The Best CD Clock Radios for 2023

Written by RPennington / Fact checked by R. Combs

It is always nice to have the best CD clock radio in your home. First of all, you can use it to play music so that your home will feel livelier. It is always better if there is background noise in the home, especially if you live alone or spend most of the time alone at home.

Another benefit of the best CD alarm clock radio is that you can use it to lull yourself to sleep at night while gently waking you up in the morning. Most of these devices have sleep timers that are helpful for those who have trouble sleeping. Some people find it easier to fall asleep when there is music or drowning voices in the background.

There are indeed several benefits that you can get when you invest in the best clock radio CD player. You can learn more about its positive benefits once you start using it. The following are some of my clock radio CD player reviews. Through these CD clock radio reviews, your quest for the best one will be a lot easier.

Best Overall Best Sound Quality Friendly Budget
Preview Jensen JCR-310 Crosley ‎CR3501A-WA NAXA NRC175
Dimensions 9.8 x 8.4 x 4.8 inches 8.62 x 14.17 x 4.53 inches 8.27 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches
Power AC Adapter & Battery AC AC Adapter & Battery
Clock Dual Alarm Clock One Alarm Clock Dual Alarm Clock
Display 0.6” LCD LCD 0.9″ LCD
Charging USB Port USB Port
Connectivity Technology 3.5mm Bluetooth/ 3.5mm USB/ 3.5mm
Remote Control Yes
Best CD Clock Radio Reviews 
1. JENSEN JCR-310 AM/FM Dual Alarm Clock Radio

The first thing that I noticed on the JENSEN JCR-310 is that it has two powerful speakers in front, which means that it will not have any problem pumping out crystal clear music and audio. Unless you are a total audiophile, you will not find anything to complain about its sound quality.

I also like that this alarm clock radio CD player has an auxiliary jack at the back. This means that I can connect my smartphone or MP3 player and effectively turn the unit into a loudspeaker. Now, aside from the FM and AM radio and CD player, I have the option to use whatever MP3s I have on my phone or stream music online.

This radio also has digital PLL tuning, making it easier to lock in into my favorite FM and AM stations. This feature automatically searches for the strongest signal for FM and AM stations so that one will only get the best reception for whatever radio station you search for.

The clock function is also nice because one can choose to wake up to either the sound of the radio, the CD player, or a buzzer that gently and gradually gets louder. This also has a snooze function, which is useful anytime you like to have five more minutes of sleep.

The thing that I did not like about this radio is that it can be quite confusing to use. You have to study the owner’s manual diligently because it can be very easy for one to get completely lost when operating the radio for the first time.

Pros

  • Equipped with an auxiliary jack for connecting smartphones and MP3 players
  • Boasts of a fantastic sound quality
  • Can choose from three different kinds of alarms
  • Comes equipped with digital PLL tuning for easy radio station hunting
  • Features an LED screen that is bright enough that you can read it during daylight

Cons

  • Has a complicated button interface

Although it might take a while before you can get used to the complicated button layout of the radio, you will be treated to a nice radio listening experience after a bit of practice.

2. Crosley CR3501A-WA Fleetwood CD FM Clock Radio

Another highly recommended CD clock radio today is the Crossley CR3501A-WA. I like its overall look, which seems to look classical yet very appealing with its brushed aluminum and rich wood grain combination. It features a digital tuner, which you can use in setting it to play your favorite FM stations or music through the CD player.

I am very pleased to announce that this clock radio also has an equalizer. It is because I find this extremely useful in changing the sound based on what you truly like. The versatility of this clock radio is also unquestionable as proven by the fact that you can expand the system by connecting other devices.

It is mainly because of the RCA inputs that come along with the system. The Bluetooth receiver here is also a huge advantage. It is because you can use it when it comes to streaming your digital playlist in such a way that you can play the included music using its full-range speakers. I am glad of the well-structured and durable CD tray, too.

