There are many different options to listen to any music these days but nothing can beat the feeling of old-school radio. That is why Bluetooth radios are highly popular these days, as they allow you to enjoy the nostalgic radio listening experience as well as stream music from any smart device.
Playing your favorite song from Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube is nice, but suddenly hearing your favorite song playing on a radio channel is priceless. That is one of the reasons behind the popularity of Bluetooth radios, among others, such as being able to tune into entertaining shows at any time or listening to the news.
My top pick is the Avantree SP850, a feature-packed Bluetooth FM radio with a great nostalgic look and great connection.
If you are on a budget, my recommended product would be TELLUR Callisto, a great product for the price with its cost-effective, simple and portable design and good sound quality.
The 7 Best Bluetooth Radios (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Avantree SP850
Avantree SP850 is a useful choice for listeners who want an FM radio small enough to carry between rooms. It also plays audio from a paired phone and supported microSD files. Numeric station entry and automatic scanning are more convenient than a tiny analog tuning dial for many users.
It is an FM radio, not an AM or DAB receiver. Its Bluetooth connection receives audio from your device; do not assume it will transmit radio audio to wireless headphones.
Pros
- Top Pick – Compact FM radio, Bluetooth speaker and card player.
- SP850
Cons
- It is an FM radio, not an AM or DAB receiver. Its Bluetooth connection receives audio from your device; do not assume it will transmit radio audio to wireless headphones.
| Model | SP850 |
| Radio | FM |
| Playback | Bluetooth; microSD |
2. PRUNUS J-160 Bluetooth Radio
The PRUNUS J-160 combines an analog tuning layout with Bluetooth speaker playback. It is a useful replacement for the small Callisto if you want a more visible dial and the radio functions documented for this exact model. Select the J-160 package rather than a similarly named PRUNUS portable radio.
This model does not have a headphone jack. Choose another pick if private listening is important, and check the power arrangements before deciding where it will live.
Pros
- Budget Pick – An analog radio with Bluetooth and local-file playback.
- J-160
Cons
- This model does not have a headphone jack. Choose another pick if private listening is important, and check the power arrangements before deciding where it will live.
| Model | J-160 |
| Functions | AM/FM/SW radio; Bluetooth playback |
| Headphone jack | No |
3. Victrola Willow VRS-2800 Espresso
Victrola Willow is a tabletop choice for a desk, kitchen or room where you want a wood-style enclosure and ordinary radio controls. The retained Espresso offer identifies the VRS-2800 family with AM/FM tuning and Bluetooth input. Bass and treble controls let you adjust the tonal balance without an app.
It is not the smallest travel option here. Confirm the finish and mains requirements on the selected package rather than assuming every Willow color uses the same listing.
Pros
- A tabletop AM/FM Bluetooth radio with tone controls.
- VRS-2800
Cons
- It is not the smallest travel option here. Confirm the finish and mains requirements on the selected package rather than assuming every Willow color uses the same listing.
| Model | VRS-2800 |
| Finish | Espresso |
| Radio | AM/FM |
| Wireless | Bluetooth input |
4. Antimi Bluetooth/FM Radio Black
The retained black Antimi radio combines FM reception with Bluetooth speaker playback and local MP3 playback. It is suitable for someone who wants a small device for casual listening rather than a dedicated home radio system. Its exact current Amazon offer is New and in stock.
Its tuner is FM-only. Do not buy it for AM broadcasts or assume that Bluetooth speaker playback means it can send FM audio to Bluetooth headphones.
Pros
- A compact rechargeable FM and music player.
- Black
Cons
- Its tuner is FM-only. Do not buy it for AM broadcasts or assume that Bluetooth speaker playback means it can send FM audio to Bluetooth headphones.
| Selected finish | Black |
| Radio | FM |
| Use | Portable Bluetooth/FM music player |
5. PRUNUS J-150 Bluetooth Radio
PRUNUS J-150 is the portable alternative to the unverified SUNHai listing. It combines analog AM/FM/SW radio reception with Bluetooth audio and supported USB or card playback. Choose it for flexibility when you switch between broadcasts and music stored on a phone or removable media.
Treat a built-in solar panel as supplementary charging rather than a guaranteed emergency power source. For important alerts, use a radio with the required weather or emergency reception explicitly specified.
Pros
- A portable analog radio with Bluetooth and file playback.
- J-150
Cons
- Treat a built-in solar panel as supplementary charging rather than a guaranteed emergency power source. For important alerts, use a radio with the required weather or emergency reception explicitly specified.
| Model | J-150 |
| Radio | AM/FM/SW |
| Playback | Bluetooth; USB; card |
6. Tivoli Audio Model One BT Walnut/Beige
The Tivoli pick is Model One BT in walnut/beige. It retains the straightforward AM/FM dial and adds Bluetooth streaming from a phone or computer. I would choose it for a room where tactile controls and a furniture-style cabinet matter more than portable operation.
