Record Player vs Turntable: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

What's the difference between a record player and a turntable? A record player is an all-in-one unit: the turntable, preamp, amplifier and speakers are built into one cabinet, so you plug it in and play. A turntable is just the deck that spins the record and reads the groove; you connect it to separate speakers or a stereo system. People use the words interchangeably, but if you're shopping, that difference decides what else you need to buy.

Record Player vs Turntable at a Glance

What Is a Record Player?

Historically, "record player" meant any machine that played records. Today it usually means an all-in-one: a suitcase player, a console on legs, or a cabinet with speakers on the front. Everything you need is inside, which makes record players the easiest way to start listening to vinyl. Shop all record players with speakers.

What Is a Turntable?

A turntable is the component that spins the record (platter and motor) and reads it (tonearm and cartridge). It sends a small signal out to a preamp, then to an amplifier and speakers. Because each piece is separate, you can choose better speakers or upgrade the cartridge later. Some turntables come with speakers in the box, like the Cassini and Polaris II with 40W bookshelf speakers.

Which Sounds Better?

Generally, a turntable with good separate speakers. Speakers placed apart from each other give a wider stereo image than two small speakers in one box, and separating the speakers from the deck keeps their vibration away from the needle. That said, a well-made record player sounds great in a bedroom, office or dorm, and it's far better than no vinyl at all.

Which Should You Buy?

Choose a record player if you:

• Are new to vinyl and want the simplest setup.
• Have limited space or want something portable.
• Listen casually or want a gift that works right away.
• Like the vintage look of a suitcase or console on legs.

Choose a turntable if you:

• Care most about sound quality.
• Already own speakers or a stereo receiver.
• Want to upgrade pieces over time.
• Have room for speakers placed a few feet apart.

Still not sure? Our guide to the best record player for beginners compares options by budget.

Can a Record Player Connect to Better Speakers?

Often, yes. Many all-in-one record players have an RCA output for powered speakers, and players with Bluetooth out can send your records to a wireless speaker. The Arkrocket Huygens and Discovery II have RCA outputs, and the Coryphaeus has Bluetooth in and out. That gives you a path to bigger sound without replacing the player.

Other Terms You'll See

• Phonograph / gramophone: early record players, often with a horn and a wind-up motor.
• Console record player: a record player built into furniture, often on legs.
• Suitcase record player: a portable record player in a carrying case.
• Deck: another word for a turntable in a stereo system.

Curious how it all works inside? Read how a record player works.

FAQs

Is a turntable the same as a record player?
Not quite. Every record player contains a turntable, but a turntable on its own has no speakers.

Does a turntable need a preamp?
Yes, somewhere in the chain. Many turntables have one built in; otherwise use a receiver with a PHONO input or a separate preamp.

Can I use Bluetooth speakers with a turntable?
Yes, if the turntable has Bluetooth out, or by adding a Bluetooth transmitter to its output.

Browse vintage and retro record players and turntables.

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