This makes the entire unit boast of a simple and clean design. It also has nice settings as far as volume is concerned. It has a button designed for bass, which you can use in adding adequate bass to ensure that the radio will sound warm. This also works in boosting its mid ranges.

The channels are programmable, making it easy to set it based on what you truly prefer. Since this is a clock radio, expect to see a digital clock, sleep button, and timer in this unit, too. One flaw I found out, though, is the somewhat small and unclear controls in the remote.

Pros

  • Well-designed, thanks to the use of brushed aluminum and rich wood grain materials
  • Equipped with a digital tuner
  • Features an equalizer to ensure that your preferred sound is produced
  • Produces nice and adequate sounds, thanks to its speakers
  • Programmable channels and features a digital clock

Cons

  • Somewhat small and unclear controls

Still, with the affordable price of this unit from Crosley, I am sure you will never regret your decision to buy it. You will even be tempted to start using it right at the specific moment you get a hold of it.

3. NAXA Electronics NRC-175 CD Player AM/FM Radio

This radio alarm clock is perfectly sized for a bedside nightstand. It is almost the same size as those classic portable CD players. It is just big enough to hold a CD and thick enough to be a good bedside alarm clock. This will not take up much space on the nightstand. This will still give you enough space for a book or two, and a glass of water.

One of the features I like about this radio is that it has two independent alarms. It has a function that allows you to wake up to the radio, specific track in the CD and regular buzzer sound. This radio also has a sleep timer, which is great for people like me who have trouble getting to sleep unless there is background noise.

The CD player is not picky at all. It can play legitimate audio CDs and can accommodate CD-Rs. If you have a collection of mixtapes, you can play them here without a problem. To my delight, this radio also comes with an auxiliary jack at the back. I find this useful in connecting smartphones and MP3 players and using the radio as an external speaker.

Another feature I greatly appreciate is the USB charging capability. Instead of plugging your charger into a free wall outlet near your bed, you can directly plug it in the back using the USB port. Unfortunately, you cannot play MP3 files from the USB but since it does have an aux-in jack, this can be forgiven.

However, I found out that this unit comes with unclear directions. The owner’s manual is written in broken English and not that understandable, requiring a bit of time to understand how to use some of the more complicated features.

Pros

  • Nice sound quality for its compact size
  • Features an integrated USB port for charging your smart devices
  • Full-featured alarm clock with two alarms, snooze function, and sleep timer
  • Comes with a digital tuner for easy station tuning
  • Features 20-station presets

Cons

  • Barely understandable instruction manual

Although the instruction manual of this alarm clock radio needs a bit more work, you will be able to use all of the features to your advantage once it starts functioning.

4. Craig Vertical CD AM/FM Stereo Radio

I am also delighted to introduce this Craig Vertical CD AM/FM radio. One thing that instantly caught my interest is the affordable price of this unit. It is affordable while still taking price in its high level of quality and cool features. As a CD player, you will be glad to know that it is programmable since this means you can set it based on what you want.

This unit also boasts of the fact that it is CD-R/CD-RW compatible, further boosting the number of functions it can specifically fulfill. I am happy with its display. This LED is large and clear enough that you can read and see logical controls with ease. The overall structure of this radio is also nice. It looks pleasing to the eyes.

I noticed that its tuner is quite powerful, allowing it to access a wide range of radio stations. There is a dual alarm, which is useful for anyone who wishes to stick to a schedule, especially a time to wake up. The snooze function is also a big advantage as it gives you the chance to stop the alarm and rest for a few more minutes.

I am also happy with the electronic volume control included in this CD clock radio. I find this useful when setting the right volume when playing music. I am also very pleased with the 3.5-mm headphone jack because it lets you play your preferred music from various digital device sources.

Another great advantage is the included remote control as it promotes extreme convenience when playing music by using it. One downside I discovered, though, is the somewhat short wire for the speaker. I was hoping that it is long enough, so lengthening or replacing it will be easy.

