The Turntable To Play Vinyl Records For 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Victrola 50's Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Victrola 50's Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

Introducing Victrola, the first portable Bluetooth record player with a built-in multimedia center. Victrola is more than just a record player; it's a complete stereo system built into one elegant device. With three speed belt-driven turntable, all the controls you need, and an integrated multimedia center, Victrola is perfect for any situation. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica's AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable is designed to convert your vinyl records to digital. It features a high-torque, direct-drive motor that minimizes vibration and comes with Audio-Technica headshell and cartridge. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Use: Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth

Our Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth is the perfect way to share your love of vinyl with your family. This high-quality portable suitcase record player features built-in speakers and can be paired with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device. It plays vinyl records at three speeds and includes a USB port for converting vinyls to digital files. Read Review

4. Best Sound Quality: DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player

DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player is a professional and high-quality record player with Bluetooth function. The device can connect to your smartphone wirelessly via Bluetooth and play music stored on the phone without cables. You can also use USB disk / SD card to record, and 3.5mm music output jack to enjoy music. Read Review

Vinyl records have experienced a revival in recent years. Many people are listening to vinyl again, and record stores are popping up all over the place. If you’re an audiophile with a love of music, buying old LPs or even new ones can be a fantastic form of entertainment. You’ll need the right equipment, though, to get the most out of your records and rediscover your favorite songs from another era.

To play your vinyl records, you’ll need a turntable with which to spin them. This device will take them from being static objects on a shelf to dynamic sounds that bring back memories and leave you tapping your feet or humming along once again. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best Turntable to play vinyl records so that you can choose the one that is right for your needs.

We believe in helping you choose the best record players, with our Victrola 50's Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center and Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable you will surely have a great audio experience.

