The best record players allow you to enjoy your vinyl records the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
Top record players coax a unique sound out of your record collection that brings back memories of a bygone era.
Unlike old-fashioned players, the best modern turntables come with a number of additional features.
For example, they can convert the audio from a disc into the MP3 format and transfer them to modern devices like smartphones, computers and tablets. You can enjoy that vinyl sound no matter where you are.
The main problem with today’s record players is the sheer number of different players and different features. Buyers have a hard time choosing the right one.
It takes a lot of research to learn about the various features that distinguish one player from another. First you need to find all the features; then you need to figure out what they do for you. It’s a time consuming process, but I do not suggest skipping it.
That said, you can shortcut it. And we’re going to help. [Note that our list factors expense into the equation. If money is no object, we also have a list of the best high-end record players. Be warned: they are expensive.]
Top Record Player Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Plays | Speakers | Ports | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1byone Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable Check Price |
14.8" x 11.4" x 5"
5 lbs. |
vinyl, digital |
yes | USB, RCA out |
$ | 8.8 / 10 |
1byone Nostalgic Turntable Check Price |
16.7" by 13.6" by 11.8"
18.5 lbs. |
vinyl, CDs, cassettes, radio, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in, RCA out |
$$ | 9.0 / 10 |
Electrohome Archer Check Price |
22.1" x 7.7" x 15.8"
17.9 lbs. |
vinyl, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in |
$$ | 7.6 / 10 |
D&L Vintage Turntable Check Price |
17.9" x 13.1" x 9.2"
18.5 lbs. |
vinyl, CDs, cassettes, radio, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, SD, 3.5 mm aux in. RCA Out |
$$ | 8 / 10 |
Audio Technica AT-LP120 Check Price |
21" x 17" x 9"
23.5 lbs |
vinyl | no | USB out, RCA out |
$$$ | 9 / 10 |
Audio Technica AT-LP60 Check Price |
15.9" x 17.8" x 5.9"
8.5 lbs. |
vinyl | no | RCA out | $ | 8.6 / 10 |
Jensen JTA-230 Check Price |
13.4" x 13.8" x 6.4"
5.5 lbs |
vinyl, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in, RCA out |
$ | 8 / 10 |
ION Audio Max LP Check Price |
15.2" x 16.4" x 4"
7.7 lbs. |
vinyl, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in, RCA out |
$ | 8.2 / 10 |
Best Record Players For 2019
1byone Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
The 1byone offers a great combination of classic design and modern functionality. It will play MP3s and transfer your albums to the MP3 format via a USB drive. Unfortunately, it does not have an auxiliary input, so you can not connect other devices like your smartphone or tablet.
The built-in speakers produce a very good, clear sound, especially considering the low budget of this unit. They definitely overperform given their size, but you can improve your audio experience even further by plugging in external loudspeakers using RCA line-out. It does not have headphone jack.
Features
- 14.8 by 11.4 by 5 inches — smaller than most competitors
- 5 pounds — one of the lightest options on the market
- Beautiful wooden appearance — a beautiful addition to any home
- Plays at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM — all standard speeds
- Play MP3s via USB drive — enjoy your modern collection, too
- Built-in full-range stereo speakers — great sound from such a small unit
- RCA line-out — connect to external loudspeakers for the best possible listening experience
- Vinyl-to-MP3 recording — save all your old records and take their sound with you anywhere
- Built-in dust cover — protect your player and records
Pros
- Beautiful classic design
- Compact and portable
- Plays vinyl at 3 speeds
- Can transfer your vinyl collection to digital files
- Full-range stereo speakers
- Can read audio files from USB
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No AM/FM radio
- Does not read CDs
- No auxiliary input or bluetooth to connect smartphones and tablets
Summary
The 1byone turntable is affordable and looks stunning. It has fewer features than some of its competitors, but includes all the most useful ones.
It plays discs at 3 different speeds. It comes equipped with full-range loudspeakers that provide high-quality sounds and RCA line-out plugs for even better sound quality using external units.
It can read digital files via a USB connector and can even digitize your vinyl collection to an external USB drive, so you can take your vinyl music with you anywhere.
