The 7 Best Portable Record Players (2024)

With the rise of the vinyl record trend in the last years, record players became some of the most searched-for and popular devices to listen to music. There are many new models and even portable ones for music enthusiasts to listen to their vinyl records wherever and whenever they want.

With their ease of use, lightweight and portable design, as well as extra features that add plenty of versatility to the device, portable record players are great tools to sit back and listen to the warm tones of vinyl records.

My top pick is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, with its fully automatic system and high-quality specs for beginners as well as experienced vinyl record enthusiasts.

My budget pick is the Victrola VSC-550BT, which catches the eye with its beautiful looks and color options as well as its price tag and decent performance.

The 7 Best Portable Record Players (2024)

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
Top Pick - Completely automatic turntable system with high-quality audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and sleek design.
2. Victrola VSC-550BT
Budget Pick - Old-school suitcase-style portable record player with cost-effective design and great features.
3. Denon DP-300F
Pro Pick - Top-quality record player with high-quality workmanship, materials, and features for seamless playback.
4. Crosley CR8005D Cruiser Deluxe
Cost-effective suitcase-style portable record player with stylish design and tons of color choices.
5. ByronStatics Vinyl Record Player
Simple suitcase-style vintage record players with a cost-effective, stylish and portable design.
6. Numark PT01USB
Versatile record player with a highly portable and modern design along with a USB connection option.
7. Jensen JTA-222
Good-looking vintage record player with built-in AM/FM radio.

Let’s compare these in more detail.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Top Pick
Completely automatic turntable system with high-quality audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and sleek design.
View Price at Amazon

Although it is not the most portable record player on the list, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT takes the top spot with its sleek design, die-cast aluminum platter, completely automatic belt-driven system, Bluetooth connectivity, and diamond stylus.

Pros

  • Fully automatic and belt-driven system
  • Sleek design
  • Replaceable diamond stylus and high-quality cartridge
  • Relatively light and compact design
  • Bluetooth connectivity option

Cons

  • No built-in speakers
  • No 78 RPM
  • Not the most portable

The compact design is quite light, around 8 lbs, but the lack of a carry handle makes it less portable. Still, it is a lightweight and easy device to carry around if you are careful. 

It comes without built-in speakers but has the Bluetooth option to connect to Bluetooth speakers and devices. Furthermore, it plays 33-1/3 and 45s but does not support 78 RPM records at their intended speed.

Speeds 33-1/3, 45 RPM
Weight 8.11 lbs
Dimensions 14.15″ x 3.84″ x 14.70”
Motor TypeAC Motor
Bonus Features Bluetooth, Dust Cover

Overall, the AudioAudio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is one of the best portable turntables for beginners as it works fully automatic, and the sound quality is quite high. It is also a great choice for audiophiles with their own speaker system.

2. Victrola VSC-550BT

Budget Pick
Old-school suitcase-style portable record player with cost-effective design and great features.
View Price at Amazon

With its old-school design, the Victrola VSC-550BT is one of the best-selling and most popular portable record players today. The suitcase turntable comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from and has a highly lightweight and portable design.

Pros

  • Tons of color options
  • Great value for the price
  • Lightweight and portable
  • 3-speed turntable
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Built-in speakers

Cons

  • Build quality is ok, but not as good as the higher-end record players on this list.

The features of the device make it quite versatile as it comes with built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity option to use it as a wireless speaker or connect to different speakers, and a 3-speed turntable. Furthermore, you can also use the RCA outputs for external speakers. 

Coming to the drawback side, the Victrola VSC-550BT features a cost-effective design which means the quality of construction and materials are not the highest. Also, the sonic performance of the built-in speakers is not very high grade. It is decent, but the sound gets much better with an external amp and speakers.

Speeds 33-1/3, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
Weight 5.5 lbs
Dimensions 13.9″ x 10.1″ x 5″
Motor TypeDC Motor
Bonus Features Bluetooth, Built-in speakers

In short, Victrola VSC-550BT is a great portable record player for music enthusiasts who do not want to spend much on a record player and have all the advantages of portability. It is one of the most versatile record players you can get in the price range.

3. Denon DP-300F

Pro Pick
Top-quality record player with high-quality workmanship, materials, and features for seamless playback.
View Price at Amazon

The Denon DP-300F is the ideal choice for music enthusiasts who are after seamless playback from their record players. With its elegant design and great attention to detail, the record player not only looks good but offers amazing playback quality and sonic performance depending on the sound system it is used with.

