<ul></ul><p>There are a whole host of arguments for why you should get back into CDs instead of record players or <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/uk/design/g43118204/best-mp3-players/” target=”_blank”>MP3 players</a>. They’re affordable, support artists more than mere pennies-per-play on streaming, sound even better than records (and won’t skip) and come in collectable cases with stunning artwork and lyric booklets. Wave goodbye to shuffle and listen to your favourite songs the way the musicians intended.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>The Need-to-Know</h2><p>You don’t want to pick up a new player only to realise you can’t connect it to your speakers or that it needs batteries. So, before you buy, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Player Type</h3><p><strong></strong>The most premium type is a component player that fits into a larger system and won’t come with built-in speakers. Alternatively, you may be after an all-in-one system with built-in speakers and extra connectivity options, a simple boombox that can run off mains power or batteries, or a battery-operated portable model.</p><p>We’ve included several convenient all-in-one systems in our list below, but there’s at least one model from each of these types in our roundup.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Outputs</h3><p><strong></strong>You’ll want to take note of what outputs can connect to your player. All on this list have a <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/uk/design/g43303956/best-wired-headphones/” target=”_blank”>jack for wired headphones</a>, but some devices will also have analogue RCA outputs to connect to an amplifier or speakers. Some devices will have optical and coaxial outputs as well as the usual RCA, making them more versatile.</p><p>If you pick a player that is just a “transport” that means it only includes the CD mechanics and will need a separate DAC (digital/analogue converter) to produce sound. It’s also worth looking at whether the one you pick can play files from a USB drive or if it has wireless options like Bluetooth or wifi. </p>” />
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Best All-in-One Music System for the Bedroom
John Lewis & Partners Cello
Best All-in-One Music System for the Bedroom
John Lewis & Partners Cello
Now 47% Off
Pros
- Great price
- Lots of connectivity
Cons
- Other options sound better
When you compare the Cello and the Tenor side by side, it’s clear that these players have a lot in common, so you’ll be deciding based on the style and size.
The Cello is a smaller and slightly less powerful system that still packs DAB, internet radio and a CD player into a package that’s more compact than the model above.
If you’re after a small and basic budget option for the bedroom that lets you play the radio and bung in a CD from your collection every once in a while, this is the way to go.
| Speaker | 30W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | USB, Aux, Headphone Jack, Line Output |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 35 x 21.5cm |
| Weight | 4.8kg |
Best Minimalist CD Player
Panasonic SC-HC302
Best Minimalist CD Player
Panasonic SC-HC302
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Sleek design
- Wall-mountable
Cons
- No Bluetooth output to headphones
For a sleek and minimal home stereo system, opt for this Panasonic model. More than a basic CD player, this also delivers DAB radio stations, audio files via USB, and streaming music over Bluetooth and Chromecast Audio.
You can mount this on a wall so that it’ll disappear into your decor too. Ideal as a versatile mini hifi, there aren’t many downsides given its good value price, but it’s worth noting it can’t transmit to wireless headphones.
| Speaker | 20W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | USB, Headphone Jack, Aux |
| Dimensions | 19.7 x 40 x 10.7cm |
| Weight | 2.5kg |
Best Classic Boombox CD Player
Sony CFDS70B.CEK
Best Classic Boombox CD Player
Sony CFDS70B.CEK
Pros
- Old-school design
- Also plays tapes
Cons
- No extra connectivity
Can’t resist the urge to recreate the scene where John Cusack held his boombox over his head in Say Anything?
This traditional Sony has a classic design – it can play CDs, has a built-in tape deck for a serious throwback vibe (we can’t be the only ones who recorded from the Top 40 onto cassettes?), and FM/AM radio tuners.
It’s a boombox just like the one you had in your childhood bedroom and while it’s familiar it has none of today’s comforts, so don’t expect any DAB or Bluetooth here.
| Speaker | 3.4W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power or Six 1.5V C Cell Batteries |
| Connections | Headphone Jack, Aux |
| Dimensions | 35.1 x 22.8 x 15.8cm |
| Weight | 2.3kg |
Best All-in-One Music System
Ruark R3S
Best All-in-One Music System
Ruark R3S
Pros
- Stunning design
- Wide range of playback options
Cons
- R5 is bigger and better
Looking for a compact player to sit on a tabletop? Go for this. The Ruark R3 plays CDs, DAB and internet radio, and can stream over Bluetooth and wifi. It’s a classy, versatile package that’s robust and capable.
