My own musical education began with radio, listening from the back of a green Ford Explorer while my dad drove me to kindergarten. The now-defunct “96.5 WHTQ, Orlando’s Classic Rock Station!” provided the soundtrack to my childhood. When I took over Wirecutter’s testing of tabletop radios, it was like being transported back in time, in the most delightfully nostalgic way.What makes a great tabletop radio? That depends on who you ask. Sure, sound quality and reception are important, but our research has shown that many radio owners also want something stylish that will look great in their home. For others, perks like HD Radio reception, Bluetooth compatibility, or portability are a must. That’s why our recommendations cover a variety of radio functions and styles, from retro designs to colorful, portable options to more modern stereo setups. But they’ve all passed our reception and sound tests, too.