Best Record Player for Under £1000: Expert Picks in 2023
June 20, 2023Why Is My Record Player So Quiet: All You Have To Know
June 25, 2023Last Updated on June 20, 2023 by Tom S. Ray
Record players have made a resurgence in recent years, rediscovering the warm and nostalgic sound of vinyl for music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. While high-end turntables can cost hundreds and even thousands of pounds, the growing interest in vinyl has made it possible to find affordable record players that still produce excellent sound quality and deliver a satisfying listening experience.
When it comes to vinyl, the turntable’s components play a crucial role in sound reproduction. For those seeking a quality record player under £100, it’s essential to consider factors such as the type of cartridge, platter, and tonearm, as well as the build quality. The ability to adjust tracking force and anti-skate settings may also influence the longevity of your vinyl records and help enhance the sound quality.
Additionally, modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers can make the experience more convenient and enjoyable, especially for those seeking a compact and all-in-one solution. Of course, the aesthetics and design of the turntable are also a matter of personal preference, and finding the perfect balance between appearance and functionality could enhance your listening and the visual appeal of your home.
To help you find the perfect record player for your needs, we researched and examined numerous models, focusing on their performance, features, and value for money within the under £100 price range. Our aim was to find reliable turntables that offer a fantastic vinyl listening experience without breaking the bank.
Best Record Players Under £100
We have curated a list of the top record players available for under £100, offering excellent value and quality to help you enjoy your vinyl collection.
Buying Guide
Consider Your Needs
When looking for the best record player under £100, it is essential to consider your specific needs. Think about how often you will use it, the type of records you will play, and the space where it will be stored. By understanding your requirements, we can make better recommendations for you.
Features to Look For
When shopping for a budget-friendly record player, we recommend focusing on the following features:
- Sound quality: This is a crucial aspect of any record player. Look for models with a balanced, clear sound, with minimal distortion and interference.
- Build quality: A well-constructed record player will last longer and provide a better overall experience. Look for sturdy materials and a solid design.
- Speed settings: Most record players have three-speed settings – 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. Ensure your chosen model supports the speeds of your vinyl collection.
Size and Portability
Some users require a portable record player that can be transported easily, while others will want a stationary unit for their home. Consider your space requirements and the importance of portability before making a decision.
Size | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Portable | Easy to transport and store | May compromise on sound quality |
Stationary | Better sound quality and features | More difficult to move and requires space |
Budget
Since we are discussing options under £100, it is essential to evaluate your desired features and determine how much you are willing to spend within this range. Be mindful of your budget and avoid compromising on critical features like sound quality, build, and speed settings.
Mersoco Bluetooth Record Player
A budget-friendly record player with Bluetooth capability and stylish design, suitable for vinyl enthusiasts looking for a vintage touch.
Pros
- 3-speed belt-driven turntable
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in stereo speakers
Cons
- Mediocre sound quality
- Flimsy build
- Basic needle quality
We recently had the pleasure of trying out the Mersoco Bluetooth Record Player and were impressed by its functionality considering the price. Its 3-speed belt-driven turntable is perfect for playing vinyl records at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, catering to a wide range of music tastes.
Another standout feature of this record player is the Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect your devices and listen to digital music with ease. This is an excellent option for those who want a mix of vintage charm and modern convenience in a single device.
While the built-in stereo speakers are sufficient for casual listening, the sound quality might not satisfy audiophiles. However, the record player’s 3.5mm Aux-in and RCA output options mean you can connect it to an external amplifier or stereo system for a better listening experience.
Regarding the Mersoco’s design – the natural wood finish and removable protective dust cover give it a charming vintage aesthetic, making it a stylish addition to any room. Unfortunately, the build quality feels a bit flimsy and may not withstand heavy use over time. Additionally, the needle quality is on the basic side, so you might want to consider upgrading it to enhance your listening experience.
In summary, the Mersoco Bluetooth Record Player is a decent entry-level option for those keen to explore the world of vinyl without breaking the bank. While it lacks the sound quality and durability of higher-end models, its modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to connect to external audio systems make it a worthwhile choice for casual listeners.
VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable
The VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable is a solid option for those wanting a budget-friendly record player with modern features.
