The 7 Best Bluetooth Radios (2024)
There are many different options to listen to any music these days but nothing can beat the feeling of old-school radio. That is why Bluetooth radios are highly popular these days, as they allow you to enjoy the nostalgic radio listening experience as well as stream music from any smart device.
Playing your favorite song from Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube is nice, but suddenly hearing your favorite song playing on a radio channel is priceless. That is one of the reasons behind the popularity of Bluetooth radios, among others, such as being able to tune into entertaining shows at any time or listening to the news.
My top pick is the Avantree SP850, a feature-packed Bluetooth FM radio with a great nostalgic look and great connection.
If you are on a budget, my recommended product would be TELLUR Callisto, a great product for the price with its cost-effective, simple and portable design and good sound quality.
Contents
- The 7 Best Bluetooth Radios (2024)
- 1. Avantree SP850
- 2. TELLUR Callisto
- 3. Victrola Retro
- 4. Antimi Bluetooth
- 5. WSHDZ SUNHai
- 6. Tivoli Audio Tagline One
- 7. Geekify Rocket Retro
- What is a Bluetooth radio and how do they work?
- Do all Bluetooth radios have AM/FM?
- What is the difference between DAB and FM?
- What to look for in a Bluetooth radio when buying?
- Conclusion
The 7 Best Bluetooth Radios (2024)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Avantree SP850
My top pick, Avantree SP850, is a great Bluetooth FM radio that has quite a versatility with 3 operational modes and a good Bluetooth connection. Plus, it has a lovely nostalgic look that takes you back to the ‘60s.
Pros
- Versatile
- Lovely nostalgic design
- Good Bluetooth connection
- Great value for the price
Cons
- More volume could be better
- It may be too digital for some
The versatility comes from the unit’s three operational modes. You can use it as an FM radio, play music from your device using it as a Bluetooth speaker, or you can play your music from an SD card.
The design with black and red is quite nostalgic and looks pretty nice, though, it may be too digital for some. The portable device can easily fit into your pocket and features a modest output of 3 watts, which is enough for many situations but can be weak outdoors or whenever you need high volume output.
A rechargeable battery powers up the device and has a life of 6 hours when used with Bluetooth. You can recharge the battery to full charge in about 2 hours.
There are many controls like play-pause, volume, and skip track-station buttons, as well as 0 to 9 saved station buttons for ease of use. Furthermore, it has an AUX-in, USB ports for a better connection, and a headphone jack for personal use.
| Radio | FM |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX, USB |
| Controls | Bluetooth, menu, mode, play/pause, 0 to 9 saved station buttons, buttons for skipping between tracks/stations, |
The sound quality of the device is pretty good and clear overall, but the sound quality of the radio function is the best. Overall, Avantree SP850 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers and radios for the price, which shines with its price, versatility, and performance.
2. TELLUR Callisto
TELLUR Callisto is a highly affordable and simple Bluetooth Radio that comes in a portable design and a great-looking black fabric cover. It is also a pretty versatile device for the price, with 4 different operational modes; Bluetooth, FM radio, microSD, and USB.
Pros
- Versatile with different modes
- Great value for the price
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Simple, easy-to-use design
Cons
- Not the highest quality sound
- Overall volume is not very loud
- The sound effects of the system
You can use the versatile unit as a Bluetooth speaker or an FM radio or play your music through a USB or SD card slot.
The simple design features only 4 control buttons; a mode, volume-function up and down buttons as well as a play button. It is a highly easy-to-use device, and the connection can be set up quickly.
The Bluetooth connection is relatively stable, and the range is decent. However, the overall sound quality and the volume are not the highest. It is pretty decent for many situations but won’t please audiophiles. Another point that users did not like is the sound effects when changing modes and turning the device on and off.
| Radio | FM |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB |
| Controls | Mode, Volume-Function Up and Down, Play Buttons |
If you are looking for versatile and affordable wireless speakers (wi-fi) and radios for everyday use, TELLUR Callisto would be a great choice.
3. Victrola Retro
Victrola Retro is an eye-catching Bluetooth radio which combines vintage looks with modern features. It acts as an AM and FM radio as well as a Bluetooth speaker to stream your music from any app you like, such as Spotify, YouTube, or from the internet radio or any music stored on your smartphone or computer.
Pros
- Stunning vintage look
- Bass – Treble knob to adjust the sound
- AM and FM radio
- Solid quality sound
Cons
- AM radio reception is not the best
- The maximum volume level is not very high
- No battery power
Starting with the design, Victrola Retro takes you back to the 50s with its unique vintage design. It features a classic rotary dial to tune the FM and AM radio, a volume knob, a bass-treble adjustment knob, and a stylish retro wood finish.
The speakers are good and deliver a clear sound. The sound quality is good and does not get distorted even at maximum volume.
