Do you prefer the dynamic sound of vinyl over that of a CD or digital file? Are you looking to break out some old records enjoy some classic hits? A portable record player will allow you to enjoy the delightful sounds of your vinyl records without limiting you to using it in only one location.
There are various options when you're looking for a portable record player. To help you decide on the best option for you, we have reviewed the five best portable record players in the sections below.
Top 5: Portable Record Players Review
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The dodocool 3-Speed Vintage Turntable features a retro suitcase design. The suitcase is a cool blue color. The surface feel like a pair of jeans.The turntable on this product has three different speeds to allow you to find that perfect sound. It can also accommodate records of three sizes (7-, 10-, and 12-inch). An additional stylus is included with your purchase to prolong the life of the product.
To allow you to clearly hear and enjoy your records, this product features two full-range speakers. You can connect your devices to this item over Bluetooth. This will allow you to stream music from your devices through the speakers and create vinyl to MP3 recordings.
There is an RCA channel connector on the back of this item that will allow you to hook it up to an external amplifier, allowing you to fill a larger space with music. This product features a belt-driven system to provide you with the best sound quality possible. When you purchase this item, you'll be covered by a lifetime warranty and technical consultation as well as a 180-day no questions asked return policy.
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The Musitrend Bluetooth Portable Record Player is in a brown leather-like suitcase to allow you to easily take it along with you. The suitcase has a handle for easy carrying. This item can be used to play 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM records. You can set the turntable to one of three speed settings to achieve the perfect listening experience.
There are numerous added features that are designed to improve your experiences using this product. It has built-in speakers in addition to a headphone jack, so you can listen privately or share your music with others. This item also features a rechargeable battery, making it perfect to bring along with you.
There is an RCA output as well as Auxiliary inputs on this product. You can also hook it up to your other devices over Bluetooth. This product comes with a replacement stylus to help you enjoy more years of use from it.To allow you to preserve some of your favorite albums and songs, this product will allow you to create vinyl to MP3 recordings.
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The GOODNEW Portable Turntable is sleek black and red product with a portable suitcase design. The outside of the suitcase has the look and feel of leather. You can use this product to play 7-, 10-, or 12-inch records. It features three settings of 33, 45, or 78 RPMs. There are two built-in stereo speakers to allow you to easily hear your favorite songs.
This item has connection ports for both input and output. You can hook it up with the Aux Jack or RCA outputs. It can also be hooked up to your other devices over Bluetooth. o protect your purchase, this product is covered by a 24-month warranty. You will also receive a lifetime of technical support and customer service.
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The Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Portable Turntable features a suitcase design to allow you to easily move it from one location to another. There is a handle on the suitcase so you'll be able to easily carry this item. The turntable features three speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), so you'll be able to listen to all your beloved records.
With the Bluetooth capability, you can connect this player to your other devices. This will allow you to use the speakers to stream music from your phone. You'll also be able to create vinyl to MP3 recordings over Bluetooth.
There is also an RCA Aux-In jack as well as a headphone jack. This will enable you to listen to music without disturbing others, or to play your music for all to hear. There are built-in stereo speakers so you'll be able to clearly hear and enjoy all your favorite songs. There are two knobs which allow you to control the volume and turn the player on or off.
This product is available in a wide array of colors and styles, so you'll be able to find the perfect look to match your style and taste. There are a total of 22 different options to choose from. Some of the available options include pink, black, multicolor (tie-dye), retro map, geo print, and camo.
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The WOCKODER Portable Vinyl Turntable features a classy suitcase design. You can purchase this product in black, gray, red, or sky blue. For easy carrying, there is an elegant gold handle on the suitcase. The players 33, 45, and 78 RPM settings will allow you to play 7-, 10-, or 12-inch records. There are two stereo speakers built into the suitcase.
This product can be connected to your devices over Bluetooth, SD, or a USB cable. This will provide you with flexibility for playing music from some of your other devices through the speakers on this product. You'll also be able to connect to your devices to make a vinyl to MP3 recording.
There is also an AUX input jack and a headphone jack on the exterior of the suitcase. There is an RCA exterior jack as well, which will allow you to connect to an amplifier. To add to the portability of this product, it is lightweight. This will allow you to bring it with you where ever you go so you can share your love of playing vinyl records.
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Buying Guide
If you love playing vinyl records, a portable record player allows you to share your love with others. The products we reviewed all feature a handy suitcase design, which allows you to easily close up your player, grab the handle, and head off to your destination. Your friends and family will love hearing the music from your classic records.
