The 3 Best Record Players, Tested by Our Editors

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People

People

There’s something special about putting a record on.Opting for vinyl makes for a unique and retro music experience that brings generations together. Passing down your favorite records to your kids or inheriting your parents’ beloved albums can help us feel closer to the ones we love. Plus, a record player (and some top-notch vinyl) make agreat gift for the holidays.When shopping for your first turntable or for the budding vinyl collector in your life, finding the best record player (that’s also beginner-friendly) can be daunting. Skip the endless review scrolling or Reddit thread scouring — we’ve done the work for you.We tested record players from Sonos, Victrola, and Fluance to find entry-level turntables that are simple to set up and easy to use. Beyond ease of use, our top picks deliver on sound quality and an enjoyable overall listening experience.What to ExpectSetup is usually manual and may require a little googling. However, all testers were able to set up their turntables in about 10 minutes.Speakers may need to be purchased separately, or you may need special cable connectors.Our editors enjoyed connecting with their parents and other music lovers throughout testing so you may find a new commonality with another generation.Whether you’re exploring a new passion for vinyl or nurturing it for someone special, we’ve handpicked the top three beginner-friendly turntables to kickstart the journey.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Victrola Century Signature Record Player at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewStill Great (Previous Best Overall):Fluance RT81 Turntable at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Sonos Pro-Ject T1 at Amazon$649Jump to Review

There’s something special about putting a record on.

Opting for vinyl makes for a unique and retro music experience that brings generations together. Passing down your favorite records to your kids or inheriting your parents’ beloved albums can help us feel closer to the ones we love. Plus, a record player (and some top-notch vinyl) make agreat gift for the holidays.

When shopping for your first turntable or for the budding vinyl collector in your life, finding the best record player (that’s also beginner-friendly) can be daunting. Skip the endless review scrolling or Reddit thread scouring — we’ve done the work for you.

We tested record players from Sonos, Victrola, and Fluance to find entry-level turntables that are simple to set up and easy to use. Beyond ease of use, our top picks deliver on sound quality and an enjoyable overall listening experience.

What to ExpectSetup is usually manual and may require a little googling. However, all testers were able to set up their turntables in about 10 minutes.Speakers may need to be purchased separately, or you may need special cable connectors.Our editors enjoyed connecting with their parents and other music lovers throughout testing so you may find a new commonality with another generation.

What to Expect

Setup is usually manual and may require a little googling. However, all testers were able to set up their turntables in about 10 minutes.Speakers may need to be purchased separately, or you may need special cable connectors.Our editors enjoyed connecting with their parents and other music lovers throughout testing so you may find a new commonality with another generation.

Whether you’re exploring a new passion for vinyl or nurturing it for someone special, we’ve handpicked the top three beginner-friendly turntables to kickstart the journey.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Victrola Century Signature Record Player at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewStill Great (Previous Best Overall):Fluance RT81 Turntable at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Sonos Pro-Ject T1 at Amazon$649Jump to Review

Best Overall:Victrola Century Signature Record Player at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewStill Great (Previous Best Overall):Fluance RT81 Turntable at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Sonos Pro-Ject T1 at Amazon$649Jump to Review

Best Overall:Victrola Century Signature Record Player at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Best Overall:Victrola Century Signature Record Player at Amazon$250

Best Overall:

Still Great (Previous Best Overall):Fluance RT81 Turntable at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Still Great (Previous Best Overall):Fluance RT81 Turntable at Amazon$250

Still Great (Previous Best Overall):

Best Splurge:Sonos Pro-Ject T1 at Amazon$649Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Sonos Pro-Ject T1 at Amazon$649

Best Splurge:

Best OverallVictrola Century Signature Record PlayerPHOTO: Victrola$250$220 at Amazon$150$149 at WalmartView on Victrola.com

Best OverallVictrola Century Signature Record Player

Best Overall

Victrola Century Signature Record Player

PHOTO: Victrola

$250$220 at Amazon$150$149 at WalmartView on Victrola.com

Star QualitiesFeatures a built-in speaker for an all-in-one vinyl experience right out of the boxIncludes Bluetooth streaming and is also a cassette and CD player, making it the most versatile option we testedMid-century modern aesthetic comes with two options for set-up: standalone or tabletopRed FlagsWhile the built-in speakers are great, for the highest quality listening experience, you’ll want to add external speakers

Star QualitiesFeatures a built-in speaker for an all-in-one vinyl experience right out of the boxIncludes Bluetooth streaming and is also a cassette and CD player, making it the most versatile option we testedMid-century modern aesthetic comes with two options for set-up: standalone or tabletop

Features a built-in speaker for an all-in-one vinyl experience right out of the box

Includes Bluetooth streaming and is also a cassette and CD player, making it the most versatile option we tested

Mid-century modern aesthetic comes with two options for set-up: standalone or tabletop

Red FlagsWhile the built-in speakers are great, for the highest quality listening experience, you’ll want to add external speakers

While the built-in speakers are great, for the highest quality listening experience, you’ll want to add external speakers

The Century Signature Record Player from Victrola wins best overall for its seamless setup, beginner-friendly features, and versatility. Beyond that, we really dig the retro look and design of this player.

