The best portable record player we tried was easily the Victrola 50’s Retro Portable Record Player. This portable record player vintage design is truly memorable, with bold colors that truly pop, and the ability to play vinyl at three popular speeds. It also encodes vinyl via USB, has some stunning built-in speakers and can stream audio via Bluetooth.
To help you find the best portable record player for listening to vinyl records, we have tried out a multitude of top products, testing to ensure they played a wide variety of vinyl speeds and that they had crisp built-in speakers, for listening on the go. We also preferred record players with modern functionalities, such as Bluetooth streaming capabilities and the ability to encode vinyl via USB or other methods. Keep reading to learn more about the Victrola 50’s Retro Portable Record Player and the other products on this list.
Top 7 Best Portable Record Player
#1 Victrola 50’s Retro Portable Record Player
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Spins vinyl at 3 popular speeds, with a pair of built-in speakers that sound fantastic and availability in 4 gorgeous retro-inspired design and color choices.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- USB encoding to record vinyl
- Built-in speakers sound great
- Bold and gorgeous design, with multiple color options
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not lightest item on list, at nearly 9 lb
- No handle, for easy transport
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Victrola 50’s Retro Portable Record Player features a pair of built-in speakers that sound fantastic and the ability to play vinyl at three popular speeds (33 ⅓, 45 and 78). This Victrola record player can do it all, including streaming audio via Bluetooth, playing CDs and encoding (recording) vinyl via a USB connection. We also enjoyed the wide variety of color and style options on offer, each of which we found to be vibrant and retro-inspired.
Though the feature set here is admirable, as this record player even features an AM/FM receiver, we found that this is not the lightest model we tested, weighing nearly nine pounds. Additionally, it lacks a handle for easy transport. If you prefer your music digital, take a look at the best MP3 player too.
#2 Zbrqotl Vintage Suitcase Portable Record Player
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly portable record player, with a lightweight and compact design, while offering the ability to play nearly any vinyl record, in addition to allowing for Bluetooth streaming.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Design is light and compact
- 3 speeds plays most vinyl records
- Bluetooth streaming and connects to external speakers
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Built-in speakers aren’t as loud as top pick
- No encoding or recording capabilities
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Zbrqotl Vintage Suitcase Portable Record Player is extremely lightweight, weighing around six pounds, and compact, with a handle-based suitcase design that excels for on the go use. It can play three popular vinyl speeds (33 ⅓, 45 and 78) and can stream audio via Bluetooth, so you can listen to your music via your favorite pair of compatible speakers.
Though the Bluetooth streaming here is on point, in addition to the inclusion of audio outs for typical speaker connections, the pair of built-in stereo speakers are not quite as loud as what comes with our top pick. Also, there is no built-in audio encoding capabilities, so you’ll need a third party product if you want to digitize vinyl. If you love this record player, you might want to look at our best record players and turntables.
#3 LP&No.1 Suitcase Portable Record Player
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly portable record player with some high end features, including a pair of great sounding built-in stereo speakers and a light and compact form factor, complete with a carry handle for easy transport.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Light and compact, with handle for transport
- Built-in speakers are surprisingly robust
- Plays most vinyl records with 3 speed options
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No Bluetooth, though can connect to external speakers via cable
- No recording or encoding functionality
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The LP&No.1 Suitcase Portable Record Player is the best record player to purchase for consumers on a strict budget, as it comes with many high end features despite its relatively low price tag. It is light and compact, weighing just over six pounds, and comes with a carry handle, making it easy to transport. We also loved the three speed settings (33 ⅓, 45 and 78) and the built-in speakers, which we found to be plenty loud and crisp.
Though you can hook this record player up to external speakers, there is no Bluetooth here, so you can’t stream to a pair of speakers for even more volume and clarity. Additionally, there is no encoding or recording functionality built-in, for the digitization of vinyl. If you love music, you might want the best singing bowl set too.
#4 Wockoder Classic Vinyl Portable Record Player
Award: LIGHTEST WEIGHT
WHY WE LIKE IT: The lightest record player on this list, weighing 6 lb, with a robust features set, including the ability to play from USB stick or SD card and a pair of dynamic stereo speakers that sound great.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Plays from USB stick and SD card
- Dynamic stereo speakers sound great
- Can play all popular vinyl record sizes
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Supports Bluetooth input, but not output
- No recording or encoding available
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Wockoder Classic Vinyl Portable Record Player is extremely light and compact, weighing just six pounds and featuring a similar easy-carry handle to several other picks on this list. It can easily play three vinyl speeds (33 ⅓, 45 and 78) and can also play audio from other sources, including USB stick and SD card. We also loved the built-in dynamic stereo speakers, which we found to offer a robust sound, despite their small size.
This product also supports Bluetooth input, meaning you can stream audio from your phone to the built-in speakers, but does not support Bluetooth output, so you cannot stream your vinyl to a pair of Bluetooth speakers. Also, there is no functionality included for the encoding and digitization of vinyl records. If you record your own music, take a look at the best wireless microphone.