When you are looking for a great portable record player, you'll want to pay attention to the other features offered. Many options allow you to connect the player to your devices over Bluetooth. This is a nice feature because it enables you to stream music through the speaker and make vinyl to MP3 recordings.
Before you purchase your new portable record player, you should also pay attention to the overall design and look of the product. Be sure to find something that will be a good compliment to the space you have. Some of the options above are available in different colors and designs, while some only have one choice.
best portable record player
Out of the five portable record players we reviewed, our favorite was the WOCKODER Classic Suitcase Vinyl Turntable with Bluetooth. We like the classic look and feel of this option. Plus, it is available in four different colors, which will allow you to customize the look depending on your space.
With this product, you'll be able to connect to your devices using Bluetooth, SD, or a USB cable. Many other record players don't offer the SD and USB cable connection offers. Once you are connected with your digital devices, you can stream music or create MP3 records to allow you to preserve your favorite albums and songs.
The WOCKODER also has an input jack to allow you to listen to your music with headphones. It is lightweight and features a convenient handle to allow you to bring your favorite records with you wherever you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Record Players Better?
The answer to this will really depend on a few factors and your own personal preferences. Some people strongly feel that record players are better than other options for playing music. For some, the whole experience of using a record player is enjoyable. They enjoy setting the record up on the turntable and just love the way the vinyl sounds playing their favorite songs.
For some, using a record player takes them back to their younger days. It can bring along good memories from that time and make it a pleasant experience. Though, many people who did not grow up in the vinyl era still favor record players over other options. They may prefer them because they love the sound played with the vinyl record, or perhaps they enjoy using more vintage products.
Why Is Vinyl Making a Comeback?
There are a few possible reasons to explain why vinyl sales have been increasing over the past few years. One possible reason is that a vinyl record is something you can hold in your hand. While online streaming has its benefits, there is something special about building a collection of records that is yours. Another possible reason that vinyl is making a comeback is due to the sound quality. Many prefer the sound of a vinyl record playing to that of a digital file or other form of music.
How Long Does Vinyl Last?
If vinyl records are properly cared for, there is no real reason that should wear out. It is important to make sure that the needle on the record player itself is not damaged or showing wear though. This could cause damage to the grooves on the record.
What Is the Best Vintage Record Player to Buy?
If you're looking for the best vintage record player, there are a few great options to consider. Some of these options include the Linn LP 12, the Thorens TD-124, the Technics SP-10, and the Rega P3. These would all be a great addition to your space. They would be sure to attract a lot of attention from friends and family.
Why you should get a portable record player
Record players are not only back in style but they are also back by popular demand. There has been an old but new craze that has hit the music industry and it's vinyl records. Musicians are once again putting their albums on Vinyl and it does not disappoint. From country music artists, rappers and even heavy metal musicians everyone is adding vinyl to their sales and the entire experience of the record player and vinyl is an extraordinary one, so lets walk through it together.
Since the beginning when the phonogram was invented in 1877 there has been a fascination with music in the home. Everyone was amazed by watching the record spin and enjoying the pure excitement from the static that begins once the needle drops cannot be compared. There is something to be said about the crackle sound that separates the record player to its competitors the Compact Disk and Cassette. It is a sound that cannot be emulated.
I can remember being a child in the '80s and I remember thinking how amazing it was to watch the record on the Juke Box in our local pizza parlor. It was one of the highlights of going there to eat. We also had one at our local 1950s decorated diner and Standing there pushing the buttons and watching the pages flip until you found the perfect song to play and the excitement you would get just to watch the record spin and your chosen one plucked from the bunch and played is a favorite past time.
If you are a music buff like I am, a collector of vinyl, or just someone that loves to go home after a stressful day and relax you cannot go wrong with a new record player. It is the one product that over time has seemingly been improved over and over again. Only being able to listen to your records at home is a thing of the past. Now in the twentieth century you are able to take your record player with you easily.
Today portable record players are sold many places. You can easily purchase one online, head to your local box store, electronic store, or music instrument shop to get one. One of the best features of the portable record player is that you can get it to match your personality, home decor, or even now your favorite sports team. There are a variety of shapes and some are compact enough to fit in your hand while some are in the form of a suitcase with a handle for easy carry.
