Remember how you used to enjoy listening to music through your speaker back in the day? You can experience the same with a retro Bluetooth speaker. Retro Bluetooth speakers are built to look and sound the same so you can experience those moments as though they never left.
After reviewing several retro Bluetooth speakers, here’s our conclusion – Crosley CR3110A-GY Octave Mid-Century Bluetooth Speaker is the best retro Bluetooth Speaker.
Read on for a detailed review of our picks and our buyer’s guide.
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Table of Contents
Editor’s Choice – Crosley Octave Mid-Century
The Crosley CR3110A-GY Octave Mid-Century Bluetooth Speaker is our top pick product and the reasons are not far-fetched. Crosley is a popular brand when it comes to manufacturing audio electronics and they have a reputation for creating long-lasting products with excellent build. This Bluetooth speaker model is no different. As the name implies, this speaker can connect with other Bluetooth compatible devices so you can stream music easily. It also has an Aux-in port and a USB port for connecting with other devices. A noteworthy feature is that the USB port can be used to charge your phone.
The speaker has three knobs on the top part to control volume, treble, and bass giving you the much needed flexibility to control your sound. It has a full range speaker with an integrated subwoofer which helps to produce better bass.
Asides from purchasing the Crosley for its functionality, you can buy it for its aesthetic value. The walnut veneer gives it this rich and sophisticated look while the grey color makes it suitable for any color scheme you have going on in your home or office.
PROS
- Full-range speaker with an integrated subwoofer for better bass
- Sophisticated design
- Treble and bass control
- USB can be used as phone charger
CONS
- Not portable
- No battery option
User Reviews
Users like the Crosley speaker for its build and great sound quality. Some have complained that you have to choose between Bluetooth mode and USB mode if you’re to use it as a phone charger.
BEST DESIGN – Sanpyl Four Retro
When it comes to aesthetic appeal, no other product beats Sanpyl Four Retro Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. The arrangement of the four speakers makes it look like a home sound system and the wooden body helps it blend smoothly with your wooden furniture.
It’s also not lacking when it comes to functional features. You can stream music via Bluetooth, Aux, and TF card. The speaker doubles as an FM radio so you can listen to all your favorite channels. To get great reception, make use of the aux cable as an antenna.
The Sanpyl comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for 4 hours at maximum volume. The control buttons are located at the top and are easy to navigate. Quality sound is produced by the four speakers which provide you with deep bass and clear treble.
PROS
- 40 W stereo sound
- 4 speaker units
- Contains hands-free microphone so you can receive calls while connected to it
- 4 hours of battery life
CONS
- Guide’s voice volume is loud
- USB port on top
User Reviews
Users have found the design and sound of the Seviz Speaker satisfying for the price. They have however complained about not being able to reduce the volume of the guide’s voice.
BEST FEATURES – Rekome Portable Retro
The Rekome Portable Retro Bluetooth Speaker spots several great features. It has four different modes for playing music and they include Bluetooth, Aux, USB, and TF card. You can also listen to FM channels and it has an antenna for improved reception.
The Rekome has a built-in microphone that allows you to initiate and receive calls while connected. You can carry it around easily because of its small size and attached leather handle. Its rechargeable battery can last for up to 8 hours after a 3 hours full charge. It has an instruction booklet to guide you on how to operate your unit even though it’s pretty straightforward. It comes with dual 5 Watt audio drivers and produces high volume sounds.
PROS
- Built-in mic
- Four connection modes
- External FM antenna for improved reception
- Portable
- Rechargeable with a battery life of up to 8 hours
CON
- Cannot charge a phone
- Made of plastic
User Reviews
Users like the vintage look of the Rekome speaker and have said the sound is better than they expected due to its small size. Customer support has also been responsive in the case of any complaints. Some users have complained about being unable to receive some of their favorite radio channels.
