have the CD player, carrying handle, and FM antenna. On the rear panel, there’s just a power/charging port.
On the left and right sides, there are two passive bass radiators.
Toshiba TY-CWU510 supports all CD types including mp3 CDs. It can also play audio files from a USB and it can be used as a radio. CWU510 can also be used as a wired or wireless speaker. You can connect your phone via AUX cable and play the music from your phone. Or, you can pair your phone via Bluetooth and stream audio wirelessly.
Another special thing about TY-CWU510 is the battery. Unlike many similar CD players, this one has a built-in rechargeable battery. The battery delivers up to 10h of continuous playback in CD mode. You will get more than 15h in FM mode.
Those built-in speakers deliver mediocre performance. They are definitely not on par with the same-priced Bluetooth or powered speakers but, considering all the other features, the sound quality is satisfying.
Things we don’t like
TY-CWU510 has only FM tuner – AM tuner is not available. Also, even though the description says there’s a micro SD card slot (for playing audio files from a micro SD card), we can confirm that this feature is not available.
In the end, you should know that the max volume is not the same when the player is plugged into a wall outlet and when it runs on batteries. It’s quieter when the player is battery-operated.
Check out our article on ‘Wall-Mounted CD Players‘.
9. FELEMAN CD Player Portable
Sporting a nice design and modern features, the FELEMAN CD Player Portable is a mid-tier option with a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery and 5 different modes to play music. It can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker.
What’s in the box?
The FELEMAN CD Player Portable comes with a remote control, an AC adapter, a USB-C cable, and a user manual.
Things we like
The design is one of the best things about this CD player. It is portable and looks very modern. It can be easily transported thanks to its slim profile and reduced size.
Even though the company doesn’t state the battery life of the product, this CD player has a built-in battery of 2000mAh, which is a great spec for the size of the product.
According to the company, the FELEMAN CD Player Portable supports A-B repeat and speed +/-, excellent if you like listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
The FELEMAN is a great choice if you want a CD player to connect to your car stereo to play your favorite CDs.
Like most other options on the list, it can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker.
Things we don’t like
The speakers are not that loud and lack a bit of quality, but its doable for the size of the CD player.
10. RIPTUNES CDB234BT Stereo Boombox CD Player
RIPTUNES CDB234BT is one of the most compact CD players with speakers. They are usually a bit larger, but this one is quite tiny. If you are looking for a cheap and compact player, this is a great choice. Like many others, it can be used as a radio, it can play files from a USB stick, and it can be used as a wired/wireless speaker.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, there’s your RIPTUNES CDB234BT, power adapter, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
CD23BT is super-compact. It’s round and it’s entirely made of plastic but doesn’t look cheap.
On the front, you have a strong plastic grille with two woofers behind it. On the top, there’s the CD player, 4-digit LCD display, and all the controls (playback, tuning, volume controls). On the top right end, there are two AUX ports (one AUX input and one headphone output) and a USB port.
On the left and right panels, there are two passive bass radiators. On the rear panel, you’ll find the FM antenna and power input. The battery compartment is on the bottom panel. This CD player requires 8 C batteries to work.
RIPTUNES CDB234BT supports all kinds of audio CDs including mp3 CDs. If you want, you can use it as an FM radio or you can play files from a USB. In the end, RIPTUNES CD234BT can be used as a wired or wireless speaker thanks to the 3.5mm input and Bluetooth connectivity (built-in Bluetooth receiver).
Bluetooth connection delivers mediocre performance. You could say that it’s good enough for the price. The range is quite limited (less than 15ft) and the pairing takes longer than usual, but once you’re connected and within the 15ft range there should be no problems.
CDB234BT requires 8 C batteries to work. In CD mode, you’ll get 8-9 hours of playback (at 50% volume). The playback is noticeably longer in FM mode.
When it comes to sound quality, CDB234BT is not much different from other cheap CD players. It’s comparable to some cheap Bluetooth speakers. The bass response is weak and lacks impact. The mids are fairly detailed and clear. You can choose one of four available EQ modes – rock, pop, classic, or jazz.
Things we don’t like
Considering the price, we can’t complain much. The only thing we are going to mention is the lack of AM tuner.
This is the end of our list of 10 best portable CD players with Bluetooth in 2024. Hopefully, you’ve found something that meets your requirements. If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs section or leave your question in the comments below.
Buying Guide For The Best Portable CD Player With Bluetooth
Here are some of the things you should keep in mind and look for while shopping for a portable CD player with Bluetooth.
