6 Best Record Players and Turntables, According to Audio Experts
From budget-friendly picks to premium audio gear, these record players are worth a listen.
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It's never been easier to rock out to your favorite songs thanks to modern-day streaming services, which provide access to hundreds of thousands of songs by nearly every recording artist known to man. All of these tracks are at your fingertips 24 hours per day, thanks to Bluetooth technology that allows you to play music through a wide range of devices, from your car to your headphones, AirPods, and even pocket-sized portable speakers.
But there's nothing quite like the smooth sound a record player or a turntable delivers. Much to the delight of today's average user, you don't have to hover over your sound system, adjusting the needle to ensure a high-quality listening experience. Today's record players provide the same clear, crisp sound, but are much more autonomous and packed with enviable features like more sophisticated built-in speakers and Bluetooth technology that allows you to stream top hits or even upload your favorite vinyl tracks to another device for on-the-go enjoyment.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Record Player Angel's Horn Vinyl Record Player
- Best Value: Crosley Cruiser Plus Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player
- Best for Audiophiles: Denon DP-500BT
- Best for Beginners: Victrola Eastwood Signature Bluetooth Record Player
To help you find the best record players for the modern consumer, our editors scoured top retailers for the best-selling products, reading hundreds of reviews and specifications to ensure our recommendations are easy to use, deliver great sound, and offer great overall value. Based on our research, these are our favorite picks.
Angel's Horn Vinyl Record Player
Angel's Horn Vinyl Record Player
The all-in-one record players you see everywhere today are much easier to operate and compact, but have a bad rap for sound quality. In our research, we found that most audio experts say the Angel's Horn record player is one of the only all-in-one record players that's truly an exception to this rule all around, delivering sound that is impressively clear and full, especially when compared to similar options.
It does require some initial setup, but the process is clearly outlined in the instructions. It also has Bluetooth capabilities and an analog audio input, so you can play music from phones or other audio sources, minimizing the need for other audio-based gadgets most people want in their home. The speaker is sturdy and sophisticated-looking, too. The wood-finish top and metal platter strike the perfect balance between contemporary and retro.
Chances are you've seen this affordable record player in a gift guide or two, and maybe even in a friend's house. It may not be the most sophisticated record player out there, but it's ultra-popular for good reason. The under-$100 find is nice and compact, so it suits all sorts of living situations, including dorm rooms and apartments. The whole thing closes into the protective briefcase that it comes in for protection, not to mention cool retro appeal. (It's also available in a handful of colors.)
It is as easy to use as it is convenient: The tonearm is sturdy and easy to pop into place, while a few simple controls alter the audio. It's worth noting, though, that for this simplicity, we found that some experts say the sacrifice is in overall sound quality, which isn't nearly as rich as the speakers in other, more high-end options. Still, it's a highly versatile record player that's worth a nod, particularly for budget-conscious newbies. Since it's equipped with built-in Bluetooth speakers, you can use it to spin vinyl or stream top hits from another service.
A premium pick that blends classic vinyl sound with modern convenience, the Denon DP-500BT is ideal for listeners who want high-quality audio without a complicated setup. Its belt-drive system and vibration-resistant design help deliver smooth, detailed playback, while the balanced S-shaped tonearm reduces distortion for a richer listening experience.
What sets it apart is built-in Bluetooth with aptX support, so you can stream records wirelessly to speakers like the Denon Home 200 or headphones without sacrificing too much sound quality. A semi-automatic function lifts the tonearm at the end of a record to help protect your vinyl, and a switchable phono preamp makes it easy to connect to a variety of audio systems. Sleek and minimalist, it’s a great option for both beginners and more serious vinyl fans looking for a stylish, high-performance upgrade.
Victrola Eastwood Signature Bluetooth Record Player
Victrola Eastwood Signature Bluetooth Record Player
You can't beat the vintage style on this compact all-in-one record player, especially at such a wallet-friendly price point for a fully functional system. Setup is a breeze: Reviewers say you'll be done in less than five minutes. Once the needle is in place, most listeners won't discern anything other than clear, crisp sound coming from the built-in speakers.
