Best Vertical Record Players (7 Modern Models Reviewed)

Everyone will comment on it.

If you’ve ever seen a modern vertical record player, you’ll understand why.

They look cool and futuristic. Even the ones with a retro design look like something from a later time.

The vinyl record looks like it is floating in the air as it spins beneath the tonearm and the needle and produces that classic vinyl sound.

It’s not floating. It’s actually working exactly like any other modern record player, except it is doing so vertically.

You’ve probably thinking you’d love to own one, but you could never afford it.

Not so.

These modern vertical turntables don’t cost much more than the standard versions, with decent ones selling for around a hundred dollars and high-quality ones costing only a few hundred.

Which ones are decent and which ones are top quality? That’s what this article will help you with. Below you’ll find brief reviews of the top vertical record players on the market.

 

Vertical Record Players Compared

11/12/2024 05:41 pm GMT

 

Best Vertical Record Players

The following are our favorite vertical record players. The first four are readily available on Amazon. The remaining models are more difficult to find. We were not able to find them for sale online anywhere, but you may find them in a specialty store somewhere.

 

Pro-Ject VT-E BT Wireless Turntable

The Pro-Ject VT-E BT is our top choice for vertical turntables, because it is incredibly well made and delivers high quality sound. Naturally, that means it sells for a higher price than other models on this list.

This Pro-Ject turntable is available in 3 colors: black, white and red. All are glossy, but there are also matte versions available for all 3 colors. You can stand it up on a flat surface, or mount it on the wall.

This record player has a low-noise, ultra-precise belt-drive motor that delivers steady speed and prevents vibration. It also has a phono preamp and Bluetooth capability. You can output the sound to your stereo system, or to a set of Bluetooth speakers.

An 8.6″ aluminum tonearm is designed to prevent outside resonances from interfering with the sound from your record. The Ortofon OM 5E moving magnet cartridge further prevents any distortion during playback.

Read our full Pro-Ject VT-E BT review for more

Features

• Dimensions: 16.9 by 9.6 by 13.6 inches
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Three glossy colors: red, white and black
• Stand or hang: use included wall mount bracket to hang from the wall or feet to stand on a flat surface
• Bluetooth: play music from external devices or connect to external speakers
• Phono-preamp: output sound directly to set of speakers
• Silicone belt drive: with low-vibration motor for quiet, dynamic playback
• High quality components: 8. 6″ lightweight aluminum tone arm and Ortofon OM5E cartridge

 

EasyGoProducts Vertical Bluetooth Turntable

The EasyGoProducts Vertical Record Player is our top budget choice. It has a really cool triangular design that can hang on the wall (mounting bracket included) or stand on a flat surface (standing feet also included). A magnetic record holder keeps the disc in place and makes it look like it is floating in the air while it plays.

This model has a 3.5 mm aux in so that you can connect various devices and play music from them. Enabled devices can also connect via Bluetooth. Aux out plugs allow you to play music through a stereo system or a set of amplified speakers. It can not connect to external speakers via Bluetooth.

The internal speakers sound good, but obviously can’t match a good set of external speakers. If you are having a party or otherwise need a higher volume, you will need to connect to external speakers. The built-in ones just don’t have the power.

Features

• Dimensions: 22.5 by 18 by 9.2 inches
• Weight: 13.8 pounds
• Stand or hang: use included wall mount bracket to hang from the wall or feet to stand on a flat surface
• Play music from other devices: use Bluetooth or aux in to play music from smartphones or other devices
• Connect to external speakers: using aux-out left and right jacks
• 30-day money back guarantee: risk-free purchase

 

Fuse Vert Vertical Record Player

The Fuse Vert Bluetooth vertical turntable manages to be modern and retro at the same time. The standing platter makes it completely modern, but the classic design gives it a retro look. It is a combination that adds to the styling of any room. 

When it comes to the inside the Pyle is thoroughly modern. It is Bluetooth compatible, meaning you can play music from your smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Unfortunately, you can’t use the Bluetooth to connect to external speakers.

The internal ones are good for the size, but are obviously not as powerful as a pair of real speakers. Luckily, you can connect to external ones, or to a stereo system, via the RCA out jacks.

You can also play MP3 files via a USB port, radio, as well as records at 3 speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. Plus, it functions as an alarm clock.