Our Top Picks

  • ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED – Features a volume and FM tuner knob, input select (function) button and a complete set of buttons for the CD player. The screen comes on in blue LED light, buttons have a nice feel to them, and the whole look is trendy 50s
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • MORE THAN A RECORD PLAYER – With 50s retro looks & modern features, this turntable plays & records your Vinyls to MP3 (Mac/PC software & USB cable included). It has a CD player, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, Aux & headphone jack, plus stereo speakers
  • Connectivity technology: Aux/Bluetooth/USB
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • HIGH QUALITY DESIGN & FINISHING– Victrola's 115-year commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the stylish retro case, strong built quality, gentle lifting mechanism and well-balanced sound
  • Power source type: Corded Electric
TOP Choice #2 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable
Our Score:
9.5
Audio-Technica
  • Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, variable pitch control with quartz speed lock, and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
  • Includes: USB cable, detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male), AC adapter, 45 RPM adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable hinged dust cover
  • Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration
  • Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
  • Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
TOP Choice #3 Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth
Our Score:
9.4
Feir
  • ✔【Respond】: Feir TP204 Turntable with well-packaged box, usb power cord, user manual and hassle-free customer service.24 hours one-on-one service, any questions about our record player ,please feel free to contact us
  • ✔【 Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable Multifunctions】: Record Player Bluetooth with Speakers Built-in 2 speakers, AUX input,RCA output and Headphone Jack, Support external power amplifier for better sound experience.
  • ✔【Function upgrade】:Record player bluetooth with speakers , wirelessly play your phone music ,You can stream your iTunes through the record player over the Bluetooth connection.
  • ✔【Portable Turntable of suitcase designs】: Briefcase style and lightweight, Wooden cabinet including PU leather wrapping, classic handle, all these features make it easy carry on the go.It is also the best choice for gifts, but also suitable for Christmas, etc.
  • ✔【3 Speed Record Player (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) + 45RPM Adaptor】: You will love this belt driven turntable to play all of your 7"/ 10"/ 12" vinyl records. Enjoy it with Steady and safe autonomous playing.
4 DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player
Our Score:
9.2
DIGITNOW
  • 3-Speed Record Player - Belt-driven turntable fits for vinyl records at different speeds. 33 , 45, 78 RPM selectable. (Please note:Long press around 5 seconds to power on)
  • USB/SD Encoding - Converts vinyl to USB flash drive/SD card directly in MP3 format. No PC or laptop required
  • Bluetooth Connection - Turntable with Bluetooth function. Playing music from external device wireless, such as moblie phone, laptop and other bluetooth device
  • Traditional Music Playing - Cassette Player with eject and fast forward function. Aux in for connecting of other devices(CD,Ipod,Iphone etc)
  • More Fuction - Built-in stereo speakers. Analog AM/FM stereo radio, LCD Screen with backlight, Earphone jack. With Dust Cover and 45RPM Adaptor
  • 8-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks & modern features, this turntable plays and records your Vinyls to MP3. It has a CD & cassette player, FM radio, Bluetooth, Aux & headphone jack for audio streaming from your smartphone
  • ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED – Features a volume knob, FM tuner and easy click buttons for input select, power, play/pause/forward/rewind, eject, program, shuffle, repeat, PLUS MP3 BUTTONS FOR RECORDING AND DELETING and a full function remote control!
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • HIGH QUALITY DESIGN & FINISHING – Victrola's 115-year commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the stylish retro real wood case, strong hinges, high quality fabric grilles, gentle lifting mechanism and well-balanced sound
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS – Extend the sound by connecting external speakers or an amplifier via the RCA Line outputs. For personal listening, plug your headphones into the headphone jack
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
6 ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player AT-3600L
Our Score:
8.9
ANGELS HORN
  • Packaging & Services: Two layers of separate packaging color boxes with detailed user manuals and a high-end vintage look, it will be a perfect gift for birthday and Christmas, especially for a music lover; email service within 24 hours on working days, if you are not satisfied, we provide solutions!
  • High-Quality Turntable Experience: Mention the performance of this vintage vinyl record player, you could expect its sense of realism, high-end AT brand phono cartridge, well-made woods, instrumental authenticity, and detail which more affordable models just can’t match for.
  • More features: Quieter belt-driven, built-in Bluetooth 4.2 input for playing your music from other mobile devices(digital music), built-In phono preamp and RCA line output, stable iron platter for educing vibration, adjustable counterweight force to avoid skipping and distortion, 2 speeds(33 1/3 & 45RPM), easy to install and use.
  • Enjoy High-Fidelity Sound: All of our budget and the engineering efforts for this vinyl record player went toward sound quality. Imagine your friends will be wowed by this record player's stylish build and warm, distortion-free speakers. At that very moment, you will believe it is a record player worth having.
  • Integrate with your house: The natural wood appearance design suits perfectly with your bookshelf or furniture, this set of vinyl record player with 2 bookshelf speakers are also an awesome decor to have as well. They won’t take up much space in the room and won't clash with the other home decor.
  • 【3 Speed&Easy to Use】Simple Setup and operation. Great ideal for a beginner. Three-speed Turntable (33, 45, 78 RPM) plays all of your 7" 10" 12" vinyl records and favorite Albums.
  • 【Portable&Lightweight】Wirelessly play music from your phone, you can take it anywhere, enjoy your life. Great ideal for Christmas Day, Father, Mother, and friends.
  • 【Multi-function Phonograph】Wireless turntable LP player built-in stereo speaker and 3.5mm aux-in for playing music from any speaker device, RCA aux-in, and headphone jack.
  • 【Special Process&Seller Support】The turntable base is equipped with a spring to provide shock absorption and improve sound quality. If you need a replacement stylus needle/removable dust cover/suitable power adapter/RCA line, please feel free to contact us.
  • 【Naturally Retro&Vintage Design】Natural retro design with removable protective dust cover and easy to use multiple connections panel. This turntable record player is stylish yet rustic, there is a removable cover on the top to protect vinyl and turntable plat, don’t worry about the dust.
  • Everything you need - Protective dust cover, 45 RPM adapter, and felt slipmat included
  • Digitize your library - Convert tracks into digital files via USB onto your PC or Mac with the included ION Audio EZ conversion software
  • Rediscover your treasured Vinyl Record Collection – High-quality 3-speed turntable (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) that plays every record in your collection, completed in a stunning black finish
  • The centerpiece of your listening experience - 1/8-inch Aux input to connect media sources including cassette players/CD players; RCA outputs for connection to external speakers and HIFI separates
  • Bluetooth streaming - Bluetooth sends wireless signal to any Bluetooth speaker (not included); Built-in phono pre-amplifier for wired connection to non-Bluetooth speakers
  • Room filling sound – On-board built in speakers deliver punchy, crystal clear sound; no fuss, simply kick back and listen to your records
  • Ensure the transit screw is turned anti-clockwise for all platter functionality to operate
9 DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player
Our Score:
8.1
DIGITNOW
  • Bluetooth Connection - Turntable with Bluetooth function. Playing music from external device wireless, such as moblie phone, laptop and other bluetooth device
  • Traditional Music Playing - Cassette Player with eject and fast forward function. Aux in for connecting of other devices(CD,Ipod,Iphone etc)
  • Three-Speed Record Player - Belt-driven turntable fits for vinyl records at different speeds. 33 , 45, 78 RPM selectable. (Please note:Long press around 5 seconds to power on)
  • USB/SD Encoding - Converts vinyl to USB flash drive/SD card directly in MP3 format. No PC or laptop required
  • More Fuction - Built-in stereo speakers. Analog AM/FM stereo radio, LCD Screen with backlight, Earphone jack. With Dust Cover and 45RPM Adaptor
  • Bass Boost, Stereo Headphone Jack, 2 built in Stereo Speaker System, and Output: 3 x 3W RMS. Power: AC120V 60 Hz
  • Boytone 8- in-1 Belt Driven 3-Speed Stereo Turntable - 33/45/78 RPM Variable Speed auxiliary Input Jack. (Cherry Wood color)Players, Front Loading CD player, CD-R/RW Compatible, Repeat 1 or All, Skip/Search Forward and Back, Random Play, Programmable Memory
  • Random Play, Programmable Memory, Multi-function Back-lit LCD Display, Direct USB/SD recording from Turntable / Cassette / CD / AUX IN / AM/FM Radio Product is backed with 1 year direct Boytone USA warranty. Fast shipping from USA
  • Blue Back-lit LCD Display, AM/FM Stereo Receiver, Dust Cover, and Cassette Deck with Single Key Operate Design, RCA Line-out Jacks, and Power Indicator.
  • Boytone BT-22C Classic style with modern technology - Bluetooth wireless music streaming turntable with 2 built-in stereo speakers. Encode/ Convert from Vinyl, Radio, and Cassette to MP3, SD slot, USB, AUX. Convert vinyl to MP3 format without a computer.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a turntable to play vinyl records?