If you want something more eye-catching, Ruark’s R5 is a bigger and boomier version that puts excellent acoustics into a larger design. It’s a centrepiece to get dinner guests talking before it wows them with its sound quality.
| Speaker | 30W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | RCA Input and Output, Optical Input, USB, Ethernet, Headphone Jack |
| Dimensions | 16.7 x 42 x 22cm |
| Weight | 5.3kg |
Best Minimalist All-in-One Music System
Pure Evoke Home
Best Minimalist All-in-One Music System
Pure Evoke Home
Pros
- Minimal and sleek
- Pop-up display
Cons
- Limited edition adds almost £100 to price
If you’d prefer a more minimal setup without sacrificing connectivity options, we’d check out this model from British radio specialists Pure.
It packs in a pair of 20mm tweeters and two 3.5-inch woofers for powerful audio, a simple CD slot and built-in Bluetooth, DAB+ and FM radio. We like this player for its slimline aesthetic – and, for when you need to see a bit more info, it has a simple foldable colour display.
We love this limited edition (pictured), which has a wood casing to honour the heritage of the Pure Evoke. This £449.99 variant is available from Amazon, and from Pure directly, while stocks last.
| Speaker | 100W |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | Headphone Jack, Aux |
| Dimensions | 18.4 x 36.8 x 10.7cm |
| Weight | 3.9kg |
Best CD Player for a Classic Look
Cambridge Audio AXC35
Best CD Player for a Classic Look
Cambridge Audio AXC35
Pros
- Sleek and slim
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- No optical port
This slimline player comes to us from British sound specialists Cambridge Audio and is a capable performer at a sub-£400 price.
Compared to its top-of-the-range CD player rivals, this is at the more affordable end of the spectrum, and it has a classic look to it that reminds us of our old DVD player.
It produces clear and detailed sound from its minimal design but does lack an optical or USB connection.
| Speaker | n/a |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | Headphone Jack, Digital Coaxial Input and Output, Line Output |
| Dimensions | 51 x 42 x 15cm |
| Weight | 4.3kg |
Best Compact All-in-One System for the Bedroom
Roberts Blutune 300
Best Compact All-in-One System for the Bedroom
Roberts Blutune 300
Pros
- Wireless phone charging
- Simple look
Cons
- No wifi connectivity
At just over 4kg, both this and the Pure Evoke Home are the lightest of the all-in-one options on our list. There’s one feature here that we reckon may make this a better pick for the bedroom, and that’s the addition of a wireless phone charging surface on the top. Just pop your device on the player and watch it top back up without the need for an extra cable.
We like the style of this and think it’s ideal for basic FM/DAB radio, Bluetooth and CDs. But, if you need more wifi connectivity options, there are better picks on our list (including the more affordable John Lewis all-in-ones).
| Speaker | 20W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | USB, Aux, Headphone Jack, Wireless Charger |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 36 x 26cm |
| Weight | 4.16kg |
Best CD Player for Audiophiles
Marantz SACD 30n Network CD Player
Best CD Player for Audiophiles
Marantz SACD 30n Network CD Player
Pros
- Loads of playbacks options
- Outstanding sound
Cons
- Expensive
After serious high-end specs? The very best CD players are components that fit into a wider system, like this model that can read just about every data disc imaginable and interpret high-res audio files via SACDs and USB too.