It comes in several different versions. I strongly recommend getting the one with the upgraded Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge. It gives you much improved sound quality.

Features

• Dimensions: 17.25 by 16.25 by 11.5 inches
• Weight: 9.3 pounds
• Plays 3 speeds:  33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
• Bluetooth: play music from external devices
• USB: play MP3 files from a flash drive
• RCA output jacks: left and right RCA jacks allow you to hook up external speakers
• Radio and alarm: plays FM radio and works as an alarm clock

 

Victrola Wood Wall Mount Vertical Record Player

The Victrola Wood Hanging record player has a classic design with some very modern features. It is the most versatile of all the models on this list, but is also the lowest quality, unfortunately.

The construction is pretty good, but not as solid as more expensive models. The audio capability also lags behind a bit, but what can you expect at such a low price?

The internal speakers are adequate, but not great and unfortunately, you can’t connect to external ones. What you can do is play CDs and AM/FM radio, as well as play music from a smartphone or other device over Bluetooth, with a range up to 33 feet.

This record player looks cool hanging on your wall and does a decent job playing music. If that is all you’re looking for, the Victrola is a great option. If you want better audio, pay a bit more and go for one of the other models.

Features

• Dimensions: 19.2 by 23.2 by 7.8 inches
• Weight: 22.8
• Plays 3 speeds:  33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
• Bluetooth: play music from external devices up to 33 feet away
• Aux in: play music from devices that are not Bluetooth capable
• CD Player and AM/FM radio: does not include a cassette player, despite what is listed on Amazon

 

Gramovox Floating Record™ Vertical Turntable

The Floating Record was built in Chicago by Gramovox and it reinvents the art of vintage record players with a modern design. It plays your records vertically using full range built-in stereo speakers to provide optimum performance. The result is a modern vertical record player that gives you just the right feel of the music!

This vertical turntable technology makes use of audiophile-grade materials and components to give you an enhanced user experience. It is the perfect way to smoothly experience vinyl music and get lost in the nostalgia of the sixties.

The name Floating Record comes from the illusion this record player gives while it plays a record vertically. It truly looks like the record is floating. The brilliant design is sophisticated and displays the classic beauty of your record as art, while simultaneously playing its music.

One main advantage of this modern vertical record player is that it is easy to use. You can be a new listener of vinyl records and still manage to use this turntable without any trouble, because it doesn’t require you set up the cartridge. Furthermore, the integrated design comes with pre-amps, speakers, and amplifiers, so you won’t need to buy any additional components.

Another benefit of this design is it takes up less space than a traditional record player. This makes it easy for you to find a place for it in your home. And since it doesn’t need additional components to function, you don’t have to worry about all the extra wires.

Furthermore, the Floating Record is compatible with 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM. The record clamps for both types of records are included. You can easily switch between the two by adjusting the silicon belt of the middle gear.

Last but not least, the sound of this turntable is clean as it focuses on speed stability more than anything else. You can also attach the Floating Record to your own separate audio system if you don’t want to make use of the integrated speakers.

Specifications

• Your choice of Walnut or Maple Veneer Wood Base
• Dimensions are 17″ wide by 10″ deep by 16″ tall
• Weighs 13 lbs
• Has a built-in headphone jack
• Compatible with universal AC to DC power supply (power plug-ins are given for use in countries worldwide)
• Has a fully adjustable tone-arm
• Has 2″ Neodymium Full-Range Stereo Speakers
• It retails in the US for about $449

Pros

• All in one record player
• Gorgeous design
• Great sound when connected to external speakers

Cons

• Internal speakers are not that great
• No anti-skating function
• Cue level is undamped

 

TOC Vertical Record Player By Roy Harpaz

This modern vertical record player is egg shaped and uses a linear tracking system. It is compatible with 7″, 10″, and 12″ vinyl records. The outer shell is made from walnut wood which gives it a classic look.

The biggest advantage of this standing record player is that it allows you to play warped old records. This is due to the spherical bearings on it. It may be the answer to your wishes if you have any old records that were damaged because they were not stored correctly and that you want to listen to one more time.

As far as vertical record players go, this one has strong features. It includes two USB ports for you to connect it to a computer, smartphone or even flash drive to record the music that it is playing.