This is all because the speakers are two-way stereo speakers that have separate woofers and tweeters, which is something you don't usually get in less expensive record players. The unit also functions as a wireless speaker and seamlessly connects to other Bluetooth devices to play your favorite records.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems Debut Carbon EVO
Pro-Ject Audio Systems Debut Carbon EVO
Though undeniably pricey (especially compared to other models on this list), the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is one of the best entry-level turntables you can buy and is comparable to much more high-end models. It comes with a helpful pictorial guide that makes it easier for advanced beginners to set up. Plus, it delivers fantastic sound and works at an accurate speed between 33 and 45 rpm with a simple flip of a switch.
It's worth noting, however, that this model doesn't have a built-in phono preamp (an audio component that allows for seamless connection to your sound system), so you’ll need to pair this turntable with an external phono preamp or an audio receiver.
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
Advanced users complain about the speed accuracy on Sony's entry-level turntable, but it's relatively wallet-friendly for those just dipping their toes into the world of turntables. Overall, it offers excellent value. We're particularly fond of the sleek, minimalistic aesthetic.
You can easily find a stable, sturdy home for this turntable in your space. Plus, we love the simplicity of it. You won't have any cord clutter to contend with, since it connects to sound bars, speakers, and headphones wirelessly. You don't have to study up much to operate the system, either. The two-speed turntable is built with a one-step auto start, stop, and return for simplicity's sake.
How we chose the best record players
Our picks are based on a combination of input from audio experts, editors’ hands-on experience with select turntables and similar audio gear, and research into top-rated models on the market. Editors evaluated factors like sound quality, ease of setup, build quality, features (such as Bluetooth connectivity and USB output), and overall value. We also analyzed retailer reviews to assess long-term performance and reliability. For some models, editors tested the products directly, while others were evaluated based on experience with similar turntables and category expertise.
What to look for when shopping for a record player
The most sophisticated record players are surprisingly complicated devices, especially for today's users who may not be familiar with the terminology associated with all of the various parts on the machine. But there's an emerging crop of record players, complete with Bluetooth technology and high-quality built-in speakers, more targeted to beginners and modern users. Though true music connoisseurs may want to dig a little deeper when shopping, these guidelines are suitable for the average consumer:
✔️ Price: High-end record players can easily cost upwards of $1,500 or more. But in our research, experts say you can find a perfectly suitable option for $500 or less. Just note: The lower you go in price, the more common it is to experience decreased sound quality.
✔️ Sound quality: The sound thrown by separate speakers attached to turntables is typically superior to the built-in speakers your average record player is equipped with. However, today, there's an emerging number of record players with enhanced speakers. Look for features like separate woofers and tweeters, two components that improve sound quality.
✔️ Ease of use: Turntables are more complex not only because they require additional components like speakers, but also because they require more manual operation. Record players come in automatic, manual, and semi-automatic options. If you are a beginner, opt for an automatic or semi-automatic model; if you're more advanced and prefer to have a hand in the process, you may enjoy a more manual record player.
✔️ Location: Because record players deliver sound that comes from the vibrations of a needle, it's important to find a smooth, sturdy surface for your record player. Otherwise, you'll end up with humming that can significantly alter the sound quality. Thankfully, today's options are generally much more compact than the record players of yesteryear.
What is the difference between a turntable and record player?
If you're hyper-focused on sound quality, we found experts say a turntable is the better choice for you. Think of a turntable as a simplified version of the record player, since the turntable is only a single component of a record player. A standalone turntable needs to be hooked up to additional components, but generally offers superior sound quality when used properly.
What is the difference between a vinyl player and record player?
A record player and a vinyl player are two terms that may be used interchangeably to describe an audio system complete with a turntable, speakers, and an amplifier used to plays records. Since records come in both vinyl and shellac formats, a vinyl is inherently a record, but not all records are vinyl.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor, and content creator with over 15 years of experience writing about products in the home space, including sound systems and speakers like record players. She worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, plus consulted respected editorial sources like CNET and Wired, to research and write about the record players in this story.
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