Streaming subscription supremacy has been here for a while, and not for nothing either. This untrammelled access to headbangers past and present is something we could only have dreamed of in the earlier days of physical music media, tempting as it was to blow one’s salary at the nearest music shop each week. But it’s not all sunshine and roses in Camp Streaming; something is lost when everything is digital - and with the CD regaining its popularity, you're going to need one of the best CD players to get the most from your music.
Of course, vinyl has been the poster-child for music nostalgia and physical-media ownership, carried by its analogue sound reproduction and warmer (some might mythologise “better”) sound. But the CD is now on the rise too, both for being an accessibly-priced piece of physical media and for the fact that CDs actually sound really good!
Whether you’re rediscovering your dusty library of rock CDs procured back when you had hair, you’ve been scouring charity shops for bargain second-hand slices of modern-rock gold, or you’ve simply had it with the inconsistency of your streaming service, you’ll be here because you need the best CD player with which to listen to your CDs. And you’ll find it, in this very round-up of the best in the biz.
If you want a little more context on what makes the best CD players so great, you’ll find some insights in my FAQ section at the bottom. Otherwise, read on for my pick of the best CD slingers, from portable players to sleek separates.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a top CD player: A brilliant CD player that features Gapless CD playback and is great value too.
❌ Avoid if you're after a small player: Yes, it's a sleek player, but if space is at a premium, look elsewhere.
With a slick and slim design, you’d never guess the AXC25 is the entry-level CD player in the Cambridge Audio roster. Finished in lovely Luna Grey, with minimalist design and classic 430mm width, I think it certainly looks the part - but there’s also some decent audio chops under the lid too - and that includes a Wolfson WM8524 DAC.
The Cambridge Audio AXC25 also supports Gapless CD playback, which is ideal if you're engrossed in a live album or a conceptual prog masterpiece. It’s worth noting that this particular CD player differs from the slightly more expensive Cambridge Audio AXC35 player in that it lacks a digital coaxial output, but I didn't find this an issue as I wasn't planning on using a separate DAC.
Partner the AXC25 with a Cambridge Audio AX series amplifier and you'll create a classic music system, which like your discs if you take care of them, should stand the test of time.
It also comes with a power cable, remote control and a couple of AAA batteries for good measure.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want a versatile CD player on a budget: There's loads to love here, with the unit also capable of doubling into a Bluetooth speaker - and it has a DAB digital radio.
❌ Avoid if you want a CD player with finesse: This makes for a great starter player, but those who want a few bells and whistles will find them elsewhere.
For me, CD remains the ultimate convenience format despite its seeming decline in favour of vinyl or streaming. A whole pile of CDs are easy to store, the discs and cases are easy to store and I can pick them up pretty cheaply these days.
With this in mind, it makes sense to have a CD player that follows suit. Enter the Majority Oakington all-in-one device - a CD disc spinner with in-built DAB/FM radio, and, it also performs as a Bluetooth speaker for top-notch versatility.
With its retro-style wooden finish, and integrated 30W amplifier, it’s ideal for apartments, dens and bedrooms. There’s also 3.5mm Aux input, if you want to hook up another gadget like an Amazon Echo Dot.
All in all, the Majority Oakington is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want a tonne of flexibility when it comes to a CD player.
Best all-in-one
✅ Buy if you want everything under one roof: The SA-C600 has everything I need straight out of the box, including Spotify Connect and DAB radio
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: Look elsewhere if you're looking to save the pennies.
Technics may be best known for its high-end vinyl record players, but they also makes stratospherically expensive audiophile separates, and more affordable lifestyle all-in-one music systems.
The SA-C600 is one of the latter: a highly specified, futuristic looking music centre, complete with top-loading CD player and hairline-brushed aluminium top plate. Aimed at those that want the elegance and ease of use of an all-in-one, but the performance of a Hi-Fi thoroughbred, the system employs the brand’s acclaimed JENO Engine (to reduce jitter), has a 2x60W amplifier, and extensive wireless support.
There’s Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2 support, Spotify Connect and Internet Radio / DAB / FM on-board. There’s even a phono MM input should you want to hook up a record player.
Best compact
✅ Buy if you're looking for a CD player for small spaces: The CD80 II is a great size for small spaces - and I think it looks wonderful too.
❌ Avoid if you have a bigger gap on your music shelf: It's hard to argue with the quality of this unit, but if you have a gaping hole on your shelf, this wee thing will look isolated.
Shanling is a Chinese brand that has, both loudly and quietly, been a key driver for hi-fi audio over the last 40-ish years. Lately, it’s taken a little more of a front seat with its powerful additions to the respective worlds of DACs and, of course, CD players.
The Shanling CD80 II is a compact CD player, fitting in a smaller, squatter form factor for those tight-fit hi-fi stacks or, more generally, for a sleeker, lower-profile presence. The small size belies the fullness of its make-up; it’s also a USB DAC and a Bluetooth receiver, and boasts outputs for both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced headphones (as well as the customary RCA outs for hi-fi separates, and an SPDIF out).