Pros

  • Pleasing and attractive design
  • Programmable CD player, making it customizable to meet your specific needs
  • Features a large and clear display
  • Boasts of a combination of dual alarm and snooze function
  • Allows playing digital devices, thanks to the 3.5-mm headphone jack

Cons

  • Quite short wire for the speaker

In terms of overall value, I think that this product does not disappoint as it carries several features that play a major role in making it useful for a wide range of CD clock radio users.

5. Sony ICF-CD815 AM/FM CD Clock Radio

I would also like to recommend the Sony ICF-CD815 AM/FM CD Clock Radio. With this clock radio around, listening to your favorite music and radio stations will be much easier. It is multifunctional, making it possible for you to pick the specific sounds you intend to listen to.

I am also very pleased with these clock radio’s dual alarm settings since it can help wake you up on the specific time you have set. The alarm will wake you up through a track from the radio, CD, or buzzer.

I also like the fact that Sony included a snooze button, which you can choose to extend in case you still want to catch up a few more minutes of sleep after the alarm rings. This extendable snooze function lets you extend the time for around 10-60 minutes.

I am also pleased that this Sony CD clock radio has a 3.5-mm jack, which is intended for a wide range of music players. You can use this to easily plug and play digital music devices since there is also a cable included in the purchase.

Another reason why I love this unit is that it features a large LED (the display is around 1.4 inches). This makes it easy to see the buttons or settings you need to set or press. I am glad that this display also provides three settings for controlling brightness – the low, the mid, and the high.

Another advantage of this display is that you can easily view it no matter what the lighting condition is. This means that the display is readable regardless of the time of day or night. It lets you play any CD-R/RW disc that you burn from a home recorder or PC, making it possible for you to customize mixes from your favorite music.

This unit is also designed in such a way that switching it from one function to another (ex. from being a CD player to a radio) is easy. One downside, though, is its price since it is quite costly.

Pros

  • Multifunctional, serving several purposes
  • Features dual alarm settings
  • Snooze button included, which allows you to catch up a few more minutes of sleep
  • Features a 1.4-inch LED that is clear and readable
  • Equipped with a 3.5-mm jack for playing other digital music devices

Cons

  • Costly

Overall, the Sony ICF-CD815 is one of the most dependable CD clock radios you can invest in because it is full of features, boosting its functionality.

6. HANNLOMAX HX-300CD Top-Loading CD Player

You may also want to research about the HX-300CD Top-Loading CD Player offered by HANNLOMAX. This specific appliance got my attention right away because it offers excellent support to CD/CDR/CDRW. This top-loading CD player also takes pride in the excellent quality of stereo sound that it can produce.

It works as an FM radio, too. What I like about its FM radio function is that it guarantees ease in locating FM stations with the help of its digital scanning feature. You can also take advantage of this unit’s preset function or feature, making it possible for you to listen to the specific FM stations you love.

This item can’t be considered as an option for the best CD clock radio if it does not come with its digital clock, so expect this feature to be present. The digital clock integrated into the unit features a simple dual alarm setting. You can set the alarm so you can wake up through the sound of the radio, CD, or a buzzer.

The built-in alarms are also all independent, allowing them to work without troubling or hassling you. It features a sleep timer, which is great if you want to hear your favorite music or radio station during bedtime and until you are sound asleep. Another thing I like about this unit is that it allows you to suspend the alarm for a while.

All you have to do is to press the built-in snooze button once the alarm starts to sound. I am also very happy that this CD clock radio features dual USB ports that you can use to charge a couple of your gadgets or smart devices. These include your tablet or smartphone.

Moreover, this CD player with clock and radio also boasts of its green LED, which is clear enough that it helps even the kids and the elderly to have an easier time using it. The price is also very reasonable if you consider the level of quality that you can get from it.

One downside, though, is that the included instructions are unclear and quite confusing.

