The 10 Best Vinyl Players Of 2024, Researched By Us

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Convert Vinyl to Digital
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Convert Vinyl to Digital

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a direct-drive, DC servo motor turntable with three selectable speeds (33/45/78 RPM) and Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration. Read Review

2. Best Performance: Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player

The Fluance RT81 is a high performance turntable with an audiophile-grade cartridge, built-in preamp and gold plated RCA outputs for the clearest sound. All this and the ability to play records of all sizes makes it a must have for music enthusiasts. Read Review

3. Best Portable: Victrola Empire Mid-Century 6-in-1 Turntable with 3 Speed Player

The Empire is a 6-in-1 turntable with a 3-speed player and all the functionality you need: an analog radio dial in the middle surrounded by LED light and gold accents, input select & volume knobs, music playback buttons & headphone/aux. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

This Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center is the perfect companion for any music enthusiast. With vintage looks and modern features, this multifunctional turntable plays all of your favorite music formats. Read Review

In an era in which streaming services like Spotify and Pandora are more accessible than ever, vinyl record sales continue to grow. But as with any niche market, there are a dizzying number of options out there when it comes to record players. If you’re looking for the best vinyl players the following is a helpful guide on some of the best models currently available.

Convert your vinyl records to digital files with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Convert Vinyl to DigitalWith a direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds and damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration, this turntable will make the old sound new again. It also comes complete with Audacity software so you can convert your vinyl records to digital audio files.

Our Top Picks

  • Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration
  • PURE ANALOG LISTENING EXPERIENCE - Premium components allow this high fidelity belt driven turntable to recreate the performance the way the artist intended
  • CAPTIVATING SIGNAL CLARITY - Incorporating a high quality built-in Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal and gold plated RCA line outputs that ensures warm, true sound
  • SOLID WOOD PLINTH - The beautiful walnut finished cabinet is crafted from solid engineered (MDF) wood, incorporates isolation feet, an aluminum platter and a rubber slip mat which results in superior isolation from unwanted vibrations
  • SUPERIOR RECORD TRACKING - Enjoy perfect playback using the balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm ensuring the stylus is rested deep in your record's groove, producing every audio detail indistinguishable from the original recording
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE CARTRIDGE - The Audio Technica AT95E featuring a diamond elliptical tipped stylus is designed to track your record grooves with greater precision & accuracy for high definition audio
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED - Get it up and running in minutes. Timeless mid-century looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value - ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike
  • ALL CONTROLS YOU NEED - It has everything you need right there - an analog radio dial in the middle surrounded by LED light and gold accents, input select & volume knobs, music playback buttons & headphone/aux. The front looks clean, uncluttered & simple
  • THREE SPEED TURNTABLE - This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features built-in stereo speakers that give you well-rounded sound in your home. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office and a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • 6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER - With traditional farmhouse looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, FM radio, CDs, cassettes or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Auxiliary/headphone jack
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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, and a full function remote control
  • 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
  • 8-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks & modern features, this turntable not only plays your Vinyls, but also has a CD & cassette player, FM radio, Bluetooth, and Aux & headphone jack for audio streaming from your smartphone
  • 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
  • 6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS – Extend the sound by connecting external speakers or an amplifier via the RCA Line outputs (cable included). For personal listening, plug your headphones into the headphone jack
  • Compatible devices: Bluetooth enabled Devices
  • Output wattage: 30 watts
  • 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
  • Connectivity technology: Wired
  • Anti resonance, die cast aluminum platter
  • Redesigned tone arm base and head shell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
  • Ac adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
  • Experience the high fidelity audio of vinyl
  • Fully automatic belt drive turntable operation with 2 speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
  • 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
  • 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
  • Connectivity technology: Aux/Bluetooth/USB
  • 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
  • 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
  • Power source type: Corded Electric
  • 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
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS – Extend the sound by connecting external speakers or an amplifier via the RCA Line outputs (cable included). For personal listening, plug your headphones into the headphone jack
  • Connectivity technology: Wired
  • 6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack
  • 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
  • Output wattage: 30 watts
  • Compatible devices: Bluetooth enabled Devices
  • 【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.
  • 【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.
  • 【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.
  • 【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.
  • NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology makes this affordable record player ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts
  • A RECORD PLAYER THAT SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY - Combined with Victrola’s unparalleled sound quality and exquisite craftsmanship, and a wide range of styles, patterns and colors to choose from, get ready to create lifelong music memories
  • TAKE YOUR TUNES ANYWHERE - Housed in a vintage suitcase with an easy carry handle, Victrola's blend of retro and contemporary design give you the ultimate flexibility to listen to music where you want and how you want – a great choice for vinyl lovers
  • THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE - This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) suitcase record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY and sits on sound isolating feet that prevent vibration. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office.
  • EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS - Stream smartphone audio through the turntable’s built-in Bluetooth speakers. Easily connect external speakers via the stereo RCA outputs, or use the Line input for non-Bluetooth devices like a CD player. For personal listening, connect your headphones to the headphone jack.
  • ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED - Features an Input select knob, Power/Volume Knob & an Auto stop switch that stops spinning records once the record is finished playing.
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What Does Our Expert Advice You To Consider For Selecting best vinyl players?

best vinyl players is chosen based on a number of parameters. Depending on the product category, the learning process differs. And so, we're here to consult, guide, and address your product-related problems.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best vinyl players:

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Because we are product consulting professionals with much expertise, we believe the data is credible. Aside from that, the best vinyl players data is kept up to date, and you may feel confident that the information is up to date and correct.

We can help you in addition to best vinyl players. If you want to support, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks for reading!


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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.