1byone Nostalgic Wooden Record Player
A big reason for its popularity is the retro-inspired design. It takes you back to simpler time.
But everything inside that retro cabinet is thoroughly modern.
The 1byone can additionally handle CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio and audio files from tablets or smartphones via USB input slot. It is also equipped with built-in stereo speakers that fill a room with warm, natural hi-fi sounds.
Features
- 16.7 by 13.6 by 11.8 inches: smaller than most, but a bit taller
- Weighs 18.5 pounds: lighter than most
- Old-fashioned and retro-inspired look: will look great in any home
- Bluetooth capability: connect wirelessly to your smartphone or other device and stream music from it
- Belt-driven turntable: less noise distortion from the motor, so better audio quality
- 5-in-1 configuration: plays vinyl, CDs, cassettes, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files via USB
- USB and 3.5mm auxiliary input slot: allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
- Can handle 7, 10 and 12″ records: all standard sizes
- Can operate at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM: works with any album
- Dual full-range dynamic speakers and headphone port: great hi-fi sound for the size and cost
- Diamond-tipped ceramic needle: improved audio performance and won’t damage records
Pros
- Portable and lightweight.
- Made of durable materials.
- Can also read CDs, cassettes, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files
- Can connect to smart devices or headphones via Bluetooth
- Handles all standard record sizes and speeds
- Classic vintage design, elegant look and old-fashioned construction
- Lower priced than many competitors
Cons
- Bluetooth can not connect to external loudspeakers
- Some users report wobbling when playing new records
- No remote
- Entire record will record as one MP3 track, unless you manually stop after each track
- Audio quality is great for the cost, but does not match top-of-the-line models
Summary
The 1byone Nostalgic Wooden Record Player is a great option, because it is sold at a budget and comes with a lot of useful features. It can spin discs of various sizes at different speeds, and also handle CDs, cassettes digital files via USB and it has streaming AM/FM radio.
It is equipped with built-in speakers that produce a great hi-fi sound for a unit at this price level, but don’t expect a sound quality equal to higher-end units. It also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening and RCA outputs so you can connect to external speakers or a receiver.
The main reason to get this unit over others is the retro-inspired design. The 1byone costs less than many other retro units, but has the same or more features.
Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player
The Electrohome Archer is among the bestselling vinyl record players. Many prefer it because it is portable, elegant and relatively lightweight.
The Archer catches your eye immediately with its unique all-wood suitcase design, inspired by the first wave of classic portable players from the 1950s and 60s
Providing both form and function, the suitcase style looks cool and makes the player completely portable.
It plays all standard sizes of vinyl at all standard speeds, as well as MP3 files from a USB drive or other external sources like a smartphone via a 3.5 mm auxiliary input slot.
The Archer also has a built-in stereo speaker system housed within an all-wood acoustic cabinet. The loudspeakers provide a full-range of high-quality sound that brings out the warm, nostalgic tones of your favorite records.
Features
- 22.1 by 7.7 by 15.8 inches — not the smallest, but design makes it ultra-portable
- 17.9 pounds — lighter than most similar units
- 60s-style all-wood suitcase housing — take it to parties, picnics, etc.
- Belt-driven turntable — less noise distortion from the motor for better audio quality
- Plays MP3 files — enjoy your entire collection, not just vinyl
- USB and 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
- Can handle 7, 10 and 12” records — all standard sizes
- Can handle records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will work with any album
- Dual full-range and headphone port — great hi-fi sound quality for the size and cost
- Diamond-tipped ceramic needle — improved audio performance and won’t damage records
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Made of high-grade and durable components
- Comes with elegant and practical suitcase housing
- Can handle all types and sizes of vinyl at 3 different speeds
- Has built-in speakers that provide high-quality sounds
- Can read music from a USB storage device
- Can read music from iPhones, iPads and tablets via auxiliary input
- Can be used for loud music and is good for private listening too
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- No AM/FM radio
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No auxiliary output to connect external speakers (you can use the headphone jack, though)
- Some users report wobbling when playing new records
- Sound quality is great for the cost, but does not match top-of-the-line record players
Summary
Despite fewer features than its competitor, the Electrohome Archer record player is a top seller. This is mainly due to its budget-friendly cost and the unique suitcase design for maximum portability. If you don’t need radio or bluetooth, you can save some money and get the Archer.
