Vinyl has triumphantly come back to life, and today, almost everyone wants to own a turntable to be on trend. But not everyone has the opportunity to buy and assemble a complete audio system, whether it is due to the lack of space for it or to your finances. For this reason, I have prepared for you a selection of the best portable record players, which, hopefully, will help you solve these problems.
It is worth remembering that such devices usually do not provide the greatest sound, but you can listen to records, move the vinyl player to any place in the house, or even take it with you! It’s very comfortable, inexpensive, and won’t make you bother with connections and wires.
Portable turntable comparison table
| Name | Drive type | Operation type | Speeds | Phono Pre-Amp | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victrola VSC-550BT best overall | belt | fully-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | Review |
| Udreamer UD001 | belt | semi-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | Review |
| WOCKODER KD-3011 | belt | semi-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | no | Review |
What to look for in portable turntables
Options to connect external speakers
As I wrote above, these players are not known for their sound quality. Because of their low cost, their speakers are usually not of high quality, and you may not like their sound, or they may become hoarse over time. So having the ability to connect with external speakers will always be a huge plus. Thus, you should first make sure that the device has AUX, Bluetooth, or other audio jacks for connecting external speakers.
Speed settings
You should know that there are different record sizes (7, 10, and 12 inches), and they require different turntable speeds (33, 42, or 78 RPM). So before you buy a portable vinyl player, be sure to consider what kind of records you are going to run and, if possible, look for a device with the option to play at different speeds.
Best portable turntable reviews
Victrola VSC-550BT – best overall
The Victrola brand is famous for its unusual designs and versatility, so inexpensive turntables of this company are popular. In this Victrola VSC-550BT review, I will tell you about a cute turntable called Journey Bluetooth. It has a charming design, lots of useful features, built-in speakers, and a very low price. Let's go!
Build up quality
The Victrola VSC-550BT turntable looks like a suitcase. Therefore, it is very easy to move around the room; you do not need to keep it in one place. It measures 13.9" x 10.1" x 5" and weighs 6.08 lbs. Of course, all the parts are plastic, but it's no surprise for this price.
The number of colors is amazing. Fans of everything flashy will love Nougat, Rose Pink, Black, Blue, Magenta, Light Gray, Veri Peri, Sage, Dark Brown, Turquoise, super-bright Rainbow, and many other colors. And on the lid of the suitcase, which is also a dust cover, there is a big VICTROLA logo. In addition, built-in speakers are almost unnoticeable, located on the front panel on the sides of the suitcase handle. Overall, the design is very unusual and extravagant.
Next to the record platter, there is a 45 rpm adapter, a straight tonearm, and a control panel: Lift lever, Line-in jack, Speed Selection Switch, Function (Bluetooth, line-in, phono) knob, Auto and Manual Stop Selection Switch, Power On/Off and Volume control knob, Power/Bluetooth light indicator, and Headphone jack. As you can already understand, the number of features is impressive. The RCA-output jack and Power Adaptor jack are on the back panel.
Features
As usual with Victrola, the VSC-550BT has 3 record speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm with belt drive. I think it's great for such an inexpensive deck. If you lack speaker power, just use an RCA cable to connect your external speakers via the Aux-in jack. It's a complete plug-and-play. The phono preamp is in the turntable, but you can switch to an external one with the Line button. The tonearm and cartridge are also easy to replace if needed because all parts are removable. There's an Autostop option as well.
Consider the Journey as a portable speaker. You can play music from other devices via Bluetooth, which works up to 33 feet away. Or you can also play music from any non-Bluetooth device via the 3.5mm Aux-in jack.
Sound quality
Of course, you shouldn't expect the Victrola VSC-550BT record player to reach exorbitant heights. But, for its price, it sounds great. Treat it as a ready-made portable system capable of playing records, and everything will immediately fall into place.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: fully-automatic.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: yes.
- Bluetooth: yes.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: yes.
It is the best portable record player on my list. With this model, you will definitely stand out from the crowd, and the turntable will be a highlight. You can carry it around and turn it on wherever you go. No hassle connecting and setting it up. The Victrola portable Bluetooth turntable offers many options, including streaming music from your phone, swapping parts, and using headphones to listen.
Udreamer UD001
Do you want a modern portable record player for not much money? Realistically! In this Udreamer UD001 review, you will learn about one device that meets all the parameters, has many features, and looks very unusual - like a retro wooden radio. Built-in speakers make it an independent music center that will always find a place in any corner of your home.
Build up quality
The Udreamer UD001 turntable is available in two colors: Brown and Claret. In appearance, belonging to the modern world, it gives out only a plastic cover bolted to the body that protects the turntable from dust. In operation, it is simple and convenient, the few connectors and knobs/control buttons are signed, and you will not get confused. The front panel has speakers, a Power/BT light indicator, a Headphone jack, a Power Button, and Volume Control. Aux-In, USB, RCA outputs, and Power In are hidden on the rear panel. And on the top near the plastic platter, you'll find a 45 rpm adapter, Stright Tonearm, Arm Rise Lever, Turntable Auto Stop Switch, and Speed Switch. A Genuine Power Cable is also included. Keep in mind the cost of this turntable, and handle it very carefully. Some parts are made of plastic and somewhat fragile (tone arm and needle), but you can replace them if you want. It weighs only 4,9 pounds, so move it from room to room easily. But try to find as smooth a surface as possible - the stability of music playback depends on it.
