The Best Record Players
Even in the era of digital music, vinyl records still hold a place in the hearts of music listeners around the world. Even the best lossless audio files have some form of digital waveforms, which are inherently less smooth than analog waveforms. That's one reason why the magic of vinyl records remains relevant. If you're looking to start collecting and listening to records, this list is a great place to start. We've reviewed the top vinyl record players on the market for your consideration. Keep reading to find out more.
What to Look For
Considering the wide range of record players on the market, we had to do some hunting to find the best ones. We found our favorite turntables using the following questions: Does it include speakers? Can you output via Bluetooth, audio cable, or USB? Is it an automatic or manual turntable? One of our favorite models is the Sony PS-LX310BT for its ease of use, wireless audio output, and clean design. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option that includes its own speaker, Udreamer’s wireless vintage-style turntable is an excellent choice. For more on these turntables and our other favorites, read on.
ByronStatics Portable Vinyl Record Player Suitcase
The throwback machine
Bust this charming record player out at your next picnic party and watch it become a hit sensation. This sets the mood for a classic way to enjoy music. It has two built-in speakers, which can pump out enough volume for a living room or outdoor picnic area. And when you want to connect it to beefier speakers, you can always do so with the RCA outputs. If you’re looking for an adorable, functional, and highly affordable record player, this is your best bet.
Pros:
- The sound is impressive for such a compact, inexpensive unit. Even loud rock albums at full volume play cleanly with no distortion.
- This is a great record player for newcomers to vinyl records. It’s intuitively easy to use and set up.
Cons:
- This record player runs best off of wall power. If you want to use it with a power bank, you’ll need one that can output 9V.
Udreamer Wireless Vinyl Record Player
Relive the golden era
Do you wish you could rewind the clock and relive the good old days? Even if you weren’t around for them, vinyl records hold a magical air of nostalgia, recaptured in this record player from Udreamer. It looks vintage, but it uses modern technology for a crisp sound. It includes its own set of built-in stereo speakers, and they’ll do well for most listeners. And when it’s not in use, you can use the included clear dust cover to keep everything dust-free and protected.
Pros:
- The lever for the needle lifts smoothly and drops slowly. It’s designed to minimize any damage to your records.
- The speakers are louder than they appear. You could easily use this for a whole living room party.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this only has Bluetooth input, not output, so you’ll need to use a wire to connect to external speakers.
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
The slim and sleek option
This beautiful turntable sounds just as great as it looks. We love the clean, minimalist design. It’s small, compact, and elegant. Better yet, this is one of the easiest record players to use, with start and stop buttons that move the needle arm for you automatically. This makes it so that you always start right at the beginning of the record, and it always drops the needle softly. Your records will thank you for this with a pristine sound and scratch-free playback. Best of all, this player supports Bluetooth output, so you can easily pair it with your wireless speakers or headphones.
Pros:
- You can swap out the needle with other types. It comes with a conical stylus, but you can easily swap it out for other types, like elliptical cut needles.
- Bluetooth pairing happens seamlessly, and setup is a breeze. The Bluetooth audio signal is excellent, with a crisp sound that doesn’t stutter or distort.
Cons:
- This record player does not include speakers, so you’ll have to provide your own.
Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K Direct-Drive Turntable with Preamp
Bust out the beats
Vinyl DJing still has a strong following, with many DJs still choosing to use turntables. If you’re looking to get into vinyl record scratching, the Pioneer PLX-500-K is a great entry point. It’s affordable but still of top-tier quality. And, unlike regular record players, this one has a slider to finely adjust the tempo, which is key for matching beats while DJing. You can hook it up via analog connections, but you can also use a USB cable to hook it up to your computer.
Pros:
- The spindle motor spins quietly, barely making any noise. It also reacts smoothly to scratch maneuvers and continues playback.
- There are suction cups on the bottom to keep it secured. This makes it very stable when scratching.
Cons:
- There’s a bit of a learning curve to connecting this to your laptop, but there are guides available.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Bluetooth Belt-Drive Turntable
Transmit the vibes wirelessly
Wireless technology has become increasingly ubiquitous over the years, which is why most of us probably have a Bluetooth speaker which could pair well with this wireless turntable. It’s finely calibrated for high-quality audio playback, and the Bluetooth chip uses the aptX codec for maximum audio fidelity. For those with higher-end speaker systems, this high-fidelity wireless technology will do your music justice.
Pros:
- This turntable has a light tracking force of only 3.5 grams. Tracking force is how much weight is on the record needle, so this light force helps prevent scratches and preserves records for longer.
- The stylus can be swapped out for a different one. Whether you want to use a different type of stylus or have worn out the first one, it’s easy to replace.
Cons:
- The clear cover can be easily scratched, so some care is required when handling it if you want to keep it looking nice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer vinyl records to my computer?
With some record players, you can hook it up to your computer via a USB cable. To capture your vinyl records in a digital format, you’ll need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) such as Ableton, Reaper, Logic, or Audacity. Once in the program, you’ll want to go to the audio settings. Then, under inputs, you’ll want to add the record player (it might be named something like “USB audio device”). Once that’s done, you can start a new track with the record player as the input. Then, track and record the vinyl record as it plays through the computer in real time. For further information, consult your DAW’s manual on adding and recording external inputs.
How do I keep vinyl records in good condition?
First, make sure you’re storing them upright (never flat like a pancake, as this can scratch the vinyl). Keeping them safely in a sleeve always helps prevent damage. If the sleeve is damaged, we recommend replacing it immediately. When preparing a record to be played, we suggest using an anti-static brush to clean it as it spins on the turntable. This clears off any dust and reduces pops and clicks during playback.
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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.