The 6 Best Record Players for Vinyl Lovers

ProsDual-plinth build reduces vibrationAdjustable legs to create a fully level playing surfaceConsRequires a separate preampAlmost immediately upon setting up the Fluance RT87, I noticed a clear difference in design compared to every record player I’ve tested, including my previous best overall pick, the RT85N.Every aspect of this record player is designed to ensure smooth playback. It has a dual-plinth (or base) construction that creates room for extra shock absorbers between the record and the surface underneath the player. This minimizes the impact of any vibrations that might disturb the record or the needle as it plays.Similarly, its thick, anti-static acrylic platter reduces warping and pops by dampening any lingering vibrations. Plus, you can place records directly on the platter without a turntable mat.After setting the record player up and plugging in a preamp, the player generated incredible clarity and warmth across multiple speakers. It’s a big investment if you’re new to vinyl, but veteran audiophiles should take note. The RT85N is the best sub-$1,000, hi-fi-grade turntable I’ve tested yet.Read Full Fluance RT87 ReviewKey SpecsBelt or Direct DriveBeltWeight21 lbDimensions6.3 x 16.5 x 14.25 in.Speed Options33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpmProsOptional preampInternal anti-skate designConsBelt was difficult to installThe U-Turn Orbit Basic keeps things simple, but punches above its weight with a beginner-friendly $250 price tag. This belt-driven player is truly as “basic” as it gets. Its minimalist design features a platter, tonearm, counterweight, and the belt drive. You can adjust between speeds by swapping the belt onto different thickness points on the driver.With so few moving parts, the record player was pretty easy to set up in about 10 minutes, from unboxing to listening. That said, I had a bit of trouble getting the belt to fully cooperate. It took me a few tries to slip it into place.Once it was up and running, the record player was incredibly smooth. The sound was clear and powerful, and once the counterweight on the tonearm was set, it ran perfectly. The simplicity of the entire design is what makes it work so well.There’s an upgraded version with a built-in preamp, which is definitely convenient for a new hobbyist. Just keep in mind that you might be able to save a few bucks by buying one separately.Read Full U-Turn Audio Orbit Basic ReviewKey SpecsBelt or Direct DriveBeltWeight11.5 lbDimensions16.75 x 12.5 x 4.25 in.Speed Options33 rpm, 45 rpmAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTone arm automatically lifts when a record is doneNo visible buttons outside of the platter speed knobConsBluetooth connects slowlyThe new(ish) Denon DP-500BT is a smooth, high-fidelity player that protects your needle and your records, with a number of small features that provide smoother overall playback. Perhaps most importantly, though, it offers a high-quality wireless connection, which allows it to integrate with Bluetooth speakers and whole-home audio systems.While it’s impossible to maintain the “truest” version of the sound when swapping to Bluetooth, the DP-500BT is as close as you’re going to get. While it sometimes takes a minute to connect to a new set of speakers, I never had an issue with distance, or with speakers that connect to multiple devices simultaneously.And, even as part of a conventional hi-fi system with wired speakers, it sounds stellar. Its S-shaped tone arm that you manually balance with an adjustable counterweight is designed for accurate groove tracking while the vibration-resistant chassis reduces sound distortion. And I personally loved that the tone arm automatically lifted up as soon as it reached the end of the record, which helps preserve the needle and prevent accidental scratches.Read Full Denon DP-500BT ReviewKey SpecsBelt or Direct DriveBeltWeight13.23 lbDimensions16.7 × 14.4 × 4.65 in.Speed Options33 ⅓, 45, 78 rpmProsSteel platter designs to generated less vibrationCarbon tonearmThis record player from Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a powerful and sleek model designed to capture every note and string on your album in the clearest audio possible.The RCA cables provided have a grounding cable and are specifically designed to carry the phono signal from the turntable as safely as possible. They plug into gold-plated output sockets that are meant to better preserve the signal sent from the cartridge.Between that and its stabilized design, which prevents vibrations on the record, this player delivers especially clear and smooth playback. User reviews report that many records they play sound as clear or as smooth as the quality of the record itself. You may not see a difference in a cheap mass-produced record from Target, but a well-preserved vintage album should sound clearer and stronger than ever.Key SpecsBelt or Direct DriveBeltWeight13.2 lbDimensions12.6 x 16.3 x 4.6 in.Speed Options33 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpmAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSpins at 78 rpmConverts vinyls to digital filesConsSome users found the preamp too quiet; prefer using external oneIf you are a DJ, producer, or just looking to experiment with spinning, this turntable from Audio-Technica ought to be on your radar.Along with the more traditional features for playback, it has a few extras that professionals may find useful at a gig. For starters, it can convert your vinyl records into digital files as they play. This is great for DJs who are spinning and scratching specific sounds or tempos and want to keep a recording. It also supports crisper digital files of songs or samples you might not be able to find online, so your deep-cut singles from the ’70s and ’80s can be preserved forever. Beyond this, the record player comes with a pitch change slider so you can match beats between two different record while DJ’ing.It also plays songs at 78 rpm, an increasingly rare speed for new turntables. The built-in preamp can be switched on or off too, so if you want to use a different one, you won’t run into any trouble.Key SpecsBelt or Direct DriveDirectWeight17.5 lbDimensions13.8 x 17.8 x 5.5 in.Speed Options33 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpmProsEasily connected to my Bluetooth speakersCompact design fit comfortably in my backpack with space for a speakerConsNo internal speaker means I still needed to bring along multiple devicesIf you want to listen to your vinyl collection beyond the confines of your home, the Audio-Technica Sound Burger is the option for you. The portable device fits records in its open center for easy listening without any major setup.While I didn't expect a lot, the sound quality was actually pretty good. The sound is warm and full and even when connected to a Bluetooth speaker, the audio was never muddled or tinny. I like the Sound Burger for its convenience more than anything. It connects to speakers and headphones via Bluetooth or directly through an aux cable and comfortably fits in a tote bag or backpack.While it would never be my go-to listening device, it's a great way to bring my records along with me to the park for a picnic or over to my friend's house if they don't have a record player themself.Read Full Sound Burger ReviewKey SpecsBelt or Direct DriveDirectWeight1.98 lbDimensions11 x 3.9 x 2.8 in.Speed Options33- 1/3 rpm, 45 rpmTom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.Mike Epstein is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Enthusiast Group, producing reviews for buying guides Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products. Prior to joining Hearst, he was a video game and technology critic for over 10 years, with bylines at IGN, Gamespot, Variety, Lifehacker, Kotaku, GamesRadar, Flavorwire and Digital Trends, among others. Now, he’s a jack of all trades, helping reviewers share everything they know about all kinds of technical gear, from snowblowers, to running shoes and bicycles, and every kind of gadget imaginable.