Pros

  • Promotes digital scanning, promoting ease in finding your favorite FM stations
  • Equipped with a digital clock
  • Comes with a dual alarm setting and sleep timer
  • Features dual USB ports for charging
  • The clear green display included in the unit

Cons

  • Somewhat unclear and confusing instructions

You can easily forego that downside, though, especially once you successfully set up this CD clock radio from HANNLOMAX since it lets you enjoy amazing and impressive sounds.

7. Sylvania CD Player Clock Radio

You may also want to research about the HX-300CD Top-Loading CD Player offered by HANNLOMAX. This specific appliance got my attention right away because it offers excellent support to CD/CDR/CDRW. This top-loading CD player also takes pride in the excellent quality of stereo sound that it can produce.

It works as an FM radio, too. What I like about its FM radio function is that it guarantees ease in locating FM stations with the help of its digital scanning feature. You can also take advantage of this unit’s preset function or feature, making it possible for you to listen to the specific FM stations you love.

This item can’t be considered as an option for the best CD clock radio if it does not come with its digital clock, so expect this feature to be present. The digital clock integrated into the unit features a simple dual alarm setting. You can set the alarm so you can wake up through the sound of the radio, CD, or a buzzer.

The built-in alarms are also all independent, allowing them to work without troubling or hassling you. It features a sleep timer, which is great if you want to hear your favorite music or radio station during bedtime and until you are sound asleep. Another thing I like about this unit is that it allows you to suspend the alarm for a while.

All you have to do is to press the built-in snooze button once the alarm starts to sound. I am also very happy that this CD clock radio features dual USB ports that you can use to charge a couple of your gadgets or smart devices. These include your tablet or smartphone.

Moreover, this CD player with clock and radio also boasts of its green LED, which is clear enough that it helps even the kids and the elderly to have an easier time using it. The price is also very reasonable if you consider the level of quality that you can get from it.

One downside, though, is that the included instructions are unclear and quite confusing.

Pros

  • Promotes digital scanning, promoting ease in finding your favorite FM stations
  • Equipped with a digital clock
  • Comes with a dual alarm setting and sleep timer
  • Features dual USB ports for charging
  • The clear green display included in the unit

Cons

  • Somewhat unclear and confusing instructions

You can easily forego that downside, though, especially once you successfully set up this CD clock radio from HANNLOMAX since it lets you enjoy amazing and impressive sounds.

8. DPNAO Alarm Clock Radio and CD Player

The next one out of the ten short CD alarm clock reviews I have here is the one offered by DPNAO. The nice thing about this unit is that it is very compact. It is just about the size of those old portable CD players that were all the rage back in the day. I liked that the small size did not make my bedside nightstand look at all cluttered.

I was quite impressed by the number of audio formats that this tiny radio can play. The first one is the FM/AM radio with digital PLL tuning. There is also the audio CD player, which can play both audio CDs and CDs containing MP3 files. You can also find the built-in USB port for thumb drives with MP3s.

Moreover, it has an auxiliary cord designed to help you attach smartphones and MP3 players. It is quite hard to find a CD player that can play CD-R discs that contain MP3 files but this is not a problem for this specific unit. If you are tired of listening to the radio, you can listen to hundreds of MP3 files that you can fit inside a regular CD.

Aside from the auxiliary port, it also has an earphone jack. This means you can plug in your favorite earphones anytime you want to listen to the radio privately. You can also use this port in case you want to plug the radio into bigger external speakers.

The only real complaint I have is that the instructions that came it are very hard to understand. Even just setting the alarm was quite an experience in trial and error. The broken English used to write the manual did little to help me understand the more advanced features, like setting the alarm to play the audio CD.

Pros

  • Boasts of a compact and lightweight design
  • Features numerous audio inputs (CD, FM/AM radio, and aux jack)
  • Powerful speakers for such a small radio
  • Can be programmed to alarm using the radio, the CD player, or a buzzer
  • Features an earphone jack for private listening or connecting an external speaker

Cons

  • Came with unclear instructions in the owner’s manual

Although the included instructions were a bit hard to understand, there is still no denying that the DPNAO YW-010 is one of the best CD alarm radios out there. With all the features crammed inside its compact frame, it is a worthwhile investment.

