10 Best Portable Record Players – Let the Good Times Roll!

The list of the best record players that provide great sound quality and can be carried wherever you need it.
By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 27, 2023
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Do you know that a regular record player can weigh up to 20 pounds? Pretty heavy, huh? If you are constantly on the move, it is certainly not for you. The best portable record player is a much better choice as it is small and easy to carry.

We reviewed 30 models to find 10 best. Our top pick is the Feir Briefcase Turntable. When selecting the models, we didn’t forget about portability, so you can be sure the models from our list are lightweight and easy to carry around. Almost all of them are designed as suitcases so taking them with you is just what the doctor ordered. We also looked at the sound quality, as you want a record player that will give you the best sound experience. The last is connectivity. For your convenience, we included several models with Bluetooth option.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Feir Briefcase Turntable
    "Lightweight three-speed turntable with autonomous playing and recording function"
  • "Lightweight three-speed belt-driven turntable with a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth connectivity, and recording function"
  • Best for Professionals: Vestax Handy Trax
    "Very lightweight USB-chargeable and battery powered three-speed turntable with volume control function"
  • Best Battery Life: GOODNEW Vinyl Record Player
    "Lightweight three-speed turntable with a 3-hour battery life and high versatility, Bluetooth connectivity and recording function"
  • Best Vintage Pick: CMC Portable Turntable
    "Vintage style lightweight three-speed turntable with a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth connectivity, supporting SD card"
  • Wood Case Style: Musitrend Portable Suitcase
    "Lightweight three-speed turntable with pitch control and recording functions"
  • Budget Pick: Numark PT01 Touring
    "Very affordable lightweight three-speed turntable with a rechargeable battery and USB to computer connectivity"
  • "Three-speed belt-driven turntable with Bluetooth connectivity and recording function"
  • "Very lightweight three-speed belt-driven turntable with a durable PU leather case and a soft damping control"
  • Best Fully Automatic: Audio-Technica AT-LP60
    "Dual-speed belt-driven turntable with fully automatic operation"

Top 10 Portable Record Players 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6325 people in the past 30 days
10
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
10
1
Editor's Choice

Feir Briefcase Turntable

Features
  • Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 7.62 pounds
  • Autonomous playing
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
  • RCA and AUX jacks
  • Wooden cabinet with PU leather wrapping

This briefcase style player will provide you with plenty of listening options. Of course, you can listen to your vinyl records at three speeds, or connect it to your computer to put them into an MP3 format. The built-in stereo speakers will give you crisp, clear audio, wherever you are. You also can connect this player to external speakers for a bolder listening experience, or connect it to headphones for a more intimate session.

The best feature, however, is the autonomous arm. Instead of having to set up the record each time you play, this player will do all of that work for you. Unlike some other autonomous players, however, you won’t need to worry about this one scratching your vinyl. It operates very smoothly and should keep your records in tip-top shape.

    What makes it special?
  • Safe and steady autonomous playing
  • Vinyl-to-MP3 recording
  • Supports external speakers
  • Three-speed turntable
    What cons did we find?
  • Records overhang the sides when in use
  • No Bluetooth
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4002 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
Features
  • Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 6.83 pounds
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Bluetooth supported
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
  • AUX and RCA jacks

The beauty of this player from JORLAI is all in its packaging. When the player is closed up for transport, it is extremely small, discrete, and easy to manage. This makes it a good choice for someone who already has a lot of other things to carry, since it won’t take up that much room on its own. Of course, you need to be careful when playing records, since, due to the smaller case size, the records will overhang the sides a bit and are apt to be bumped.

Along with its small size, this player can play records at three speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm), making it ideal for most vinyl. You can also connect it to your computer to back up your music, or connect it to your smart device with an aux jack or Bluetooth so that you can listen to any music, anywhere. While it does have a rechargeable battery, the battery life is a little short, as it will only allow you to use it for about 2 hours before it needs a recharge. The internal speakers give a rich sound, which is surprising for their small size.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Small size
  • Three-speed turntable
  • Vinyl-to-MP3 option
  • Bluetooth
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Battery life shorter than some rivals'
  • Records overhang the sides when in use
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2044 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
3
Best for Professionals

Vestax Handy Trax

Features
  • Speeds: 3
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in mono speaker
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Power source: battery
  • USB chargeable
  • Computer connectivity for music transfer
  • Volume control
  • Slim design

If you are in the market for a professional style turntable that is also extremely easy to transport, then this just might be the perfect fit. The Handy Trax has an ultra-thin design, which makes it very easy to transport, as long as you have a case to carry it in. It also has a built-in mono speaker and a headphone jack, making it easy to listen to wherever you are.

