The sound and nostalgia of vinyl played through a turntable or record player can’t be beat. There’s something instantly soothing as soon as the needle hits the record, that signature crackle sounds, and a tune begins to play. There’s really nothing like it. To enjoy it, however, you need a record player or turntable and speakers. Some self-contained record players do have built-in speakers, but you can also connect external ones to those.
The latest turntables combine retro with modern tech, adding Bluetooth streaming capabilities as well. This way, you can use the same unit for both the convenience of streaming and the delightful throwback of vinyl when you’re in the mood. The best record players and best turntables are designed to meet your needs where they are. This might be convenience and ease of use, sound quality, budget, or all the above.
We have curated this list of the best record players to help you decide.
Best overall: Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK
This Audio Technica turntable checks all the boxes as a reliable model from a well-known brand. Offered at a mid-level price and with rave customer reviews, it can play 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm records. With the built-in USB output, you can convert your vinyl tunes to digital files using Audacity recording software on a Mac or PC. Use the detachable RCA cable to connect to a stereo system for playback.
Best entry-level: Audio Technica AT-LP60X-GM
For someone just getting started or back into vinyl, the Audio Technica AT-LP60X-GM a perfect starter option that’s affordable and simple to use. With this automatic player, all they need to do is press a button and the needle will move to the record, playing 33-1/3 and 45 rpm records.
With the built-in preamp, you can connect it to a stereo system or even computer, whether or not it has a phono input. Featuring versatile playback options, it doesn’t require much of a learning curve. You can easily use it with your existing speakers.
Best beginner with Bluetooth: Sony PS-LX310BT
Yes, Sony makes turntables. This Sony PS-LX310BT one combines both a turntable for playing vinyl and integrated Bluetooth for streaming tunes. The platter can accommodate both 33 and 45 rpm records. The one-step auto play is easy to use for beginners.
Along with wireless Bluetooth, there’s also USB and RCA. With the USB ripping feature, you can transform vinyl into digital files to add to your streaming collection. You’ll need to buy RCA cables and/or an adapter separately to connect it to your receiver, speakers, or computer for playback.
Most stylish: Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BZ
Not only does this model from Audio Technica feature a direct-drive motor for better speed stability, it also boasts an elegant look with copper-coloured accents. Exclusive to Best Buy, the manual turntable can play back all record speeds and it has a built-in phono pre-amp.
Connect to a stereo system using the RCA output cable and convert records to digital files using Audacity recording software and a USB connection to your computer.
Best Bluetooth: Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
With this turntable model from Audio Technica, you get the option to stream via Bluetooth to connected speakers as well. It can play all three vinyl speeds and supports stereo sound with separate speakers. It’s a good step-up option for those who desire something more premium that includes Bluetooth as well for when they want it.
Unique look: House of Marley Stir It Up
The House of Marley Stir It Up turntable, like other products in the line, features bamboo as a key material. It includes Bluetooth as well along with USB to PC for digitizing albums. This House of Marley Stir It Up review loves the “unique and stylish look” and says that while it was a bit challenging to set up, once done, this turntable plays records perfectly.
Best entry audiophile: Pro-Ject E1 BT
For a budding audiophile who appreciates quality sound but doesn’t have the budget just yet to invest in something higher-end, the Pro-Ject E1 BT is a good stepping stone. Handmade in Europe, it has a lightweight, low-friction 8.6-inch aluminum tonearm that is optimized for high-quality playback. It adds Bluetooth as well, via the built-in phono pre-amp and BT 5.2 transmitter. Someone who’s getting back into vinyl will love this unit.
Best vintage style: Electrohome Kingston Vintage Vinyl Record Player Stereo System
This record player stereo system from Kingston has a gorgeous vintage style. The platter is inside the lift-up top with plenty of other hidden functionality. As a 7-in-1 system, it has Bluetooth, Aux in, AM/FM radio, CD slot, and USB along with four built-in speakers so it works as a self-contained system.
The wood cabinet adds a sense of warmth to the sound, says a review of this Kingston record player, which loves the “serious vintage vibe.”
Best all-in-one system: Retrolife R612
If you want a full system in one, including a turntable and speakers, the Retrolife R612 includes just that in a lovely red brown finish. The package includes the turntable along with dual 15W passive speakers for instant room-filling sound with your 33, 45, or 78 rpm speed records. Thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth, you can also stream music wirelessly right to the speakers. It’s an incredibly affordable entry unit that sets you up with everything you need right out of the box.
Best for new generation: Victrola Journey Glow
A platter inside a suitcase you can close, latch, and bring from room to room, the Victrola Journey Glow does just that. It has built-in speakers so you can play right from the unit itself or choose to connect external speakers. With built-in Bluetooth, you can stream tunes from a mobile device. Vinylstream allows you to stream audio from a spinning record to wireless speakers or even a pair of wireless headphones. The customizable glow lighting on the front adds a fun, ambient effect to the experience.
I reviewed the Victrola Journey Glow and found it incredibly easy to use with decent sound and amazing versatility. It’s the ideal unit for a teen or young adult getting acquainted with vinyl for the first time.
Most unique turntable: Audio Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger
Audio Technica first introduced the uniquely designed Sound Burger in 1980s to be an easily transportable turntable. The company brought it back in 2022 as a limited-edition model for its anniversary, and it was so popular, Audio Technica decides to add it to its regular lineup.
Compatible with 33 and 45 rpm records, it has an RCA output to connect to speakers, Bluetooth for wireless connection to mobile devices, and a compact and lightweight design so you can pop it into your backpack or large purse and bring it along to the party.
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How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Find the right turntable to meet your unique needs
There’s a wide variety when it comes to turntables, matching the different types of people who appreciate vinyl. This ranges from Gen-Zers who are becoming acquainted with it for the first time to Boomers getting back into the nostalgia of this retro medium. On the entry side, you can find a simple turntable with a platter, controls, and nothing more, or a more modern-inspired ones with Bluetooth as well. Find micro systems that bring other types of retro tech back to life as well, like cassette tapes and CDs. Some turntables come bundled with speakers or you can connect your own. You can find models at every price point.
The great news is that if you start with an entry unit and decide you want something more premium, you can always move the entry unit into a different room, or hand it down to a friend or family member who might appreciate joining the “vinyl revival” too. Then upgrade to a hifi turntable, sit back, relax, and enjoy as you add new records to your collection.
See a wide range of turntables and micro systems and micro systems at Best Buy.