You can also use the USB ports to attach a flash drive and use your record player as a speaker to play your music from the drive. This is convenient when you don’t have a speaker around. The performance you get from the speakers is solid.

Furthermore, the TOC by Roy Harpaz gives you a very technologically-advanced experience with its LED touch buttons. It also comes with a remote control to provide you with the utmost convenience. This record player even lets its users skip tracks as it has a sensor which scans where the tracks end on every vinyl inserted into it.

Overall, the TOC is a perfect combination of technology and art in a simple design. This is why it has the uniqueness to turn the heads of your guests and be the perfect display of art in any room.

Specifications

• compatible with 7″, 10″ and 12″ vinyl records
• uses a linear tracking system
• has the addition of two USB ports
• Comes with a remote control
• Has LED touch buttons
• Spherical bearings allow you to play warped records
• Allows users to skip tracks

 

AUNA Verticalo DAB

This vertical record player features a much sought after retro design. If retro aesthetics are important to you, you should definitely take a look at the AUNA Verticalo DAB. It has a built in automatic start and stop system and it supports playback speeds ranging from 33 to 78 rpm.

The Verticalo DAB has some incredible features. First, it comes with a USB port so you can connect different electronic devices to it. Second, it also has an AUX input so you can easily play music on your headphones all day long.

Furthermore, it has Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly connect to smartphones or speakers. It also comes with an FM tuner so you can listen to your favorite music on the radio.

The best part is that it is priced at only two hundred dollars which makes it a good bargain. The AUNA Verticalo DAB has a beautiful design and a sound system that will immerse you in your music.

Specifications

• Comes in a retro design with a wood veneer finish
• Supports playback speeds  33, 45 and 78 rpm
• Has an AUX input to connect it to headphones
• Has Bluetooth connectivity
• Includes a built FM tuner
• Has a USB port

 

How To Choose The Best Vertical Record Player

It is important that you choose the right record player for your needs and do proper research before jumping at the chance of buying one. Instead of simply settling for an option that’s inexpensive, invest in one that will last you for a while.

Cheap record players are likely to cause damage to your records and deprive you of the full experience. Spending a bit more is usually worth it, though for most people, a true high end player is not necessary either. There are plenty of good turntables that sell for a reasonable price.

There are a lot of tiny details that you have to look at when making the decision to invest in a modern vertical record player. One of the things that you should look at is how dampened the turntable is. Damping is what prevents both internal and external vibrations from affecting the ability of the needle to keep reading the grooves.

Most of the time, belt-driven record players are your best bet, because they are designed in such a way that they are quieter while offering you a much better experience as well. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort you will be able to find a direct drive record player that serves your needs just as well.

The kind of aesthetic that you are looking for matters too but luckily for you, there are numerous options that the world of turntables has to offer. You can choose a classic vertical record player with a retro look or a more sophisticated modern-looking record player. The decision is all yours.

Our only suggestion is make sure you look around at all your options and conduct thorough research. Only then should you make the investment to buy a modern vertical record player.

 

Vertical Turntables: FAQ

This is the section where you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about modern vertical record players.

 

How can playing dusty vinyl records affect my vertical record player?

Just like an ordinary record player, playing dusty records on your modern vertical record player can become a hindrance to its functionality and affect the quality of sound it delivers.

This is why you should take extra care to gently clean your vinyl records before you play them. This will help you maintain your vertical record player and as a result it will have a longer working life.

 

How can I clean my vinyl records?

You can easily clean your vinyl records with the help of a carbon fiber brush or a microfiber cloth. This will remove any build-up of dust on it and make it clean for playing on your turntable. Detailed cleaning instructions here.

 

How should I store my vinyl records?

It is a general rule of thumb to store vinyl records vertically as stacking them horizontally in heavy piles can increase the chances of warping them over time. There are many vinyl record storing products available in the market, which can help you keep them vertical and safe from dust. Any good stand for your turntable will also have space for your vinyl collection.

 

Modern Vertical Record Players: Final Thoughts

Modern vertical record players not only look amazing, but the best ones also sound great. They are no longer just a novelty that functions as a conversation piece, but that can’t satisfy anyone’s standards.

The main problem is that there are very few models on the market and most are constantly sold out. If you want to buy a vertical record player, you might need some patience and luck.