Buying guide for best portable turntables
You might have access to a large amount of streaming music through your smartphone, but a portable turntable offers a different way to take your music on the go. Most portable turntables have built-in speakers, and some are powered by batteries.
Suitcase-type designs are popular, though compact models can be considered portable as well. Most of these turntables have built-in speakers, but many offer Bluetooth or wired connectivity so you can use your own speakers. And portable turntables that offer digital conversion via USB allow you to create digital files from any vinyl record.
As with traditional turntables, quality and price vary widely, though the less expensive models are well suited to newcomers. Portable turntables come with plenty of unique features to consider, and a good shopping guide and recommendations can help you narrow your choices.
Turntable terms
Just like with headphones and speakers, there are numerous terms it helps to know as you shop for the right portable turntable for you.
Stylus: Also called a needle, this is the part that sits in the groove on the record, picks up vibrations, and transfers them to the speakers in the form of an electrical signal.
Tonearm: This is the piece that holds the stylus on the record and moves as the stylus follows the groove.
Platter: This is the flat surface that supports and spins the record.
LP: This is a long-playing analog record and is the standard size and length of most albums.
Wow and flutter: These are the speed and pitch fluctuations in an analog recording.
Ports: RCA and 3.5 mm are types of ports for connecting wired speakers or headphones to the turntable.
The paper sleeves many records come in can leave dust in the grooves. If possible, replace paper sleeves with plastic ones.
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How to buy the best portable turntable
Before you buy a portable turntable, consider how you plan to use and listen to it and weigh factors like audio output and overall design.
Built-in speakers or Bluetooth
Portable turntables either play music through built-in speakers or through a connected Bluetooth speaker. Many turntables offer both, giving you a few ways to enjoy your music. Turntables with a 3.5 mm or RCA port can connect to speakers or headphones with wires.
Built-in speakers are as easy to use on a portable turntable as putting on a record and adjusting the volume. However, the audio quality can be limited, and it can be difficult to find the manufacturer's specs to determine aspects like driver size.
Bluetooth connectivity gives you control over the speaker you use, so the audio quality is limited only by the turntable itself. Using a Bluetooth speaker also allows you to set up the turntable in one place and put the speaker in the best position for listening.
Plug-in or battery
Many portable turntables use a traditional AC wall adapter with a short cable. This works well for most situations where you have access to an outlet. However, you might have difficulty finding a safe, level surface for the turntable that is within reach of an outlet.
Battery-powered turntables are less common, but they offer a truly portable listening experience, especially if they also have built-in speakers.
Design
The term “portable” applies loosely to small turntables whether they have carrying handles or are simply easy to carry.
A suitcase-style turntable folds up and has a handle so you can easily carry it from place to place. The folding design protects fragile components like the tonearm and stylus. These turntables tend to be a bit heavier, but the weight can reduce external vibrations and improve the audio quality.
Turntables that don’t come in their own case are less convenient to transport, but they’re generally lighter, and some have a transparent dust cover to protect records while they play.
Size
You might have a dedicated spot for your turntable in your home. Measure this area before you buy a turntable to make sure it will fit, including a few inches of room near the speakers.
Some portable turntables are so small that a 12-inch LP extends past the edge of the case. This saves space and looks stylish, but it also means you could accidentally bump the record, risking damage to the turntable or the record.
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Never start or stop a turntable while the needle is on the record. Always turn on the motor and then drop the needle, or lift the needle and then turn off the motor.
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Features to look for in portable turntables
Just as with a traditional turntable, portable models have several key specs that determine the quality of the audio and the size of the records they can play. If you aren’t an audiophile, you’re unlikely to notice a significant difference between budget and high-end models.
Direct vs. belt drive
There is plenty of debate about the best motor design. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Direct drive motors have a motor that turns the platter with a direct connection (hence the name) and are more common in portable turntables. These motors are more likely to pick up vibrations from the surface the turntable is resting on, resulting in distorted sound. This is an important consideration when you’re taking a turntable on the go. However, there is less variance in the rotation speed.
Belt drive motors have a motor connected to a belt that loops around the platter or part of the platter to rotate it. These are less likely to transfer disruptive vibrations, but the speed can be inconsistent. The belt can also come off the platter, and looping it back on can be tricky. These turntables are usually more expensive than similar direct drive models.
Variable speed
A variable speed motor isn’t for playing your music faster or slower; it’s for playing records of different sizes. Portable turntables usually play at one speed (33 1/3 revolutions per minute for LPs, the most common size) or have up to three speeds (including 45 rpm and 78 rpm). In most cases, a single-speed motor will meet your needs and play standard-size vinyl albums.
Digital conversion
Some of these turntables have a USB port so you can use a computer to digitize your albums. Due to the lower audio quality of vinyl recordings compared to MP3s, the resulting files are typically lower quality than digital albums.
How much do portable turntables cost?
Inexpensive
For $40 to $60, you can find small suitcase-style portable record players that have built-in speakers. Their size and price make them a good choice if you have limited space or you’re new to using a record player.
Mid-range
You can find suitcase-style portable turntables or models that are small enough to fit easily on a bookshelf for $60 to $120. Bluetooth connectivity is more common in this range.
Expensive
High-end portable turntables cost from $120 to $300 and may include extra features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers, digital conversion via USB, and belt drive motors.
If you’re using Bluetooth or bookcase speakers, put them on a different surface than the one the record player is on. This prevents vibrations from disrupting the record.
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Tips
- Pair your turntable with a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker for outdoor use. This is important if you plan to use your battery-powered turntable outdoors where there are no nearby outlets.
- Buy a turntable from a reputable company. If you hope to use your portable turntable for years, you’ll need to replace components at some point. Without reliable customer service or a way to obtain replacement parts, you could be out of luck.
- Never carry a suitcase-style turntable with a record inside. You run the risk of seriously damaging both the record and the stylus. And with many models, you can’t close the lid with a record on the platter anyway.
- Be careful when transporting records. If you’re taking albums with you, protect your vinyl with a padded record bag. If you’re moving, pack the records in a sturdy box or tub with the spines vertical.
FAQ
Q. What surfaces are safe for portable turntables?
A. A level surface is a must, or you risk the record skipping or even getting damaged. Look for surfaces that aren’t prone to vibrations and don’t move easily, such as a table or countertop.
Q. Do portable turntables have built-in preamps?
A. Most have built-in preamps for wired use. Manufacturers should list a preamp in the specs if a turntable has RCA or 3.5 mm outputs.
Q. Should I get a portable turntable if I don’t plan to use it outside my home?
A. A portable model is still useful for listening to music in different parts of your home rather than permanently setting up an audio system in one room. In addition, the low cost of many of these turntables makes one a good option if you’re just getting into vinyl.