It plays vinyl records of all sizes at any speed. It also plays MP3s from a USB drive or a tablet, smartphone, etc. It has built-in loudspeakers that provide high-quality sounds, though they can’t match top-of-the-line units or quality external speakers.
D&L Vintage Wooden Record Player
It’s a bit more expensive than many of the other turntables on this list, but delivers a higher quality sound and has a ton of characteristics.
It plays 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, MP3 music files, CDs, cassettes and streaming radio. It can also record your record collection to MP3 directly to a USB storage drive, an SD card or a smart device.
A good quality stylus provides warm, natural tones without damaging your records. The high-performance speakers deliver a clear sound, though the volume is not loud enough to fill a large room full of people (it never is on any model).
Key Traits
- 17.9 by 13.1 by 9.2 inches: about average when compared to similar players
- Weighs 18.5 pounds: about average
- Auto-stop on/off switch: can set it to auto stop turntable when done playing a record
- Built-in stereo speakers: warm, rich, clear sound
- Plays vinyl, CDs, cassettes, MP3s and AM/FM radio: any format you might have
- Plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM: plays any record
- Plays audio files from smartphones, tablets, etc: connect via aux-in to enjoy your whole music collection
- Converts vinyl records into MP3: connect a USB drive or SD card and ensure your whole collection is safe forever
- Bluetooth capability: stream music wirelessly from a smartphone or other device
- RCA outputs: connect to external loudspeakers or an existing sound system
Pros
- Upscale and elegant, reminiscent of the players from a bygone era
- High-quality, durable materials
- Good quality audio for the size and cost
- Converts vinyl into MP3 and stores them on external USB drives, SD cards or other devices
- Plays all record sizes at any speed
- Plays CDs, cassettes MP3 files and AM/FM radio
- Connects to external devices (iPhones, iPads, other tablets and smartphones, etc) via aux-in or Bluetooth
- Connects to external loudspeakers via headphone jack or RCA outputs
Cons
- Tape deck only has basic controls
- Bluetooth can only connect to devices, not Bluetooth speakers
- Volume is low when connecting external speakers, so you’ll want to amplify the sound
Summary
Despite a higher price than many of the players on this list, the D&L vintage vinyl record player sells in huge numbers. Buyers love the old-fashioned look and solid construction. They love all the functions even more.
In addition to 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, the Signature plays CDs, cassettes, MP3 and AM/FM radio. It can also record your vinyl collection directly to external storage via USB or to an SD card. The built-in speakers deliver warm rich tones, albeit a little quieter than you might want. Luckily, it has RCA outputs, so you can hook up external loudspeakers.
Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable
It is also the only one (apart from the AT-LP60 below) that is suitable for DJing. In fact, it is the second most popular turntable among professional DJs, after the discontinued Technics SL-1210Mk5.
It only plays vinyl and does not have built-in speakers, but it has a much higher build quality and a ton of advanced features like a high-torque direct-drive motor and forward/reverse capability. Both of these, and most of the LP120’s features, are mainly useful for DJs.
If you’re not a DJ, you don’t really need the advanced features, but you’ll still love the incredible quality. It really is far above the other units listed here. If you only need a turntable, and not a complete stereo system, then this is easily the best option. And if the cost is too high, the AT-LP60 is a great alternative.
Features
- 21 by 9 by 17 inches — smaller than the complete systems
- Weighs about 23.5 pounds — heavy for its size, but extremely sturdy
- Direct-drive, high-torque motor — plays at consistent speed and great for spinning records
- USB port — connect to computer to digitize your vinyl records.