Pros
- 3 selectable speeds (33/45/78 RPM)
- Built-in Bluetooth function
- 2 Built-in Stereo Speakers
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
- May not include power supply
- Bass lacking in built-in speakers
We recently tried out the VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable and found it to be a reliable and attractive record player for under £100. With its natural wood design and classic appearance, this turntable seamlessly fits into any home decor, bringing a touch of retro charm to the room.
One of the standout features is the built-in Bluetooth function, enabling wireless streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled device. This allows you to play music from your phone, tablet or computer through the turntable speakers. The 3 selectable speeds (33/45/78 RPM) accommodate a variety of vinyl record sizes and an auto-stop function can be engaged to stop the turntable automatically.
Though the turntable has 2 built-in stereo speakers, the sound quality may not be up to the standard of more expensive record players. Some users reported a lack of bass in the built-in speakers, but this can be resolved by connecting external speakers through an Aux-In, RCA output or even Bluetooth speakers.
It’s important to note that a few customers reported not receiving a power supply with their purchase, so be prepared to source one separately if necessary.
Overall, the VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable is a great budget-friendly choice for those looking to rediscover the warmth of vinyl records alongside modern technology. Just remember, you might want to consider connecting additional speakers for improved sound quality!
ION Audio Air LP – Vinyl Record Player
A great budget-friendly option for vinyl record enthusiasts seeking a seamless experience with wireless connectivity capabilities.
Pros
- Bluetooth streaming up to 10 metres
- Versatile inputs – RCA and Aux
- USB output for digitizing your vinyl collection
Cons
- Need to purchase a separate stylus for 78 RPM records
- Possible connectivity issues with some Bluetooth speakers
- May not output stereo sound perfectly
We recently got our hands on the ION Audio Air LP, perfect for people looking to delve into the world of vinyl records without breaking the bank. This stylish record player offers a natural wood finish and easy setup, making it an ideal centrepiece to any vinyl collection.
One brilliant feature of the Air LP is its hassle-free wireless Bluetooth streaming. By pairing it with your speaker, you can enjoy a fuss-free connection while maintaining a 10-metre range. If you prefer wired connections, the discreetly located RCA ports and 1/8-inch headphone output provide flexibility for your listening preferences.
Our experience with the Air LP allowed us to play and convert records at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM without any issues. However, if you have a collection of 78 RPM records, you’ll need to purchase a separate stylus to accommodate them. The included ION audio EZ conversion software helped us effortlessly turn our favourite records into digital files for safekeeping.
In terms of potential downsides, some users have reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity, especially with certain speakers like Alexa. Furthermore, achieving a perfect stereo sound output might require some additional effort on certain setups.
Victrola Journey Portable Record Player
A fantastic combination of vintage design and modern technology, this turntable is perfect for those looking to enjoy their vinyl collection with convenience and style.
Pros
- Portable with a stylish suitcase design
- Bluetooth connectivity for versatile streaming options
- 3-speed turntable to accommodate various record types
Cons
- Sound quality from built-in speakers may not meet the expectations of audiophiles
- No auto-return feature for the needle at the end of the record
- UK adapter for the plug can be fiddly to set up
Ever since we got our hands on the Victrola Journey Portable Record Player, it’s been our go-to turntable for keeping our vinyl collection alive. With its lovely, nostalgic suitcase design, it adds a touch of charm to any room and serves as a fantastic centrepiece. The built-in carry handle ensures the turntable is fully portable and it’s incredibly easy to take our records with us wherever we go.
The built-in Bluetooth feature is a fantastic addition to the turntable, making it easy for us to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled device. While the sound quality from the built-in stereo speakers might not be a match for larger speaker setups, it gets the job done for casual listening. The option to plug in external speakers or headphones via the headphone jack offers even greater versatility for a better listening experience.
The 3-speed feature caters to different types of vinyl records, ensuring compatibility with our entire collection. However, we noticed the Victrola Journey Portable Record Player doesn’t have an auto-return feature for the needle at the end of the record, which means manual intervention is required. This isn’t a deal-breaker for us, but it’s worth noting for those who highly value convenience.
Overall, the Victrola Journey Portable Record Player is an excellent choice for people looking to enjoy their vinyl collection with a stylish, portable, and convenient turntable. We recommend it for casual listeners seeking a blend of nostalgic design and user-friendly features, as well as those who love customising their music experience.
ION Audio Max LP – Vinyl Record Player
We highly recommend the ION Audio Max LP for those looking for an affordable, feature-packed vinyl record player with built-in speakers and USB output.
