Let’s take it back to 1895, when the first commercial record player was released.
The debut of the record player intrigued many while its capabilities crafted allure and its sound created joy. That is until the radio took over the music scene and pushed vinyl to the sidelines.
It seemed as if turntables were done until DJs of the 80s and 90s started to use them as rhythmic instruments. Now, it’s as if record players never left, as music gurus are turning back to the beloved electronic to listen to coveted vinyl.
Turntables also now offer Bluetooth pairing, AM and FM radio, AUX plugins, and more. We put a number of them to the test to find the very best, so keep reading to find the best record player for you. Options include record players with speakers, Bluetooth record players, portable record players, and more.
- Best overall: U-Turn Audio Orbit Custom Turntable
- Best splurge: Rega Planar 6
- Best vintage: Crosley CR704D-PA Musician 3-Speed Turntable
- Best Bluetooth: Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable
- Best portable: Crosley Voyager Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player
Best overall: U-Turn Audio Orbit Custom Turntable
“Beautifully simple, affordable (compared to competitive models), and easy to understand, my U-Turn Audio Orbit was custom-made for me and delivered in less than a week,” raved Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Writer & Editor. “I was able to choose the finish and color of the base as well as the turntable itself. It was a cinch to assemble — I can’t stop recommending the brand to friends, nor do the compliments I receive on it seem to wane.”
Pros:
- Allows users to choose various components and upgrades to suit their preferences and needs
- Provides excellent audio performance, rivaling more expensive turntables
- Supports local U.S.A manufacturing
- Features a minimalist aesthetic
- Offers great value for the level of performance and customization options available
Cons:
- Requires assembly
- Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end turntables, such as built-in Bluetooth or USB output
Best splurge: Rega Planar 6
“The Rega Planar 6 record player gives an unparalleled sound experience when it comes to listening to music at home,” raved Cornish of another luxe turntable she’s often playing Leonard Cohen on. “If you close your eyes and listen, it’s the closest thing to being transported to a live show, which for me and my music choices is more of a gift than a purchase.”
Pros:
- High-quality construction and materials ensure durability and longevity
- Excellent sound quality, thanks to its precision engineering and premium components
- Offers customizable options for upgrades, allowing audiophiles to fine-tune their listening experience
- Sleek and minimalist design adds a touch of elegance to any room
- Low-vibration motor and tonearm contribute to accurate playback without interference
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires some technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
Best vintage: Crosley CR704D-PA Musician 3-Speed Turntable
“Vintage style, modern tech,” mused Sophie Cannon, New York Post associate manager of commerce strategy. “When I got this Crosley record player as a hand-me-down, I really thought it was a vintage box, with a worn woodgrain and old-school knobs and screens. However, upon further inspection, I found that the Musician Turntable was actually of this era, and came with Bluetooth capabilities — who knew?
“I love that I can close the sturdy lid and use the player as a coffee table, or as my cat’s favorite place to lounge, since the only downside of the hefty contraption is its large footprint and heavy weight.”
Pros:
- Vintage-inspired design appeals to retro enthusiasts and adds charm to any space
- Built-in speakers provide convenience for those who don’t want to invest in separate audio equipment
- Three-speed functionality allows for playback of various vinyl formats
- Affordable compared to many modern turntables
- Includes additional features like CD player, cassette deck, and AM/FM radio for added versatility
Cons:
- Sound quality may not match up to higher-end turntables
- Built-in speakers may not offer the same fidelity as external speaker setups
- Lack of customization options
Best Bluetooth: Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable
According to Emma Sutton, New York Post commerce writer, this turntable has “great build quality, which you’d expect from Sony. [It] connects with any Bluetooth device and even home speakers like Google and Alexa. Once connected, you start your record and it auto-plays through your Bluetooth speaker with no lag.” It’s got a “simple and clean look”, high quality that you’d expect from Sony.” to boot.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming to compatible devices, offering convenience and flexibility
- Integrated phono preamp enables direct connection to powered speakers or amplifiers without additional equipment
- USB output for digitizing vinyl records, ideal for archiving or sharing favorite tracks
- Sleek and modern design fits well in contemporary living spaces
- Solid build quality ensures reliable performance
Cons:
- Sound quality may not match up to audiophile-grade turntables
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end models
Best portable: Crosley Voyager Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player
“Still one of my favorite Christmas gifts ever, my baby pink Crosley Voyager is a relatively compact suitcase-style record player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity,” said Decider commerce reporter, Angela Tricarico. “I’ll be honest, I’m not really concerned with high-tech equipment here — this Crosley model is perfect to play my Taylor Swift vinyl collection, sounds good doing it, and does not take up too much space when it’s not in use (I’ll typically just close the top and use that for picture frames, etc.).
“I’d recommend this to anyone looking for their first turntable, but not interested in getting lost in the weeds with external speakers, amplifiers, and more. The Crosley Voyager is the whole package, for just $100.”
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and set up in different locations
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming to compatible devices
- Battery-powered option provides portability for outdoor use or areas without power outlets
- Integrated speakers offer convenience for listening on the go without additional equipment
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious consumers
Cons:
- Sound quality may not match up to larger, more robust systems
- Built-in speakers may lack depth and clarity compared to external speaker setups
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.