10 Best Vinyl Record Players 2024

It almost seems like time is moving backwards with America’s newly-rekindled love of vinyl. Millennials pushed vinyl sales to an insane 26-year high in 2015 and it looks as if our appreciation for all things vintage won’t be waning anytime soon.

However, if you were raised on vinyl by way of your parents, you probably have a hard time shaking the scene of a gigantic sound system taking up valuable real estate in your living room.

Because we’re a generation of people who know how to scale down, here are eight of the best small-yet-powerful vinyl record players.

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5 Types of Vinyl Record Players

1. Belt-Drive Turntables

A belt-drive turntable uses an elastic belt to connect the motor to the turntable platter. The construction minimizes motor noise and vibration, which translates into quality sound reproduction. The downside is that the platter will have a lag before it reaches top speed. This type is favored by audiophiles for this reason because of superior audio fidelity.

Learn more: 9 Best Vinyl Record Storage Ideas for Small-Space Solutions

2. Direct-Drive Turntables

Direct-drive turntables include connecting the platter directly with the motor. This ensures a better rotation as well as a quick start-up because energy is transmitted immediately. This is one of the main reasons why DJs prefer this turntable. On the other hand, since the motor is attached directly to the platter, there is a greater possibility that the vibrations may touch the noise resulting in bad sound quality.

3. Auto Turntables

Automatic turntables have mechanisms that automatically place the tonearm on the record and pull it off when the music is done. This type is ideal for beginners, as it offers a hassle-free experience with little handling of the vinyl.

4. Manual Turntables

Manual Turntables, with manual turntables, one has to position and take out the tonearm manually. More attention is demanded, and care is needed, but manual turntables appeal especially to those purists who enjoy the hands-on experience and control over everything when listening to their records.

5. USB Turntables

USB turntables have a built-in USB port that lets you digitize your vinyl records. With a direct connectivity to a computer, you can directly convert analog sound into digital files. These are best suited for individuals who want to preserve their record collection or listen to their vinyl in modern devices.

10 Best Vinyl Record Players 2024

1. QFX TURN-101 Retro Collection Suitcase Turntable

Price: $99.99
You’re going to see a lot of these briefcase-style turntables while on the hunt. And honestly, we can’t blame you for wanting to grab the first one you see. They’re really kitschy and cool.

However, the QFX Turn-101 Suitcase Turntable does a bit more than its competitors: an included 45 RPM adapter lets you play three different speeds, you can convert records to digital files, and there’s a dynamite ceramic stereo cartridge with a stylus. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with the rechargeable battery.

2. Jensen JTA-222 3-Speed Turntable

Price: $44.36
Amateur audiophiles, the Jensen JTA-222 is, hands-down, the record player you’re looking for. Speaking as an owner of the Jensen, I cannot recommend this $44 turntable more highly. It’s extremely easy to use, small, light, and boasts some incredible sound to fill your tiny apartment with whatever record makes you feel the best.

The antique wooden case design hints that you’re in another era, which is great if you have old records. Just know that it’ll definitely clash with the Drake record you’re playing.

3. Ion Duo Deck Digital Conversion Turntable With Cassette Deck

Price: $99
Anyone’s first reaction will probably sound something along the lines of what the heck am I looking at?

The Ion Duo Deck Digital Conversion Turntable is as if RoboCop customized a record player and made it his crime-fighting sidekick. Forget how it looks. This thing is a beast: it’s tiny and powerful, it transfers vinyl and cassettes (who still listens to cassettes?!) into MP3s, and it automatically converts them to your iTunes.

You’ve also got a headphone jack — for those nights where you need to listen to Radiohead in the dark — and a retractable tone arm to further downsize. It’s small and weird, just go with it.

Learn more: 11 Best Home Design Ideas That’ll Make Your Home Feel Brand New

4. Audio Technica AT727 Turntable Walkman

Price: $551.21
If the Ion Duo Deck freaked you out, avert your eyes now. But seriously, if you want the smallest possible record player, the portable Audio Technica AT727 is your best bet.

