So, a lot of users go with an under cabinet radio. These are compact and highly affordable options for a radio that you can install practically anywhere. But before you can buy an under cabinet radio, here are some things that you need to keep in mind,
Size: If it was any other kind of radio or music player, you probably will not have to take its size into account while buying it. But since this is an under cabinet radio that is to be installed below a cabinet, you need to carefully check its size and make sure that it is the right option for you. To check its compatibility, simply measure the depth of your cabinet and buy a radio that matches it in terms of size without sticking out of the cabinet boundary. Features: Even though you are buying a simple radio for your kitchen or study room, you should still check if you can get more features around your budget. Some radios also offer the functionality of a music player so that you can listen to the music you like on-demand. Other important features include wireless connectivity and battery-powered operation to offer you a completely wireless experience. Performance: The performance of an under cabinet radio generally deals with its sound quality which depends upon the type and capacity of speakers present in the unit. Since under cabinet radios are already pretty slim, the speakers that come with these units are relatively smaller. So, it is even more important to check some factors like frequency response, bass output, and wattage of the speakers to get an idea about the quality of these radios.
Today, we are here with the best options you can find right now for an under cabinet radio. Since there aren’t a lot of manufacturers that deal with such options, the choices available in the market for one are rather slim. And finding the one perfect option amongst that can be challenging since you might miss out on some good options in terms of features. However, you won’t have to worry about that as we will be explaining the features and specifications of each option in detail as we go through our list. You can also check our “Buying Guide” for the best under cabinet radio if you want to know more about the qualities and important specifications of a radio.
Best Under Cabinet Radio 2023
Best Under Cabinet Radio Reviews
1. PROSCAN Under Cabinet Radio
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Since a lot of you must be looking for a budget and reliable option for an under cabinet radio, we are starting our list with this radio from PROSCAN. PROSCAN also has a kit of a variety for such a device which is worth checking out. In the 1st place, we are putting the PROSCAN SYLVANIA SKCR2713 CD player. While it is mainly a CD player, it has the added functionality of an FM radio for multi-purpose installation. You will get both corded electric as well as battery power option on this CD player as a backup. The speakers of the PROSCAN SYLVANIA SKCR2713 CD player are built-in and work pretty well with all kinds of music. This unit is only 4 inches thick with 14 x 4 x 12.5 inches external dimensions. And within that, PROSCAN is offering a mini LED display to check the status of the device as well as currently playing media. You also get a dedicated remote with this player to offer ease of access. As for the onboard controls, you will get dedicated buttons for controlling almost all aspects of the player without any problem. Best Features
It has Bluetooth connectivity option Works with Corded Electric, Battery power Measures about 14 x 4 x 12.5 inches in size Mini LED display even with the slim design
Pros
Most popular option for an under cabinet radio Built-in CD player for HQ music Battery option for backup
Cons
AM feature is missing
2. ILive Wireless Under Cabinet FM Radio
iLive is also a well-known brand in the market for entertainment-based electronic devices like an under cabinet radio. You also find boomboxes, cassette players, and CD players made by iLive. The iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is present in the 2nd place on our list of the best under cabinet radios. First of all, it is also one of the budget options that we found on the market. Apart from that, this unit comes with 4 spaces as well as 4 screws to make the installation quick and easy. Unlike many other options, the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio has a negative LCD display at the front which is much more visible under bright daylight. The FM radio functionality on the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is especially intriguing. This player comes preset with 20 FM stations. So, you may probably find your favorite station on the iLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio without much hassle. As this unit also works as a digital clock, you can use it as a timer or even an alarm which can come in handy in a kitchen. The best part about the iiLive Wireless Under Cabinet Radio is its wireless range. It offers up to 60 feet Bluetooth range so that you can connect to this media player even from another room. Best Features
It has Bluetooth connectivity option Works with Corded Electric, Battery power Measures about 9.09 X 7.32 X 2.44 Inches in size 60 feet wireless connectivity range
Pros
Great option around this budget Negative LCD display for better visibility Dual power option
Cons
Sound quality could have been better
3. Tyler Under Cabinet Radio
When it comes to quality products, there are a few brands like Tyler that ensure a great user experience for their customers. Thus, we are offering a decent under cabinet media player from Tyler on this list. The 3rd pick for our list today is the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System. As the name suggests, this is more of a universal music system rather than a simple radio. It supports wireless connectivity, offering the functionality of an external speaker along with a built-in FM radio. This unit has dual built-in speakers for perfect stereo separation which is great for such a small device. And with the clock functionality, it also offers alarm, timer, and snooze functions. In terms of design, you will find the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System the most attractive option of all. It has a futuristic design aspect with rounded ends that also works in your favor at the time of installation. On top of that, the Tyler Under Cabinet Music System measures about 10.24 x 7.24 x 2.68 inches in size, making it the slimmest option on our list today. Alongside listening to music, you can also answer calls directly from the player thanks to its built-in microphone. Best Features