Features
The Udreamer UD001 record player is not very heavy but with good cushioning due to the spring in the base. The belt drive also contributes to a balanced operation at different speeds, of which there are three, like many turntables in this price category (33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm). So you don't have to worry about listening to any 7'', 10'', or 12'' records. The player's legs are also padded, which significantly affects stability and has a positive effect on sound quality. The frank disadvantages include the incredibly light needle. Many users complain about this fact, and it is true. However, you can make it heavier by gluing something like a coin or replacing the tonearm, which isn't hard.
The UD001 is a modern turntable, which means we'll find something versatile here. For example, a Bluetooth input, a USB jack, and an RCA line output. So you can stream, connect and listen to playlists from your phone, tablet, or PC whenever you want. Thus, using the device as a speaker is possible. And if you don't have enough speaker power, you can always connect the Udreamer to a receiver or a more powerful audio system and enjoy the analog sound of vinyl.
Sound quality
You are guaranteed warm analog sound with pretty good volume. The speakers support the bass well and do not hiss or crackle. You can always plug in your audio system and listen to vinyl at higher volume, or plug in your headphones and have some privacy.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: semi-automatic.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes.
- Speakers: yes.
- Bluetooth: yes.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: yes.
You are guaranteed warm analog sound with pretty good volume. This portable turntable with speakers supports bass well without croaking or hissing. You can always connect your audio system and listen to vinyl at a higher volume or plug in your headphones and get some privacy. Lightweight but sturdy and externally pleasing – this turntable can be a good companion for you.
WOCKODER KD-3011
Looking for a modern, retro-style turntable and severely limited by the budget? Then you've come to the right place. In this WOCKODER KD-3011 review, I will take a look at a stylish budget-level record player with built-in speakers made in China. In addition to the unusual design, you get pretty decent stuffing for ridiculous money! So let's get acquainted with it.
Build up quality
First of all, it is worth noting that the Kedok vinyl turntable is shaped like a vintage suitcase, in Brown or Turquoise Blue, and looks very elegant. It is eye-catching in terms of style and doesn't look too cheap despite the price. The WOCKODER KD-3011 record player measures 5.94 x 15.24 x 13.66 inches and weighs 4.7 pounds. Built-in stereo speakers are located on the front panel on the sides of the case handle, and a simple control panel is located on the top.
The top panel with the record platter is self-explanatory and easy to operate.
There is a 3 mm Aux-In, Display Screen, M-Function Button, USB Slot, SD Card Slot, Lifting Rod, Auto stop, Switch button & Volume Control Button, Headphone jack, and Speed selector. But, of course, you can't count on high-quality parts at this price; they are all plastic and need to be handled with care.
Features
Smooth operation is ensured by a DC motor (DC5V-1A) and belt drive that spins records at three speeds (33, 45, 78 rpm), so you can listen to all your 7" 10" 12" vinyl records. The disc is bearing-supported and isolated from the motor. This design reduces the vibration that is often a problem with inexpensive turntables, and they have to be "weighted down."
The tonearm and stylus are usual, standard, and not of high quality, but they do their job well. The stylus does not bounce but rather stably stays in the groove. In addition, there is an Autostop function.
Despite its vintage look, the Wockoder is a possessor of modern features. Bluetooth allows you to listen to your favorite tracks from MP3 players, smartphones, or tablets/iPads. You can also use the AUX, USB, and SD connectors to listen to music from external media. Or use headphones if you want to delve deeper into the sound.
Sound quality
As for the sound of the WOCKODER KD-3011 turntable, it offers moderately loud speakers, enough for small rooms, but without any particular merit. The sound quality is quite acceptable. Of course, you shouldn't expect excellent sound from a model of this level, but I haven't heard any obvious shortcomings either. On the plus side, I'd include that you can always connect external, more powerful speakers or a receiver to make your vinyl player sound louder. Also, an advantage is streaming music from external media. Note that the Bluetooth signal has no output, meaning you can't pair wireless speakers with the turntable, but only through RCA outputs.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: semi-automatic.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Phono Pre-Amp: no.
- Speakers: yes.
- Bluetooth: yes.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: yes.
This vintage portable record player is the result of a lot of work done by the manufacturer. It is not expensive, fully self-contained, and has a good set of modern features. WOCKODER KD-3011 is also suitable for audiophile beginners because it is extremely easy to use. Just plug it in and listen to your favorite music effortlessly!
FAQ
How to connect your computer to your stereo system?
How to ground a record player?
Do suitcase turntables ruin records?
What should you not do with a record player?
- Not aligning your turntable before using it. Believe me, no record will thank you if your deck stands on an uneven surface or if you haven’t adjusted the feet. You run the risk of terrible results in the form of interruptions and skipping soundtracks. And as a consequence, break the record.
- Don’t think that balancing a tonearm is none of your business. When properly adjusted, you will enjoy your music, and the stylus will remain intact.
- Never close the dust cover while playing. You could break the record if it is larger than the cover or get a distorted sound.
- Never place dirty records on the platter. You will damage the needle if you use dusty ones, and at the very least, you will get extra cost. And the sound from such a record will never be of good quality.
- Finally, never use a different playing speed than the one indicated on the record. You’ll ruin the needle and the LP and make playback seem like a nightmare.
The rules are simple but very effective. So, love, take care of your turntable, and it will return the favor.