First of all, this thing’s going to cost you some serious money. It’s an extremely hard to find collector’s item that we promise your neighbors will think is cool.

It’s also compact, it has a headphone jack, it plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyls, and it has a line output so you can connect this to the speaker of your choice. This won’t last forever,  though, so jump on it!

5. Pro-Ject Essential II Matte Black Turntable

Price: $299
Ok, this is for the people who are really serious about their record collection. The Pro-Ject Essential II Matte Black Turntable is not kidding around, but that’s fairly obvious by the way it looks. Its sleek and minimalistic design is perfect for a small space, while still maintaining sound quality for determined audiophiles.

A DC-powered motor control minimizes vibration, ensuring your music-listening experience happens without unwanted skips, and — at only 11.9 pounds — you won’t have to struggle moving this record player around.

6. Sylvania Turntable Record Player

Price: $35.82
Let’s say you want the kitschiness of the Audio Technica, but don’t want to spend the money, and you’re more concerned about size than sound. At $35, the Sylvania Turntable  is the answer to your prayers.

This record player is adorable. It’s just under two pounds and just over one foot long. It has built-in speakers, can convert records to MP3, and is guaranteed to raise some eyebrows. As long as you don’t mind your friends and neighbors insisting they play with this thing, you’ve got yourself a really fun, little, and novel turntable.

7. Crosley C10A-NA 2 Speed Manual Turntable with Pro-Ject Tone Arm

Price: $349.95
Without sacrificing even a little bit of quality, the reliable Crosley C10A-NA 2 Speed Manual Turntable features a minimalistic design at a reasonable price.

An 8.6″ aluminum tonearm with sapphire bearings glides over your vinyl, ensuring a sonic experience you’ll never forget. At the same time, a low vibration synchronous motor protects you against stray bumps and skips.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the amalgamation of quality and quantity.

8. Honorable Mention: The Record Runner

Price: $79.95
It’s been done, people. The record player has been downsized to the point where the record itself is bigger than the turntable.

The Record Runner is just hilarious. A needle within the body of the car actually produces music as the car circles the vinyl, blasting sound from the speakers. It’s definitely not going to be the best sounding thing on Earth, but just look at it! How could you pass this thing up?

And in case you’re wondering, the vertical turntable at the top of this article is the gravity-defying Floating Record Vertical Turntable that sounds as mesmerizing as it looks.

9. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

This turntable is high-performance and has up-to-date features; therefore, one of the best options for both beginners and enthusiastic users. It contains an output for easy digital conversion of records; there is also an adjustable pitch and very good-quality reproduction. Its added versatility, with its built-in phono preamp, makes it connectible to any sound system.

10. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Probably the best in the audiophile marketplace, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is renowned for being built to total high-end standards and for delivering crystal-clear sound quality. It also comes equipped with a carbon-fiber tonearm, designed to keep vibrations down and its playback as clear as possible; it has an even more advanced motor suspension to reduce noise. Its minimalist design, combined with its great audio performance, make it stand out as the leader among serious vinyl collectors.

How to Set Up Your Vinyl Record Player to Sound Its Best

Level the Turntable

First of all, avoid a wobbly surface: your turntable should be put on a flat, stable surface. If it spins unevenly and skips, it’s not properly mounted, so check and balance the platform with a spirit level since the slightest tilting will adversely affect playback quality.

Balance the Tonearm

Correctly aligning the tonearm will help prevent excessive wear on your records and stylus. The counterweight should be set according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that the tonearm floats level, but then you may find that you want to adjust the tracking force to match the cartridge specifications.

Adjust the Anti-Skate

Anti-skate maintains stylus contact with grooves and keeps it from distortion. Adjust anti-skate control in mutual correspondence with the tracking force. Tracking force prevents drifting, which may ensure even pressure across the record.

Check the speed settings

Most importantly, check your turntable speed. LPs will have 33 1/3, while singles will have 45. Some records are in 78 RPM, if you have older records then make sure your turntable is suited for that speed.

Use a Good Phono Preamp

If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, get an excellent external one. This external phono preamp amplifies the signal to line level so that it can adequately play on any of your sound systems and bring you the quality sound associated with vinyl records.