The sound is well balanced, but the overall volume capability is not very high. Also, the AM radio reception is not great. It works with a power cord and does not feature a battery-power option, making it less portable.
| Radio | AM – FM |
| Power Source | Power Cord |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Controls | Volume, AM/FM tuner, bass & treble knobs |
In short, if you are looking for a great-looking antique-style Bluetooth radio with modern features and well-balanced sound, Victrola Retro is a great option. The unit’s price range also sits on the affordable side, which makes it a good purchase for the bucks.
4. Antimi Bluetooth
Antimi Bluetooth is a highly portable Bluetooth radio and speaker thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It easily fits into a pocket, and the battery life is quite good, with up to 12 hours of playtime, which allows you to use it anywhere, anytime.
Pros
- Solid 360 degree sound with full-range 3-watt speakers
- Portable, compact design
- Versatile
- Good battery life
Cons
- Can’t manually set favorite radio stations as presets to buttons
- Needs to be placed vertically to get the best sound
Equipped with 3-watt full-range speakers, the device provides great sound with 360-degree coverage. The sound is powerful enough for most situations, but it is a small unit, so you should not expect it to rock the big halls.
The device can act as an FM radio and a Bluetooth speaker to stream music from smart devices or SD cards. You can use the Bluetooth connection or an AUX cable to connect the device to your phone, tablet, or laptop.
One of the drawbacks is that the favorite stations can’t manually be set as presets to the buttons. The radio sets them automatically, and you have to remember which one is which station. Another one is that for 360 degrees sound, the radio should be placed vertically, which makes it less balanced.
| Radio | FM |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Battery |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Aux-In |
| Controls | Play-Pause, Volume Up-Down, Rewind-Skip, Mode, Turn On-Off, and 0 to 9 digital keys for saved stations and songs |
In short, Antimi Bluetooth is a great Bluetooth radio and speaker if you are after something versatile and portable that you can use whenever you want.
5. WSHDZ SUNHai
WSHDZ SUNHai is a highly affordable Bluetooth speaker and radio which shines with its great value-for-price ratio. The design is relatively portable, the sound quality is solid, and the overall volume output is more than enough.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Solid and powerful sound
- Portable design
- Easy to use
Cons
- No AM feature
- Hard to set radio stations as presets to buttons
- Relatively short battery life
Starting with the sound, the unit features a built-in voice coil speaker and powerful driver, which delivers distortion-free and high-volume sound. You can use the device as a Bluetooth speaker or an FM radio, and the unit will perform well.
The design is relatively portable. It has a control panel on top with many buttons to control different features like recording, deleting, playing, rewinding, or skipping. It is an easy-to-use unit with a quick pairing process. The unit can be connected to any smart device via Bluetooth, auxiliary, or USB cable.
The device only has FM radio but no AM radio, which is the main drawback. Another one is that the battery life is relatively short, as, with the Bluetooth connection, it does not last long. Another problem is that the device automatically sets the radio stations to the number buttons, and it is hard to change them.
| Radio | FM |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Battery |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB |
| Controls | Play-Pause, Volume Up-Down, Rewind-Skip, Mode, Turn On-Off, Record, Delete, and 0 to 9 digital keys for saved stations and songs |
Overall, for the price offered, WSHDZ SUNHai is a great Bluetooth radio and speaker which can serve you well in everyday use. There are some drawbacks, but I think it is a good unit for the price.
6. Tivoli Audio Tagline One
Another great Bluetooth radio with a vintage design is the Tivoli Audio Tagline One, which shines with its top-quality construction, great sound, and stunning look. It is a high-end radio and speaker, but the durability, construction quality, and high performance are worth the price.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Top-quality construction
- Stunning vintage design
- Sensitive analog tuner for solid signal
- Versatile with different play modes
Cons
- No battery power
- Pricey
The top-quality construction of the unit features a sensitive AM/FM analog tuner with a pretty big dial to precisely adjust the tune for enhanced audio and solid signal. The package includes the unit, a detachable antenna, power cord, and rubber feet.
It uses Bluetooth wireless technology’s advanced A2DP profile not to sacrifice audio quality. And, finally, a 3-inch full-range long-throw driver ensures top quality and powerful sound well-balanced in all frequencies coming from speakers.
The Tivoli Audio Tagline One has an antique-style vintage design with a beautiful wood veneer cabinet, and it comes in different color options. It has a basic control panel with a volume knob, an AM–BT-Aux switch knob, and a big knob acting as the analog tuner. The unit also has a headphone jack for private listening sessions.
