Best Portable Record Player Reviews – Enjoi Groove On the Go

I lead a pretty active life because I enjoy traveling and moving around a lot, but I can’t do without my favorite vinyl records. Portable record players, unlike my traditional setups, make me mobile and allow me to continue enjoying my favorite LPs. I’ve tried out several players, and in the article, I’ll share some info on the best portable record players that can help fellow music enthusiasts broaden their horizons.

Our pick

Numark PT01

Best portable record player

While keeping fresh with a dope paint job, PT01 Scratch is designed for any DJ that is passionate for the art of turntablism and enjoys digging for vinyl records. Read the full review.

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Portable record players comparison table

Key features to look for in a portable record player

So, let’s understand what you should pay attention to when choosing the best portable vinyl record player without getting too technical.

• First off, size and weight matter. I bet you want something you can lug around without breaking a sweat.
• Sound quality is a biggie. So, check out different cartridge options to tweak how your music sounds.
• Now, power sources. Some run on batteries, and some need a power outlet. I recommend thinking about where you’ll be using it. Well, connectivity is key, too. Bluetooth and USB options will give you flexibility.
• And don’t forget about the speakers. Make sure it plays nice with both built-in and external ones for the finest tunes.

A good compact record player should hit a sweet spot between “easy to carry” and decent sound quality.

Best portable turntable reviews

Numark PT01 – best overall

I don’t like leaving the most interesting things for later, so let’s talk about the best overall small record player, Numark PT01 Scratch. This thing is compact, lightweight, and runs on batteries or AC power (you’ll need 6 D cells, though they’re not included).

The PT01 Scratch has this cool Adjustable Scratch Slide Switch exclusive to Numark. It’s sturdy, lasts longer than standard sliders, and you can switch it out yourself. It’s a nice touch for anyone who wants to try what it’s like to scratch a record like a DJ.

It’s got a built-in speaker that does the job, but don’t expect it to blow your mind. You may want to kick it up a notch by plugging into external speakers using the RCA outputs. And the little details, like the 1/8″ Aux input and headphone output, make it quite versatile for different setups.

Straight out of the box, you’ve got a pre-balanced tonearm and a cartridge you can easily switch out. The pitch knob lets you mess around with the speed. They even throw in a 45 RPM adapter – thoughtful, right? Oh, and it comes with a USB connection and EZ Vinyl software. So feel free to record your music and play it back whenever you want.

Some wish for a bit more volume, and adjusting to the switch fader might take a hot minute. The built-in speaker might not be party-level loud, so some folks grab extra adapters and mods for an upgrade. Sampling into a DAW? I recommend using XLR cables for a smoother ride.

Victrola VSC-550BT – suitcase

Now, let’s chat about the Victrola VSC-500BTC-BLK, which is, in my opinion, the best suitcase record player. This thing can handle three different speeds, a built-in cassette player, and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you play tunes from your phone without getting tangled up in a bunch of wires.

It is small in size. However, I can’t say that it is completely miniaturized. By the way, this model comes in an elegant black case. Yes, it needs to be plugged into an outlet. Also, in my opinion, its cover is not very convenient. I would recommend just removing it. The built-in speakers do their job, but I wouldn’t expect something incredible from them.

You can connect non-Bluetooth devices through the 3.5mm aux-in or hook it up to your existing sound system using the RCA out. There’s even a headphone jack if you want your music just for you.

Here’s the deal with records. It plays them all and covers pretty much everything in your collection. Also, there are a few tricks to adjust the tracking force for a lighter touch if needed.

And back to that “unfortunate” cover again. Unfortunately, I noticed that the cover doesn’t fit the 12″ vinyl very well and found that it can cause skips when using slightly warped records. Also, while it doesn’t ruin your records, it does track a bit heavier than pricier players, but not to the point of destruction.

Well, does it sound funky or skip a lot? Not really. The sound quality does the job, though it’s not top-tier audiophile stuff. It holds up pretty well at 33 RPM, even if the wow and flutter rates might be a bit on the higher side.

Retrolife UD001 – vintage style

Retrolife UD001 screams vintage but packs in some modern tech, too. It’s got that cool retro look with bronze details and a handle. This design looks quite appealing even to me (although I have seen a wide variety of models and designs in my career).

To my mind, this is one of the best portable turntables, so it’s pretty versatile. The Retrolife is equipped with features such as built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. It plays records at 3 speeds, supports non-Bluetooth devices through its jack, and even accommodates RCA and headphones.

Setting it up is a breeze (especially if you’re a newbie to vinyl). Sturdy footpads and a metal tonearm ensure your music stays smooth. It’s got an auto-stop feature that gently rests the needle when the record ends. So, there’s no need to babysit your vinyl. This turntable takes care of your collection. The quick mode switch lets you switch between Bluetooth, Aux-in, and Phono modes. So this makes it super user-friendly for different situations.

And you don’t need extra speakers (unless you want to upgrade the sound and are comfortable with the built-in features at a picnic or hangout somewhere). It’s got two built-in stereo speakers that deliver decent sound for everyday use. The bass has a bit of punch, and the overall sound quality is not bad. Of course, if you’re a real audio buff, you might consider hooking up some external speakers for an upgrade. But for casual vibes, it holds its own.

Audio-Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger – with Bluetooth out

This Audio-Technica Sound Burger turntable catches the eye at first glance. It is not similar to any other turntable and looks even a bit surreal at first glance. The design really justifies the name of this turntable. But that doesn’t hinder it from doing its job. This portable standalone record player offers Bluetooth connectivity and a long-lasting battery. So it’s perfect if you plan to use it for house parties, cozy spaces, or outdoor picnics.

The sound quality is quite decent. The bass isn’t too overpowering, just enough to give the beats a nice kick. Whether I’m using it through Bluetooth or with the good old wired setup, it keeps the sound quite balanced. Operating it is a breeze once you figure out the transport locking screw.

The 45 adapter does a job doubling as a record clamp and a tonearm rest. It’s made spinning 45s a blast for me, especially since I wanted to check out some old records I hadn’t played before.

The built-in rechargeable battery is a nice thing. But, despite the things I love—the quality sound, the cartridge that treats records gently (mine tracks at 3.32 grams, not too shabby), and its portability—there are a few hitches. The platter could do with a bit more height; it’s too close to the case, causing slight drag with warped records. The cartridge holder doesn’t have enough space, causing uneven records to scrape and skip.

Now, onto the surprise—no built-in speaker or volume control for passive headphones. Disappointing at first, but when I discovered the Bluetooth connection with my Sonos Roam, it was okay for me. The sound quality spread across my home’s Sonos system was unexpectedly nice for a portable player.

ByronStatics 601

This portable record player with speakers has a cool vibe and is wrapped up in a mini suitcase-like case. It’s equipped with two built-in stereo speakers.

The turntable features a belt-driven mechanism, and the needle arm operates smoothly with a lifter. It ensures a quiet drop onto the record without any skipping issues. The turntable is designed to stop automatically at the end of each track. It positions the needle at the center of the record. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a basic record player without all the extra fancy features. Setup is a breeze, and the sound quality is decent – it does the job.

However, I’ve had this since September 2020 and use it regularly. Have to say, it felt a bit delicate – not the sturdiest thing in the world. Moved it to another room, and bam! The power port fell back into the case. Tried to fix it, but it’s all hot glued inside. So, this one is not exactly DIY-friendly. Lesson learned: it’s an affordable thing, and it behaves like it. So, despite all its virtues, it really needs princess treatment.

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