The mid-century modern aesthetic feels trendy and yet still timeless. The version we tested includes two leg options for customizable setup: 18 inches for a freestanding option or 3 inches for a tabletop display.

This is the perfect one-stop shop for any vinyl newbie: This player has everything you need to get started, even built-in speakers. It was ready to go out of the box without any hassle or extra equipment needed.

What Sets Victrola ApartWhat sets this record player apart fromFluance RT81+and theSonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntableis its versatility — it not only plays records but also plays cassettes, CDs, and pairs with Bluetooth devices so you can stream music from your favorite platforms. Plus, it can stream vinyl to external speakers or headphones for added flexibility.

What Sets Victrola Apart

What sets this record player apart fromFluance RT81+and theSonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntableis its versatility — it not only plays records but also plays cassettes, CDs, and pairs with Bluetooth devices so you can stream music from your favorite platforms. Plus, it can stream vinyl to external speakers or headphones for added flexibility.

While the built-in speakers weren’t as high quality as otherBluetooth options, they offer solid performance for a beginner setup. With its 4-in-1 functionality and convenient features, this record player is a great investment.

“Being able to put on my dad’s original records from 50 years ago was probably my favorite part. Sharing that with him was so special and something I’ll always remember. Like, listening to a record my dad blared in his room when he was 14? So cool. Next up: Digging into my grandfather’s vinyl collection.” —Kayla Kitts, shopping editor

Speakers:Built-In |Operational Mode:Semi-automatic| Bluetooth Capabilities:Yes

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Still Great (Previous Best Overall)Fluance RT81 TurntablePHOTO: Amazon$250 at Amazon$250 at Target$250 at Newegg.com

Still Great (Previous Best Overall)Fluance RT81 Turntable

Still Great (Previous Best Overall)

Fluance RT81 Turntable

PHOTO: Amazon

$250 at Amazon$250 at Target$250 at Newegg.com

Star QualitiesSimple, intuitive set-up with helpful instructionsClear, higher quality sound thanks to diamond-tipped needleSuper sleek, minimalist design that puts the record on displayRed FlagsSpeakers sold separatelyNo Bluetooth capabilities

Star QualitiesSimple, intuitive set-up with helpful instructionsClear, higher quality sound thanks to diamond-tipped needleSuper sleek, minimalist design that puts the record on display

Simple, intuitive set-up with helpful instructions

Clear, higher quality sound thanks to diamond-tipped needle

Super sleek, minimalist design that puts the record on display

Red FlagsSpeakers sold separatelyNo Bluetooth capabilities

Speakers sold separately

No Bluetooth capabilities

We enjoyed how simple this turntable is to use, thanks to the semi-automatic operation. After selecting the playback speed, a lever automatically lifts and lowers the tonearm, so all you need to do is position it. (No need to worry about dropping the needle incorrectly and damaging the vinyl.) The diamond-stipped stylus made for clearer and more detailed audio, though we found its sensitivity also highlighted some damage on our older records.

No speakers were included with this record player, so we recommend thecorresponding Fluance speakersunless you already own a wired pair. It doesn’t have any Bluetooth capabilities, so you’ll need traditional speakers to enjoy this turntable.

“There is something mood-boosting about blasting a record. My Apple AirPods cannot transport me to another place the way a record can. Shania Twain’sCome on Overwas my go-to record during testing. I got the 25th-anniversary version, and it’s red, so it just looks and sounds amazing on this turntable.” —Erin Johnson, associate shopping director

Speakers:Not Included |Operational Mode:Semi-Automatic |Bluetooth Capabilities:None

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best SplurgeSonos Pro-Ject T1PHOTO: Sonos$649 at AmazonView on Sonos.com

Best SplurgeSonos Pro-Ject T1

Best Splurge

Sonos Pro-Ject T1

PHOTO: Sonos

$649 at AmazonView on Sonos.com

Star QualitiesTone-arm comes pre-set for quick setupRich, high-quality soundRed FlagsSpeakers are sold separately and will require an adapterNo Bluetooth capability, though a Bluetooth version of this turntable exists

Star QualitiesTone-arm comes pre-set for quick setupRich, high-quality sound

Tone-arm comes pre-set for quick setup

Rich, high-quality sound

Red FlagsSpeakers are sold separately and will require an adapterNo Bluetooth capability, though a Bluetooth version of this turntable exists

Speakers are sold separately and will require an adapter

No Bluetooth capability, though a Bluetooth version of this turntable exists

Have a little more to spend? The Sono Pro-Ject T1 is our pick for an entry-level mid-range turntable. The setup was quick and straightforward: Unlike theFluance RT81+, the tonearm and counterweight are pre-set in the factory, so it’s ready to use straight out of the box.

This turntable elevated our listening experience: It felt like hearing our favorite albums for the first time, and they sounded so much richer than before. Its minimalist design is chic and space-saving, perfect for small apartments.