- Switchable internal stereo phono preamp — plug directly into components with no dedicated phono input
- Balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest — plays any record perfectly with no skipping or wobbling
- DC servo motor — more accurate rotational speed
- Plays 7- and 12-inch vinyl records at speeds of 33-1/3 45 or 78 rpm — most standard formats
- Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock — great for DJs
- Popup stylus target light — for easier cueing in low light (for DJs)
- Forward and reverse operation — great for DJs
- Record platter made of cast aluminum and a professional cartridge — high-quality lasts longer and works better
- Equipped with adjustable anti-vibration feet — great for DJs
- Comes with elliptical diamond stylus — effectively tracks the record’s grooves, so no skipping
- Sold with mounting hardware along with a stylus guard
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Extremely durable and high-grade materials
- Can digitize audio files from your albums
- No issues with skipping or wobbling
- Tons of advanced characteristics for DJs
- Can connect to components with no phono input
Cons
- Only plays vinyl
- No built-in speakers
- No bluetooth
- Non-DJs don’t need many of the features
Summary
If you want the best player for your vinyl collection, the Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable is it (though you could save and get the AT-LP60, if you don’t mind sacrificing some features). If you’re a DJ looking for entry-level professional turntables, this is the one for you, too.
If you want a complete stereo system or Bluetooth or any of the other traits that come with most of the players on this list, this is not the turntable for you. Despite costing more than any other player on this page, it really only does one thing: it plays records. But it plays them incredibly well and that earns it a Top Record Players rating of 9.0 out of 10 (4.5 out of 5).
Audio-Technica AT-LP60 Belt Drive Turntable
It is a fully-automatic belt-drive turntable, but apart from that, it does not boast most of the features found in other players on this list. This lack of additional features is what makes the high sound quality possible at such a low price.
The AT-LP60 only plays vinyl. The unit has no built-in speakers and no USB port. There is a version available with USB, but it costs a bit more. It’s not much more and definitely worth the upgrade for most people.
One nice feature this layer does have is a built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier. Furthermore, it ships with RCA output cables so you can connect to audio systems and powered loudspeakers right out of the box. Most companies force you to buy these cables separately.
AT-LP60 only plays records at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. It does, however, have some high-quality parts that you won’t find in any other player in the same price range: a die-cast aluminum platter and an integral dual magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus. These help this turntable produce a quality of sound far beyond any other similarly priced players and even most more expensive ones.
There is also an updated version, the AT-LP60X, that made our list of the best budget turntables.
Characteristics
- 15.9 by 5.9 by 17.8 inches — still fairly small
- Weighs 8.5 pounds — a bit heavier than similar players, but extremely sturdy
- Fully automatic belt-drive — plays at consistent speed
- USB port — connect to computer to digitize your vinyl records.
- Switchable internal stereo phono preamp — plug directly into components with no dedicated phono input
- Plays at speeds of 33-1/3 or 45 rpm — most standard speeds
- Platter made of cast aluminum and a professional cartridge — high-quality lasts longer and works better
Pros
- Extremely durable and high-grade materials
- Highest quality sound in this price range
- Can digitize audio files from your albums (USB version)
- No issues with skipping or wobbling
- Can connect to components with no phono input
Cons
- Only plays vinyl
- No built-in speakers
- No bluetooth
- Does not play at 78 rpm
Summary
The Audio Technica AT-LP60 Automatic Belt Drive turntable only plays vinyl and does not have internal speakers. All of the budget and the engineering efforts went toward sound quality. The result is the best-sounding turntable in this price range, by far. And it is a very low price range. Shockingly low, given the quality
Anyone looking for a complete stereo system or Bluetooth connectivity or any other special characteristics found in most modern turntables should look elsewhere. This turntable was built to play records and nothing else. And it plays records better than most turntables costing three times as much.
Jensen JTA-230 3-Speed Stereo Turntable
The aux-in lets you connect a smartphone or tablet, so you can play your digital files. The USB port lets you connect to an external storage drive, so you can record your vinyl collection to the digital format. Specialized software for converting and editing your music is included.
The built-in speakers are not great, but given the price, they do better than expected. This turntable also has RCA ports and a headphone jack, so you have the option of connecting to an external sound system for much better quality or to headphones for privacy.
The JTA-230 plays all 3 common record speeds. Surprisingly, it has pitch control and tone control knobs. This is very rare for a turntable under 100 dollars.