Tivoli Audio Tagline One is a great device without major drawbacks. It is a small device but not as portable as other units on the list. Plus, it does not have the function to work with battery power, making it even less portable.
| Radio | AM, FM |
| Power Source | AC adapter |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Auxiliary |
| Controls | Volume and AM-FM knob, Analog tuner |
Overall, the Tivoli Audio Tagline One is one of the top-quality Bluetooth radio and speakers on the market with its eye-catching design, solid audio quality, and versatile operation modes. But, the quality comes with a price as it is a high-end product.
7. Geekify Rocket Retro
Geekify Rocket Retro is another vintage-design Bluetooth radio and speaker for antique lovers. The affordable unit has a great vintage look and wood design, along with its powerful sound from its built-in stereo sound speakers.
Pros
- Vintage style design
- Affordable
- Onboard bass-treble control
- Solid radio reception
Cons
- No battery power
- Not the best sound quality
- The maximum volume level is not very high
The device has volume, bass-treble AM-FM-Bluetooth switch knobs with the big AM-FM-Bluetooth switch knob, which looks great with its retro design.
Although it’s not the best, the overall sound quality is good for the price, and the volume is high. The radio mode also works great with the detachable extendable antenna that comes in the package providing solid radio reception.
Another drawback is that the Geekify Rocket Retro is not made for outdoor use as it does not work with battery power but with an electric cord.
| Radio | FM, AM |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Controls | AM-FM tuner, volume, bass-treble knobs, AM-FM-Bluetooth switch knob |
In short, Geekify Rocket Retro shines with its vintage looks and affordable price. The sound quality is decent at best, but it is a great device to use as a beautiful decor for listening to the radio.
What is a Bluetooth radio and how do they work?
A Bluetooth radio is a radio that also acts as a Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth radios can be used as dedicated devices to play AM and FM radio and Bluetooth speakers to play music from smart devices and laptops.
The radio works by capturing the radio signals with an antenna. On the other hand, the Bluetooth speakers receive the Bluetooth signals from the source device and transform these electric signals to sound waves that we hear. A Bluetooth radio can act as one of these devices.
Do all Bluetooth radios have AM/FM?
Not all Bluetooth radios have both AM and FM radio. Most have FM radios, while some also have AM radios. The difference between these two radios is that FM radio delivers better sound quality and is stereo capable, while AM radio is more stable and has a longer reception distance than FM.
What is the difference between DAB and FM?
DAB and FM are different radio types. DAB or Digital Audio Broadcasting or digital radio works with a digital system of 0 and 1 rather than the analog radio signal of FM radio. The radio reception is better, and there are more potential channels, but the audio quality is slightly sacrificed.
With DAB also comes some extra features. For example, DAB radio channels can also send other information like the song’s name, the artist, and the album. So you can read this info on the screen of your radio.
What to look for in a Bluetooth radio when buying?
When buying a Bluetooth speaker, the important aspects to consider are portability, sound quality, connectivity options, extra features, and the price. Depending on your needs, a good Bluetooth speaker should have a good combination of these features.
Portability
Portability is important if you are not going to use the Bluetooth radio in the house. If you want to carry it around, compact size and lightweight will come in handy. A pocket-size Bluetooth radio can be considered portable.
Sound Quality
As the main function of the Bluetooth radio is to play music and radio for you, sound quality is arguably the most critical aspect. You want the sound quality to be distortion-free and clear even at higher volumes if you will use it to listen to music.
For listening to radio news, podcasts, and others, it is ok if the audio quality is not the greatest, but still, it is an essential aspect when purchasing a radio or a speaker.
Overall, volume output is also important if you use the Bluetooth radio in bigger rooms or outdoor environments.
Connectivity
Most Bluetooth radios also feature an auxiliary input for a better connection, but some do not. If there is no aux input on the Bluetooth radio, try to ensure that the Bluetooth range and connection stability are adequate.
There are different versions of Bluetooth connection, with the latest version being 5.2. Be aware of the Bluetooth connection of the device to have an idea of the device’s wireless connectivity.
Features
Some Bluetooth radios also have extra features like bass-treble control knobs, micro SD card slots for music playing, app connection for customizing sound, etc. Having some of these features would be good as they significantly add to the unit’s versatility.
Price
As with any purchase, price is the final important point. Depending on your budget, there are different devices with different features. Luckily, there are many devices with excellent value-for-price ratios that you can look at if you are on a budget.
Conclusion
There are many Bluetooth radios on the market with different features and prices, answering different needs. They are getting more popular every day due to their versatility, portability, and affordability. Combining the portable radio design of the good old days with the Bluetooth speakers of the modern days, Bluetooth radios are simple yet handy devices.
My top pick is the Avantree SP850, a great Bluetooth speaker with its versatile, feature-packed design, affordable price tag, and good sonic performance.
I suggest checking out TELLUR Callisto for tighter budgets, a simple portable Bluetooth speaker with a great value-for-price ratio.