It’s small, sexy and a delight to use thanks to its remote control, intuitive onboard UI and swift response to tactile control. It punches far above its price point, and is remarkably small while doing it. A win-win.
Best hi-res audio
✅ Buy if you want a hi-res music file support: The Denon DCD-900NE will play your CD collection perfectly, and it also supports 24-bit/192Kz and DSD5.6 audio files.
❌ Avoid if you already have wired headphones: Not a deal-breaker, but if you want to hook up your wired headphones, you're out of luck.
A stalwart of serious Hi-Fi, Denon remains an enthusiastic supporter of CD, with its latest 900 Series components occupying the middle ground in terms of price and performance.
For me, the DCD-900NE is the player of the range. A cosmetic match for the PMA-1700NE Bluetooth amplifier, naturally, it not only plays CDs but also hi-res music files, up to 24-bit/192Kz and DSD5.6.
As you'd expect, build quality here is excellent. Denon has gone out of its way to keep digital and analogue circuitry apart, while on DAC duty is an ESS Sabre, coupled to the brand’s proprietary Advanced AL32 Processing Plus technology. This uses up-sampling and bit-extension techniques to unearth extra detail and texture in recordings. A class performer.
Best premium
✅ Buy if you want a premium CD player: The Arcam CD5 is a top performer and will also play files stored on USB drives.
❌ Avoid if you're after a cheap and chearful player: The price here isn't the most expensive on the list, but it's still up there.
Legendary British hi-fi brand Arcam has just unveiled a whole new look with its Radia range, including a dedicated CD player, the CD5. The player boasts a smooth, matte black aluminium chassis with distinctive yellow highlights. If Arcam’s old look was industrial metal, this 2023 is unashamedly glam.
The player is compatible with regular CD, and USB storage devices. Beneath the hood is a high spec ESS ES9018 DAC capable of 24-bit/192-kHz resolution.
If you’re after a leading edge disc spinner, with hi-res file compatibility, then the Arcam CD5 is a tempting choice - although you may well feel inclined to upgrade your amplifier to a matching Arcam Radia 2x100W A15 Bluetooth receiver, just to match.
Best portable
✅ Buy if you want a versatile CD player: The FiiO DM13 is a portable CD player with an 8-hour battery life and a battery-protecting desktop mode; it’ll fit right in wherever you need it.
❌ Don’t buy it if you want to digitise your CDs: The DM13’s USB-C output is a good provision, but not the pristine audio ripper you seek.
FiiO’s been a busy beaver of late. It’s been cornering the market for cool hi-fi solutions in the last couple of years, particularly with its retro-inspired, forward-looking portable tech entrants like the CP13 cassette Walkman-a-like. This, the DM13, also engages with a technology of yesteryear – but with far more, and far more surprising, attention to detail.
The FiiO DM13 is a portable CD player in the same way a smartphone is a telephone. It combines solid CD-player tech with the connectivity of a mid-range hi-fi separate, and with modern conveniences that make this one of the most versatile CD players on the market at all, let alone in the portable space. As well as a standard 3.5mm headphone out, there’s a 4.4mm balanced out for the audiophiles – and on the back, even more outputs, including a built-in USB DAC and an optical out.
Being portable, it’s a battery-powered affair with an 8-hour life. However, there’s also a desktop mode that lets you power it permanently via USB-C, without stressing the battery pack. As such, you can slip your DM13 into your hi-fi stack with ease, and just as easily rob it back out for a day of CD-listening on the town. Good thing it sounds excellent in both cases.
"The FiiO DM13 is a portable CD player that does it all. Between its eight different connectivity options, sleek build and solid performance, it doesn’t have much in the way of competition – and even gives some non-portable players a run for their money. While it’s a hugely capable machine for its size, it lacks a little of the chutzpah demanded by louder, heavier CDs. Still, it’s a steal for what it is, and how it does what it does."
Read our full FiiO DM13 review
FAQ
What makes a CD player good?
There are a few different criteria that make the difference between a CD player and a great CD player – some of which are, unavoidably, a matter of personal preference.
Sound quality is obviously a crucial consideration, and one that speaks to two key aspects of CD player design: the disc-reading mechanism, and the digital-analogue conversion (DAC). Objectively speaking, the best CD players have stable motors that enable the least errors in reading the disc, and transparent DACs that enable the outgoing audio its best possible showing.
When even cheap CD players are capable of some nifty things, this is less of an active concern for the average consumer – though some manufacturers rightfully make a big deal about the DAC tech with which their own CD players are furnished.
Modern CD player designs don’t settle just for good CD-playing action either. Some will offer Bluetooth connectivity, either for connection or transmission, and others will read audio files off USB drives. Connectivity is another factor, and often, the more connections the better! At the very least, you want an RCA out for your hi-fi amp, but some CD players also offer USB-C outputs now for seamless connection to more modern tech.
What CD player should I get?
The best CD player is, ultimately, the one that fits your own criteria. As much as motor assemblies and posh DACs make for a stable, transparent listening experience – for you, as a consumer, the proof is very much in the pudding. This is why form and format are key subjective drivers for what constitutes the best CD players.
