The Best Vinyl Record Players and Turntables for Retro Listening

Though the price point is a bit steep, Wirecutter rates the Denon-DP 400 turntable as the best vinyl turntable for performance and convenience. It's incredibly speed-accurate and plays with little distortion. 

This turntable supports 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, or 78 RPM, and features a uniquely curved tonearm to prevent damage to records. We also happen to love its modern look.

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One of the best turntables around, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is available in variants with analog or digital output. The record player has a belt drive for better sound quality, line and phone outputs, and a fully automatic operation so that you don't even need to lift the tonearm.

The Crosley Cruiser turntable sports a suitcase-style design with a vibrant and lovely finish. It comes in a myriad of colors like hot pink, orange, red, green, and turquoise.

Besides its eye-catching retro styling, the player is easy to operate and portable, and it has two speakers. On its back, you'll find a pair of RCA analog outputs and a 3.5-millimeter aux input. It also has three speed controls: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm.

If you're more of a casual listener and want a cute vinyl record player as a decor accent in your living room, this is the one to get. Its sound quality isn't quite as top-notch as some of the pricer models here. 

If you want more bang for your buck, this retro-inspired Victrola vinyl record player is it. The Strategist names this one the best multifunctional record player, and for good reason. 

Not only will it play records, but it can also play CDs, and it can even convert records into MP3 recordings. Beyond that, you can also listen to AM/FM radio on it and connect it to Bluetooth to play songs from your phone. The built-in stereo speakers mean that you won't need an external attachment. 

This vinyl record player is the best option if you want something with auto-stop. It has an S-shaped tonearm, which helps the stylus sit better inside of a record's groove and ultimately play better sound.

If you're looking to go wireless, look no further than the 1 By One Belt Drive Turntable. Connect it via Bluetooth to wireless speakers or a pair of AirPods for a setup that you can listen to in multiple rooms. And because this turntable also has phono and line outputs, you can play vinyl records with or without a phono equalizer.

For those who like modern twists on the classics, Wired recommends the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus. Not only does its acrylic platter come in a bold shade of green, it helps keep the speed consistent, making playback clearer and more detailed. It also has an external belt drive to help eliminate motor noise.

The Pyle Home PVNTTR22 is an affordable and playful-looking three-speed turntable. It has a belt drive, built-in stereo speaker, AM/FM radio, and 3.5-millimeter aux port that allows you to connect an external device to play tunes. This is a cool but accessible option that'll do the trick for casual users.

Don't be fooled by the rustic wood exterior of this Victrola vinyl record player; this one can do anything a modern record player can do. 

Not only does it support speeds of 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, it can play FM radio and is Bluetooth-enabled, so it can connect to mobile devices. An auxiliary-in port also allows you to connect to external speakers if you so choose.

The Music Hall MMF-11.1 is the crown jewel of any hi-fi head's at-home setup — it's an exceptionally made vinyl record player. 

It's crafted of high-end materials such as carbon fiber and ceramic, and its belt-driven mechanism delivers a wonderfully immersive listening experience. For best results, make sure you connect the player to an equally high-end home theater unit and speakers.