If you are looking for the best portable turntable, the most important things to consider are the built-in speakers, noise and resonance. I’ve summarized my favorite products below based on these features. Keep reading if you want to know more about why these features are so important.
True-blooded audiophiles would claim that music can only be fully appreciated by using a turntable. They assert that you can only experience the enchantment that music can provide without this vintage wonder. In the olden days, turntables were hulking treasures meant to be placed in a specific, dedicated location in the home. Nowadays, you can purchase portable turntables, allowing you to use them anywhere you want. Modern turntables can even be connected to various home studio accessories like speakers, amplifiers, and others.
Music lovers ourselves, I opted to review and test the best portable turntables available in the market. If you are planning to purchase one for yourself, you might as well read through my in-depth listing to find the one that’s most appropriate for your home studio system.
Top 7 Best Portable Turntable
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Budget Choice  |
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Best for Compact Size  |
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Best Built-in Speaker  |
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Best in Aesthetics  |
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The Best Portable Turntable
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed – Best Budget Choice
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
- Item Weight: 2.69 Pounds
- Motor Type: AC Motor
- Three-speed belt-driven turntable – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) suitcase record player sits on sound isolating feet that prevent vibration and features premium sound quality.
- Portable – Housed in a vintage suitcase with a carry handle, offering flexibility to travel and listen to music wherever you want
- Multiple connection options – You can play smartphone audio through the turntable’s built-in Bluetooth speakers; connect external speakers via the stereo RCA output, or even connect non-Bluetooth devices through Line input. It’s also equipped with a headphone jack.
- No stereo system or extra equipment is required, and it’s easy to get it up and running.
- Easy to use controls – Includes an Input select knob, Power/Volume Knob & an Auto stop switch that stops spinning a record once it’s finished playing.
- Wide range of styles, patterns, and colors to choose to suit your style and personality
If you are looking for a superb portable turntable that doesn’t require you to spend a fortune on it, then the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player might just be the one for you. This exquisite piece is below fifty dollars, and it already has a three-speed capability which permits you to play whatever size of vinyl.
An innovative fusion of both new and old, this portable turntable provides you with the opportunity to listen to vintage records while still having the ability to connect to your different gadgets via Bluetooth technology. Both conveniently capable of wired and wireless connections, this turntable doesn’t require you any external stereo system as it already has its own. Nonetheless, you also have the option of connecting it to other speakers to amp up the sound.
Encased in a classic, lightweight box, this turntable can be easily carried anywhere. You can even connect your headphones to it if you want. Designed for convenience, it has various knobs that let you control volume, power, and record spinning. Sometimes, you don’t have to splurge just to have a fantastic audio experience.
| Pros • Affordable • Bluetooth technology • Supports multiple devices • Headphone jack • It plays all sizes of vinyl • Portable and lightweight • Vintage design • Built-in stereo speakers | Cons • Limited audio capabilities |
Numark PT01USB – Best for Compact Size
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Material: Vinyl
- Item Weight: 4.2 Pounds
- Motor Type: AC Motor
- Signal Format: Digital
- Class-compliant USB connection, includes USB cable
- ±10% pitch control
- Converts all 45s, 78s, and 12-inch LP records
- Includes AC adapter or battery-powered by six “D” cells (not included)
If you’re looking for something even more compact, you must pick the Numark PT01USB Portable Vinyl-Archiving Turntable. This one’s a little heavier at 4.2 pounds. Having the ability to play all kinds of records, this turntable also operates on batteries. So, with this turntable, you don’t have to worry about finding a power source near you. You can bring it anywhere you want and still have the capability of enjoying your latest vinyl conquest.
What makes this turntable such a treasure find, however, is that it has the capability of converting your vinyl music into digital ones. Because its converter program is compatible with any computer, you have the opportunity to store all your music into one digital folder for easier access. Designed with a built-in speaker, you can simply use this option, or you can connect external ones for added loudness, as well.
