The Best Turntables
Vinyl has always had a strong following of devoted enthusiasts, and record collections have actually grown in popularity in recent years. Bands are still making new pressings of their work because there's nothing like the old-school fidelity and feeling of using a turntable. If you're looking for a new turntable, you've come to the right place. We've found some of the best models available with plenty of features and top-notch sound quality.
What to Look For
There are a wide variety of turntables available, so we weeded out the winners from the duds. We used these main questions to guide our search: Does it include speakers? How much can you adjust the settings? Does it include Bluetooth output or input? We suggest Audio-Technica’s direct-drive turntable if you’re looking to use Bluetooth speakers. However, it doesn’t come with speakers included. For a great bundle that does include high-quality speakers, 1 By One’s turntable system is our top choice. Each of the turntables in our list was selected for its quality and dependability. Below, we’ll go more in-depth on each option’s unique features.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
The super spinner
Audio-Technica is known for its affordable, quality products. This model is no different, offering a beautifully designed turntable that’s easy to use and sounds great with minimal setup. We can attest to the richness of the sound as it brings old songs to new life. The clear cover keeps everything protected, opens smoothly, and stays open when replacing records. Listening to records on this lets you bask in the shimmering sound of vinyl.
Pros:
- We love the automatic needle drop and lift. All you have to do is press “start” and the needle automatically moves into position to blast your favorite tunes, even with the cover closed.
- We found the instruction manual to be informative and easy to follow. We appreciate the clear directions and instructive illustrations.
- This turntable works with RCA and USB outputs. With the USB connection, the sound is crisp and clear.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to remove the RCA cable.
Victrola Vintage Portable Suitcase Record Player
Take your tunes with you
If you love listening to music whenever you’re out, this is the turntable for you. It looks like a suitcase but is in fact a fully equipped record player, complete with speakers. It even connects via Bluetooth, doubling as a portable speaker for your phone or laptop. With three speeds and an adapter for 45-RPM records, this can handle all your favorite records. There’s even a headphone jack if you’re looking to enjoy music without disturbing others.
Pros:
- It’s more lightweight than you might think, and the handle and hinges feel secure.
- We like that this turntable comes with an extra needle. Should anything happen to the first one, you can quickly swap them out to keep the music going.
- The speakers are loud enough to fill a room. While lacking bass, they’re clear in the mids and highs.
Cons:
- A slipmat is not included, so you may need to purchase one separately.
Udreamer Wireless Turntable With Built-in Speakers
Bring back the good old days
Vinyl brings back memories of a time when getting a new record was a momentous event. To capture some of that nostalgic magic, we recommend this highly affordable vintage turntable from Udreamer. While its design uses a retro aesthetic, the technology is anything but dated. You’ll get a warm, clean sound out of this record player, whether you use the built-in speakers or an external sound system. We’re pleased with the quality of the speakers, too — they provide a full spectrum of sound that fills the room.
Pros:
- The tonearm includes internal mechanisms to prevent it from dropping on a record too fast. It will glide down smoothly for that sweet needle drop.
- There are adjustable screws inside to adjust the speed. For those sensitive to small changes in pitch, this makes a huge difference.
Cons:
- We wish there was an option for Bluetooth output in addition to the Bluetooth input.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT Direct-Drive Turntable
For the audiophiles
Audio-Technica has knocked it out of the park again. This direct-drive turntable offers top-of-the-line audio fidelity and a bevy of features for pristine audio quality. The counterweight keeps the needle at precisely the right position for smooth playback and minimal harm to the record and needle. You can even adjust the counterweight as well to your liking. And if you’re looking to rip vinyl audio to your computer, this will help you create high-quality digital files.
Pros:
- The direct drive means you won’t have to deal with replacing belts that slow down over time.
- You can use Bluetooth speakers or headphones with this model. The sound quality comes out cleanly and doesn’t cut out randomly.
- The feet can be individually adjusted. This lets you level the turntable to perfection, resulting in the best possible playback.
Cons:
- Since this is a turntable for more advanced users, it has a bit of a learning curve to setting up.
1 By One Turntable HiFi System With Bookshelf Speakers
Let the bass boom
For a great vinyl-listening experience, you’re going to want some good speakers. If you’re not already set up with a home sound system, this turntable bundle with speakers provides everything you need to spin some records. And when you’re not listening to vinyl, it doubles as a Bluetooth receiver, taking input from your phone, laptop, or tablet. The speakers pack a powerful punch, with boomy bass and rich mids and highs, with minimal distortion at high volumes. The tonearm includes a counterweight, and the needle uses a high-class Audio-Technia cartridge and stylus. Plus, it’s a universal headshell so you can always upgrade later.
Pros:
- The speaker covers can be removed if you prefer the look of bare speaker cones. We appreciate the speakers’ wood construction, which harkens back to speakers from the 60s and 70s.
- There is an auto-stop function if there is a silent groove for more than 10 seconds. This keeps the needle from getting damaged at the end of the record if you forget to lift it.
Cons:
- Although the built-in speakers sound great, we wish that Bluetooth output was also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a slipmat?
A slipmat is a circular piece of felt, rubber, or cork that goes on top of the metal platter and underneath the records. It keeps records from getting scratched. Also, it provides friction so that the record spins smoothly.
What is a tonearm?
A tonearm is a lever that holds the needle on its end. It’s what swings up and over onto the record. Tonearms are important since they provide the right positioning for the needle to translate the grooves into music. A misaligned tonearm can cause audio distortions and damage vinyl records.
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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.