The Best Boomboxes
Thanks to modern tech, boomboxes, tape decks, and record players are widely considered relics of the past, but that doesn’t make them any less fun. If you’re looking to give your sound system a retro twist, a boombox may be just what you need to relive the good ‘ole days. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the best ones on the market today so you can start jamming out in no time.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best boomboxes on the market, we considered size, price, product design, and features. For example, if you want a straightforward boombox with reliable audio quality, CD and cassette capabilities, and a simple design, the Sony stereo boombox home radio is your best bet. If you want something a bit more vintage, the QFX J-220BT ReRun X boombox has a throwback look that will be sure to impress. Read on to see all our top picks and find the boombox that’s right for you.
Sony Stereo Boombox Home Radio
Pump up the jams
If you’re not sure where to start your search for a boombox, this stereo from Sony is a great place to begin. It’s not the biggest, fanciest, or most expensive, but it does everything a great boombox should. It can play CDs, MP3s, cassettes, radio signals, and aux inputs. It even has a recording function for the tape deck, so you can record new tapes. It can also boost low-end frequencies with the touch of a button. For classic features and a simple user interface, this stereo is the way to go.
Pros:
- This has up to 19 hours of battery life, so it’s great for outdoor trips.
- It can work with batteries or be powered by an AC power cord.
Cons:
- The price is a little high, but it’s worth the money.
PROSCAN Elite Portable CD Boombox
Don't break the bank
Sometimes less is more, and this little wonder from Proscan proves it. If you’re just looking for the bare necessities, this may be right up your alley. This tiny boombox comes with bare-bones functions, including CD playback, AM/FM radio, and an aux input. It also has a LED display for indicating the track numbers. As for the cherry on top, this boombox comes at a price that’s almost unbeatable. If you’re shopping on a budget, this is your best option.
Pros:
- It’s extremely light and easily portable, making it great for taking on the go.
- It’s intuitive to use, so it’s not prone to complicated setups or user errors.
Cons:
- The speaker quality isn’t the greatest, but it’s hard to beat for the price.
Sony Portable Stereo Sound System
Ditch the wires
Choosing a boombox doesn’t mean you have to settle for outdated technology. If you want the perks of analog audio equipment with the benefits of modern innovation, this Bluetooth boombox from Sony may be your best bet. This stereo makes it easy to connect your smartphone and play all your favorite tunes. It even has a mega bass setting to crank up the low end for a massive sound. If you want a well-rounded stereo from a brand that’s been trusted for decades, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Pros:
- It can provide up to 26 hours of battery life, so it’s perfect for camping or outdoor events that aren’t neat electrical outlets.
- You can save up to three memory presets for the radio, so all your favorite stations can be logged in one place.
Cons:
- There can be a volume drop while using Bluetooth, so you may have to adjust the master volume to compensate.
PHILIPS Bluetooth Boombox Speaker
Tough as nails
If you’re someone who likes to go above and beyond the norm, this may be the boombox for you. This rugged 50-watt boombox delivers crisp audio from a durable frame, so it’s perfect for outdoor use on the job site or for parties. Despite its sturdy construction, it’s surprisingly lightweight. It can play music from USB, aux input, Bluetooth, and even CDs. Best of all, the speakers light up when in use, so it’s the perfect boombox to get the party started.
Pros:
- The sound quality is great and features boosted bass frequencies.
- It’s loud enough to project audio above the noise, even at a party or small gathering.
Cons:
- There’s not a lot of options for adjusting the EQ.
QFX J-220BT ReRun X Boombox
Old school vibes
Whether you’re breakdancing on cardboard in the streets of New York City or rocking out to your favorite guitar solos in your bedroom, this boombox brings the best of the 80s into the 21st century. It features cassette playback and analog buttons for an unmatched retro feel, but it also has Bluetooth capabilities for up-to-date streaming. It has a three-band EQ, so you can adjust your sound, and it has inputs for USB, SD card, and an aux cable. Whether you want vintage charm or modern convenience, this does it all.
Pros:
- It has a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet for reliable wire-free playback.
- You can power it with a power cable or with batteries, so it’s great even when they’re no outlet around.
Cons:
- The build quality isn’t as heavy-duty as other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a boombox different than a Bluetooth speaker?
Traditionally, boomboxes are portable speakers that can play both radio signals and recorded music via CD or cassette. Nowadays, there are plenty of portable speakers that offer Bluetooth connection, but not many cater to physical media like CDs and cassettes. For it to be a proper boombox, it has to play some kind of tape or disk.
Can I use a boombox both outside and inside?
Since boomboxes are portable, you can use them wherever you want. They’re definitely ok to use outside, but they may not fare well in inclement weather. Some boomboxes are designed for job sites and have weatherproofing protection, but most don’t. You can use them indoors and outdoors as long as the weather permits.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.