Aside from its sleek design, what makes this player a good choice for a professional is the amount of control it provides you with when you are listening to your records. Not only can you control the volume and play speed, but you can also control the pitch and tone of the music. This will allow you to create a unique sound that is all your own, making this a great choice for someone looking for a unique listening experience. The player has a built-in mono speaker, which will work in a pinch, but you would be better served to connect it to some external speakers for better sound quality.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Sleek and slim design
  • Volume, pitch, and tone control
  • Three-speed turntable
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • No carrying case
  • Higher price segment
  • No Bluetooth
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5521 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
4
Best Battery Life

GOODNEW Vinyl Record Player

Features
  • Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Direct-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 7.3 pounds
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Battery life: 3-hour
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
  • FM radio
  • AUX and RCA jacks
  • Auto stop on/off switch

If you are always on the go and don’t have a ton of time to baby your record player, then this just might be the best one for you. Its rugged design is all about protecting the player. When the case is closed, it is stylish, yet tough. When in use, the records do not hang over the sides of the player, making it unlikely that they’d get bumped or scratched while playing.
When fully charged, the player has a 3-hour battery life, and it can be played at three speeds. It also will give you plenty of listening options, as you can use it with the built-in speakers, which sound nice and clear, connect it to external ones, listen with headphones, or play your music from a smart device through Bluetooth. This combination of features makes this model one of the best turntables under 200 dollars.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Durable
  • Records don’t hang over the side of the player when in use
  • Good battery life
  • Plenty of listening options
  • Supports external speakers
    What could be better?
  • Heavier than some rivals
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5212 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.1
5
Best Vintage Pick

CMC Portable Turntable

Features
  • Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Direct-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 7.2 pounds
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Support SD card
  • RCA and AUX jacks
  • Vintage style case in a variety of colors

The first thing that catches your eye when you look at this case is its distressed style. It is a vintage turnable, regardless of which color you choose. This makes it an ideal accent piece to either keep in your home to match with your décor or to take out and about with you and coordinate with your style.

This isn’t just a showpiece, however. It backs up its good looks with high-quality sound from the internal stereo speakers and plenty of listening options. You can listen to vinyl at three speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm) or use your smart device with Bluetooth to listen to any of your music, anywhere. Like most other briefcase style players, you need to be careful when you are playing your records, since they will overhang the edge a bit.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Vintage style
  • Three speeds
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Rechargeable battery
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Records overhang the sides when in use
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4563 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
6
Wood Case Style

Musitrend Portable Suitcase

Features
  • Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 speeds
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 6.17 pounds
  • Pitch control
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
  • RCA and AUX jacks

This is by far one of the best-looking record players out there. If you want a player that will not only give you great sound but will look great too with your décor, then this is a good choice. The wood case is beautiful and would be a great accent piece in any room.

The case is also nice and slim, making it easy to transport. The records will hang over the edge a bit when you play them though, so be careful not to bump them. This is a three-speed player that connects to external speakers, headphones, and smartphones with the proper cords. You also can listen to it through its built-in stereo speakers, which are surprisingly clear for their size.

    What makes it special?
  • Beautiful design
  • Slim case for easy transport
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
    What cons did we find?
  • Slim case could lead to increased chance of damage to records
  • No Bluetooth
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9369 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
7
Budget Pick

Numark PT01 Touring

Features
  • Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 rpm
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 5.86 pounds
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Battery life: up to 4-hour
  • USB power supply
  • USB to computer connectivity for saving your music
  • Auto stop feature
  • RCA and AUX jacks
  • Easy carry suitcase design

If you are looking for a budget-friendly player, then this might be the right choice for you. It comes with built-in speakers, which provide clear audio on their own, and a USB port. This allows you to connect it to your computer and save your vinyl records as an audio file. This is a great way to preserve your classics in a safe location, while still maintaining their classic sound.

The case that the player is built into is sturdy as well, though not quite as stylish as some other models. It definitely serves its purpose, however, making transportation of the player quick and easy. The player also allows you to utilize the three most popular speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm). This gives you the ability to play tons of records. This player also has one of the best battery life out there, as it can last up to 4 hours when fully charged, so you can take it anywhere.

