CD players might not be as popular as they once were, but they are still readily available, with the best home audio CD players packed with innovative 21st-century features. Our favorite, the Bose SoundTouch Music System IV, combines a single-slot CD player with Alexa voice control and music streaming through Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more. It's not the only game in town, though, as there are other excellent options available — here's our roundup of all of the best home audio CD players that you pick up today.
Best Overall: Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
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The Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV doesn't just support CDs. It also works with online music services, internet radio, your stored music library, and AM/FM radio. It also supports multiple audio formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, and Apple Lossless. With 802.11 b/g/n wireless network compatibility, the device also works with Bluetooth.
Are you looking for more? When tied to an Amazon Alexa-enabled device, the Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV lets you enjoy hands-free voice access to music. You can also control the unit using one-touch physical access buttons or the SoundTouch app for smartphones, tablets, and computers. For a multiroom experience, add other SoundTouch devices at any time.
For those looking for more than a CD player, the Bose SoundTouch offers everything from voice control to music streaming services.
Best Value: Onkyo CS-265 Home Audio CD System
The Onkyo CS-265 Home Audio System is the perfect match for CD playback with the classic bookshelf looks complete with two wired speakers. This affordable option sports a single front-load disc player compatible with all the most popular recording formats, allowing you to play your old MP3 and WAV "mixtapes" from back in the day.
Despite the affordable price, the included two-way speakers can fill almost any room with 20 watts of power across a three-inch woofer with Bass-Reflex, and tweeter. Other highlights include Bluetooth wireless streaming, and for Android users, NFC pairing makes up setting it up a breeze.
Onkyo's CS-265 System sports a single front-load CD slot, Bluetooth, NFC, and a pair of 20w speakers, all at an affordable price.
Best Design: Como Audio: Musica Wireless Music System
The Como Audio Musica is beautifully designed and available in four finishes, piano black, hickory, piano white, and walnut. With a single-slot CD player, the device also includes FM and internet radio, Bluetooth streaming, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Built-in streaming services include Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, Napster, and Deezer. With Bluetooth integration, easily listen to other streaming services like Apple Music or your mobile device music collection.
For added flexibility, control the Musica with the included remote control, with physical buttons, or using the Como Audio app. Price could turn off some users, of course, as could the long list of features and integrations. Still, it's worth considering if you want me than an everyday CD player.
The stunning Como Audio Musica allows you to play those old CDs in style with multiple finishes, Bluetooth, and music streaming.
Best CD Changer: Onkyo DXC390 6 Disc CD Changer
If you've been holding on to your CD collection and haven't yet switched to online music streaming services or digital, this is the choice for you. The Onkyo DXC390 includes five CD slots that you can fill with your favorite media, while the sixth one plays music. Also, to make sure the music's always playing, the device offers 40-track programming and six repeat modes.
However, the device doesn't offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which means it won't connect to the internet or online streaming services, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your needs. It does include remote control, though, so you still get some wireless convenience, just not on your phone.
Onkyo's CD changer allows you to keep six of your favorites on deck, so you can switch it up quickly with the accompanying remote.
Best for Small Spaces: Teac PD-301 CD Player
The TEAC PD-301 is a compact and versatile CD player that occupies a space of just 8.5-by-9.1 by 2.4-inches. The small size means it occupies less than half the area of regular-sized counterparts with a 17-inch width. Even with the small size, TEAC's player offers three outputs, including coax, optics, and analog(RCA), and three inputs, CD, FM, and USB.
The small size does come at a higher price than regular-size devices with similar options, especially when you factor in speaker cost. However, if space is at a premium in your entertainment center, then this is the player for you.
The TEAC PD-301 fits into small spaces with a slot-loading CD drive but still provides plenty of ports and playback options.
Best Premium: Marantz ND8006 Digital Media Player
While it is pricey, the Marantz ND8006 Digital Media Player delivers high-quality CD playback with all the latest features. For audio, the ND8006 incorporates a dual crystal DAC, Digital Filtering, and Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules that preserve digital signals and offers reference class sound.
Our favorite feature on this player is support for Apple's AirPlay 2 wireless, multiroom audio format. With AirPlay 2, you can "cast" your digital music to any compatible speaker in the home, so you can stay in sync as you roam around from room to room.
The Marantz ND8006 includes all the bells and whistles like AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, along with premium CD audio playback.
Modern features, old school playback
Most CD players on the market today do much more than let you listen to your favorite discs, so if you are in the market for an old school player, you should consider more than just the basics. The best home audio CD players now include Bluetooth streaming, Alexa voice integration, and even multiroom audio capabilities through wireless technologies like AirPlay 2.
Our favorite home audio CD player is the Bose SoundTouch Music System IV, as it includes high-quality integrated speakers, along with the ability to stream music or listen to internet radio. We also love this player because it's part of Bose's larger SoundTouch ecosystem, which is expandable to match your changing needs.