Actually, when you decide to invest in turntable to play vinyl records for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item. 

We’ve highlighted the essential features of the turntable to play vinyl records below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:

Tracking Force

The track force refers to the downward pressure that the cartridge exerts on the record through the stylus. A suggested tracking force will be included with your turntable.
Adjusting the track force can be delicate, but this is worth it to improve sound quality. You also have a lower chance of damaging your records by too much downward force.
Adjusting the counterweight at the back of your tonearm can change the tracking force. First, balance the tonearm horizontally. Next, twist the counterweight to get the right downforce (as indicated in the instruction).

Styluses And Cartridges

A turntable's most crucial parts are its stylus and cartridge. The stylus and cartridge pick up the information from the record, convert it to electronic signals and send them to the speakers.
The stylus, or "needle", is what sits inside the grooves of the record. It is crucial to choose the right shape for the stylus. An elliptical stylus will pick up more information than one that has a conical surface because it touches more records. Audiophiles also believe that conical styluses work better with old records because they take up more space after the groove has been expanded through repeated plays.
The stylus is held in the cartridge, which converts its movements into electric signals. The most popular cartridge types are moving magnet (MM), and moving coil (MC). Most turntables will use MM cartridges because they areer and more convenient to change needles. However, MC cartridges can be lighter and pick up more groove changes than MM cartridges. They are also more costly.

Record Speeds

These numbers are the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the record. Although most records are 33s in length, there are still 45s and some 78s available (the former are smaller). While most turntables can play both 33rpm or 45rpm, you will need to have an adapter in order to hear the slower version. You'll have to look for an adapter or player that can play 78s.

Anti-skate Force

The anti-skate force must be adjusted in conjunction with the tracking force via the dial located near the tonearm. This ensures that the needle does not move sideways.

Drives

Two types of drive are available for turntables: direct and belt.
Models with direct drive motors are mounted beneath the platter. In a belt drive, the motor is attached to one end by a rubber belt. The turntable can be spun at higher speeds and is compacted by direct drives. Belt models, on the other hand, isolate any extra noise from the motor.

Fully Automatic

Playing vinyl has the biggest drawback of having to reach at each end and turn it over. A fully automatic turntable uses a machine on the tonearm to put the needle on the record and play it. Then, at the end of the track, it lifts the record up to return it to its cradle.
The extra electric signals along the tonearm and the mechanical movement are what audio purists believe affect the sound. Full-auto, however, is the best option if you don't want to have to stand up for half an hour every time.

Pre-amps

Pre-amps convert the turntable's "phono" signal into a stronger signal called "line", so that it is compatible with speakers, headphones and other audio equipment. You can either use an amplifier that has a separate phono line or buy a standalone pre-amp if the turntable does not have one.
Some turntables come with switchable preamps that can be switched on and off depending on the plugging device.

FAQs

How Many Times Can You Listen To A Vinyl Record?

The vinyl record is a great resource for work. The record can be listened to over 100 times with no loss of sound quality.

What Makes One Turntable Sound Better Than Another?

You need to take into account many factors. The quality of both the stylus and cartridge is important. Some turntables simply have more features, which allow for better accuracy and less vibration.

Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?

Both yes and no. A preamp is necessary for every turntable to convert its sounds into something your record player can hear, as well as other audio devices.
Because most turntables have their preamp built in, it's not necessary. If this is the case then you don't need a separate preamp.
However, we understand that not everyone wants to improve their sound and decide to purchase a preamp separately. For more information, if you are one of these people, please see our next question.

Can You Connect A Turntable Directly To Speakers?

It all depends on whether the connectors in your device can accommodate your speakers. Most of them will. It shouldn't be a problem connecting your turntable and its speakers.

What’s An Automatic Turntable?

A turntable that is automatic uses a combination of automatic features and a tonearm to lift itself from its resting place and position itself above your record for playback. After the track has finished, the device will automatically lift from its resting place and go back to the original position.
This is a preferred method by some users as it reduces the amount of effort required to stop and play your turntable. However, this does not mean you can't manually lift the tonearm. It's still possible.

Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?

It is. It is a habit that even certified audiophiles sometimes forget to put their records in their jackets, but it's important to always do this.
Your record will be more likely to get damaged or dirty if it is not kept out in the open. You're guilty of this habit, but at the very least you should not forget to close the dust cover.

How To Make The Turntable Louder?

If the phonostage isn't connected correctly or not properly, your turntable might play slowly. A properly sized, wired and connected phonostage is the best way to unlock your turntable's potential.

After knowing the suitable kinds of turntable to play vinyl records and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy. 

Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on turntable to play vinyl records perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.