    Why is it special?
  • Low cost
  • Three-speed turntable
  • Long battery life
    What are the flaws?
  • Basic design
  • No Bluetooth
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3568 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
Features
  • Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Belt-drive
  • Built-in speakers
  • Weight: 10.14 pounds
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Vinyl to MP3 recording
  • RCA and AUX jacks
  • Rugged briefcase design

This player is a great choice if you are looking for maximum durability, portability, and a high quality of sound. The briefcase design is not only great for transporting the player, but also adds a bit of protection when it is actually in use. Unlike other briefcase style players, this one does not have the records hanging out over the edge while in use. This will help to protect them from being bumped, jostled, or knocked to the ground.

It is one of the heaviest portable record players in our list, but still not too heavy to carry, and the features included are worth it. You can use the player at three speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm) and easily connect it to external speakers and Bluetooth devices, or you can simply listen in with the built-in speaker, which will provide adequate audio. You can also back up your vinyl records to computer. If you want to listen to your music in private, just listen to it with your headphones.

    What do we love it for?
  • Durable and protective briefcase design
  • High portability
  • Three-speed turntable
  • Record protection
  • Bluetooth
  • Connects to external speakers
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Larger size case
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2363 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
Features
  • Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
  • Built-in speakers
  • Belt-drive
  • Weight: 5.7 pounds
  • Soft damping control
  • RCA and AUX jacks
  • Durable PU leather case

Now, this is a player that was built for portability! The briefcase style housing makes this the best portable record player in the market. It is easy to set up, break down, and take with you anywhere that you want to go with it. It is extremely lightweight, making it an ideal companion, wherever you might want to listen to your vinyl.

Not only is it easy to transport, but the 1byone player is also built to give you the best listening experience possible. It is belt driven, which will give you vibration free audio. The built-in stereo speakers will give you great sound on their own, even if you don’t want to connect it to separate speakers. It can also be used to play at three speeds, which are 33, 45, and 78 rpm. This gives you the right array to play any vinyl you can find. You can also connect this player to external speakers for a bolder sound, or to headphones for a private session.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Easy to carry design
  • Belt driven for vibration free audio
  • Three-speed turntable
  • Easy connection to speakers or headphones
    What could be better?
  • Cannot be played with lid closed for dust protection
  • No Bluetooth
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6480 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
10
Best Fully Automatic

Audio-Technica AT-LP60

Features
  • Speeds: 33 and 45 rpm
  • Belt-drive
  • Weight: 8.65 pounds
  • Fully automatic operation
  • RCA output
  • Anti-resonance aluminum platter

The first thing that jumps out at you when you look at this record player is its sleek, minimalistic design. Not only will this player provide you with excellent sound quality when you listen to your records, but it will also serve as a great accent piece to your room décor. The dust cover, which can be closed overtop of the record when it is playing, is another nice feature. It does not have any speakers of its own, however, so be sure to get some of your own if you choose this player.

The automatic operation is smooth, and the belt-driven design provides a vibration-free listening experience. The one thing that you need to be aware of, however, is that, unlike many other portable record players in the market today, this one is only dual speed, being able to run at 33 and 45 rpm. This might limit the types of records you can play. It also doesn’t have any sort of carrying case, so portability might be tricky unless you get a separate case.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Sleek, minimalistic design
  • Fully automatic operation
  • Replaceable diamond stylus
  • Dust protection
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Dual speed only
  • No carrying case
  • No in-built speakers
  • No Bluetooth
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

When you are looking for the best portable record player, there are several factors that you should always consider. Relying on product specifications and buyers’ reviews, we found out which are the most important.

Speeds and Drive

The three basic speeds that you want to make sure your player can utilize are 33, 45, and 78 rpm. Depending on the size and type of records that you intend to play, you’ll need to use the right speed to get the right sound. Most portable players have variable speed settings. These different speed settings will let you play your records in the correct format, which will give you the best listening experience possible.

Another important factor you need to pay attention to is whether a turntable is direct-drive or belt-drive. Direct-drive turntables offer highly consistent speeds and less sound distortion. You can also create special sound effects by spinning the platter backward. The drawback is that there may be unwanted vibrations caused by the motor rotation. The belt-drive technology provides vibration-free listening sound, but less accurate playback speed. Both types have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you what to choose.