Most of the CD players in my round-up are hi-fi separates, destined to join your other hi-fi equipment (namely, a hi-fi amplifier, record player and maybe a radio tuner) in a stack in your living room. These stay where they’re put, and are designed firmly with that in mind. You’ll also find compact CD players, which cut a sleeker form to fit in smaller spaces and make less of their presence.
There are also portable CD players, designed for on-the-go listening. In the early days, these were skippy, mid-fi affairs, but today’s options are much more robust – and some, like FiiO’s DM13, are good enough to go toe-to-toe with some mid-range hi-fi separates.
Are CD players expensive
CD players tend to be slightly more expensive than equivalent vinyl record players - but (and it’s a big but) the discs are a good deal cheaper. A new vinyl release will more often than not be pretty expensive, while the equivalent CD will typically be less than half the price.
The other good news is that the second-hand market is littered with CDs that you can pick up cheap. Charity shops, thrifts stores, consignment – whatever you call it, you’ll find CDs in it for a (figurative) song.
It's also worth noting that - and I'm sure you've noticed this - some amazing albums from the past are still not on streaming services, and that tracking down vinyl from years ago can be a real pain. For me, CDs tend to be easier to unearth and a visit to a local record fair usually throws up some cracking bargains.
How do CDs work?
The CD, or compact disc, is an optical data format, that stores information digitally. This information, stored as microscopic indentations in a reflective surface. These indentations are read by a laser, and the resulting digital information converted into analogue audio by dedicated digital-analogue converters (DACs).
Are CDs hi-res?
The CD format is capable of hosting up to around 80 minutes of audio, at a fidelity of 16-bit/44.1kHz, a benchmark for hi-res audio still used today. Indeed, 44.1kHz/16-bit PCM-encoded CDs are lossless! Lossless audio is, fundamentally, audio which has not seen any information lost due to data compression, and has become a major marketing point for streaming services.
Though CDs don’t reach the bit-depth or sample-rate heights of hi-res digital audio files today, they still outperform a lot of sound sources – from basic streaming services to the vinyl format in its entirety.
How we test
As a team, we've been collecting CDs for years - although I have to report that some of us have binned the outer shell and flung the discs into folder. Convenient? Sure. Sacrilege? Pretty much.
As a result, we've played our CD collections on a huge number of devices over the years - from pretty ropey portable players to those big plastic ghetto blasters with a top-mounted CD player. We're glad to report that things have moved on considerably since those early CD-playing devices, and there are a heap of fabulous CD players on the market.
We took into consideration the on-board features on the player itself, whether or not Bluetooth was included, how easy the units were to get up and running, how they sounded while spinning our much-loved favourites - and we also delved into the players' individual features.
Some have headphone jacks, some don't, while others include in-built DAB digital radios, the ability to play hi-res audio and if they're CD-R/CD-RW compatible. We've listed these features above so you can see at a glance just what you're getting for your money.
Why you can trust us
⚡ Louder was established in 2017 and founded on long-running brands including Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog (launched in 1986, 1998 and 2009 respectively)
⚡ Over 80,000 products reviewed on site, from music listening tech to albums and box sets
⚡ Our reviewers are all passionate music fans who draw on decades of testing experience
Louder’s reviewing team consists of music fans, musicians and professional product testers, who between them have accumulated decades of product reviewing experience, writing thousands of words on music listening gear across thousands of reviews on Louder. Our tests also inform our buyer's guide - just like this one.
As lifelong music fans, we're serious about the tech we listen to our favourite artists on. We want them to sound incredible, giving us all the detail those bands intended us to hear, and deliver the perfect balance of bass, mids and highs.
We're looking for pure immersion in our chosen sounds, whether it's a classic '70s rock album, or a cutting-edge noise band.
And we tested a selection of CD players with albums we know inside and out, and that we've listened to on a variety of systems already, so we know exactly what we should be hearing and when we're being short-changed by lacklustre audio.
Meet the experts
Steve is a home entertainment technology specialist who contributes to a variety of UK websites and mags, including Louder Sound, Yahoo UK, Trusted Reviews, T3, The Luxe Review and Home Cinema Choice. Steve began his career as a music journo, writing for legendary rock weekly Sounds, under the nom de plume Steve Keaton. His coverage of post punk music was cited in the 2015 British Library exhibition Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination, as a seminal influence on the Goth music scene.
James Grimshaw is a freelance writer and music obsessive with over a decade of experience in music and audio writing. He's lent his audio-tech opinions (amongst others) to the likes of Louder, Guitar World, MusicRadar and the London Evening Standard – before which, he covered everything music and Leeds through his section-editorship of national e-magazine The State Of The Arts. When he isn't blasting esoteric noise-rock around the house, he's playing out with esoteric noise-rock bands in DIY venues across the country.
Latest updates
03/03/26: The guide has been updated with new information and two new product entries: The Shanling CD80 II and FiiO DM13. The FAQ section has been completely re-written to address a number of important topics, and a "why you can trust" Louder entry has also been added. We've also added a "meet our experts" section so you can learn a little more about the authors of this guide to the best CD players, while an "expert verdict" panel now accompanies the FiiO DM13 entry.
Read more
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
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