6 Best Record Players for Beginners on Amazon
Don't stress about sound quality or style; we've read the reviews and rounded up the best record players for beginners on Amazon just in time for holiday gifting.
Our Top Record Player Picks
- Best Overall: Udreamer Vinyl Record Player With Bluetooth
- Best Value: Cotsoco Vinyl Record Player With Bluetooth
- Best Beginner: Sony PS-LX310BT Fully Automatic Record Player
- Best Style: Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player
- Best All-in-One: Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
- Best With External Speakers: Wockoder Record Player With Dual Stereo Speakers
Let the record show that turntables have only gotten better with time. Now equipped with built-in stereo speakers and Bluetooth, most record players today can play vinyl and new tracks off your preferred streaming app. So if you're a Swiftie like me, you can listen to every edition of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" with superior sound quality.
Because there are hundreds of record players to choose from, we've rounded up the best for beginners and casual listeners. These systems are approachable, relatively affordable, aesthetically pleasing and can be upgraded with external speakers and other bells and whistles later. (They also make great gifts for the holidays.) Keep scrolling to see them all and find out what you need to know before buying one.
What to Know Before Buying a Record Player
MANUAL VS. AUTOMATIC: Back in the day, devoted audiophiles had to lift their system's tonearm and place it on the record themselves. (Which was serious business because a shaky hand could easily scratch and ruin an album.) These days, though, most entry-level systems are automatic, which means that you press a button and the needle drops by itself. You can still find manual record players out there, but these are often higher-end products with the price tag to match. So if you're just starting out, we say don't sweat it and stick with an automatic.
STABILITY: Record players consist of a platter (the spinning surface the record goes on), a tonearm (the long piece that moves across the record and helps the stylus to make contact) and a stylus (the needle that reads the grooves in the vinyl). These pieces work together to produce a clear sound, but external vibrations can alter what you hear. So it's important to choose a record player with a sturdy base and put said record player on a flat surface.
SPEAKERS: Most record players today have pretty decent built-in speakers, but these don't always get the job done at a distance. So if you want to hear your music from across the house, then consider purchasing a set of bookshelf speakers.
DUST COVERS: Records are delicate things; even a little dust can damage your precious vinyl. So we suggest either looking for an acrylic dust cover or keeping your suitcase-style turntable closed when you're not using it.
Best Record Player Overall
If we had to choose just one, we'd go with the Udreamer Vinyl Record Player every time. The one-step automatic system is beyond easy to use and is protected by a sleek acrylic cover. (So no dust is getting into those grooves!) Meanwhile, foot pads and a belt-driven system absorb external vibrations and ensure that you're getting the smoothest sound. This unit is Bluetooth-compatible, Aux-compatible and comes in nine different colors. It's also a great price at $50.
Best Value Record Player
It's hard to argue with a high-quality record player for just $40. We love the Costoco Vinyl Record Player because it sits on a sturdy, vintage-style platter (so it offers the best of sound and aesthetics); it has a dust cover; it's Bluetooth-compatible and it offers RCA and Aux connection. In other words? It checks all the boxes with an unbeatable price tag.
Best Beginner Record Player
If you're looking for a great entry-level turntable, then the Sony PS-LX310BT should definitely be on your radar. This record player boasts a one-step auto start, stop and return, so it's extremely easy to use, and it includes a sleek dust cover to protect your records with little effort. You can also connect to wireless speakers, headphones and other Bluetooth devices. And if that's not enough? The aluminum die-cast platter helps reduce external vibrations. It's the total package.
Best Style Record Player
With its brilliant turquoise hue, trunk-style design and chunky knobs, the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player is one of the most iconic turntables of all time. The unit rests on sound-isolating feet, too, to prevent external vibration and ensure that it's just as pleasing to listen to as it is to look at. The record player is also Bluetooth-compatible and can be upgraded with external speakers thanks to RCA output.
Best All-in-One Record Player
The only thing we love more than the Victrola Nostalgic's old-fashioned looks is its ability to play music six different ways. Yep! You can listen to vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes, AM/FM radio or connect right to your phone via Aux cord or Bluetooth, making it one of the most all-inclusive systems on the market. Meanwhile, the built-in, custom-tuned speakers provide a crisp, clear sound. It's no wonder why this record player is so popular!
Best Record Player With External Speakers
Why pay extra for bookshelf speakers when you could get them with the Wockoder Record Player? This beginner-friendly system takes your usual listening experience to the next level with two large stereo speakers and multiple placement options. (Plus, the system includes an RCA output, so you can upgrade to other speakers in the future.) Other notable features include Bluetooth compatibility, a sleek acrylic dust cover and a vintage wood finish.
