Best Record Player for Beginners: How to Choose Your First Turntable

What's the best record player for beginners? For most people, an all-in-one record player with built-in speakers, Bluetooth and three speeds. It plays right out of the box with no extra gear. The Arkrocket Curiosity ($99) is an easy first pick; if you want it to stand on its own, choose the Arkrocket Discovery II with legs ($189). If you already know you want fuller sound, start with a turntable that includes bookshelf speakers, like the Arkrocket Cassini ($289).

Our Picks for First-Time Record Players

What Beginners Should Look For

1. Built-in speakers (or speakers in the box)

A turntable on its own needs speakers and sometimes a preamp. An all-in-one record player has them built in, so you can plug it in and play. If you're not sure, start here. See all record players with speakers.

2. Three speeds

Most albums play at 33 1/3 RPM and most 7-inch singles at 45 RPM. A 3-speed player also handles old 78s you might find at a thrift store or inherit from family. The Curiosity, Cruiser Plus and Discovery II play all three.

3. Bluetooth, and which direction

Bluetooth in lets you stream your phone through the record player's speakers. Bluetooth out sends your records to a wireless speaker or headphones. If you want to play vinyl through a bigger Bluetooth speaker later, look for Bluetooth out.

4. A replaceable stylus

Every needle wears out. Make sure replacements are easy to buy for your model. Arkrocket Discovery II, Huygens, Cassini and Polaris players use the AR-N60 replacement stylus.

5. Room to grow

RCA or line outputs let you add powered speakers later without replacing the player. The Huygens and Discovery II both have them.

6. A look you'll enjoy

A record player usually lives out in the open. Suitcase players come in velvets and bright colors, the Discovery II stands on legs in eight finishes, and the Huygens looks like a piece of furniture.

Suitcase, Stand or Separates?

• Suitcase record player: cheapest and most portable; closes up for storage. Small speakers mean modest bass. Best for dorms, bedrooms and gifts.
• Record player with legs: a vintage console look with no extra furniture to buy. Best for a living room or bedroom corner.
• Turntable plus speakers: best sound and easiest to upgrade, with more pieces to place. Best if music is a serious hobby.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Putting the player on a wobbly table or next to a subwoofer, which causes skipping.
• Forgetting to remove the stylus guard before playing.
• Dropping the needle by hand instead of using the cue lever.
• Playing dusty records. A quick pass with an anti-static brush makes a big difference.
• Never replacing the needle. See record player needle replacement.

FAQs

How much should I spend on my first record player?
About $100 gets you a complete all-in-one player. $190 to $290 gets you a player with legs or a turntable with real bookshelf speakers.

Are suitcase record players bad for records?
Not when they're used with care. Keep the needle clean and replace it when worn, keep records clean, and set the player on a flat surface.

Do I need a preamp?
Not with an all-in-one record player or a turntable that comes with powered speakers. You only need one for a turntable without a built-in preamp connected to regular speakers.

What should I buy with my first record player?
A record cleaning brush, a 45 adapter if you'll play singles, and a few favorite albums.

Compare every option in vintage and retro record players, then follow our guide to setting up and using a record player.

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