Audio Technica has made a name for themselves in recent years as the premiere name in modern record players. They’re known as one of the best sources for high-quality record players that benefit from some modern features.

True to form, this AT-LP60XBT model from Audio Technica is a fantastic record player for anyone who is looking for serious audio output and a clean overall design.

First off, this record player does not include built-in speakers. That can be a significant downside for some, but the truth of the matter is that built-in speakers tend to be mostly bad. This model utilizes the extra design space to support Bluetooth play and better external speaker compatibility.

It largely succeeds in that goal. This is a truly high-quality machine that is capable of getting the most out of your favorite records. Considering that vinyl is still popular largely due to its unique sound, that’s a huge benefit in a world of less turntables.

While it’s a little odd that this model only supports two speeds, this is a record player fit for audiophiles with proper speakers who want to use their turntables for more than just vintage vibes. Strongly consider it if you’re looking for the real deal.

The Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable features a one-step auto playback, which enables it to automatically lower the tonearm, find the groove, and get the music flowing. When the record ends, the tonearm will automatically return to its resting position, allowing you to just sit back and enjoy the music.

If you wish to get the most from your vinyl, you can just switch the gain to match the audio level of your record using the three settings — low, mid, high — the gain select switch, so you can listen to your favorite records at their best without distortion.

Another notable aspect of this Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable is the new straight design and sturdy aluminum construction. The tonearm boosts traceability for stable playback, rich, clear sound, and powerful bass. These features are designed to ensure that the player produces the best sound quality.

This Sony turntable also features a belt drive tool with an aluminum die-cast dish. This platter is robust yet quite lightweight. Therefore, it stays stable as it rotates for clearer playback of your music.

Another amazing feature of this Sony turntable is the USB ripping elements, which allows you to rip your preferred vinyl records to digital files, so you can take your favorite albums with you on the go.

It also comes with a thick dust cover that softens acoustic pressure from your speakers for improved stability and less distortion. This cover can also be removed, allowing you to listen to your favorite records the way desire.

The only setback with this record player is that there is no volume control when you pair it with a set of Apple EarPods and the LP speed and size are hard to read and access.

“Suitcase” record players have also become quite popular as of late. That can be attributed to a few different factors, but it’s largely because they offer what many people look for in a record player. They’re simple, functional, and often look quite good.

What happens when you want a suitcase record player that does more, though? For those times, you’ll want to consider something like the Byron Statics 3-Speed Record Player.

On the surface, this turntable offers many of the same benefits as its suitcase counterparts. It's lightweight, portable, looks great, and features built-in speakers. It doesn’t offer as many unique visual options, but it’s still quite beautiful.

It’s when you dive into the functionality of this record player that it really begins to set itself apart, though. The built-in speakers aren’t great, but they’re a step above what you usually get from these types of record players. Even better, the external sound output is far greater than similar devices due to its expanded output options and overall component quality.

Again, this isn’t quite as high-quality as some other turntables out there, but it’s a brilliant little record player that offers quite a bit for its price and portable package. Give it a look if you demand more from an entry level machine.

There are many reasons you might want to own a record player in 2019. Don’t be ashamed if one of those reasons is to just have a record player. It may sound odd, but it’s perfectly reasonable to want a record player because you like the way it looks and may choose to use it occasionally.

This suitcase turntable from Victrola is perfect for anyone who wants a record player for those needs.

The appeal of this particular model really does begin with its looks. This Victrola turntable is designed to replicate the design of certain retro models (or at least the idea of how they looked). In that sense, it’s perfect for those who like record players for their vintage vibes.

This particular model goes a step further, though, by offering an astonishing variety of specialty designs that will adhere to any aesthetic needs. Basically, any style of design you could possibly want is probably offered by this model and its many variants.

You do have to be aware that this is designed as an entry level record player. That means that you can’t expect it to be the best sounding record player out there or the most versatile. However, if you’re largely looking for a record player for the looks and basic functionality, it’s a perfect option.

This Crosley CR6233D-BK Dansette Bermuda Portable Turntable features an AT-3600 moving-magnet cartridge with a tonearm that is pre-mounted at the factory to provide a warm analog sound for all your records. It also allows you to stream your favorite playlist or podcast from your phone or other Bluetooth devices directly through its stereo speakers, thus broadening your choices of content.

This Crosley CR6233D-BK Dansette Bermuda Portable Turntable also enables you to dial in the perfect speed for your records with the twist of a knob. It allows you to increase or decrease the pitch up to 10 percent from 45 or 33 1/3 RPM to flawlessly match the original recording.

This Crosley CR6233D-BK Dansette Bermuda Portable Turntable also comes ready to play right out of the box with its two built-in full-range speakers that are specially designed to produce high-quality sound. This is an iconic belt-driven two-speed turntable that plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. It is also based on the antique Dansette sets, allowing you to send music on a fun tropical vacation in the attractively sophisticated Crosley Bermuda turntable.

With this Crosley CR6233D-BK Dansette Bermuda Portable Turntable, you can connect to the RCA Line-Out positioned on its rear side to create a bigger sound through any stereo system. Its adjustable pitch control allows you to customize your listening experience.

The only setback with this Crosley record player is that it doesn’t automatically remove the needle from the record when the album is over and its leather peels off after a while.

As we’ve noted, built-in speakers on record players tend to be fairly weak. It tends to be a fairly accepted part of buying such a unit. However, just because you’re willing to sacrifice some quality doesn’t mean you should settle for something that simply doesn’t work.