Pros

  • Great-quality construction and elegant design
  • High-quality parts
  • Heavy-base construction for reduced vibration
  • Tonearm with removable hardshell
  • Built-in phono equalizer
  • Automatic start-up feature

Cons

  • Does not support 78 RPM
  • Does not have built-in speakers
  • Relatively pricey

The Denon DP-300F comes with a rigid diecast aluminum turntable with a standard mount headshell. Plus, it is built with a heavy base to reduce vibrations for a noiseless, rich, and detailed sound. 

Additionally, it has a built-in phono equalizer that offers an open, enveloping sound stage. You can use the device with an integrated amp or a mini component without a phono terminal. The sonic performance you get is top-notch. On the negative part, it is a high-end device and does not support 78 RPM vinyl records.

Speeds 33-1/3, 45 RPM
Weight 12.1 lbs
Dimensions 17.1” x 4.8” x 15.0″
Motor TypeDC Motor
Bonus Features Built-in phono equalizer preamp, automatic start-up feature, dust cover

If you are looking for a professional-level record player to have the optimum sound and to protect your precious vinyl records, the Denon DP-300F might be a perfect choice.

4. Crosley CR8005D Cruiser Deluxe

Budget-Friendly, Stylish
Cost-effective suitcase-style portable record player with stylish design and tons of color choices.
View Price at Amazon

The Crosley CR8005D Cruiser Deluxe is another stunning-looking retro suitcase-style record player that comes in tons of different colors. With its cost-effective design, it is one of the best gifts for a vintage-lover friend, while it can also be a great companion to listen to vinyl records anytime, anywhere.

Pros

  • Classic and elegant suitcase-style design
  • Tons of color options
  • 3-speed belt-driven turntable
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Not the best built-in speakers

The specs of this device include Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers. There are 2 different models with a slight price difference as one has Bluetooth in while the other has both Bluetooth in and out for connecting the device to external speakers.

With its belt-driven DC motor, Crosley Cruiser Deluxe supports all 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM record types and is quite portable, weighing around 5.5 lbs. On the downside, the speakers are not the best, so I would recommend going with the Bluetooth in-out model to use the player with external speaker systems.

Speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Weight 5.5 lbs
Dimensions 14” x 4.63” x 10.5″
Motor TypeDC Motor
Bonus Features Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers

In short, Crosley CR8005D Cruiser Deluxe is a great portable vintage record player with a stunning design that you can gift to a friend or use for yourself however you like.

5. ByronStatics Vinyl Record Player

Budget-friendly, Simplistic
Simple suitcase-style vintage record players with a cost-effective, stylish and portable design.
View Price at Amazon

The ByronStatics Vinyl Record Player is an affordable suitcase vintage record player with a simple design that offers the essentials you need. It comes in a small faux leather-covered suitcase, perfect for portability, and a stylish design that looks quite elegant as decor.

Pros

  • Great value for the price
  • 3-speed turntable
  • Stylish and portable design

Cons

  • Does not have extra features like Bluetooth or USB connection
  • Mediocre speakers

The record player is quite basic with its 3-speed turntable, phone line out and in jacks, a headphone jack, and dual built-in stereo speakers. The speakers’ performance is not the best, but it is okay for most situations. For better sound quality, you can use external speakers.

The ‘biggie’ among drawbacks is that this device does not include bonus features like Bluetooth connectivity or a USB connection which are frequent these days.

Speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Weight 5.46 lbs
Dimensions 13.6” x 4.6” x 10” Inches
Motor TypeDC Motor
Bonus Features Dual built-in speakers

There are not many extra features on this one as it has a simplistic and stylish approach. If you are searching for something basic and affordable to listen to your vintage vinyl records, this might be a good option.

6. Numark PT01USB

Highly Portable, Versatile
Versatile record player with a highly portable and modern design along with a USB connection option.
View Price at Thomann (Europe)View Price at Amazon

The Numark PT01USB is ideal for music enthusiasts looking for a way to digitalize their vinyl records and listen to their music wherever they go. The highly portable and lightweight design combined with the battery-power option offers the ideal device to travel with and play on the go.

Pros

  • USB connection option to convert vinyl records to digital files
  • 3-speed turntable
  • Battery power option
  • Highly portable and lightweight design

Cons

  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • Not the greatest look

The most important feature of Numark PT01 is the option to connect the device to your computer and digitalize your vinyl records. Besides, it has a 3-speed turntable to play all your vinyl records. 

