Best DAB Radio With CD Player 2024

CDs may be on the way out, but many of us aren’t ready to replace our large CD collections with MP3 downloads and online streaming.

The good news is there’s still lots of great all-in-one CD player radio combos to choose from.

Good radio CD players range in price from less than £100 to over £2,500, and there are similarly large differences in the number of features offered and the sound quality.

This guide will help find the best radio CD player combo for you by looking at some of the best options at different price points and with different features. We hope you find these reviews useful.

Best DAB Radio CD Players

While we’ve covered many DAB radio CD players, the first 3 will be ideal for most. We’ve first included a good all rounder; ideal if you’re after high quality audio but aren’t on a tight budget. Next we have a budget option; here audio suffers a bit, but it’s still a great option. Lastly, we go super premium for when money’s not an issue & you want the absolutely best quality audio possible.

1. Best Overall: John Lewis Tenor Hi-Fi Music System

This sleekly designed radio from John Lewis offers not just DAB/DAB+ radio and a CD player, but also internet radio, giving you access to the 20,000+ stations that broadcast online from around the world. It offers a great balance of high-quality audio at a mid-range price point. Highly recommended for most.

Features

Dimensions: 51.8w x 30d x 24.6h cm
Weight: 5.84 kg

Summary

If looks matter to you, the John Lewis Tenor is a great choice, as it’s one of the best-looking radios on this list.

There’s more to the Tenor than just looks though—the radio has lots of features including internet radio which gives you a huge choice of things to listen to.

If you want something stylish and versatile without breaking the bank, the Tenor is a good option.

2. Best Budget Option: Majority Oakington DAB/DAB+ Digital FM Radio

If you want a DAB radio with a CD player but aren’t ready to spend on some of the more pricey options, this could be the model for you. The Majority Oakington digital radio is a real all-rounder, as it is not just a digital radio but also a CD player and a Bluetooth speaker. In its function as a digital radio, you can receive DAB and DAB + and normal FM radio. Thanks to the effortless set-up, including automatic channel scrolling, you can find your favorite channels in no time.

Features

• Available in walnut and oak finish
• Includes DAB/DAB+ and FM radio tuner
• Features a HiFi stereo system
• Includes a remote control
• Integrated alarm function as a radio alarm clock
• MP3 playback
• USB charging

Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 13 cm

Weight: 1.2 Kilograms

Pros

• Designed in two wood finishes
• Comes with a 36-month warranty
• Easy to set DAB/DAB+
• Scans quickly and automatically
• Produces a deep rich bass

Cons

• Dim led display
• CD player is a little bit noisy

Summary

With this radio, you can use the CD player, the Bluetooth function, the USB function, or the practical AUX-In connection to play your music on the digital radio. The Majority Oakington digital radio has a patented 30-watt speaker system that delivers HD sound for a unique listening experience. You can use the supplied remote control to precisely adjust the bass and treble of the sound.

See price and reviews.

3. Premium Option: Ruark R7 Mk3 All-In-One Music System

The Ruark R7 Mk3 is the first of a few Ruark DAB radios with CD players on this list. This model is by far the most premium of the batch, delivering unparalleled audio quality, stand out design, and audio accuracy that’ll make any true audiophile a believer.

The Ruark R7 is a premium stereo system with numerous inputs, both analog and digital. This is a versatile digital radio with a CD player, an aptX high definition Bluetooth receiver, and a DAB/DAB +/ FM tuner. But these specs alone don’t do it justice, you simply have to hear it to believe.

Features

• Includes FM, DAB +, CD, Bluetooth, and wifi
• 160 watts power
• 3D DSP processing for wide spatialization
• Includes an OLED display
• Features Bluetooth, wifi, CD, and multiroom

Dimensions: 100 x 65 x 40 cm (W x H x D)

Weight: 30 kg

 Pros

• High fidelity sound
• Includes a classy remote
• Looks like a piece of beautiful furniture
• Includes a lot of connections

Cons

• Display fonts quite small
• Too large in dimension for some, though for others this sets a room

Summary

Ruark R7, designed like a piece of furniture, has a high-quality finish. It’s in a box made of real wood, which gives it excellent acoustic qualities. It can be placed on a piece of furniture or mounted on feet. With the addition of the dedicated TV support (optional), the speaker can be transformed into an audio-video cabinet.

See price and reviews.

4. Roberts ZoomBox 3

The ZoomBox 3 is a portable FM/DAB radio CD player from Roberts. You can plug it into the mains using the adapter provided, or power it with 6 C-size batteries.

This boombox-style radio is easy to set up and use and has a conveniently portable design.