Pros
- Plays at 3 speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM)
- Built-in stereo speakers with clear sound
- USB output for easy vinyl-to-digital conversion
Cons
- Sound quality may diminish at high volume
- Built-in speakers lack bass
- Headphone output quality may be low
We recently had the opportunity to experience the ION Audio Max LP – Vinyl Record Player. It has a beautiful natural wood finish and runs at three speeds, accommodating our entire vinyl collection. The on-board built-in stereo speakers produce a punchy and clear sound, allowing us to enjoy our records effortlessly.
One aspect that impressed us about the ION Audio Max LP was the ability to convert our vinyl tracks into digital files via USB. Using the included ION Audio EZ conversion software, we were able to further enjoy our library on our PC and Mac devices. Additionally, the 1/8-inch Aux input offers flexibility in converting or playing back from other media sources.
Despite its many positives, there are a few downsides to this record player. While the sound from the built-in speakers is clear, it does start to suffer at higher volumes. And although the speakers offer good overall performance, the bass is lacking, which could be a drawback for some listeners. Additionally, the headphone output quality has been reported as suboptimal by some users.
Overall, the ION Audio Max LP is a fantastic choice for those on a budget looking for a stylish, versatile, and feature-rich vinyl record player. Its minor drawbacks are outweighed by its capabilities and ease of use, making it a worthy addition to any vinyl fan’s collection.
VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable
The VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable is a fantastic choice for those looking for an affordable and stylish record player with modern features.
Pros
- Wireless Bluetooth compatibility
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Three selectable speeds
Cons
- Bluetooth limited to receiver function
- Sound quality may require external speakers
- Power supply not included
We recently had the pleasure of using the VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable and were quite impressed with its performance and design. This record player combines a vintage wooden look with modern features like Bluetooth compatibility, making it perfect for listening to music from smartphones, computers, and other devices.
The built-in stereo speakers offer a decent sound quality, especially considering the record player’s price. However, for a richer listening experience, we recommend connecting external speakers via the RCA connections. The three selectable speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM) allow you to play various vinyl record sizes, and the auto-stop and belt drive functions provide smooth operation.
One minor issue we encountered with the VIFLYKOO turntable was that the Bluetooth functionality only works as a receiver, meaning you cannot send audio from the record player to other Bluetooth speakers. Additionally, the power adapter is not included with the product, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
In summary, the VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable is a fantastic budget-friendly record player with a blend of vintage charm and modern features. While the sound quality may not be audiophile level, it’s still impressive for the price, and the addition of external speakers can enhance the audio experience. Just keep in mind the need for a separate power adapter and Bluetooth limitations.
House of Marley Jam Spun Out Bluetooth Turntable
The House of Marley Jam Spun Out Bluetooth Turntable offers an affordable, wireless listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming
- Digitises your vinyl records to MP3
- Protective dust cover included
Cons
- Slightly quieter pre-amped output
- Occasional difficulty connecting to Bluetooth speakers
- Requires separate speakers for optimal sound quality
As vinyl collectors, we couldn’t wait to try out the House of Marley Jam Spun Out Bluetooth Turntable. What we immediately loved about this record player was the built-in Bluetooth connectivity, which allowed us to wirelessly stream our favourite records to our speakers without the need for messy cables.
Another standout feature was the ability to digitise our vinyl collection, converting them to MP3 files for convenient listening on the go. This is perfect for those who want to bring their favourite records along with them during commutes or travels.
One thing that impressed us was the inclusion of a protective dust cover. As vinyl enthusiasts, we appreciate the need to keep our equipment clean, and this cover definitely adds an extra layer of protection to the turntable.
However, we did encounter a few minor drawbacks in our experience with the Jam Spun Out Turntable. The pre-amped output seemed a bit quiet, so when switching between the record player and other audio sources, there was a notable difference in volume. Additionally, connecting to Bluetooth speakers occasionally took longer than expected.
Lastly, while the overall sound quality was good, we realised that using separate speakers greatly enhanced the listening experience. This record player does not have built-in speakers, so investing in quality external speakers is recommended.
In conclusion, the House of Marley Jam Spun Out Bluetooth Turntable is an affordable and wireless option for vinyl enthusiasts looking to play their records without breaking the bank. Despite a few minor drawbacks, we enjoyed our experience with the turntable and believe it offers great value for the price.