The Best Vinyl Players
While some people may consider record players to be a thing of the past, many people around the world recognize the beauty of analog audio. Whether you're embarking on a career as a DJ spinning vinyl or simply want to vibe to your favorite tunes, vinyl record players can deliver that rich, warm sound you seek. To make your search for the best vinyl player easier, we've rounded up a list of the best on the market.
What to Look For
We kept the following three questions in mind when searching for the best vinyl players on the market: Is it easy to use? Does it have connections for external speakers, headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity? Is it manual or automatic? Our favorite was the vinyl player from Audio-Technica, which delivers top-notch audio and wireless playback. We were also impressed by the vinyl player from ByronSatics, which has built-in stereo speakers and a portable suitcase for taking with you on the go. Read on to discover the rest of our top picks and find the right one for you.
Audio-Technica Automatic Belt-Drive Vinyl Player
An audiophile's delight
This vinyl player from Audio-Technica has a lot of things going for it, including affordability, easy assembly, and wireless payback. Most importantly, this turntable comes with a high-quality cartridge and produces top-notch sound, making listening to records played on it a pleasurable experience. Don’t be surprised if you notice details in songs you’d missed when you play them with this vinyl player.
Pros:
- We love how user-friendly this vinyl player is, making it a great entry-level turntable for beginners.
- This turntable has a sleek finish, fits nicely with almost any decor, and looks as expensive as turntables with a higher price tag.
Cons:
- The directions it comes with are a bit unclear, though noobies can always learn how to operate a record player with a web search.
ByronStatics 3-Speed Vinyl Player
Spinning the tunes
If you want to take your tunes with you on the go, you’ll love this vinyl player from ByronStatics. The player is compact and closes like a suitcase, making it an excellent option for travel. It also has built-in speakers, so it’s easy to set up and play wherever you are. If you prefer using your own speakers, headphones, or amplifier for a richer sound, this record player has a jack for that. This turntable is worth a closer look if you want a record player you can enjoy with friends wherever you go.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how easy this vinyl player was to use and that it plays 7″ and 12″ records at full volume without distortion.
- The turntable comes packed into a durable carrying case with a handle that keeps it protected while traveling.
Cons:
- The built-in speakers don’t get very loud, so don’t expect a heavy bass tone.
Udreamer Wireless USB Belt-Driven Vinyl Player
Retro style, new-age tech
While this vinyl player from Udreamer has a retro look, it uses modern technology, resulting in an optimal mix of the old and new. The turntable has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can play back your favorite tunes from a wireless headset or speakers. If you don’t have your own speakers, the player’s woofer and speakers produce enough sound to fill an average-size room. The turntable is also stylish, making it an attractive addition to any room.
Pros:
- We especially like that although this record player is small, it produces a rich sound and plays 7″, 10″, and 12″ records.
- This record player requires minimal setup out of the box, making it a great choice for anyone new to vinyl players.
Cons:
- It would be nice if it came with a longer power cord.
Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Vinyl Player
A timeless classic
With its vintage aesthetic and impressive sound, this vinyl player from Victrola is an excellent option if you’re looking for an attractive record player to compliment the interior of any room. The vintage exterior houses more than a turntable; it’s home to an entertainment center with a CD and cassette player, FM radio, and wireless music streaming capabilities.
Pros:
- The smooth Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music and switch between different inputs and devices with ease.
- We were thrilled by the quality of audio this vinyl player produces, which is enhanced by attaching external speakers.
Cons:
- The built-in speakers are nice, but they don’t get loud enough for parties or listening from another room.
LP&No.1 Three-Speed Belt-Drive Bluetooth Vinyl Player
Bring your music to life
Whether you’re planning to play some oldies but goodies or modern pop music, this vinyl player from LP&No.1 makes it a pleasurable experience. This turntable comes with external speakers that produce rich, room-filling sound. It has an attractive finish, making it a nice addition to any decor. It doesn’t end there; it’s also equipped with Bluetooth, so you can stream music from your portable devices.
Pros:
- We found that the speakers on the vinyl player produce strong bass without vibrations, resulting in a smooth listening experience.
- Setting up the record player takes less than ten minutes, so there’s no delay in playing your favorite tunes.
Cons:
- The music becomes a bit distorted when played at the highest volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vinyl players deliver better sound than digital streaming?
The debate between vinyl and digital music has been going on for decades with no end in sight. The debate began with the advent of the CD and has continued in the streaming era. Digital music is portable, you can listen to it anywhere, and the sound quality doesn’t change no matter how often you play your favorite track. On the other hand, if you’re looking for richer, fuller sound, you’ll find it with vinyl. There’s no clear winner when it comes to one being better than the other; both have their advantages.
Do I need to buy separate speakers for my vinyl player?
Many vinyl players come with built-in speakers; however, they may not provide the sound quality you need. After all, a record player is only as good as the speakers attached to it. Another option is buying headphones you can hook up to the turntables. Most vinyl players have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect wireless speakers and headphones or a smart speaker.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.