| Pros • Compact size • Can be battery-operated • USB connection compatibility • It plays all sizes of vinyl • Can convert vinyl into digital ones • Portable and lightweight | Cons • Limited volume capability |
LP&No.1 Portable Suitcase Turntable with Stereo Speaker – Best Built-in Speaker
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Material: Wood, MDF
- Motor Type: DC Motor
- Signal Format: Digital
- Voltage: 9 Volts
- Power Source: DC
- Premium sound record player
- 3-speed, belt drive vinyl player
- Versatile record player
- Portable case
Leather always elucidates elegance. Owning the LP&No.1 Portable Suitcase Turntable with Stereo Speaker provides you with the feel of vintage in your hands while still enjoying the benefits of modern turntable-playing. This portable turntable is incorporated with a superb quality belt drive system. It can play all kinds of vinyl sizes. Unlike most portable turntables, this one has two built-in stereo speakers, as well—a perfect capability that lets you use this small wonder even during spur-of-the-moment parties. With this player, you can also convert your music into digital ones.
| Pros • Faux leather encasement • High-quality belt drive system • It plays all sizes of vinyl • Two built-in stereo speakers • High volume capacity • Can convert vinyl into digital ones | Cons • No Bluetooth connectivity |
WOCKODER Record Player Turntable – Best in Aesthetics
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Color: Brown
- Material: Vinyl, Wood
- Item Weight: 4.7 Pounds
- Motor Type: AC Motor
- Lightweight and portable
- 3-speed and easy to use
- Retro design
If you want something that’s both simple and stylish, you should get the WOCKODER Record Player Turntable Vinyl Record Player. Its solid wooden base offers added beauty to any home studio, while its top-notch player provides you with endless enjoyment of your vinyl records. Compatible with all sizes of records, this tiny charm has a manual turntable that ensures clean and clear audio output. Perfect for beginners, this one doesn’t involve complicated operations. What’s more, it can also be utilized as a Bluetooth speaker for your favorite digital music. It even has a spring at the bottom of its base that acts as an excellent shock absorber, improving audio quality.
| Pros • Portable and lightweight • Built-in speaker • Headphone jack • Clean and clear music output • Plays all kinds of vinyl • Bluetooth connectivity • Straightforward operation | Cons • No accompanying case |
Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Vintage Portable Turntable – Best Vintage Gift
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Color: Gray
- Item Weight: 5.5 Pounds
- Motor Type: DC Motor
- Signal Format: Analog
- Vintage-inspired, belt-driven 3-speed turntable; plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records
- Built-in Bluetooth receiver allows you to stream music wirelessly to the Voyager’s stereo speakers
- Easily plug the Voyager turntable into your existing stereo system with the RCA outputs
- Adjustable pitch control
- Auxiliary in; headphone jack for private listening
- Included Components: Voyager Turntable, RCA to 3.5Mm Cable
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
If you’re looking for something enchanting, the Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Vintage Portable Turntable might be something you’d like to consider. With eight (8) marvelous colors to choose from, you’d indeed find one that fits your style. Its stereo speaker looks equally vintage, as well. A total masterpiece of “old-meets-new,” this little marvel is a perfect gift for anyone who hankers for something that’s ancient-looking and yet usable. Nonetheless, this one is manually operated. So, you need to adjust the turntable’s needle the old-fashioned way.
| Pros • Vintage design • It comes in eight (8) elegant colors • Portable and lightweight • Bluetooth connectivity • Built-in stereo • Can be connected to external speakers • Adjustable pitch control • It plays all sizes of vinyl | Cons • No audio digitization capability |
Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers – Best in Versatility
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Aux/Bluetooth/USB
- Item Weight: 8.65 Pounds
- Motor Type: AC Motor
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 55 dB
- More than a record player – With 50s retro looks & modern features, this turntable plays & records your vinyl to MP3 (Mac/PC software & USB cable included). It has a CD player, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, Aux & headphone jack, plus stereo speakers.
- No stereo system or extra equipment is required. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with modern technology’s convenience makes this record player a great value that is ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts alike.
- Three-speed belt-driven turntable – This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) record player features upgraded premium sound quality with minimum vibrations. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom, or office and an excellent choice for vinyl lovers.
- All the controls you need – Features a volume and FM tuner knob, input select (function) button, and a complete set of buttons for the CD player. The screen comes on in blue LED light, buttons have a nice feel to them, and the whole look is trendy 50s
- High-quality design & finishing – Victrola’s 115-year commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the stylish retro case, strongly built quality, gentle lifting mechanism, and well-balanced sound.