9. Crosley CR612D-BK Corsair Dual Alarm Clock Radio

One look at the Crosley CR612D-BK Corsair and I instantly fell in love with its retro-style design. The overall design is inspired mainly by design aesthetics from the 1960s. However, instead of a real, smooth, lacquered finish and stainless steel trimming, this radio is made mostly of glossy plastic material.

The illusion of being an older piece of electronics is broken when one looks on top and finds a modern CD player, a digital clock, and a slew of different buttons. This is great for people who like the old-school design but with modern features and benefits.

Another modern feature that is on this radio that I love is the Bluetooth connectivity. This is great because not that many people have a huge collection of audio CDs at home. Most of them use their smartphones to listen to their favorite music while on the go.

With Bluetooth, you can connect your smartphone or laptop with the unit and use it as a loudspeaker. Another neat feature that you sadly do not see in most alarm clock radios these days is the 3.5mm audio jack.

This allows you to either plug in your favorite earphones so you can listen privately or the larger speakers in case you want the music to play louder like for a party at your house.

My only problem is that the sound quality is not the best. You will still notice some bass in there but someone who even thinks that he’s an audiophile can notice the small issues in the sound that this radio produces. However, if you can ignore this little issue then you will have no other problem with this radio.

Pros

  • Features a nice retro styling that everyone will appreciate
  • Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and can connect to smart devices
  • Can save up to 20 tracks in its memory
  • Comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Equipped with nicely-sized and clearly labeled buttons

Cons

  • Not that nice-sounding when the speakers are at high volume

Although the speakers are not the best, they are passable in my opinion. Besides, just the design and other features of this radio make it a worthwhile purchase.

10. DPNAO CD Player with FM Clock Radio

I also encourage you to check out this last product, the DPNAO CD Player with FM Clock Radio. It offers extreme convenience as it can be operated via remote control. You can use such control within a 6-meter distance. With this, I am sure you will not experience problems finding the power, FM searching, USB, song number, AUX, and CD, among many others because you can set those through the remote.

I love the portability of this radio, too. It means that it is so convenient to carry anywhere and transfer from one place to another. It is equipped with a 3.5-mm output or input audio port, making it possible for you to connect the speaker or earphone. I am greatly satisfied with the unique and distinctive design of this DPNAO CD player, too.

I specifically like its innovative cable pull switch style since this also adds to your convenience since it just involves pulling the cord to power the CD player either on or off. I am pleased with the wall-mounted mounting plate, fixing screws, and nails included in the purchase.

It is because I find these items useful in fixing the unit into my wall. This is a huge help in saving space. It also features a compact stand, which promotes ease when putting this specific CD player with clock radio in various rooms of your home, including the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, and games room, among many others.

Another remarkable advantage I would like to point out is the multifunctional nature of this unit. Aside from being a CD player, it also works efficiently as an FM radio, alarm, USB flash driver player (U-disk) player, and mini-home boombox. It is also versatile in the sense that it offers support to CD, MP3, and SD formats.

However, while the sound quality is decent, you can’t expect the sound to be loud enough when used in large rooms, such as a meeting room.

Pros

  • Can be controlled via remote control, promoting convenience
  • Multi-functional as it serves several purposes and supports various format
  • Compact and portable
  • Space-saving since you can fix it on your wall
  • Boasts of a unique and innovative design

Cons

  • Not loud enough when used in large rooms

With all its features, strengths, and benefits combined, this DPNAO is a surely exceptional choice for anyone who is in search of a multifunctional radio, which clock and alarm features.

What to Look for When Buying a CD Clock Radio

When searching for a new CD clock radio, you may encounter a few challenges because of the sheer number of available choices. This might cause difficulties in narrowing down your choices. However, once you know what to look for, such as the factors below, the task will get a whole lot easier.