Keep in mind, you’ll need additional speakers and an appropriate adaptor to enjoy this record player. (We learned the hard way that Sonos has its own adaptor for its speakers.) This is our priciest player we recommend, but if it fits your budget — especially if you’re using other Sonos products — it’s a great choice.

Speakers:None |Operational Mode:Manual |Bluetooth Capabilities:None

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

While you’re adding a new record player to your cart, throw these albums in to get your listening started. These were our editors' go-to records during testing.

Love Yourself: Tear$50$43 at Amazon$48 at Urban OutfittersEagles: Greatest Hits$25$23 at Amazon$25 at Urban OutfittersShania Twain - Come On Over 25th Anniversary Edition$74 at AmazonThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill$30$27 at AmazonRumours LP$25 at AmazonQueen Greatist Hits$36 at AmazonDolly Parton - A Holly Dolly Christmas$35$23 at Amazon$14 at TargetA Charlie Brown Christmas$25 at Amazon

Love Yourself: Tear$50$43 at Amazon$48 at Urban Outfitters

Love Yourself: Tear

$50$43 at Amazon$48 at Urban Outfitters

Eagles: Greatest Hits$25$23 at Amazon$25 at Urban Outfitters

Eagles: Greatest Hits

$25$23 at Amazon$25 at Urban Outfitters

Shania Twain - Come On Over 25th Anniversary Edition$74 at Amazon

Shania Twain - Come On Over 25th Anniversary Edition

$74 at Amazon

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill$30$27 at Amazon

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

$30$27 at Amazon

Rumours LP$25 at Amazon

Rumours LP

$25 at Amazon

Queen Greatist Hits$36 at Amazon

Queen Greatist Hits

$36 at Amazon

Dolly Parton - A Holly Dolly Christmas$35$23 at Amazon$14 at Target

Dolly Parton - A Holly Dolly Christmas

$35$23 at Amazon$14 at Target

A Charlie Brown Christmas$25 at Amazon

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Shania Twain record on Fluance RT81+ Turntable.People

What to Know About Record Players

Manual, Automatic, or Semi-Automatic

Manual record players offer the most control and tactile experience of listening to vinyl. For many, that is part of the appeal. However, if you’re new to vinyl and wary of scratching your records, a fully automatic player might appeal to you.

Automatic record players are the easiest to use but are also usually more expensive than other options. A semi-automatic record player like theFluance RT81+is a nice alternative that allows for hands-on operation but takes some of the guesswork and anxiety out of the vinyl listening experience.

Included Speakers

Deciding if you want a record player with speakers or without will depend on your priorities. Some say for the highest-quality listening experience, you’ll want to invest in good external speakers.

For starters and to keep costs down, we recommend a player like theVictrola Century Signature Record Player, that has built-in speakers so you can get listening right away.

Built-In Pre-Amp or External

A built-in pre-amp is definitely the simplest way to go. TheSonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntablecomes with a built-in pre-amp, which allows you to plug your turntable directly into external speakers.

However, you can find better quality in external pre-amps for a more hi-fi sound. An external pre-amp takes up more space and you’ll need to find one compatible with your record player.

To find the best record players for beginners, we researched turntables from reputable brands and gathered insights from predominantly vinyl novices. (Two of our three testers had never used a record player before.) Each turntable was evaluated, from unboxing to listening, across several key areas to determine our top picks.

Considering all these factors, theVictrola Century Signature Record Playerexcelled in every category, earning it our top choice for the best overall record player for beginners.

Victrola Century Signature Record Player.People

L.A. Hubillais a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE specializing in lifestyle, home, and beauty content. She regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets including InStyle, Byrdie, and Travel + Leisure.

For this article, she evaluated insights from the PEOPLE Tested team and editor picks. She researched the technical aspects consumers should consider when shopping for a record player or turntable and drew from her own experience of owning and using a record player for 6 years.

Meet Our TestersKayla Kittsis a shopping editor for PEOPLE with more than a decade of experience writing and editing home and lifestyle content, including four years as a product tester. She tested the Victrola record player and enjoyed filling her living room with the sounds of her dad’s old vinyl collection.Erin Johnsonis the associate shopping director at PEOPLE with over 9 years of experience in media. She grew up listening to records with her parents and has previously tested Crosley and Electrohome record players. She has been using her Fluance record player for about a year and loves it.Genevieve Cepedais a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with a passion for finding the best deals. She tested the Sonos record player and spent time at her local record shop talking to experts there about how to get the best sound out of her turntable.

Meet Our Testers

Kayla Kittsis a shopping editor for PEOPLE with more than a decade of experience writing and editing home and lifestyle content, including four years as a product tester. She tested the Victrola record player and enjoyed filling her living room with the sounds of her dad’s old vinyl collection.Erin Johnsonis the associate shopping director at PEOPLE with over 9 years of experience in media. She grew up listening to records with her parents and has previously tested Crosley and Electrohome record players. She has been using her Fluance record player for about a year and loves it.Genevieve Cepedais a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with a passion for finding the best deals. She tested the Sonos record player and spent time at her local record shop talking to experts there about how to get the best sound out of her turntable.

Sonos Pro-Ject T1 Record Player.People

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com