5 Tips on how to clean stylus and platter

1. Always carry a Stylus Brush

Gently brush the stylus using a specialized stylus brush, running your brushes along the length of the stylus in the direction of the stylus tip so that there is no risk of causing scratches. Cleaning the stylus regularly removes dust and debris, which helps improve clarity and quality.

2. Minimal Use of Cleaning Fluid

Only minimal amounts of the stylus cleaning fluid should be used on the brush when you want to clean the stylus thoroughly. Remember not to overuse it to avoid seepage into the cartridge that may cause damage over time.

3. Polish the Platter using a Soft Cloth

Dust and dirt can find their way into the platter, bringing about poorly played audio. The debris attached to this platter should be removed using a microfiber cloth by running the cloth over the platter. This will prevent a debris problem which will naturally destroy the sounds of your records.

Learn more: 26 Easy Deep Cleaning Tips & Hacks To Make Your Home Sparkle

4. Clean the Rubber Mat

If your turntable comes with a rubber or felt mat, you should remove and clean it regularly. You will find that dust buildup has a significant effect on record stability and sound. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe out the grime without damaging the mat.

5. Never Leave the Turntable Lid Open

Always close the lid when you’re not playing the turntable so dust does not settle on the stylus and platter. This is a simple process that can be followed to prolong the life of your equipment and keep clean-up less frequent.

How to Store Records Correctly Without Causing Damage

Store Your Records Standing Up

Always store your records standing up, like books on a shelf. Stacking them flat causes warping over time due to uneven weight distribution. This could permanently damage the vinyl.

Use Inner and Outer Sleeves

Use both the inner and outer sleeves when saving your records. The inner sleeve houses dust off the vinyl surface. The outer sleeve protects the cover from album wear and tear.

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight and Heat

Vinyl buckles under heat, so do not leave your records in direct sunlight or any other form of warmth. Instead, store your records in a cool, dry space to keep them intact for as long as possible.

Handle Records by the Edges

Do not touch the vinyl surface to avoid body oils and dirt on your hands seeping into grooves. Instead, handle your records by either the edges or center label to retain sound quality.

Control the Environment

The humidity will also damage the vinyl and album covers. Keep the records in a controlled environment of temperature and humidity to keep away mold growth and warping.

Need Extra Space? Discover Our Flexible Storage Solutions!

Conclusion

Setting up and maintaining a vinyl record player will give you the best possible long-term performance and care for your record collection. With these setup tips, regular cleaning of your stylus and platter, and proper record storage, you are able to enjoy your vinyls for ages to maintain good sound quality. 

Proper care makes the listening experience better, and you get a chance to treat your favorite albums to their full analog style.

FAQs for Best Vinyl Record Players 2024

Q: What’s the main difference between belt-drive and direct-drive turntables?

Belt-drive turntables use a belt to spin the platter, reducing motor noise and vibration for clearer sound, which makes them popular among audiophiles. Direct-drive turntables, on the other hand, have the motor directly connected to the platter, offering quicker start-up times and better durability, making them ideal for DJs.

Q: Will I need external speakers for my vinyl record player to work?

Many vinyl record players need external speakers for full sound, but some models come with built-in speakers. If you want higher audio quality, external speakers are often recommended.

Q: Can I use Bluetooth speakers with my vinyl record player?

Yes, many modern vinyl players come with Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth speakers. However, some turntables may require a Bluetooth transmitter to pair with wireless speakers.

Q: How often should I change the stylus on my turntable?

Typically, a stylus should be replaced every 500-1,000 hours of playtime, depending on usage and condition. Regularly inspecting the stylus for wear and keeping it clean can extend its life.

Q: Is it possible to convert vinyl records to digital files?

Yes, you can convert your vinyl records into digital formats using a USB turntable or an audio interface. These devices allow you to connect your turntable to a computer and record the audio, preserving your vinyl collection in digital format.

This article was written by Charles Adams, a Connecticut-born writer who currently resides in Brooklyn and has written for a multitude of men’s interests sites under a number of pseudonyms.