Some people would question why they would want to purchase a record player when it's just as easy to listen to music on a smartphone or ipod. The answer is a simple one, there is no comparison in sound from that of a record player. Putting on a record is an experience in itself. From the second you unwrap the vinyl to the end when the needle stops you are enthralled in a musical journey. So while, yes it is easier just to use a smart phone or radio to play a song, the sound nor the experience is the same.
I personally use mine as a focal piece in the family room, it has its own record stand and it is a big hit whenever we have company over. Friends and family alike enjoy gathering around the record player and going through the vinyls while reminiscing on the older ones in the collection that they remember from their early years. They are also equally excited to see that the newer music they hear and love is also captured in a vinyl record. The fact that vinyls are universal on all record players is also a plus. It has lead to hours of enjoyment and entertainment for all involved.
There are many different brands of portable record players to choose from. The range in cost is anywhere from forty dollars upward to four hundred dollars. If you are looking for a starter turntable, your best option is either a Crosley or a Victrola turntable. Both are comparable in size and quality. If you are wanting to purchase a higher quality longer lasting system, a Yescom is one of the best brands while Victrola also seems to rate high on the quality scale for their larger models.
I have had a few record players over the years and my personal preference of brand is Crosley. The company makes a good product that is sturdy, reliable and good quality. I currently own the Crosley Cruiser Deluxe. It is portable and also comes with a portable speaker for higher sound, which I will also cover. This particular one is in the mid range on price and on the higher quality side of sound as well. I am able to hear it throughout my house which I love and is an excellent blue color on the outside that gives it the vintage look as well.
In today's world of technology there is no surprise that the record player has continued to improve over the years. While the sound is still the same over the years the quality of product has continued to get better and better. The market of portable record players has also come out with something called a record runner. It fits in your hand and instead of an entire record player, this just sits on the vinyl and rides around on top of the record playing the sound out of the top of it. Most are shaped like small cars or music boxes. It is an alternative for someone that does not have a lot of space and also a conversation piece as well
Many years ago, if a record player broke you would have to wait weeks to get it fixed. Finding someone to fix one was also an issue as not too many individuals worked on them and finding replacement parts were hard to come by as as well. In this day and age with Youtube and access to online stores that is no longer the case. It is just as easy now to replace the needle or other parts yourself than to ship it out to be fixed elsewhere. The cost to repair it yourself is also a lot less as well.
You are now able to buy replacement parts fairly inexpensively and fix the record player yourself without having to just toss it out. Record player needles are one of the first things to wear down on the player itself. Luckily they now come in a three-pack and can be purchased for under or around ten dollars. You can purchase them online, in music stores and some box stores as well although most are sold online. Before purchasing parts be sure to do your research as some parts are universal while others are not.
Purchasing the vinyl records themselves is a fun shopping experience. You can purchase vinyls just as you can the record players at the same stores and online. There is also the excitement of heading to your local antique shops, second hand stores and doo wop shops that will keep you browsing through the records for hours. These options also are a lot less expensive than purchasing them new. Most used records are currently selling for around two to ten dollars depending on the rareness and condition of the album itself. New music albums are mainly purchased online however some are carried in store as well.
When buying a record album second hand you will want to make sure that you inspect the vinyl before purchasing it. Check the record for a dust cover. This will assure that it has been and can continue to be stored properly. You will also want to check for any scratches or knicks. Scratches and such can damage the needle and also makes the record skip as well. Records are two-sided so be sure to always check both sides.
If you are like me and love to accessorize things, record players are a great contender for that as well. Personally I have the hard outer shell of mine covered in stickers from the eighties and nineties. You can customize it and make it fun as well. Between the player itself and the vinyl storage units you can purchase, you can have never ending fun with making it your own.
While portable record players have the best sound with their crackle, static and all around authenticness, they are not the loudest. Most portable players do come with a jack for hookup to a outsourced speaker or headphones to help with volume if needed. Other higher priced models come with Bluetooth capabilities to play louder sound wirelessly.
In conclusion, if you are looking to continue your love of music, want a new hobby, want to relive some sweet memories from your childhood, or just simply have a new way to experience music in general than I would recommend getting on the turntable bandwagon. It will take you through a music journey that will not disappoint.
Final Verdict
Once you've evaluated all of the portable record players we've reviewed, weighted the pros and cons, and decided which product is your favorite, be sure to make your purchase. That way, you'll be able to start enjoying listening to your old vinyl records with friends and family.
