10 Best Retro Radios 2026 in the United States

The Crosley CR3501A-WA Fleetwood Bluetooth FM Clock Radio and CD Player is a nostalgic delight with a modern twist. Its vintage-inspired walnut design will appeal to those who appreciate classic aesthetics. It offers decent sound quality, thanks to its two built-in full-range speakers with 15W RMS power each, ensuring your music and radio broadcasts sound clear and enjoyable. The front-loading CD player is a standout feature, allowing you to easily switch between discs and enjoy your entire collection with the convenience of a remote control and sleep timer function. This makes it a great choice for those who still cherish their CD collections.

Connectivity is a strong point, as the device includes Bluetooth technology for streaming from your smartphone or tablet, as well as RCA inputs for other devices. However, it is worth noting that it does not support AM radio, which might be a limitation for some users. The FM radio comes with a digital tuner and a wire antenna for clearer signals, making it easy to tune into your favorite local stations. The digital alarm clock is a practical addition, allowing you to wake up to your preferred tunes.

One potential downside is its size and weight; at 9.25 x 14.25 x 4.75 inches and 5.8 pounds, it might be bulkier than some users expect. Also, it requires a power source, so it's not a portable option. In conclusion, the Crosley CR3501A-WA is ideal for those who love the look and feel of retro devices but want the convenience of modern features like Bluetooth streaming and digital alarms.

The Sangean WR-16SE is a stylish retro radio that excels in design and aesthetics. With its dark walnut finish and rose gold accents, it offers a classic and elegant look that would complement any vintage-inspired decor. The wooden cabinet not only adds to its visual appeal but also enhances sound quality by providing better acoustics.

The radio features a 3-inch, 10-watt full-range speaker with deep bass compensation, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience. Users can enjoy a variety of audio sources with the AM/FM tuner, built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and auxiliary input for connecting devices like MP3 players and CDs. Additionally, the USB phone charging feature is a convenient modern touch that adds to its versatility.

The radio does have some limitations. The tuning mechanism, while precise with vernier tuning, is analog, which might be less convenient for users accustomed to digital tuning. The radio is corded electric, so it requires a power outlet and lacks portability, making it less suitable for on-the-go use. Although the radio includes a built-in AM antenna, it may not have the same reception quality as modern digital radios with advanced antennas. The Sangean WR-16SE retro radio is ideal for those who value design and aesthetics, appreciate high-quality sound, and don't require the portability of a battery-operated device.

The Sangean WR-16 is a nicely designed retro radio with a wooden cabinet that gives it a warm, classic look fitting well in vintage or cozy modern settings. It offers AM/FM analog tuning, which is simple and familiar, complemented by an LED tuning indicator that helps with station selection. Sound quality is solid for casual listening, enhanced by Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX support, allowing you to stream music wirelessly with better sound and low delay—great if you want to play music from your phone or tablet.

Connectivity is versatile: it includes Bluetooth, an auxiliary input, and even a USB port to charge your smartphone, which adds useful functionality beyond just radio listening. The radio runs on corded electric power, so you’ll need an outlet nearby, which might limit portability. While it doesn't have built-in rechargeable batteries, its classic analog tuning and stylish wooden build make it stand out among retro radios. Additional features like NFC pairing simplify connecting devices, making it user-friendly.

If you enjoy a mix of vintage style and modern convenience with good sound for everyday listening, the WR-16 is a solid choice. However, if you want full portability or digital tuning, you might want to explore other options.