It has Bluetooth connectivity option Works with Corded Electric power Measures about 10.24 x 7.24 x 2.68 inches in size Touchscreen display
Pros
Best option in terms of design Slimmest option for an under cabinet radio Built-in mic for calls
Cons
It does not have a CD player
4. ILive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio
iLive has managed to land yet another under cabinet radio player on our rather short list for the best options today. As we mentioned earlier, it is one of the premium alternatives from the variety of options developed by iLive. The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is a premium choice that we have selected for our list today. If you are looking for an overall entertainment center for your kitchen, this is the perfect option for you. The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio has it all, whether you want a CD player, MP3 player, or wireless music player functionality. For wired connections, it also features an auxiliary port alongside a USB port so that you can directly connect your smartphone for offline music without audio loss. For wireless connection, it supports Bluetooth connectivity offering 33 feet range. Even though it is a CD player, the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is one of the slimmest options in the market measuring about 13.2 x 12 x 3.5 inches in size. Along with that, you will also notice dual power options on the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio. And the included remote for the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio makes it a much easier option to control from anywhere in the room. Best Features
Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB connectivity options Works with Corded Electric, Battery power Measures about 13.2 x 12 x 3.5 inches in size CD player feature even with the slim design
Pros
Premium choice for an under cabinet radio Remote control along with onboard control buttons Offers many useful features
Cons
Bluetooth range could have been better
5. Jensen Under Cabinet Radio
In the end, we have the cheapest option for an under cabinet radio from this list. So if you haven’t found a radio for your budget, make sure you check this option before moving on. The Jensen Modern Under Cabinet Music System is also an overall music system that offers FM radio features amongst many other great qualities. However, you will find the Jensen Modern Under Cabinet Music System to be the most affordable choice on this list. For quick and easy pairing, this unit comes with A2DP as well as NFC support. Plus, there is also an AUX port on the Jensen Modern Under Cabinet Music System for direct connection with your smartphone. The Bluetooth feature of the Jensen Modern Under Cabinet Music System allows you to connect your smartphone directly to the radio so that you can make calls without any problems. The Jensen Modern Under Cabinet Music System can be powered directly by a wall outlet, or 2 AA batteries in case that is not an option. The speakers on this radio are on the lower side so that you don’t experience a muffled sound coming from the radio. Instead, you will get clear and enjoyable sound output. Best Features
It has Bluetooth connectivity option Works with Corded Electric, Battery power Measures about 11.34 x 8.31 x 3.62 inches in size Quite a slim option for an under cabinet radio
Pros
Features A2DP and NFC pairing options Hands-free calling is supported Cheapest option for an under cabinet radio
Cons
It does not have a CD Drive
Buying Guide For The Best Under Cabinet Radio
The things that you need to check before buying an under cabinet radio depend upon your needs as well as the installation position of the radio. If you need one for basic news casting and radio, even the most basic option can offer you these features. But, there are also a lot of advanced options available in the market for an under cabinet radio that offers much more than just radio functionality. So if you are going to spend a lot of hours around this radio, you need to make sure that you get the right option for your needs. And to help you with that, we are bringing this buying guide for the best under cabinet radio. In this guide, we will talk about some of the most important features of an under cabinet radio and how they affect the performance and installation of a unit. So, you can easily understand the product thoroughly and buy the one that seems perfect for your needs without any additional research.
1. Connectivity Options
Connectivity options are one of the crucial factors of all entertainment-focused devices, whether it is your smart TV, smart speaker, or just a simple under cabinet radio. Having more connectivity options makes the device more versatile and compatible with a wide range of inputs. In the case of an under cabinet radio, the one thing that you need to check when it comes to connectivity options is whether it supports Bluetooth connectivity or not. With Bluetooth support, you will be able to pair your under cabinet radio directly with your smartphone or laptop and play the media using the radio as a speaker. Since there are no wires involved in this method, the connection will be stable and you can also use your smartphone at the same time without any problem. Having wireless support also unlocks a lot of entertainment options for you that you can access from your mobile. While some options may not offer Bluetooth support, you may use them with external media files with the help of a USB port or an SD card port. You can simply store all of your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks on a USB drive of a memory card and plug it directly into the under cabinet radio.