BEST CONTROL – TEWELL Vintage Bluetooth Speaker
The TEWELL Vintage Bluetooth Speaker stays true to the reputation of the TEWELL brand. It’s a plug-in speaker with 24 W audio output that produces sufficient sound to fill up a large room. It allows for Bluetooth connection within a 33 ft range. When connected via Bluetooth, you can control the volume of your music with your phone. It comes with a 3.5mm AUX cable that is compatible with several devices.
The TEWELL has a volume knob, an on/off toggle, a pause/play and fast forward button. Operating the unit is as easy as it gets. The design of the speaker gives off a vintage vibe which is great for decor if that suits your style.
PROS
- Connects with Echo dot
- Great design
CON
- It’s not rechargeable
- No in-built microphone
- It is not portable
User Reviews
Users have commented that the sound of the Tewell Speaker is decent for the price and the build is pretty sturdy. A good number are glad that it works with echo dot. Some users have complained about the lack of bass and difficulty with pairing with the Bluetooth sometimes because another device might have paired with it.
BEST BATTERY LIFE – Trenbader Artlink Wireless
If you’re looking to get extended play from a portable retro Bluetooth speaker, you should consider buying the Trenbader Artlink Wireless Vintage Bluetooth Speaker which has 12 hours of battery life after charge. Not to worry, there are indicators to show you the status of your battery so you never have to wonder whether you need a quick charge or not.
The Trenbader connects via Bluetooth as well as Aux. You also get to use it as a radio and can receive both AM and FM channels. This speaker does not automatically turn off except in Bluetooth mode.
This unit is made of real wood and adds a retro feel to your space. In addition, it has a customizable faceplate with which you can bring out the artist in you. Not to worry, there are detailed instructions on how to go about it. It’s a great purchase worth the price and can also serve as a great gift for a loved one.
PROS
- 12 hours of battery life
- Portable
- AM/FM radio reception
- Built-in microphone
- Customizable faceplate
CONS
- Contains a small ball that is unsafe for children under 3 years old
- Control knobs are not easy to turn
User Reviews
Users have commented that they are happy with the sound produced by the Trenbader speaker despite its small size. For difficulty getting reception on the radio, some users have advised that the radio charging cable can act as an antenna when unplugged. While this is not a feature, they have said that it helps. There have been complaints about the control knobs not being easy to turn.
How to choose a Retro Bluetooth Speaker
A retro speaker is nice to have but if you’re going to enjoy using one, there are some important factors you should consider. While compiling our list, we took note of these factors to provide you with a list of the best retro speakers.
Connectivity Features
All the retro Bluetooth speakers on our list have more than one connection option. In addition to Bluetooth, some come with either Aux Input, TF card, USB or a combination of all. Additional features for some include the USB doubling as a phone charger and also in-built microphones for calls.
Design
We made sure to pick retro speakers that are not only functional but also have the best designs. We considered the ones with the best aesthetic that are also designed to create the best user experience.
Audio quality
All the speakers on our list have great bass and treble quality. They also produce loud volume despite the small sizes of some.
Price
On our list, we have products with a wide price range. Whether you’re working with a low or high budget, there’s a great retro speaker here for you.
Range
Bluetooth connection is the major feature of the retro speakers on our list so we made sure all the retro speakers on our list have a Bluetooth range of 30 – 33 feet.
Usability
We picked retro Bluetooth speakers that can be navigated without ever having to read a manual. The control buttons/knobs are in plain sight and have simple labels.
Battery Re-chargeability
We know that people have preferences when it comes to speakers – rechargeable or plug-in speakers. We made sure our list contains both types.
Size
We included both portable and tabletop retro Bluetooth speakers on our list so you can choose based on your preference.
Summary
Retro Bluetooth speakers are a great way to listen to music and also add to the aesthetic of your space. The best retro Bluetooth speaker combines great audio quality, nice design, and other extra features. We have reviewed several retro Bluetooth speakers and here are our top picks:
- Top Pick: Crosley CR3110A-GY Octave Mid-Century Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Design: Sanpyl Four Retro Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Features: Rekome Portable Retro Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Control: TEWELL Vintage Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Battery Life: Trenbader Artlink Wireless Vintage Bluetooth Speaker