Sound Quality – Although these radios are not as big as the regular tabletop one, they should still sound decent. The sound quality should be good in the sense that you will enjoy listening to your favorite music through them.

However, you should not set your expectations too high as these small speakers cannot produce the same quality of sounds that larger speakers can. Alternatively, you should still have some sort of expectation. The sounds should at least be decent.

Ease of Use – Ideally, the radio should be easy enough to use out of the box without even reading the user’s manual. The buttons should be large enough that they are easy to push without accidentally pushing the ones beside them.

If the radio has several buttons and you have to make a lot of presses just to do simple tasks, like setting the time or changing the alarm sounds, then it might be too complex for you. A good CD alarm clock radio is one that you can immediately set up and use the moment it reaches you.

If the radio has a couple of advanced features, it should not take much time to read the manual and figure out how they work. Speaking of the manual, there are several radios out there that have owner’s manuals that are very hard to understand.

Aside from being written in broken English, they also do not have any illustrations or pictures that can teach you how to use the device. Since there is no way to find out if the manual of a certain radio is made well, do a bit of research on the product.

You may also just look at the picture on the box. If you think that the button layout is easy enough to understand just by looking at them, then you are probably right.

Additional Features – Although you are looking for a radio alarm clock, it will be better if the one you are getting has several additional features. For instance, even though you can listen to the radio or the CD player, it would be even better if there are other options available.

For instance, it would be great if your alarm clock radio has Bluetooth connectivity so that you can pair it with your smartphone, or desktop or laptop computer. This should let you play your MP3 files or stream music from websites like Spotify, Pandora, and the like.

If having Bluetooth is not possible, then the radio should at least have an auxiliary input jack so you can plug in your smartphone. This should let you play your favorite music and other audio files.

Some options also have their USB ports. The USB ports of some can even read thumb drives and play saved MP3 files. Others only have USB ports for charging electronic devices.

Alarm Features – Since you are looking for a radio alarm clock, it should give you options to customize your alarm. For instance, you should have options on the sound of the alarm. Unlike regular alarm clocks that only have annoying high-pitched beeping sounds, radio alarm clocks should provide more options.

Most radio alarm clocks allow you to choose from a low-pitched buzzer, or turn on the radio and set it to your favorite station. Others let the user choose from one track in an audio CD to play as the alarm.

Size – The alarm clock CD player should be small enough that it fits perfectly on your bedside table. Ideally, the entire radio should be a little bigger than the size of an audio CD with the extra space used for the buttons and controls.

The weight of the radio is not that important but it should have some heft to it. This is important so that it will not be that easy to drop onto the floor accidentally when you are trying to turn off the alarm. If the radio is too light, just the simple act of putting in a CD and playing it will cause the radio to slide on the surface of the table.

Price – Since you are not looking for a high-end hi-fi audio system, the alarm clock radio does not need to be so expensive. You should be able to get a decent clock for less than $50 to $70 and the ones on the higher end of the price range sound great.

Consider the fact that you will only be listening to this radio maybe an hour or so in the evening, and half an hour or so during the morning right after the alarm wakes you up.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is a CD Clock Radio?

As the name suggests, a CD clock radio is a device that combines three devices – an AM/FM radio, an audio compact disc player, and an alarm clock. In the past, you will most often just see alarm clock radios. These devices take it to the next level by allowing the user to listen to their favorite music through an audio CD.

These clocks wake up the user by turning on the radio on the last station it was set to. There is also the option to use an HWS buzzer, which unlike regular alarm buzzers, will not jostle you out of your sleep but will gently nudge you into consciousness instead. This will wake you up feeling more refreshed and energized.

Some of these radios also have other convenience features, like sleep timers that allow you to set how long before the radio will turn off and earphone jacks for private listening. Some also have USB ports so you can recharge your smartphone and other electronic devices.