Durability
Depending on how you plan to use your Bluetooth CD player, durability is an important factor: whether you plan on using it indoors or outdoors, for personal use or parties, this will impact the lifespan of the device.
Some of the budget Bluetooth CD players are cheaply made, with weak plastics and materials. These are fine for usage in the office, for example, where there won’t be much wear and tear.
With that being said, investing in a pricer option such as the Sony ZSRS60BT will definitely give you more durability thanks to the sturdier materials and components used.
With many options for Bluetooth CD players on the market, the best way to know the durability of a particular device is by looking at customer reviews on websites such as Amazon and Walmart.
Audio Format Compatibility
This is an important factor to pay attention to since some Bluetooth CD players are compatible with a wider range of audio formats than others.
Most CD players can play audio from popular formats such as MP3, FLAC, and WMA, whereas if you’re planning on using lossless formats such as WAV and AIFF, it’s best to make sure the particular device you have your eyes on is capable of reproducing it.
Connectivity Options
It’s important to check the connectivity options a Bluetooth CD player offers. While you certainly want one that has Bluetooth capabilities, some extra connectivity options such as AUX cable and USB are always useful in the long run. Most modern CD players in the market will offer those connections.
You can usually find what connectivity options a particular model of CD player offers on the product page on websites like Amazon and Walmart, or on the manufacturer’s website. Make sure to check this information beforehand.
Portability
Regarding design and portability, there are many different choices in the market. Some CD players like the Gueray CD Player are designed to be portable and can be transported in a backpack or throughout the house without much hassle.
A lot of Bluetooth CD players are of the boombox type. These tend to be larger, but some are still small enough that they can be easily transported, such as the Sony ZSRS60BT. Portability overall is a smart feature to look for.
FAQs
A: There’s no definite answer to this question but we always advise people to stick to reputable brands. So, when it comes to portable boombox CD players, Sony, Philips, and Toshiba CD players would be our first choice. If you’re buying something for your kids, you can go for some of the cheaper options. If you’re looking for a pancake-style portable CD player with Bluetooth, you will have to settle for some generic brand since most reputable manufacturers discontinued the production of those CD players.
A: Yes, there is. The selection is not huge, but you can still find a pretty nice portable CD player with Bluetooth. Some of the best are on our list.
A: Yes, you can. You have two options – wired and wireless (Bluetooth connection). If your car audio system has an AUX input, you can use a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. If your car audio system has a built-in Bluetooth receiver and you have a portable CD player with a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, you can pair them wirelessly.
A: If we are speaking about boombox CD players, the answer is yes. Pricier CD players usually have better-quality speakers and deliver higher-quality sound. When it comes to pancake-style players, the difference is not huge – the sound will depend a lot on the headphones you use.
A: Yes and no. They definitely are old-fashioned but, if you have a reason to use them, they are definitely not obsolete. So, if you have a CD collection and don’t want to throw it away, the CD player is absolutely necessary. If you, however, do not have any CDs, there’s no point in buying a CD player.
Conclusion
These are the 10 best portable CD players with Bluetooth in 2023. There are many options to choose from, with different levels of portability, connectivity options, and extra features.
Whichever model you choose, make sure to check online reviews before you make your purchase. You can find many customers sharing their opinions on a particular product on websites like Amazon and Walmart.
Thank you for reading this article. If you’d like to learn more about Bluetooth speakers and music players in general, make sure to check our related posts below. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions for our website!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.
We just purchased a Rav4 hybrid 2021. It has bluetooth audio but I have not found a CD player that will connect to the bluetooth system to play through my car speakers. Tbere is no AUX connection so I have to use bluetooth. Any ideas?
Anyone know of a bluetooth cd player that works in 2020 or later Kia Niro? Tried 3, but will not connect (Hott, GPX, etc.) Thanks! Joel
Thanks so much for this valuable information. I have not had any success, and I have purchased 4 portable bluetooth cd players, and they must not have the 4.0 or later technology you mentioned, because none of them will pair with my 2020 Kia Niro Bluetooth system. My ipods still connect fine, so I know my car’s system works, but it asks for me select “pair with Kia Motors” when I see it, but none of these players have that screen, whereas, my Ipods do. Can anyone recommend a portable bluetooth cd player that will work in a 2020 Kia?
No Bose Sound Link Micro?
No, Neal. No Bose SoundLink Micro. Mostly because that is a Bluetooth speaker and our article is about portable CD players with Bluetooth.
Your AudioReputation Team