It has some great additional features including Bluetooth and a USB port.

Features

Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 13.9 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg

Summary

This is a very well-made radio with a lot of functionality (though it doesn’t have Bluetooth). It’s a great choice if you want something portable and affordable.

This radio is easy to use and can be easily carried around the house using the carrying handle. If you want something portable with DAB radio and a CD player, this is one of the best options. Read our full review of the ZoomBox 3 here.

5. Roberts Blutune 200

The Roberts Blutune 200 is one of the most affordable radio CD players that can still be considered ‘high-end’.

It’s priced somewhere between the AZATOM Trinity and the Ruark R4 Mk3, and offers the build and sound quality you’d expect from Roberts without being too expensive.

Features

Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 12.5 cm
Weight: 3.9 kg

Summary

The Roberts Blutune 200 is a good choice if you want something that offers real quality without breaking the bank. Read our full review of the Roberts Blutune 200 here.

6. AZATOM Trinity

The AZATOM Trinity is one of the most affordable DAB radio CD players on our list and it offers great value for money. It’s a good inexpensive alternative to products from more established brands such as Pure and Roberts. The sleek design would fit in with any home decor style and it comes in 3 colourways – Black, Oak and Walnut.

Features

Dimensions: 20 x 37 x 15.8 cm
Weight: 4.1 kg

Summary

The AZATOM Trinity is proving to be a popular choice as it offers a lot of performance and features for a more accessible price. It costs a fraction of the price of similar products from Roberts and Pure and has pretty good sound quality.

7. Pure Chronos CD Series II

The Pure Chronos CD Series II is a popular radio CD player that has a convenient triangular design, which allows it to fit neatly in the corner of a shelf or countertop.

Features

Dimensions: 19.5 x 18.5 x 12.5 cm
Weight: 1.41 kg

Summary

With the alarm and sleep timer functions, the compact size and easy-to-read clock display, the Pure Chronos CD Series II could be a good choice for a bedside table or kitchen countertop.

The CD player is top-loading, which some people prefer to slot-loading and tray designs. However, it can be noisy when playing CDs.

8. Majority Homerton

The Homerton is another of the more compact radio CD players in our list, this time from budget brand Majority. The simple cube-like design is ideal for smaller spaces and would look great on an office or living room shelf.

It’s a pretty affordable product that packs in a lot of features for the price.

Features

Dimensions: 21 x 14.7 x 24 cm
Weight: 2.18 kg

Summary

If you want something a bit cheaper which still has a lot of features, the Majority Homerton is a good choice. It’s easy to use and decent, clear sound quality with plenty of bass.

9. Ruark Audio R4 Mk3

The Ruark R4 Mk3 is an attractive, classy radio CD player that comes in either a high-gloss lacquered or walnut wood veneer cabinet.

The Ruark R4 Mk3 is an expensive product, but it’s one of the best-sounding radio CD players on the market.

It’s a good choice for audiophiles who want to enjoy their CDs with the most detailed sound quality possible, but if you’re on a budget you might want to scroll down to see some of the cheaper radios on this list.

Features

Dimensions: 44 x 20 x 15 cm
Weight: 7 kg

Summary

Ruark probably produce the best-sounding DAB radios currently available on the market, and the Ruark R4 Mk3 matches the high standard of their other products.

This radio is very expensive, but this level of sound quality comes at a price. Read our full review of the Ruark R4 Mk3 here.

Best FM Radio CD Players in the UK

After looking at the most popular FM radio CD players available in the UK, here are 5 of the best.

These radios are all quite reasonably priced, so choosing one of these radios could be a cheaper alternative to buying a more expensive DAB or internet radio.

1. Panasonic SC-HC195EB-K

The Panasonic SC- HC195EB-K is a micro hi-fi with a CD player and FM radio that can be mounted on a wall or positioned on a table. The SC- HC195EB-K also features a USB port, so you play MP3s from a flash drive.

Features

Dimensions: 40 x 19.7 x 10.7 cm
Weight: 1.9 kg

Summary

The Panasonic SC- HC195EB-K has a nice slim, compact design and doesn’t take up much space. It performs well for the price, is easy to use and has decent sound quality.

2. Sony CMT-X3CD Bluetooth Hi-Fi System

The Sony CMT-X3CD is quite different to most FM radio CD players. It has a stylish design and features Bluetooth, so you can use it as a wireless speaker.

The CD player is top-mounted, which allows the Sony CMT-X3CD to have a very slimline design that allows it to fit on a bookshelf or other small space. The CMT-X3CD has a built-in speaker, so you don’t need to attach it to external speakers.

