Best Portable Turntables

Best portable record player reviews

Victrola Revolution GO – best overall

Victrola, a name with deep historical roots, has long been associated with high-quality photographs dating back to the early 1900s. As time progressed, they skillfully merged classic allure with contemporary advancements. This fusion is prominently showcased in their Victrola Revolution GO.

When I first got my hands on this player, its lightweight yet solid build was immediately noticeable. The tactile feel of the materials was a pleasant surprise – it felt sturdy without being cumbersome, an important balance for portability. The guitar strap and retractable handle were well-integrated, making it comfortable to carry around. It was quite a delight to take it from my living room to the backyard without any hassle.

As for the sound, I put it through its paces with a range of records. Starting with some classic Beatles albums, the clarity and warmth of the sound immediately stood out. The built-in speakers, while compact, delivered a fuller sound than I anticipated, handling both the subtle nuances of “Yesterday” and the more complex layers of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” admirably.

Moving on to something more contemporary, I played Lorde’s “Melodrama.” The turntable did a good job capturing the depth and range of the modern production. The highs were crisp, and the bass, though not ground-shaking, was present and well-defined. It was evident why this could be considered the best-sounding portable record player in its class.

I also appreciated the Revolution Go’s Vinyl Stream technology. Streaming vinyl to my external Bluetooth speaker was mostly seamless and definitely enhanced the listening experience, especially for outdoor settings. There were a couple of moments where the connection wavered, but these were few and far between.

I took the Revolution GO to a small get-together with friends, and it was a hit. The ease of transporting it, combined with the impressive battery life, made it the center of attention. We played everything from jazz to indie rock, and the player held up wonderfully.

Byron Statics – budget

The Byron Statics is a stylish, portable vinyl player with three speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM) – you can use it at home or on the go to listen to your favorite albums from anywhere you want.

My favorite thing about this player is its design – reminiscent of an old-fashioned suitcase. The feel of the faux leather is more premium than I’ve expected at this price point, and the latch mechanism provides a satisfying, old-fashioned click – a nice tactile touch.

In my living room, the TT’s aesthetics blended seamlessly with a mix of modern and retro decor. Loading my first vinyl, a classic jazz album, I was curious to see how it would perform. The turntable was straightforward to set up – a plus for anyone not used to handling vinyl players.

The initial sound was pleasantly nostalgic, bringing forth that unique vinyl warmth. However, as I played various records, the limitations in sound quality became evident. At lower volumes, the audio was decent enough, but cranking it up led to some distortion, a bit like pushing a budget speaker beyond its comfort zone. During quieter songs, I noticed a soft, static background hiss – not uncommon in turntables at this tier, but something to note if you’re used to clearer sounds.

I also tried the player during a small get-together. It served well as a conversation piece and provided a nice background ambiance. Yet, when we wanted to turn up the music, the built-in speakers struggled, sounding a bit tinny. This was somewhat remedied by hooking up external speakers, though I had to fiddle with the volume to get a good balance – the internal speakers don’t automatically mute, which was a tad inconvenient.

Victrola VSC-550BT – also a great choice

Victrola VSC-550BT is a 3-speed compact record player that brings a modern touch to the vintage suitcase-style design. I was instantly drawn to its unique aesthetic, plus, it offers an ideal blend of retro charm and contemporary functionality.

In my experience, this table’s sound quality is adequate for casual listening, especially considering how loud it can get. However, the player shows its limits with certain music. For instance, when I played classic rock albums, the built-in speakers delivered the vocals clearly but struggled with the fullness of the bass lines. Unfortunately, there is no option to hook this model up to external speakers. What a pity!

Apart from the sound, the tactile experience of using the VSC-550BT is quite satisfying. The turntable’s controls feel responsive, offering a pleasant, tangible interaction with the music. Flipping through my vinyl collection and placing a record on the turntable, the gentle drop of the needle and the smooth rotation of the disc provide a nostalgic and engaging experience that digital formats simply can’t match. And, of course, I just can’t help but love its vintage suitcase design, coupled with an easy carry handle, which allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you want.

In terms of connectivity, the table excels with its expanded options. You can effortlessly stream music from your smartphone through the built-in Bluetooth speakers or connect external speakers via the stereo RCA outputs for an even more immersive experience. The Line input comes in handy for non-Bluetooth devices like a CD player, and the headphone jack is perfect for personal listening sessions.

Crosley Cruiser Deluxe

Crosley is one of the world’s most popular American manufacturers of affordable vinyl turntables. Their models have always been known for their original and stylish design. So let’s move on to the appearance of the Cruiser Deluxe.

The player’s design instantly takes me back to the 1950s with its unique form factor. It’s not often you come across a turntable encased in a suitcase with a texture that mimics high-quality leather. Running my fingers over it, I can feel the subtle imitations of noble skin, which adds a sense of luxury to its appearance. Opening the case reveals the classical matte plastic interior, smooth to the touch. Overall, it looks really stylish and ergonomic.

This portable record player with built-in speakers offers essential functions for an enjoyable listening experience. It supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM playback speeds to accommodate a variety of vinyl records. Furthermore, a universal USB port accommodates USB drives and other peripherals. A notable feature of this model is its wireless music playback via Bluetooth, utilizing version 4 of the module for a working distance of at least 10 meters. The Cruiser Deluxe also connects to sound sources with a cable and channels audio to external speaker systems.

Equipped with a Crosley NP6 replaceable cartridge, the tonearm allows for easy swapping via the company’s website if needed. The needle features ceramic construction and a sapphire tip.

