Best Record Player: Top Turntables Reviews & Comparison

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 vinyl record 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 price 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

 

Best Record Players For 2019

1byone Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

The 1byone Belt Driven Turntable has been steadily increasing in popularity. The main reasons are the low price and the classic, solid-wood look, but it also has a ton of useful features. Overall, it is one of the best values on this list.

The 1byone offers a great combination of classic design and modern functionality. It will play MP3s and record your vinyl record 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 price of this unit. They definitely overperform given their size, but you can improve your audio experience even further by plugging in external speakers 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 speakers 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 play audio files from USB
• Budget-friendly price

Cons

• No AM/FM radio
• Does not play CDs
• No auxiliary input or bluetooth to connect smartphones and tablets

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

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 vinyl discs at 3 different speeds. It comes equipped with full-range speakers that provide high-quality sounds and RCA line-out plugs for even better sound quality using external speakers.

It can play 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.

 

Electrohome Wellington Vinyl Record Player

The Electrohome Wellington Vinyl Record Player is one of the bestselling players on the market. A big reason for its popularity is the retro-inspired all wood acoustic cabinet design. It takes you back to simpler time.

But everything inside that retro cabinet is thoroughly modern. The Wellington can play vinyl records, CDs, 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

• 15 by 12 by 21 inches — smaller than most, but a bit taller
• Weighs about 19.6 pounds — lighter than most
• All-wood acoustic cabinet with real wood finish — sturdy, beautiful and produces a great sound
• Old-style back-lit rotary tuner dial and knobs — looks like an old-fashioned radio, but visible in the dark
• Fully-automatic belt-driven turntable — less noise distortion from the motor, so better sound quality
• 4-in-1 configuration — plays vinyl, CDs, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files via USB
• USB and 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
• Can play 7, 10 and 12” records — all standard sizes
• Can play records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any record
• Dual full-range dynamic speakers and headphone port — great hi-fi sound quality for the size and price
• Diamond-tipped ceramic needle — improved audio performance and won’t damage records

Pros

• Portable and lightweight.
• Made of durable materials.
• Plays vinyl record, CDs, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files
• Plays all standard record sizes and speeds
• Classic vintage design, elegant look and old-fashioned construction
• Gorgeous antique controls and knobs with a backlit readout
• Lower priced than many competitors

Cons

• No auxiliary output to connect external speakers (you can use the headphone jack, though)
• Some users report wobbling when playing new records
• Entire record will record as one MP3 track, unless you manually stop after each track
• Sound quality is great for the price, but does not match top-of-the-line record players

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

Summary

The Electrohome Wellington Vinyl Record Player is a great option, because it is sold at a decent price and comes with a lot of useful features. It plays vinyl records of various sizes at different speeds, CDs, 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.

The main reason to get this unit over others is the retro-inspired design. The Wellington costs less than other retro units, but has the same or more features.

 

Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player

The Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player 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 speakers 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 units that include speakers
• 60s-style all-wood suitcase housing — take it to parties, picnics, etc.
• Belt-driven turntable — less noise distortion from the motor for better sound quality
• Plays MP3 files — enjoy your entire collection, not just vinyl
• USB and 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
• Can play 7, 10 and 12” records — all standard sizes
• Can play records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any record
• Dual full-range and headphone port — great hi-fi sound quality for the size and price
• 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 play all types and sizes of vinyl at 3 different speeds
• Has built-in speakers that provide high-quality sounds
• Can play music from a USB storage device
• Can play music from iPhones, iPads and tablets via auxiliary input
• Can be used to play 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 price, but does not match top-of-the-line record players

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

Summary

Despite fewer features than its competitor, the Electrohome Archer record player is a top seller. This is mainly due to its budget-friendly price 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 speakers that provide high-quality sounds, though they can’t match top-of-the-line units or quality external speakers.

 

Electrohome Signature Vinyl Record Player

The Electrohome Signature is another top-selling record player with an elegant classic design that looks great in virtually any home. It’s a bit more expensive than most of the other players on this list, but delivers a higher quality sound and has a ton of features.

It plays 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, MP3 music files, CDs and streaming radio. It can also record your record collection to MP3 directly to a USB storage drive. A diamond-tipped ceramic needle provides warm, natural tones without damaging your records. With four high-performance speakers inside a tuned acoustic speaker chamber, all those rich tones fill your room with crystal clear perfection.