Quality of Sound

Since you intend to get the best listening experience possible with your portable player, you’ll want to take the time to make sure that it comes with good speakers. Most of the speakers that are built into portable models have to be relatively small, which might not give you the sound quality that you desire from a vinyl record.

To combat this, make sure that the player you select can be connected to external speakers as well. Though this might make it a bit less portable, the sound quality upgrade will be well worth it. You would also be able to connect your player to a larger sound system at home as well, which would provide you with an ideal listening experience.

 

Portability

portable_player_3

You are looking for a portable player, after all! Then it only makes sense, of course, to make sure that the model you select is highly portable and easy to transport. While lots of record players out there are marketed as being portable, there are certain features that make them more so than others.

First of all, the best portable record player will be relatively small. You don’t want to have to lug around a great big box with you anytime you want to listen to your records. Secondly, a good carrying case will make transportation much easier. Finally, the model you select should have excellent battery life, since you won’t always be able to plug in your player when you are on the go.

Independence

Since you are looking for the most portable device as possible, you don’t want to select one that runs on corded power alone. That means that you will need to select one that runs on some type of battery power. The best, and most expensive, option would be to buy a player that has a rechargeable battery. That way, you can plug it in and play it while you are at home, but then run it on the battery when you are on the go.

You could also go a cheaper route, and get a portable player that runs off of corded or regular battery power. This arrangement gives you the ability to plug in and play when possible and gives you a limited time to play on the go. However, these batteries will not last as long as rechargeable ones, and thus will need to be replaced often.

 

Durability

Another key ingredient in an excellent portable player is its durability. If you intend to take this thing with you when you are out and about, you won’t be able to keep it from getting bumped, nicked, kicked, and jostled. You want to be sure you select a player that will be up to this kind of rough and tumble treatment, and still be able to provide you with a great listening experience.

Bluetooth Capabilities

If you aren’t afraid to spend a little bit of extra money, and you are looking to also play songs from a different media source, you can also get a Bluetooth turntable. This would allow you to connect a smart device, such as a tablet or phone, and play songs from your library. While you would not be using your portable player for records, it would allow you to listen to your favorite tunes at a higher volume than would be possible from your smart device alone.

Media Types

portable_player_1

If you want to connect other devices to your portable record player, but don’t want to shell out the extra money for Bluetooth, you could instead look for a player that can connect to your devices with a cord. This would allow you to save a bit of money and also to listen to your other media types instead of just records.

Conclusion

Our Top Pick is the Feir Briefcase Turntable which is a great all-in-one solution for those who want to listen to their vinyl records. It has a built-in stereo speaker, can connect to external speakers or headphones, and has an autonomous arm that will set up the record for you.

If you want to be able to take their music with you on the go, without sacrificing sound quality or taking up too much space, then the JORLAI Vinyl Record Player is the one for you. Despite its small size, this player has powerful speakers and can play records at three speeds.

Our Budget Pick is the Numark PT01 Touring. But it still comes with built-in speakers, a USB port to connect it to your computer, and the ability to play 33, 45, and 78 rpm records.

Hopefully, you will be able to find the best portable record player for your needs after reading through this article. Thank you very much for taking the time to read it. Good luck finding the right player, and thanks again for keeping those old vinyl records rolling!

10
Total Score
Feir Briefcase Turntable - Editor's Choice
6 comments
avatar
Jack L.R.

please advise the best portable record player that can transfer records to computer? really need it for the family

avatar
Charles Brown

Hello, Jack!
You might want to buy or pick for the best portable record player GOODNEW Vinyl Record Player. You can use an SD card to transfer the recorded audio files.

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James Carter

Hi!
My best friend’s a fan of vinyls so I wanted to buy him the best portable vinyl player possible for his birthday.

avatar
Charles Brown

Hello, James.
We wish your friend all the best in the world and advise you to get him the best portable record player with speakers CMC Portable Turntable – it has an inspiring vintage look and a top-notch quality!

i’m a vinyl enthusiast and want to buy the best portable record player bluetooth supported and lightweight at the same time, which one of these should i get?

avatar
Charles Brown

Hello, Sarah!
We suggest you buy the best briefcase record player JORLAI Vinyl Record Player – it fits your needs perfectly: lightweight, Bluetooth supported and looks fantastic.

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