Who is the CD Clock for?

A CD clock radio is for those who, instead of watching TV before going to bed, like to listen to music or radio talk shows to get to sleep. This is better for those who have trouble sleeping because they do not have to worry about the blue light from the television screen and the screens of mobile devices that might keep them awake.

These devices also have sleep timers. You just need to set how many minutes before the radio will automatically turn off. If you have trouble sleeping, then this is for you. It can help you if you need to have some noise or music in the background so you can relax and fall asleep.

How Does the CD Clock Radio Work?

This is just a combination of a CD player and an alarm clock. These two electronic devices are not related to each other but when combined, they create a device that nobody thought they needed.

The alarm clock and the CD player can work independently from each other until you want to wake up to a certain track in your favorite album. Aside from the basic functions, some CD player alarm clocks have other features, like Bluetooth connectivity and/or auxiliary inputs.

These features change the radio into an external speaker for smartphones and MP3 players.

What are the Different Types of CD Clock Radios?

There is technically just one type of CD clock radio. The only difference is the additional features that are not found in others. Some of these units are faithful to their namesake. They just function as a CD player, AM/FM radio, and alarm clock combined. Then there are those with a lot of additional features.

For instance, several of these units can also be used as Bluetooth speakers. Many also have auxiliary inputs so you can plug in your smartphone via a 3.5mm jack. Some can even read MP3 files saved in SD cards and USB drives. Others can read MP3 files burned onto CD-Rs.

Manufacturers all want to one-up each other so they add little tweaks to their devices just to make them stand out from the rest.

Why Do You Need a Clock Radio with CD Player?

If you want to listen to their favorite music before going to bed but do not want to be bothered with earphones, then you need to get yourself a clock radio with a CD player. Some CD alarm clocks have nice-sounding speakers that can somehow accurately reproduce music and sounds.

If you have trouble sleeping, you can load up your favorite sleep time tunes CD on the tray then set the sleep timer to go off after half an hour to an hour. This should be long enough for you to get to sleep and stay asleep until the alarm wakes you up the following morning.

Speaking of the alarm, if you are sick of the incessant annoying beeping sounds that most other alarm clocks make, you will love having a CD player alarm clock. You have the option to wake up to your favorite morning radio program or get nudged gently out of sleep by your favorite song on the CD.

You can also choose the HWS buzzer, which is a much gentler way of waking up from a deep slumber. All of these are better options compared to getting rudely awakened by loud beeping noises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted CD clock radio brands?

There are many brands of CD clock radios out there and not all of them are worth your time and money. Some look great on the outside but when you turn on the music, it turns out that the ultra-small speakers are not capable of pumping out decent quality audio. They usually sound like tin cans.

However, others can make great CD clock radios. In my experience, brands like Sylvania, JENSEN, NAXA, Crosley, Craig, Sony, Hannlomax, and DPNAO are some of the most trustworthy.

How to set up and use a CD clock radio?

There is no standard way to set up these devices. Some radios are easy-to-use that one can easily set it up without checking the manual. You can easily set the time and alarms without prior experience. You just look at the buttons and immediately know which ones do what.

If you did your research properly, you will get a CD player alarm clock that even an elementary grade kid can program. Then again, some are also complicated that they can rival the difficulty of programming a 1990’s era VCR.

Most of the time, if you can manage by yourself to set the correct time and date for the clock, you can also figure out how to set the alarms. For complicated CD player alarm clocks, you better hope that the instructions are easy to understand literally. That way, you will not encounter problems setting them up.

Can they play MP3 files?

Since not that many people buy music CDs anymore, you may be wondering if there is a way for these radios to play MP3 files. The good news is that some brands offer radios that can read and play MP3 files. Some can play MP3 files when they are burned into a CD-R.

If you are too young to remember, around ten years ago or more, people usually back up their audio CDs by “ripping” the tracks and saving them as MP3 files. This way, they can play their favorite songs over and over again without scratching up their CD. These files can also be burned into a CD-R, which you can then play using a compliant device.