Features

• 20.1 by 16.3 by 14.3 inches — one of the larger players
• Weighs 28 pounds — the heaviest player on this list
• Analog tuning dial with amber lighting — easy to use in the dark
• Rotary control knob and antique patina faceplate — beautiful classic elegance
• Real wood handcrafted cabinet with rich walnut finish — looks great anywhere
• Diamond-tipped ceramic needle — sounds better and protects your valuable records
• Built-in tuned acoustic speaker chamber with 4 speakers — warm, rich, clear sound
• Plays vinyl, CDs, 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 — enjoy your whole music collection
• Converts vinyl records into MP3 — connect a USB drive and ensure your whole collection is safe forever

Pros

• Upscale and elegant, reminiscent of the players from the 1950s and 60s
• High-quality, durable materials
• Great sound quality
• Convert vinyl into MP3 and stores them on external USB drives or other devices
• Plays all record sizes at any speed
• Plays CDs, MP3 files and AM/FM radio
• Connects to external devices (iPhones, iPads, other tablets and smartphones, etc)

Cons

• No auxiliary output to connect external speakers (you can use the headphone jack, though)
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Some users report wobbling when playing new records (a common complaint with most record players)

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

Summary

Despite a higher price than most other players on this list, the Electrohome Signature vinyl record player sells in huge numbers. Buyers love the old-fashioned look and real wood construction with the walnut finish. They love all the functions even more.

In addition to 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, the Signature plays CDs, MP3 and AM/FM radio. It can also record your vinyl collection directly to external storage via USB. The 4 built-in speakers and the tuned acoustic speaker chamber combine to fill your room with warm rich tones.

 

Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable

The Audio Technica AT-LP120 Professional Turntable is the most expensive player on this list, but it is in a completely different class. It is a much higher quality than the rest.

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 play 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 price 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 preamplifier — 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 play — 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 vinyl records
• No issues with skipping or wobbling
• Tons of advanced features 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

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

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 features 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

The Audio Technica AT-LP60 has won several industry awards. It is by far the highest quality player you will find at this low a price.

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 speakers 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.

Features

• 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 preamplifier — plug directly into components with no dedicated phono input
• Plays records at speeds of 33-1/3 or 45 rpm — most standard speeds
• Record 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 vinyl records (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

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

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 features 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 Jensen JTA-230 is very similar to the JTA-222 (now discontinued) and is on our list of best record players under $100. Both the 222 amd the 230 are very inexpensive and deliver well above what you would expect given the low price. The main differences are that this player comes with a USB port and an auxiliary input.

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.

Features

• 6.4 by 13.4 by 13.8 inches — average for record players
• Weighs 5.5 pounds — average for record players
• 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
• Can play records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any record
• 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 digital
• Plays vinyl records and digital files from a smartphone or tablet
• Plays all standard record speeds
• Pitch and tone control
• RCA and headphone jacks

Cons

• Tonearm is very light and prone to skipping with even slight vibrations
• Sound quality is good for the price, but does not match better record players

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

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 features 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 digital files from your smartphone or tablet and it can record your vinyl collection to digital 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

The ION Audio Max LP is one of the lowest priced turntables on this list and one of the lowest period. For the price it is a great little player.  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 vinyl records to the digital format and includes a lot of useful features, 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 vinyl and cassette collection to digital
• Fully-automatic belt-driven turntable — less noise distortion from the motor, so better sound quality
• 3.5mm auxiliary input slot — allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
• Can play records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM — will play any record
• 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 vinyl and cassettes to digital files
• Gorgeous natural wood look
• Plays vinyl records and 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

>>> Read Owner Reviews On Amazon

Summary

If you’re looking for a ultra low cost player 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 quality.

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 record players.

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 features, 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 record players 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 features you absolutely need and which you’d like, but could live without.

Then make a list of the players with the must-have features and choose your player from that list. Weigh the value of additional features you’d like against any increases in price (or decrease in quality).

Some of the more useful features most people look for are: built-in speakers, the ability to connect to external devices (wireless or wired) and an AM/FM radio streaming function.