Now let’s talk about the main thing – the sound. During playback, the sound is emitted by two electrodynamics, both are three inches in diameter, and each has a built-in amplifier with 2 watts of power. As a result, the sound from the player is quite clear, detailed, and surprisingly deep. It might not have the same smoothness and vibrancy as some of the high-end models I’ve used, but it certainly has its charm. The Cruiser Deluxe captures that distinct analog warmth and character. Listening to Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” for instance, I was pleased by how well the turntable delivered nuances of each instrument despite its compact size.

Victrola V50-200

I love the Victrola V50-200 because it offers a chic, eye-catching retro design and is packed with an array of features that will delight music enthusiasts.

You may ask me why I like Victrola V50-200 even though it’s almost twice pricier as other models on my list. That’s because it offers a chic, eye-catching retro design and is packed with an array of features that will delight music enthusiasts.

This belt-driven, 3-speed system is designed to play LPs at 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, accommodating various vinyl formats. In addition to its vinyl capabilities, the versatile V50-200 includes a built-in CD player, stereo speakers, and an AM/FM radio with an illuminated tuner. The 3.5mm aux-in and headphone output enable connectivity with non-Bluetooth devices, while the USB recording feature and user-friendly software allow vinyl-to-MP3 conversion.

Another drawback of the V50-200 is the inclusion of a flimsy plastic adapter and the lack of a mat, which can affect sound quality and record rotation. However, after adding a mat and a sturdier adapter, the turntable’s performance improved significantly.

Buyer’s guide

To select a portable record player that will meet your needs, look for the following features:

Built-in speakers

Built-in speakers are an important feature for the best portable turntables, as they offer instant, hassle-free listening experiences. They eliminate the need for additional equipment, making these turntables more compact and convenient to use. With built-in speakers, music enthusiasts can effortlessly enjoy their favorite vinyl records anytime, anywhere.

RCA outputs

RCA outputs, recognizable as the classic phono connectors, are an industry standard for a reason. Any respectable portable record player should sport these connectors. Why? They enable enthusiasts to integrate larger audio peripherals, amplifying not just the volume but the overall sound fidelity.

Other inputs and outputs

Venturing beyond the staple RCA outputs, a well-rounded portable turntable should feature a variety of inputs and outputs to enhance its versatility:

• 3.5mm headphone jack: for those private listening sessions.
• USB port: allows for easy digitization of your vinyl collection or playback from digital sources.
• Auxiliary input (AUX): lets you connect external devices, like your phone, for playback through the speakers.
• Built-in preamp: not strictly an output, but important for connecting directly to speakers without needing an external amplifier.

A diverse I/O setup ensures you’re ready for any audio adventure.

Bluetooth capability

While traditionalists might not see Bluetooth as a primary feature for turntables, its modern relevance is undeniable. If you own a high-quality autonomous Bluetooth speaker, this capability can enhance your vinyl sessions by offering flexibility in speaker placement and reducing cable clutter. Furthermore, the current market brims with affordably priced yet impressive Bluetooth headphones and microphones. This means you can not only enjoy wireless listening but also potentially engage in interactive sessions or recording endeavors using your turntable. It’s a nod to the future while cherishing the past.

Tonearm, cartridge, and stylus

When it comes to portable turntables, the tonearm, cartridge, and stylus trio present a classic conundrum: to invest or to settle. Most portable variants come with a fixed cartridge, limiting stylus replacement options. Cheaper LP players often sport a built-in cartridge, which may compromise audio quality. After your purchase, it’s essential to test the tonearm; ensure its movements are smooth and unhindered for the finest playback experience. Remember, you often get what you pay for in the world of vinyl.

Speed

A high-quality portable record player should offer three-speed options: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. These speeds cater to various vinyl record formats, ensuring compatibility with your entire collection. Such versatility enables music lovers to enjoy classic, modern, and rare vinyl records alike.

Disadvantages of a portable turntable and whether it can damage your vinyl

Now, let’s explore the potential drawbacks of portable turntables and learn whether these machines could affect your cherished record collection.

Some mechanical issues

While portable turntables provide a convenient way to enjoy your favorite vinyl records, they may come with some mechanical issues. Here are a few common concerns:

Lower-quality components: due to the compact nature of these players, some manufacturers may use inferior materials or components, which could lead to reduced performance or durability.

Stability: portable TTs often sacrifice stability for portability. The lightweight design may make them prone to vibrations, affecting the sound quality and, in some cases, potentially causing damage to your vinyl records.

Built-in speakers: while built-in speakers are convenient, they may not deliver the same audio quality as dedicated external ones. Additionally, the close proximity of speakers to the turntable can introduce unwanted vibrations, impacting the listening experience.

Tracking force: the stylus tracking force on some portable turntables may be heavier than on higher-end models, potentially leading to increased wear on your vinyl records over time.

Tonearm and cartridge quality: some models may feature less sophisticated tonearms and cartridges, which could affect the sound quality and, in extreme cases, cause damage to your vinyl records.

What portable record players we also tested?

WOCKODER KD-3011BL

The WOCKODER KD-3011BL, with its compact and lightweight design, can make a charming entry-level gift for vinyl newcomers. Its exterior boasts an attractive look, but the internals and sound quality reflect its cheap nature.

Udreamer UD001

The Udreamer UD001 charms with its beautiful retro design and user-friendly interface, making it good for all ages. However, its built-in speakers are lackluster, akin to cheap headphones, and Bluetooth playback further diminishes audio quality. Additionally, the needle requires extra weight for optimal performance. Aesthetically pleasing, the player falls short in delivering quality sound.