2. Power Type
The power type of an under cabinet radio is a factor that severely affects its installation, or rather the position where you can install it. In terms of power type, there are 2 options available for an under cabinet radio that are corded electric options and battery-powered ones. The battery-powered ones, as you may already know, need external AA or AAA batteries that you can easily find on the market. While it does make the unit a little less reliable since its performance is dependent on the battery backup, it offers higher portability and freedom to install the unit anywhere you want. The same cannot be said for a corded electric under cabinet radio. These units have to be installed near a power plug and need to be plugged in at all times to function. Along with hindering the installation, it also occupies a power plug that you may need for other appliances, especially in a kitchen. But, the better part about corded electric under cabinet radio is that you won’t have to worry about buying batteries to keep it functional. You will be able to use the radio all day long without any problem. The best options are the ones that offer both power options so that you can continue with the entertainment even if there is a power cut.
3. Dimensions
The physical dimensions of an under cabinet radio are also an important factor that affects its installation. Unlike regular speakers or radios that you would rather keep on a desk or a flat surface, the under cabinet radios are supposed to be installed on the lower side of a cabinet. So, there is already a shortage of space for such installations. And if the size of the radio that you are buying does not match the size available for its installation, you may not be able to install it at all. And even if you manage to do it, you may notice an insecure grip or the radio will stick out of the cabinet. To avoid that, simply check the dimensions of the under cabinet radio before making your choice. For that, just measure the depth of the cabinet and measure it with the width of the under cabinet radio. While doing so, make sure that the display of the radio is supposed to be facing you after the installation, so match the dimensions accordingly. To be on the safe side, you should go with a compact option. While it may affect the performance slightly, it can be an ideal pick for a basic radio that you are going to use for only a couple of hours every day.
4. Features
Lastly, let us talk about the features that you can find on an under cabinet radio. Gone are the days when a certain electronic device would only offer a limited set of features designed to serve a single purpose. Nowadays, almost all electronic devices are multi-functional, especially the ones that are aimed at the entertainment of the user. When it comes to under cabinet radio, you will also notice a lot of handy features despite its compact form factor that makes the unit even more attractive. Some under cabinet radios offer a built-in CD layer so that you can listen to the offline records of your favorite artists that you may have collected over time. Other than that, most under cabinet radios these days have a built-in external media player that operates over a wired or wireless connection. For wired connection, it offers an auxiliary port by which you can directly connect your smartphone to the media player. You will also get ports for USB drives or SD cards on an under cabinet radio to directly access the media files without engaging your smartphone. As for wireless connection, most of these under cabinet radios offer Bluetooth support. With that, you can simply connect a smartphone or any other Bluetooth-powered media player to the radio and get it working without any problem. Some options also have a built-in microphone to support hands-free calling functionality.
Conclusion
Today, we have covered the best options that you can find right now for an under cabinet radio. Since such radios are not that popular and there are a lot of advanced alternatives in the market that can easily replace them, there aren’t many choices available. But, if you still want a basic radio unit within an affordable price range, we have got you covered. Here, you can find the best options for an under cabinet radio along with detailed specifications to help you make the right choice. We also have a buying guide that you must refer to before making a decision so that you end up with the right product. Lastly, we will go over some handy recommendations from our picks that can be perfect for you.
If you are wondering which of these choices is most budget-friendly, we will suggest you take a look at the Jensen Under Cabinet Radio. Even though it is the cheapest option on our list today, it still offers many desirable features. It comes with A2DP and NFC compatibility so that you can quickly pair your device and get it working right away. For wired connections, it has an auxiliary port. And for wireless options, it offers Bluetooth connectivity along with a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. The iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio is the most versatile option that you can find on our list today. This is more of an under-cabinet entertainment center rather than an FM radio. The ILive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio can be used as an FM radio, CD player, MP3 player, or a wireless speaker for external media devices. Still, it is quite a slim unit and features an attractive and modern design aspect. The Bluetooth support for the iLive Bluetooth Under Cabinet Radio ranges up to 30 feet for flawless connections. Lastly, we will suggest the SYLVANIA SKCR2713 Under Counter CD Player since it is also a preferred choice for thousands of buyers. In fact, it is the most popular option on our picks today. The PROSCAN Under Cabinet Radio works with corded electrical connection along with battery for backup. You will also notice a small LED display at the front of the player so that you can check the radio station or the title of the music you are playing. It also works as a passive clock for your kitchen.
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