Key Points
- 6.4 by 13.4 by 13.8 inches — average size
- Weighs 5.5 pounds — average weight
- 3.5 mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
- Can play speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any album
- Built-in stereo speakers — no need for additional equipment
- USB port — can record your vinyl collection to external drive
- RCA and headphone jacks — connect external speakers or headphones
- Conversion software — makes it easy to convert and edit your vinyl music
- Pitch control and tone control — adjust record speed and tone
Pros
- Includes USB port, cable and software for converting vinyl to mp3 or other formats
- Also plays files from a smartphone or tablet
- Plays all standard speeds
- Pitch and tone control
- RCA and headphone jacks
Cons
- Tonearm is very light and prone to skipping with even slight vibrations
- Quality of sound is good for the price, but does not match better models
Summary
If you’re deciding between the Jensen JTA-220 and the JTA-230, the 230 is a much better option. The price is almost the same, but it has several additional traits that can be quite useful. They are: pitch and tone controls, a USB port and an auxiliary input.
The only reason I would choose the JTA-222 over this one is the unique design, but now that is has been discontinued, it is not easy to find anyway.
The JTA-230 does not have the same retro look, but it has more functionality. It plays files from your smartphone or tablet and it can transfer your vinyl collection to computer files using the included USB cable and conversion software.
The biggest negative is the tonearm. It is a bit light and can skip if not sitting on a solid surface, but you can easily weigh it down with a few pennies if necessary. The speakers are not the greatest either, though they are good considering the cost. Overall, the Jensen JTA-230 is one of the best value turntables you’ll find.
ION Audio Max LP
Its biggest weakness are the internal speakers, but luckily you can connect to external speakers via the RCA ports.
The biggest selling point that differentiates to ION Audio Max is the included EZ Converter software.
It allows you to transfer your old cassette tapes and albums to the digital format and includes a lot of useful bonuses, like the ability to automatically detect different tracks and separate them into their own files.
Features
- 15.2 by 16.4 by 4 inches — about average
- Weighs 7.7 pounds — about average
- EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software — makes it easy to convert your albums and cassette collection to digital
- Fully-automatic belt-driven turntable — less noise distortion from the motor, so better audio quality
- 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
- Can play speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any album
- Built-in stereo speakers — no need for additional equipment
- Headphone and RCA jacks — connect to external speakers or headphones
- USB port — save your digital files after converting your vinyl collection
Pros
- Included software easily converts albums and cassettes to digital files
- Gorgeous natural wood look
- Also plays digital files from a smartphone or tablet
- Plays all standard record speeds
- RCA and headphone jacks
Cons
- Internal speakers are good for the price, but don’t match the better players on this list
Summary
If you’re looking for a ultra low cost turntable that delivers better quality than many more expensive ones, the ION Audio Max is it. It is also a great player for anyone looking to transfer their vinyl collection into digital files. The included software works very well and is easy to use.
The Audio Max is equipped with built-in speakers that produce a decent sound for a unit at this price level, but they aren’t as good as the competition. If you want to get the most out of your player, you’ll want to connect to external speakers. You also have a headphone jack for private listening. and an RCA jack so you can connect it to external speakers for a better sound.
The main reasons to get this unit are the low price and the included conversion software. Because it doesn’t play cassettes, CDs or radio, the designers were able to focus only on vinyl and get much better performance than other similarly priced players. It’s a great player for the money. Just don’t expect much from the internal speakers.
Top Turntable Record Players — Factors To Consider
We understand how busy you are given today’s hectic lifestyles. You don’t have time to first learn about all the available features and then to research all the top brands and units.
So we’ve done both for you. First, the most important factors you need to consider. And there are only two:
Product Size And Weight
The first factor to look at is the size and weight. Generally, lightweight and compact players are preferable. They allow for convenient transport and take up less space.
The only advantage of larger players is more features. If you need a lot of additional traits, a larger player will be best for you. But most people don’t need them.
Something else to consider: lighter and smaller products are usually made from more advanced components. Of course, that is often reflected in the price.
Feature Set
Today’s models come with a dizzying array of features, but most of us have no need for the majority of functions. To get the best value for your money, decide which key traits you absolutely need and which you’d like, but could live without.
Then make a list of the players with the must-have attributes and choose your player from that list. Weigh the value of additional traits you’d like against any increases in price (or decrease in quality).
Some of the more useful things most people look for in the best record player are: built-in speakers, the ability to connect to external devices (wireless or wired) and an AM/FM radio streaming function.
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