Features

Dimensions: 34 x 17.3 x 9 cm

Summary

This product is more expensive than the other non-DAB options reviewed here, but it could be a good choice if you don’t need digital radio and are looking for something stylish with Bluetooth.

3. Roberts CD9959 Swallow

The Roberts CD9959 Swallow is an affordable portable radio CD player with the prestigious Roberts brand name. It lets you program up to 20 tracks on a CD so you can choose the order they’re played in.

Features

Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 13.5 cm
Weight: 1.79 kg

Summary

The Roberts Swallow is a dependable portable radio CD player with above average sound quality. It offers great value for money. Read our full review of the Roberts CD9959 Swallow here.

4. Oakcastle CD200

The Oakcastle CD200 is a portable boombox radio CD player, similar to what you’d get in the early 2000s, but with the addition of Bluetooth and a USB input. It’s a small yet versatile radio that is easy to carry around the house and comes in a choice of 4 colours.

Features

Dimensions: 26.5 cm wide x 21.5 cm deep x 13.5 cm high
Weight: 1.1 kg

Summary

If you’re looking for an inexpensive portable FM CD player, this is a good choice. As long as you don’t expect too much from the build and sound quality, it’s a good buy for the money.

5. Duronic RCD008

The Duronic RCD008 is a portable boombox radio CD player that comes in either a black or black and red finish. It’s an affordable product that can be powered by the mains or used as a portable radio with 6 x C batteries.

Features

Summary

If you want something small, cheap and portable, the Duronic RCD008 is a good choice. It’s not a hi-fi though, and the sound quality isn’t very impressive.

How to Choose a Radio CD Player

Choosing a radio CD player can be difficult, as modern radios come with a confusing array of features. This buying guide will help you decide which features you need.

DAB or FM radio?

DAB, which stands for “digital audio broadcasting” is a more modern method of transmitting radio than FM.

DAB radios usually pick up more radio stations and when the signal is good the audio quality is higher. However, DAB reception is still patchy in the UK, so sometimes the signal is more reliable on FM radio.

There’s a chance that the FM signal in the UK will be switched off in the future in favour of DAB, so if you buy an FM-only radio it could become obsolete.

Almost all DAB radios sold today also offer FM radio, so in general, it makes sense to buy a radio with both FM and DAB rather than just FM.

However, if you want something very cheap and don’t plan to use it for more than a few years, an FM-only radio should be fine for listening to the big national and local radio stations.

Portable or mains-only?

Most of the radios reviewed above are mains-only, so you can’t use them with batteries. A few, however, can optionally be used with batteries. If you want a radio you can carry around and listen to in different rooms or in the garden, make sure you buy a portable radio. Portable radio CD players are often called ‘boomboxes’, which are compact and robust devices with a carrying handle.

Radio or micro hi-fi?

Some of the products reviewed above are micro hi-fi systems. This means they have a unit with the CD player and controls and then two separate speakers. This could be a good option if you want more stereo separation, as the two speakers will normally offer more of an obvious stereo sound than a radio with two speakers built into the same unit.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows you to ‘steam’ audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device such as a smartphone through the radio’s speakers. This means that you can play an MP3, YouTube video or other sources of audio on your phone but hear the audio with better sound quality through the radio’s speakers.

Most tablets and laptops also have Bluetooth, so you can stream audio from these devices through a Bluetooth radio. Pairing the two devices is usually very easy, so Bluetooth can be a convenient feature to have.

You can see some more of the best DAB radios with Bluetooth here.

USB port

Some of the radios reviewed above also have a USB port for charging a device such as a smartphone or playing MP3 files from a USB flash drive. This is a good feature if you have lots of MP3 files stored on an MP3 player or USB drive and want to play them through your radio’s speakers.

You can see some more of the best radios with a USB port here.

Ability to play CDs you’ve burnt yourself

All CD players can play CD-Rs with uncompressed WAV or AIFF audio files on them. This means if you download an album and burn it to a CD as an audio disc you should be able to play it on any CD player.

However, not every CD player can play CDs containing MP3 files. MP3s are compressed audio files that take up less space on the disc, so you can fit a lot more music on an MP3 CD (around 150-200 songs).

When a radio manufacturer says that a CD player can play CD-RW discs this usually means that it can play MP3 CDs.

Top DAB Radio With Built In CD Player, Conclusion

If we had to pick just one of these radios to recommend it would be the John Lewis Tenor as it has a stunning design, great sound quality and offers plenty of features including a dual alarm clock and internet radio, making it truly ‘futureproof’.

For some more recommended radios, see our roundup of the best DAB radios on the market.