With the built-in speakers, which perform okay, you can use the RCA line and headphone outputs to use other devices for the sound. There is also the ±10% pitch control option to adjust your sound. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity and the overall modern aesthetics of the device are the weak points. However, they may be far from being dealbreakers.

Speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Weight 4.2 lbs
Dimensions 11.9″ x 11.9″ x 4″
Motor TypeAC Motor
Bonus Features USB port, battery-power option with six “D” cells, Built-in speaker

If you want to have a portable device to use anywhere you are and keep your vinyl records on your computer as digital files, you should take a look at the Numark PT01USB.

7. Jensen JTA-222

Cost-effective, Elegant Design
Good-looking vintage record player with built-in AM/FM radio.
View Price at Amazon

The Jensen JTA-222 is yet another affordable record player with an elegant vintage design in its antique wooden case. The most noticeable feature of the device is the built-in AM/FM radio allowing users to listen to any station they like.

Pros

  • Good value for the price
  • Built-in AM-FM radio
  • Elegant look with the antique wooden case design
  • RCA external stereo speaker out and headphone jacks

Cons

  • No USB or Bluetooth connection
  • Not the best speakers

The built-in speakers get the job done but do not expect high-quality performance from them. The device features a great value for the price, but you might need an external amp and speakers for optimum sound quality.

The lack of a USB and Bluetooth connection is a letdown, but the addition of an AM/FM radio is great for listening to some songs from the radio for a nostalgic experience.

Speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
Weight 6.5 lbs
Dimensions 13.4” x 4.92″ x 14.3″
Motor TypeAC Motor
Bonus Features AM/FM Stereo Receiver, Dust Cover, Built-in speakers

Jensen JTA-222 is a good record player for many people with its affordable price tag, basic design, elegant look, and built-in radio. If you are looking for something basic, this might be it.

Are portable record players worth it?

Portable record players are great for listening to some vinyl records when traveling, camping, or basically in a friend’s house. But, they degrade vinyl record quality faster than traditional record players. So, you have to be sure that you use a high-quality one and maintain the device properly.

What’s the difference between an automatic and a manual record player?

With automatic record players, the device uses an automatic system to move the tonearm onto the record to start playing the songs. When the record is over, the system automatically lifts the tonearm back to its place. With manual ones, this process must be done by the user.

Do you need external speakers for portable record players?

Most record players today have built-in speakers to play the songs without the need for external speakers. But, for optimum volume level and sound quality, it is better to use external speakers as the built-in speakers are often not the highest-quality speakers.

Many record players come equipped with RCA line inputs and outputs, and/or Bluetooth connectivity to use an external amp and speakers with the record player. This way, you can control the sound quality and volume level as you like.

What to look for in a portable record player when buying?

When buying a portable record player, things to consider are the compactness for portability, the material and construction quality, turntable speed choices, and the price.

As portability is the most important issue with portable record players, the compactness of the divide plays a big role. The more compact the record player is, the higher the portability.

The material and construction quality play the most significant role in the price. Portable record players are often made with lower-quality materials, which degrade the vinyl record condition faster than regular record players. So you have to have a higher quality stylus, cartridge, and overall construction to have long-lasting vinyl records and record players.

The turntable speed is also important as some record players do not support 78 RPM, which limits the vinyl records you can play with the device. Make sure to check out the turntable speed and the sizes of your vinyl records to choose the ideal record player for you.

The price is another important consideration point. You can choose cost-effective designs without many extra features depending on your budget. Extra features like USB and Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speaker quality, and built-in radio all have a say on the price.

Summary

Portable record players are great devices to get that warm and nostalgic sound while you are traveling. For music enthusiasts who love the vinyl record world, these are the ultimate devices to have their vinyl records around wherever they are, whenever they want.

My top recommended portable record player is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, as it features a great blend of price, material, construction quality, and extra features.

My second recommended portable record player is the Victrola VSC-550BT, which shines with its amazing look and color options as well as a great value-for-price ratio.

Berk Oztuna

Berk Oztuna

Berk Öztuna is a handpan player, percussionist, and guitarist. He has been playing multiple instruments over the last 10 years. He started his music career as a guitarist, playing with several bands before putting his main focus into playing the handpan.

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