Model One BT is different from Model One Digital. This model does not gain Wi-Fi services or a digital screen just because those features appear on another Tivoli radio.
Pros
- An analog AM/FM table radio with Bluetooth input.
- Model One BT
Cons
- Model One BT is different from Model One Digital. This model does not gain Wi-Fi services or a digital screen just because those features appear on another Tivoli radio.
| Model | Model One BT |
| Finish | Walnut/beige |
| Radio | AM/FM |
| Wireless | Bluetooth input |
7. Sangean WR-7WL Walnut
Sangean WR-7WL is my choice for a compact wood-cabinet radio that can move around the home. It combines an FM tuner, Bluetooth input and an auxiliary input in a small rechargeable unit. The walnut model is the exact version paired with this recommendation.
It does not receive AM. Choose the larger mains-powered Sangean WR-16 family or the Tivoli if AM broadcasts are part of your listening routine.
Pros
- A small rechargeable wood-cabinet FM Bluetooth radio.
- WR-7WL
Cons
- It does not receive AM. Choose the larger mains-powered Sangean WR-16 family or the Tivoli if AM broadcasts are part of your listening routine.
| Model | WR-7WL |
| Finish | Walnut |
| Radio | FM |
| Inputs | Bluetooth; AUX |
What is a Bluetooth radio and how do they work?
A Bluetooth radio is a radio that also acts as a Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth radios can be used as dedicated devices to play AM and FM radio and Bluetooth speakers to play music from smart devices and laptops.
The radio works by capturing the radio signals with an antenna. On the other hand, the Bluetooth speakers receive the Bluetooth signals from the source device and transform these electric signals to sound waves that we hear. A Bluetooth radio can act as one of these devices.
Do all Bluetooth radios have AM/FM?
Not all Bluetooth radios have both AM and FM radio. Most have FM radios, while some also have AM radios. The difference between these two radios is that FM radio delivers better sound quality and is stereo capable, while AM radio is more stable and has a longer reception distance than FM.
What is the difference between DAB and FM?
DAB transmits a digital radio multiplex, while FM uses an analog broadcast signal. Reception, station choice and audio quality depend on local coverage and the broadcaster’s encoding; neither system is automatically better in every location.
With DAB also comes some extra features. For example, DAB radio channels can also send other information like the song’s name, the artist, and the album. So you can read this info on the screen of your radio.
What to look for in a Bluetooth radio when buying?
When buying a Bluetooth speaker, the important aspects to consider are portability, sound quality, connectivity options, extra features, and the price. Depending on your needs, a good Bluetooth speaker should have a good combination of these features.
Portability
Portability is important if you are not going to use the Bluetooth radio in the house. If you want to carry it around, compact size and lightweight will come in handy. A pocket-size Bluetooth radio can be considered portable.
Sound Quality
As the main function of the Bluetooth radio is to play music and radio for you, sound quality is arguably the most critical aspect. You want the sound quality to be distortion-free and clear even at higher volumes if you will use it to listen to music.
For listening to radio news, podcasts, and others, it is ok if the audio quality is not the greatest, but still, it is an essential aspect when purchasing a radio or a speaker.
Overall, volume output is also important if you use the Bluetooth radio in bigger rooms or outdoor environments.
Connectivity
Most Bluetooth radios also feature an auxiliary input for a better connection, but some do not. If there is no aux input on the Bluetooth radio, try to ensure that the Bluetooth range and connection stability are adequate.
Check the Bluetooth functions the radio actually supports. Bluetooth input lets a phone play through the radio; Bluetooth output for wireless headphones is a separate feature and is not implied by the version number.
Features
Some Bluetooth radios also have extra features like bass-treble control knobs, micro SD card slots for music playing, app connection for customizing sound, etc. Having some of these features would be good as they significantly add to the unit’s versatility.
Price
As with any purchase, price is the final important point. Depending on your budget, there are different devices with different features. Luckily, there are many devices with excellent value-for-price ratios that you can look at if you are on a budget.
Conclusion
Choose a Bluetooth radio according to the broadcasts you listen to, where it will be used and whether you need battery power. Bluetooth playback is useful, but it does not replace the required AM, FM or DAB tuner.
My top pick is the Avantree SP850, a great Bluetooth speaker with its versatile, feature-packed design, affordable price tag, and good sonic performance.
I suggest checking out TELLUR Callisto for tighter budgets, a simple portable Bluetooth speaker with a great value-for-price ratio.