The great thing about doing this is that you can save hundreds of songs in MP3 format compared to just a dozen or so when saved as an audio CD. Search for radio alarm clocks that have CD players capable of reading MP3 files. This way, you can listen to hundreds of songs without having to change discs.

Can I connect my smartphone to the radio?

Some brands and models allow you to turn the units into external speakers for devices. The most common way to connect your devices to these radios is to use the auxiliary input jack. Just plug in the aux cord (which is just a cord with 3.5mm plugs at both ends) into your device then plug the other end into the radio.

Go through the settings of the radio and choose the AUX mode. This will then turn the radio into a speaker for the smartphone or MP3 player. Whatever sound is playing in the device, it will come out of the radio’s speakers.

Then there is the Bluetooth option. This one is better since you will not have to deal with wires and you do not have to fiddle around much with settings. Usually, in Bluetooth-enabled radios, there is a dedicated button for Bluetooth.

You just need to press this button and the radio will be ready to pair with a smartphone. Once paired, it will operate as an external speaker for the smartphone.

How to care and maintain the CD clock radio?

It is fairly easy to take care of your CD player alarm clock, especially if you just use it indoors as you are supposed to. When used indoors, you only have to worry about dust gathering on top of the radio. This makes it different from outdoor radios where you also have to take care of mud and other debris.

First, turn off the clock radio and unplug it just to be sure. Take a damp, clean rag then proceed to wipe off any dust particles that you find on the surface of the radio. You can also use some plastic polish afterward to give it a good shine.

If you want to clean the CD laser, get a Q-tip, moisten the tip with some rubbing alcohol then gently scrub the lens that you can see when you open up the cover. Just make sure that you have just enough rubbing alcohol to gently wipe away any dirt on the glass lens of the CD reader.

If the CD tray is hidden inside the radio, you might need to buy a CD reader cleaning kit, which you can find in most computer parts stores. To prevent the disc tray from getting dirty, clean your CD collection before you play them in the CD player.

Contrary to what most people believe, you can touch both sides of a CD but you will be leaving fingerprints all over the surface. You can clean this using a clean microfiber rag and a bit of rubbing alcohol.

What is the warranty?

Usually, these radios have the same length of warranty as other electronic devices, which is around 1 to 3 years. This is already long enough. However, some brands provide a lifetime limited warranty wherein the manufacturer will go about replacing your unit if you are not completely satisfied with it.

Some will even provide you with a complete refund without asking you any questions. You will want to get a radio that has the longest warranty possible but also consider how the company who made that product handles product returns.

Note that many manufacturers say that they provide lifetime warranties but the customer has to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops to get their refunds or replacements. The key here is to look for customer reviews.

If most of the customers seem to like the customer service of a particular company then it is safe to say that you can trust them enough to buy their product.

Where to buy CD clock radios?

You will find quite a lot of these devices in most electronics stores in the city. However, be careful when picking up something that comes from an obscure company. This is not to say that all electronics stores do this but most of them do. You have to be cautious of knock-offs. These might look like brand-name radios but they are just cheap copies.

This is not to say that all electronics stores carry counterfeits but there are plenty of them who do. Another more convenient way to shop for electronics like CD clock radios is to do so online. There are many online retail sites, like Amazon and eBay, where you can find dozens upon dozens of different CD clock radios for sale.

The great thing about using these websites is that you can compare prices coming from different sellers. Moreover, you can also visit the manufacturer’s website and buy the device directly from them or their trusted affiliates. This is one way to make sure that you get the genuine product.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for an alarm clock CD player, you can start wading through the many available brands and models and pick out the one that you think suits your needs the best. Also, I hope that the list of recommended radios was of help.

CD player alarm clocks can do more than what their name purports they do. Some models even have additional features or functions that are far superior to what others have. Do your research if you want to find the best CD clock radio that suits you well.

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