So far as a record player with built-in speakers go, this model from Jensen is quite honestly one of the best that we’ve seen in its price range.

The sound quality you get right out of the box from this Jensen record player is well above average so far as models of this type go. The speakers will never replicate the sound of more professional models, but they’re more than serviceable for those who don’t demand top-quality audio. You’ll get a surprising amount of mileage out of them.

On top of that, this model looks pretty nice, is shockingly lightweight, and includes some tuning features you don’t typically expect from a more entry level record player. Simply put, it feels closer to a full record player experience than you may usually see in this price range.

That said, this isn’t the most durable product on the market nor is it one that you should expect to replace a more professionally built record player. As a more budget friendly option, though, it’s shockingly capable and just a great overall value.

We’ve looked at some retro model record players and spoken about how their appeal is partially based on their aesthetics. After all, record players are still a retro concept. As such, it’s certainly not uncommon for people to gravitate towards record players that convey a different time.

In terms of conveying a time, this model from Victrola offers a callback to a very specific era with its wonderful design and looks.

Specifically, this model will take you back to the 1950s. It’s built like an old Buick and just feels like it would fit well into any retro diner. The visual design of this model is perfect for anyone who harbors a fondness for a very particular era.

Looks aside, this model boasts a few other practical benefits. It’s actually smaller than the design would suggest, which makes it perfect for even modest set-ups. It also comes equipped with multiple media players, which is certainly nice if you like to keep multiple types of physical media around.

Now, there are a few downsides you have to accept with this design. As is the case with similar models, it doesn't exactly offer the best sound experience. Its CD player also isn’t the best in this particular class.

Of course, for what this offers, it offers a lot.

It’s easy to find a high-end record player as long as you want to spend the money. It’s fairly easy to find a low-end record player if you’re willing to accept some substitutes. What’s much more difficult is to find a mid-range record player.

What do we mean by a mid-range record player? Well, we mean a record player that offers better sound quality and features than low-end models but doesn’t boast the price tag of the highest end models. It’s a tricky middle-ground to walk.

However, that’s basically what the Wrcibo record player offers.

First off, it’s hard not to be impressed with this record player’s looks. The wood design never really goes out of style, and it feels vintage without being a gimmick. This player also boasts a nice number of features such as three speeds, 3.5mm aux-in, and RCA outputs. You even get some decent built-in speakers.

Of course, the real draw of this record player is how it upscales. You can use the built-in speakers to pretty good effect, but it’s when you hook this model up to some relatively good speakers that you truly appreciate it. Again, it’s not quite on the level of the best available machines, but it’s far ahead of what you usually get in this price range.

Simply put, this is a great option for those wanting a simple record player that can serve as something more.

As we’ve noted before, the “suitcase” look for record players is quite appealing and popular. They combine portability with nice price points, looks, and basic functionality. Generally speaking, though, you do sacrifice some overall design quality when you opt for one.

So far as that goes, this suitcase model from Crosley actually does a respectable job of packing a good record player into a smaller package.

Actually, this model’s three speed settings, Bluetooth functionality, and output options put it much closer to a pro model system in terms of its overall design. It’s not quite able to compete with the best out there, but this is not far off from a fully-fledged record player in a nostalgia package.

It should also be said at this time that this record player’s nostalgic looks are worth more than a cheap show. There’s some genuine craftsmanship at work here regardless of which color scheme you go with. This feels like a solidly built record player, and, with the exception of some questionable components, it really is.

Now, you’re going to want to buy some external speakers if you want to take advantage of this model’s nicer features, but even as a portable record player that exists to occasionally utilize your record collection, this is an overall nice option.

We’ve talked about Audio Technica before, and we stand by what we said. They’re a modern brand that have largely focused on churning out high-quality record players designed for audiophiles. They’re who you turn to if you demand more from your turntable.

So far as that goes, you’ll find few retail record players better than the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB.

Let’s be clear once more about what this record player is. This isn’t a record player for those who just want to have a record player around. It’s also not a record player for anyone who doesn’t have a respectable pair of speakers. This unit’s lack of built-in speakers and Bluetooth options pretty much necessitates that.

However, if you’re the kind of record player fan who demands something a little more capable, then this is probably what you’re looking for.

The design of this record player is essentially unrivaled in terms of craftsmanship. Every component was manufactured with quality in mind, and that effort shines through when you simply look at this model and compare it to others. This feels like a professional turntable because it essentially is one. It’s also capable of producing some stunning sound quality.

How much of an investment you want to make in your record player is up to you, but if you’re willing to spend more, then this might be your dream model.

As we’ve noted before, the vintage look is incredibly popular amongst record player shoppers. That’s largely due to the link between nostalgia and the record player boom, but it’s also due to simple preferences. Sometimes, classic looks just look better.

If you’re seeking a particular nostalgic look, then you may just find it in the Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable.

This Victrola is designed to resemble some of the larger, full-scale “radios” of the ‘50s and ‘60s. It features a wood look and a wonderful propped top that looks fantastic when you’re playing a record.

Where this model really distinguishes itself, though, is via its features. This unit not only plays records but allows you play cassettes, CDs, and radio as well. It also supports Bluetooth and various audio inputs and exports. That makes it an incredibly appealing option for anyone who wants an all-in-one nostalgia-fuelled way to play their favorite forms of physical media.

As with many models like this, you shouldn’t expect top-of-the line audio quality from its built-in speakers. This is also a pretty heavy unit which may factor into how well it works in your particular set-up. If this checks all your biggest boxes, though, then be sure to give it a look.