The Best Vinyl Record Players
Good music can be a life changer. It can evoke emotions from deep within your soul, help you focus on a task at hand, or psych you up for your next big challenge. And while playing digital music can be quick and convenient, nothing beats the sound of a vinyl record. Record players these days have been significantly upgraded from years past, with many including built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. Check out our list of the best record players below to find one that is right for you.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite vinyl record players, we looked for ones that have solid audio quality, are an excellent value for their price, and have features that help them stand out from the crowd. Kedok’s player takes our top spot, giving you an easy-to-use turntable at a very reasonable price. If you want an option that comes with external speakers, take a look at the one from Udreamer. Keep on reading to learn more about the vinyl players we love.
Kedok Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth Receiver
The gold standard
Whether you’re new to vinyl record players or you’re looking to replace an old classic, Kedok has you covered. This player has a belt-driven design that helps it smoothly turn your records for rich and consistent playback. It has two built-in stereo speakers for high-quality audio that’s both clear and loud. And best of all, it comes at a very reasonable price tag, giving you fantastic quality without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records smoothly
- Built-in Bluetooth lets you play music straight from your phone
- Very affordably priced
Cons:
- Tends to be on the quieter side, even at max volume
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Suitcase Record Player
Grab and go
If you want a record player that’s easy to travel with, look no further than this turntable from Victrola. It comes in a suitcase with a handle and safety clip to ensure everything stays secure. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and store wherever you go. And to give you smooth, skip-free playback, it has four feet that help prevent vibration from the player or accidental bumps on the surface it’s resting on.
Pros:
- Compact size allows you to leave it out without taking up a lot of space
- Durable handle makes it easy to carry around
- Easy to set up and play
Cons:
- Speakers don’t have amplifiers, so they don’t have a surround-sound feel
Audio-Technica Fully Manual Turntable
Made to last
Some vinyl record players are useless as soon as a part wears out or breaks. Not Audio-Technica’s turntable, which has replaceable parts thanks to its fully manual design. It has a durable die-cast aluminum platter and a balanced tonearm with dampened lift control. It also has a direct-drive motor, perfect for any aspiring DJ or audiophile wanting premium sound quality.
Pros:
- Can convert vinyl records into digital tracks
- The aluminum platter is durable and scratch-resistant
- Counterweighted tonearm helps prevent shaking and skipping
Cons:
- Doesn’t have built-in speakers, so external speakers are required
Udreamer Vinyl Record Player with Bookshelf Speakers
Premium audio
If you care about audio quality, you’ll want to take a look at Udreamer’s record player. It comes with two 20-watt external speakers that provide better surround sound and bass than other options. But if you already have a Bluetooth speaker you like, it also has Bluetooth output, allowing you to connect it to the player. A counterweight gives you reliable adjustments to needle pressure and pitch, allowing you to precisely control the speed of playback.
Pros:
- Packed with fine-tuning options for better playback
- The vintage design gives you a modern player with a classic look
- External speakers provide better fullness in audio quality
Cons:
- Doesn’t have 78 RPM playback
Digitnow Bluetooth Record Player with Remote Control
Tons of options
Audio technology has made significant improvements over the years, requiring new music players each step of the way. Digitnow’s record player helps you reduce the number of other audio devices you need to play your music. In addition to records, it can also play cassette tapes, music from Bluetooth devices, and even AM/FM radio sources. Best of all, it has a USB and SD port so you can encode your old vinyl records into MP3s for digital playback.
Pros:
- Having several playback options gives you more flexibility
- USB and SD encoding allows you to convert old vinyl to an MP3 format
- AUX port allows you to plug in a CD player to play from.
Cons:
- Doesn’t automatically split tracks when encoding
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do 78 RPM records sound different than 33 and 45 RPM ones?
78 RPM records, also called 78s, are the original records standardized over a century ago. Because they are no longer in production and were made from different materials, they are prone to having pops and clicks from the original recordings. They’re also only in mono, producing a lower-quality sound.
How often should I replace my record player’s needle?
You should replace your record player’s needle any time it starts producing audio that is less bright and clear. Many audiophiles replace their needle every 800 hours of playing time for the best quality. However, it may not be necessary to replace it that frequently. You may also have to change it if it ages due to excessive dirt or grime buildup on your records.
About the Author
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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.