The Best CD Players
While many of us have moved on from the shiny disks of yesteryear, the CD remains a solid and dependable format for audio. With vintage media like vinyl and tape making a huge comeback in recent years, it might not be long before you see CDs lining the shelves of your local store again. Regardless of its return to contemporary media culture, many of us have amassed CD collections over the years. There's really no better way to enjoy the lossless audio of CD than with your very own portable CD player.
What to Look For
To find the best CD players on the market today, we asked ourselves three questions: How long does the battery last? Is there additional compatibility for less-common CD formats? What additional extras are there to bring this player into the modern age? For a modern update on the classic design that could be a great household addition, check out the multifaceted wall-mounted option from Qoosea. If you need to take your tunes on the go, Arafuna’s highly portable player includes dual speakers and good earbuds so that you can enjoy your music right away, wherever you are. Read on below to learn more about the rest of our favorites.
Qoosea Portable CD Player With Bluetooth
Bring new life to old media with this sleek contemporary player from Qoosea, a functional modern take on the classic design. A 6-in-1 playback infrastructure provides additional support for USB, SD card, FM radio, line-in, and Bluetooth, making this a one-stop solution for your personal audio needs. Wall mount it in your kitchen or bedroom to take advantage of the two 5w speakers tucked within the case. Thanks to the included remote control, you can sink into a comfy chair and enjoy your favorite albums in peace.
Pros:
- We love the clear plastic CD lid, which boldly displays the cover print of your favorite CDs and lets you enjoy the lost pleasure of watching a spinning disk.
- Installation of the wall mount is made simple by a detailed manual, and all the hardware you need is included in the package.
- Playback position is saved between power cycles, so you won’t be stuck trying to find your place in audiobooks or longer pieces of music.
Cons:
- It can be tricky to read the top-side digital display if this player is mounted high on a wall.
Arafuna Portable CD Player With Dual Stereo Speakers
Take your favorite tunes out on the road with this functional design. Hi-fi headphones will bring the best out of any album, but you’re not limited to solo listening with a built-in stereo speaker inside. The 1,400mAh lithium battery boasts an extended battery life of over 12 hours. And when the battery runs dry, you’ll be ready to go again after just four hours of charging.
Pros:
- If your CD collection contains a wide range of formats, this player has you covered. This highly compatible player supports most CD formats including CD, CD-R, HDCD, MP3 disks, WMA audio, and more.
- This compact design could be a great companion for cars without a built-in CD changer. Rubber pads on the underside mean it will sit firmly in place on your dashboard as you drive.
- The anti-skip system on this player works to ensure a smooth listen even in unstable conditions. The player can be lifted, tilted, or even carried on a jog without experiencing skips in playback.
Cons:
- The built-in speakers are pretty weak, so they’re not good enough for multiple listeners or noisy environments.
HOTT CD204 With Headphones
Strong and stable
Choosing the right soundtrack for our workouts can propel our performance to new heights. This rugged option puts an end to stutters and CD scratches when listening on the move, with powerful anti-shock technology designed to withstand serious punishment. And you don’t have to compromise on audio quality. With contemporary hi-fi decoding and an advanced chipset, this pick brings you the finest in lossless audio quality.
Pros:
- We found that this bold LCD is easier to read than other options, and an integrated backlight has you covered for nighttime listening sessions.
- Built-in EQ offers a wide range of options suited to popular styles to help you find the best balance for your taste.
- Not only is this CD player skip-resistant, but we also found that the contoured body and sturdy materials made it highly resistant to damage from drops.
Cons:
- This player can be quite hungry on batteries, but there is a mains socket included for powered playback when you’re not out and about.
Lukasa Rechargeable Portable CD Player
Jack of all trades
This versatile option is packed full of modern features that will keep you coming back for more. Multiple inputs don’t just allow playback of CDs, they also support line-in and USB playback. Plus, the built-in speakers allow external Bluetooth connectivity, so you can also use this player as an external audio output for smartphones and laptops. The package comes brimming with useful additions, including a pair of high-quality headphones, USB and aux cables, and a cute flannelette bag for travel.
Pros:
- We found that this player has a great Bluetooth range, allowing smooth connection between rooms.
- This 2,000mAh battery will keep the music playing for over 10 hours on a single charge and saves money on constantly replacing AAs.
- The player will recall your playback position between power cycles.
Cons:
- The noise floor on this headphone output is noticeably louder than some other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent scratching when playing CDs on a portable player?
If there’s one thing that will put your CDs out of action, it’s a big old scratch across the disk. Most contemporary CD players are equipped with anti-skip technology to help prevent trivial knocks from damaging the disk. Some options are built with sturdiness in mind, to protect your disks against even the most violent twists and turns. In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to leave your portable player still on a flat surface during playback to avoid any unexpected scratching.
Can my portable CD player read all CD formats?
CDs come in a variety of formats, and not all players can manage some of the less common. Many players today boast wide compatibility, spanning for rarer HDCDs or WMA audio. Be sure to check the device specifications before buying if you know that your collection contains a few oddities.
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.