If you’re headed to a friend’s house and want to play the vinyl record you just scored at the record store, a portable record player is a great way to share music. Not only do you get to experience the warm fuzzy feeling of placing the album on the platter, dropping the needle down and hearing that little crackle as the record starts to spin, but with a portable record player, you can now pack it up easily and listen pretty much anywhere.
These days, portable record players come with up-to-date features such as Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to convert your albums to digital format via USB. If you’re looking for a portable record player, the Victrola VSC-400SB-CNV Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable might be perfect for you. It offers vintage appeal with modern technology built in and comes in a variety of colors.
What to know before you buy a portable record player
Direct drive vs. belt drive
There are two types of record players: direct drive and belt drive. This refers to the mechanism that turns the record player’s platter. They each have their advantages depending on usage.
A direct-drive record player uses a motor directly under the record player platter. Direct-drive record players usually have variable speed that can be manually adjusted up to several pitches. They tend to get up to speed very quickly, making them ideal for DJs who need to pitch shift or change records quickly.
A belt-drive record player uses a motor off to the side of the platter, and a belt wrapped around the platter to spin it. The belt can be easily replaced if it wears out, and these types of record players have set variable speeds.
Connection options
Most record players have RCA outputs and sometimes a headphone jack. You can usually use the RCA outputs to plug the record player into a stereo receiver or amplifier.
RPM speeds
RPM is the number of times per minute the record spins on the platter so that the grooves in the record are read by the record player’s needle, creating the sound. Some direct-drive record players meant for DJing have a slider with a manually adjustable RPM. This is so the DJs can match the beats of two different records and mix them together. In addition, most record players — whether belt drive or direct drive — have three set RPM speeds: 33 1/3, which is the standard for 12-inch vinyl LP record playback; 45 RPM which is the standard for 45 RPM singles and 7-inches; and the older, less often used 78 RPM.
Portable record player features
Speakers
Some portable record players have built-in speakers. This means that the record player does not need a preamp and amplifier to boost the audio signal to the proper listening volume. The speakers are usually small enough for personal listening and are sometimes built into the portable record player’s case, especially if it’s a suitcase-style portable record player.
Bluetooth connectivity
Some record players have a Bluetooth option for wireless connectivity so you can pair them with Bluetooth speakers.
Suitcase design
Portable record players have been around for decades, starting in the mid-1950s when rock and roll was first becoming popular, along with 45 RPM singles. These early portable record players were battery-powered and had built-in speakers, just like the ones you see today. Whether vintage or new, many portable record players are built into a suitcase-style enclosure that folds up for easy carrying when not in use.
Portable record player cost
Portable record players range in cost from about $50-$150 depending on the number of extra features included.
Portable record player FAQ
How can I easily clean my records?
A. Sometimes dust and debris collect under the record player’s needle, which gets dragged onto the record as it’s playing. This can cause scratches, so it’s important to either keep your record player covered when not in use or clean your record player’s needle and your records. There are cleaning kits for the record player itself, but for cleaning records, it’s as simple as using a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth. You can buy this solution online or at electronics stores, or you can even use a little bit of water and diluted dish soap.
How should I store my vinyl?
A. Vinyl records should always be stored upright and not packed too tightly on a shelf, as this can cause the records to warp over time. You should also take care to keep them out of extreme temperatures, especially heat since this can compromise the quality of the vinyl and make it more susceptible to warping, getting scratched or even melting.
Which portable record player should I get?
Best of the best portable record player
Victrola VSC-400SB-CNV Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable: available at Amazon
Our take: This modern classic has a belt drive and many connection options for streaming audio using your smartphone or listening to records with headphones.
What we like: The sound-isolating feet keep the record player from vibrating and skipping. It has an automatic stop switch. It has Bluetooth and a line input for connecting other audio devices.
What we dislike: Some users feel the handle is a little flimsy for the price while others feel the speakers sound slightly tinny and thin.
Best bang for your buck portable record player
ByronStatics Record Player: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable portable record player comes in a selection of colors as either a wired or Bluetooth model.
What we like: It has outputs to connect to bigger speakers. It includes an extra stylus.
What we dislike: Some users report the record player skipping during playback. The bass of the built-in speakers is not that strong or clear.
Honorable mention portable record player
Crosley CR8005D-WS Cruiser Deluxe Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable: available at Amazon
Our take: This sleek portable record player comes in a variety of colors and finishes and includes a 45 adaptor.
What we like: The cartridge is Crosley’s high-quality diamond-tipped NP6 type for a clear and precise sound. It’s lightweight at 5.5 pounds.
What we dislike: Some users feel the lid is poorly constructed and the audio output is on the quieter side.
Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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