It has HEOS built-in, delivering listening via high-end streaming services like Amazon Music HD and Tidal. Toss in some premium speakers to make your music sing. It’s expensive, but this is a key part of an incredible home hi-fi system capable of the best dynamic range and detail.
| Speaker | n/a |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | Digital Optical Input and Output, Digital Coaxial Input and Output, USB, USB DAC, Headphone Jack |
| Dimensions | 44.3 x 42.4 x 13cm |
| Weight | 13.5kg |
Best All-in-One Music System for a Classic Design
Technics SC-C70MK2
Best All-in-One Music System for a Classic Design
Technics SC-C70MK2
Pros
- Excellent design
- Loads of connectivity
Cons
- Not the simplest player to use
Another premium pick, this chunky Technics model is a great option for its timeless style and robust build. We like the top-loading CD player, and it comes with all the wireless extras you might want too, including Bluetooth, wifi, Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
Overall, this is an excellent all-in-one solution for your every audio need, and will work as part of a multi-room system too.
| Speaker | 100W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | Optical Input, USB, Ethernet, Headphone Jack |
| Dimensions | 14.3 x 45 x 28cm |
| Weight | 8kg |
Best Portable CD Player
Oakcastle CD100
Best Portable CD Player
Oakcastle CD100
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Portable size
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Charges via outdated Micro USB
We all remember the Sony Discman, but you’ll struggle to get your hands on one of those models in 2023.
That doesn’t mean the portable CD player is dead, though, and this one comes with a few of today’s comforts including a rechargeable battery (via the included USB cable), in-car compatibility and Bluetooth to connect your wireless headphones.
It also includes an aux cable to hook it up to external speakers and some retro earbuds with in-line controls.
| Power Supply | n/a |
|---|---|
| Connections | Rechargeable Battery (Lasts 12 Hours) |
| Speaker | Headphone Jack, Aux, Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 14 x 14cm |
| Weight | 233g |
Best High-End All-In-One Music System
Ruark R5
Best High-End All-In-One Music System
Ruark R5
Pros
- Excellent sound system
- Works with a multi-room setup
Cons
- No AirPlay or Chromecast
A beefier version of the Ruark R3, this packs in a subwoofer and a massive 90W of power for a much louder sound with enhanced bass performance.
It’s a bit better suited for larger rooms, and we like how you can use it as part of a multi-room setup, unfortunately not with AirPlay or Chromecast support, but it can sync up with other compatible Ruark speakers, like other R5s or the stunning (but now discontinued) furniture-like R7.
| Speaker | 90W Output |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Mains Power |
| Connections | RCA Input and Output, Optical Input, USB, Ethernet, Headphone Jack |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 52 x 30cm |
| Weight | 9.5kg |
Are CDs Obsolete?
Compact discs – invented a full 43 years ago – aren’t obsolete, but it’s fair to say that the “revivial” is more of a cultural than an economic resurgence. They fit into the zeitgeist in 2023, driven by Nineties nostalgia.
Even with the news that CD sales rose in 2021, it should be noted Adele’s latest album 30 alone is responsible for the increase with 898,000 units sold in the US, and you can’t call it a comeback if only one artist is the reason behind it.
Yes, we all know the vast majority of music consumption happens via streaming, but niche formats persist. CDs are far from gone if shoppers stateside bought 40.16 million of them in 2021, while UK disc lovers snapped up more than 14 million.
Why Do CDs Sound Better Than Streaming Music?
If you’re listening to all your music on streaming services, nine times out of ten it’s going to be a compressed digital file that has been made small enough to fling across the internet. Unless you’re on hi-res audio from Apple Music, Tidal or Amazon’s Music HD, your songs are packaged into more manageable files for easy streaming.
While they may be a bit less convenient than streaming, humble compact discs deliver uncompressed audio that can get louder without distortion and has more dynamic range and detail. We’d be the first to admit that you may not always notice the difference, though, especially if you’re not using high-quality speakers, a full-on home audio system, or a pair of the best wired headphones.
CDs vs Vinyl: Which is Better?
Here at Esquire, we value any physical media just that bit more than digital alternatives.
For all its convenience, you can never truly treasure that downloaded file stored somewhere in the cloud or think that your streaming subscription counts for as much as a proper music collection. With that said, there are a few differences between CDs and vinyl if you’re forced to pick between the two.
As the name suggests, CDs are more compact but they also lack a bit of the nostalgia factor and the analogue fullness of the vinyl sound. They’re less likely to pick up damage, don’t warp and won’t skip in the way that LPs can.
If you’re after perfect audio clarity without crackling or scratches, go with CDs. There’s also nothing wrong with owning both a CD and a record player. If you’ve got the space for both, why not?
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