#5 Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Portable Record Player
Award: BEST PROFESSIONAL SOUND
WHY WE LIKE IT: Record player with professional-grade sound capabilities, thanks to a die-cast aluminum platter and other innovations, with an easily replaceable diamond stylus and an automatic design that plays records with the push of a button.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Diamond stylus is easily replaceable
- Fairly light, at under 8 lb
- Automatic design queues and plays with button push
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No built-in speakers
- No carry handle for portability
- Does not play 78s
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Portable Record Player is the product of choice for serious audio enthusiasts, thanks to a die-cast aluminum platter, a diamond stylus, a durable belt drive and a power adapter to reduce noise in the signal chain. It is fairly light, at just under eight pounds, and features an automatic design which queues and plays records with the push of a button.
This record player is for serious audiophiles and, as such, does not contain built-in speakers, so you’ll have to have your own speakers and your own amp to power them. Additionally, this record player excels with the playing of 33 ⅓ vinyl and 45s, but does not play 78 records at their intended speed. For another way to play music at home, take a look at some of the best Quinto’s too.
#6 1byone HiFi System Portable Record Player
Award: BEST ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: All-in-one design that ships with a precision-manufactured turntable and a pair of 36 watt bookshelf speakers, with built-in encoding via USB connection and Bluetooth functionality.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Encodes and digitizes music
- Bluetooth streaming
- Aesthetically pleasing design
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Heaviest item on list, if you include bookshelf speakers
- No carry handle for easy transport
- Does not play 78s
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This 1byone HiFi System Portable Record Player is a fantastic all-in-one choice for discerning audiophiles, shipping with a precision-manufactured turntable and a pair of high quality 36 watt bookshelf speakers, which we found to be plenty loud. We also loved the aesthetically pleasing design and the built-in Bluetooth, which allows for streaming across enabled devices.
This record player can also digitize your vinyl via USB connection, though it cannot play or record 78 records at the intended speed, despite excelling with 33 ⅓ and 45 records. Also, this is a heavy multipack, weighing over 20 pounds when you factor in the included speakers.
#7 SeeYing Vinyl Portable Record Player
Award: BEST RECORD PROTECTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed to protect records from accidental scratches and related damage, thanks to a turntable platter that resists shock, with built-in Bluetooth and vinyl encoding functionality.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- 3 speed options; 33, 45, and 78 RMP
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Vinyl to MP3 encoding
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No built-in speakers
- Lacks an easy-carry handle for transport
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This SeeYing Vinyl Portable Record Player offers superior protection against damage to your vinyl, with a turntable platter that resists shock and a stylus arm that automatically returns to the armrest when finished playing. We also loved the built-in Bluetooth, which allows for streaming to external speakers, and the option to encode and digitize vinyl to MP3 and similar audio formats.
Though this is a great and light turntable, it does not have a pair of built-in speakers, so you’ll need to provide your arm. Additionally, there is no carry handle for transport, which could make it difficult to use this record player in a variety of locations.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we preferred light and compact record players that contained built-in speakers, so as to make them truly portable, and products that could play vinyl at a variety of popular speeds, including 33 ⅓, 45 and 78. We also liked portable record players with suitcase designs, often including carry handles for easy transport.
We made sure to include options on the above list for true audiophiles. These products typically feature durable arms and styluses, which produce a more accurate sound response, though they often do not come with built-in speakers. To that end, we admired record players with Bluetooth functionality, for streaming audio to external speakers, and those that could play audio from a variety of sources, including USB stick, SD card and CD.
As far as additional features, we were attracted to record players with AM/FM transmitters built-in and those that could easily encode audio from vinyl to MP3 or a related audio format. Finally, we liked well made and durable products that featured aesthetically pleasing designs, often with retro-inspired vibes.
Best Portable Record Player Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Built-in Speakers and Bluetooth
Many of the above portable record players are truly light and compact, thanks to suitcase-like designs and built-in speakers. These built-in speakers are typically loud enough for small or medium-sized bedrooms but if you want to pump audio throughout an entire home, you may want to make sure that the product you choose has built-in Bluetooth. This will allow you to stream audio from your favorite Bluetooth-enabled speakers, including Amazon speakers such as the Echo. - Audio Encoding
If you have a large vinyl collection, you may want to set about encoding and digitizing your records for long-term posterity. Many of the above portable record players can simply be plugged into your computer via USB connection to access encoding software, which will reliably and quickly transform your vinyl into MP3s or the audio format of your choosing. This can be particularly handy for out of print and rare records. - Vinyl Speeds
Most vinyl records are meant to be played at one of three speeds, 33 ⅓, 45 or 78. Generally speaking, 33 ⅓ are full albums, or LPs, while 45s are singles, usually containing one or two songs per side. Records intended to be played at 78 speed are usually 10” EPs. If you find yourself with a large collection of these EPs, make sure the portable record player you choose has a built-in functionality for this speed, as we found it not to be standard in every item we tested.