- Connectivity technology: Aux/Bluetooth/USB
- Output wattage: 19 watts
The Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers is one-of-a-kind. It adopts the 1950s look, including the enormous tuning and volume knobs of that era. However, it has multiple capabilities for producing music. Its turntable can play all sizes of vinyl, it can act as a CD player, it has AM/FM radio, and it can be a Bluetooth stereo speaker, too. This vintage-looking fusion can stream music from your mobile device. Also, it produces a clear audio output which makes it an excellent choice for any kind of environment. It even has a headphone jack for added convenience and versatile use.
| Pros • It plays all sizes of vinyl • Clean and clear audio output • Built-in stereo speakers • Bluetooth connectivity • AM/FM radio • Audio digitization capability • CD player • Headphone jack • USB connectivity | Cons • Old-fashioned design • Requires power source |
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK – Best Automatic
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Item Weight: 8.11 Pounds
- Motor Type: AC Motor
- Voltage: 100240 Volts
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Fully automatic belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
- Ac adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
Some of us like something that’s fully automatic, even when we adore vintage-looking things. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable is one of the best choices, especially for people who prefer a device directly connected to all their different electronic gadgets.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable can act as a Bluetooth stereo speaker for your mobile device. It also allows direct connection to your computer, external speaker, the home studio system, and other audio components.
This beauty has a headshell and tonearm base, allowing it to limit resonance further and significantly improve tracking. Its AC adapter aids in reducing noise, as well, like its AC/DC component intentionally occurs outside of the provided chassis so that signal chain impact is reduced. Nevertheless, it can merely play two (2) speeds, 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, which can be a massive letdown for audiophiles who may want a turntable that can do more than that.
| Pros • Fully automatic turntable operation • Direct connectivity to a variety of devices • Built-in speaker • AC adapter helps limit noise and improves audio clarity • Limited resonance • High-fidelity vinyl audio • Audio digitization capability | Cons • Two-speed vinyl record capability |
Best Portable Turntable Buying Guide
A portable turntable is always a superb addition to any home studio system. It provides added elegance and sophistication to any music room. However, you need to keep in mind several tips when purchasing a portable turntable. Below is a list that can aid you as you find the best portable turntable for you.
Manual versus Automatic
Some turntables need to be manually operated, while others are fully automatic. A manual turntable requires you to adjust its needle each time you play a record, while a fully automatic one does the work for you. Nevertheless, manually operated turntables have a charm of their own. In a way, they simulate the classic feel of their vintage counterparts.
Noise and resonance
Since most modern turntables can also be used as Bluetooth speakers, it is best to seek a portable record player that has the capability of reducing noise and providing little or zero resonance. After all, the point of listening to music is to distinguish the different high, mid-range, and low notes.
Audio digitization capability
Vinyl records are classic reminders of the past. However, they have sensitive components that are likable to those of CDs and cassette tapes. Thus, they can be easily damaged by many things, including water, dust, and mishandling. A turntable’s capability to convert vinyl music into digitized audio is a fantastic feature. It permits you to store your favorite tunes’ backups into another electronic device such as a computer or a mobile phone.
Built-in speaker
While most portable record players are designed with built-in speakers, many of them merely have a single one. Bear in mind that a speaker can add more audio volume capacity to your record player. If you want a portable record player that can produce louder music than usual, you should find one with more than one speaker built into it. Otherwise, purchase one that allows you to connect external speakers to it.
Portable Turntable FAQs
Do you need a speaker for a turntable?
Most turntables have built-in speakers. However, if you want to ramp up the volume, you will need to connect your turntable to a separate external speaker.
Do Bluetooth turntables sound good?
Yes. Portable turntables that also act as Bluetooth speakers produce the same audio quality as your average stereo speaker. However, if you want higher sound quality, you can always use external speakers for your turntable music output.
What is the difference between a manual and an automatic turntable?
The difference between a manual and an automatic turntable is the tonearm function. A manual turntable requires you to adjust its tonearm manually. This means that you need to place the needle correctly so that your music gets to be played. An automatic turntable does the work for you.
Our Pick!
To sum up our point-by-point analyses of the different portable turntables preferred by most music enthusiasts, here are our top choices:
- Best Overall – Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Built-in Speakers
- Best for Compact Size –Numark PT01USB | Portable Vinyl-Archiving Turntable
- Best Built-in Speaker – LP&No.1 Portable Suitcase Turntable with Stereo Speaker
- Best in Aesthetics –WOCKODER Record Player Turntable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers
- Best Vintage Gift – Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Vintage Portable Turntable with Bluetooth Receiver and Built-in Speakers
- Best in Versatility – Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers
- Best Automatic – Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
