Best Affordable Record Player with Built in Speakers

Let’s not kid ourselves…

Getting into vinyl is not cheap. Sure, you can pick up some vinyls for a few bucks at a thrift store or garage sale.

But what’s the point of collecting these works of art only to have a record player shred them to bits?

So if you’re looking for the best affordable record player with built-in speakers you’re in the right place!

If you’re in a rush, check out my favorite record player with speakers on Amazon.

I still play vinyls on my dad’s old Pioneer KH 4455 which I restored. It’s over 40 years old. It’s big and bulky and the speakers take a good amount of space.

If I was new to vinyl I’d be on the lookout for a record player with built in speakers just to dip my toes into the whole vinyl thing. And I’d want something affordable that won’t destroy my precious vinyls.

Quick Links:

Suitcase Style: Victrola Vintage Suitcase Record Player (See it on Amazon)
With CD Player: Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Multimedia Center (See it on Amazon)
Higher End: 1ByOne Belt Drive HiFi Record Player (See it on Amazon)
Budget Option: Jenson JTA-230R Stereo Record Player (See it on Amazon)

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If you’ve done any kind of research yet, you already know there are tons of options out there. But not all record players are created equal.

So I’ve brought you four of the best affordable record players with built in speakers. I’ll share the pros and cons of each with you.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a record player with speakers so that you can shop with confidence and pick one that fits your needs and budget

Criteria used to select these record players with built in speakers:

• Tons of trustworthy positive reviews
• Reasonably priced for entry level enthusiasts
• Available on Amazon for fast delivery
• Ability to play all common vinyl record sizes and speeds
• Option to add extra speakers with a wired or Bluetooth connection

Suitcase Style

Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola Vintage is the ultimate portable option when looking for a solid record player with built in speakers. The variety of available colors mean it will look great anywhere, from your dorm room to your living room.

Speed

This Victrola Vintage 3-Speed record player will spin your vinyl at 33 and 78 speeds. It also comes with a 45 adapter so you can play those vinyls made for 45 speed.

It also plays 7, 10 and 12 inch vinyls. So you’re pretty much good to go no matter what you have in your collection.

Size

This baby is a convenient size and stacks up at 16.6 by 7.3 by 12.8 inches. So it’s a great fit, even for a small space.

It weighs about 5 lbs which makes it light enough to move around. And it’s built into a sturdy carry case with handles. So, it’s super easy to travel with.

Drive

Unlike most other suitcase record players in its class, this one has a direct drive.

For you, this means a platter which is more skip resistant than a belt drive.

It’s not fully automatic but does come with an auto stop function for you to control.

The tonearm works as a switch by means of the lift lever. Moving it backward and then over the vinyl will start the platter spinning.

If the auto stop function is on, the platter will stop spinning at the end of the vinyl.

This is good if you tend to doze off when listening to vinyls. But you’ll have to move the tonearm back to the starting point manually.

The downside is that the platter might stop spinning slightly before the end of the last track. It’s a trade-off, but not a deal breaker by any means.

Cartridge and Stylus

Like other record players in this class, the cartridge and stylus can’t be upgraded to something better.

But it does come with one replacement stylus. And if you need more they are easy to find.

As a rule, the stylus used to play 78’s is different. So I’m not convinced this will do a good job of playing those.

But the manufacturer is happy to endorse the Victrola for playing 78’s.

Speakers

The built-in speakers are front-mounted which in my opinion is the best position for maximum sound quality.

From my research, most folks are happy with the sound. And this machine does a good job of filling a medium sized room with sound.

One owner said at top volume, she can hear the music clearly even in her 4 bedroom ranch home.

But, I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t at least a little distortion in the sound.

Some folks did note that the speakers sound tinny. But this is an entry level machine so the speakers won’t give any kind high fidelity sound.

If you want the best set up for sound I recommend getting a decent set of external speakers.

Frills

I like the fact that the Victrola has no extra frills like a CD player or radio. It’s designed to play vinyls and that what it does.

All those extras just make room for unnecessary vibrations, which is something you want to avoid. Especially with an entry level player.

USB & Connectivity

Many record players in this price range don’t have bluetooth connectivity. So it’s refreshing to find one that does.

With the Victrola, you can play music wirelessly from your smart device to this record player, up to 33 feet away.

It also has a 3.5 mm jack for playing music from a non bluetooth device.

You can’t play vinyls through external Bluetooth speakers though. But, there are RCA outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack. So you can hook it up to external speakers.

Or you can plug in your headphones for some private listening.

The one thing this record player can’t do, is rip your vinyls to MP3 format since there’s no USB. If this is what you’re after, something like the Audio Technica LP120 is more up your alley.

Check out our guide on converting vinyl records to digital files.

FAQ

• Can I hook this up to wireless Bluetooth speakers?
  No. This Victrola can’t be played through Bluetooth speakers.
• Can I hook this up to external speakers?
  Yes. If your stereo speakers have an RCA-in jack, you’re good to go.
• Will this record player damage my vinyls?
  For a record player in its price class, it’s surprisingly gentle on vinyl.
• Can you connect your phone to the Victrola record players?
  Yes. If you have the Bluetooth on you can play wirelessly from your phone up to 33 feet away.

Should You Buy the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Turntable

The Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth record player has a lot going for it.

The Bluetooth functionality is a big plus as far as features go.

And unlike other record players in this class, you can hook it up to external speakers which is a great feature in my opinion.

It’s a direct drive and it doesn’t have useless extras like a radio or CD player. So there’s less chance of skipping and unnecessary vibrations.

Of course, nothing is perfect. So here are a few things worth mentioning…

One customer received their record player that was DOA. But they got a new one at no charge to them.

Also, the manufacturer has not tested whether the Victrola can play 180 g vinyls. So if you want to spin your 180 g vinyls, this might be an experiment you don’t want to do.

And there were a few customers that experienced a weird clicking sound. I’d chalk this down to dirty vinyls though.

With CD Player

Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Multimedia Center

Calling the Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 a ‘record player’ would not do it justice. It has powerful built-in speakers and the ability to play all types of music from records, CDs, cassette taps, streaming, and FM radio.

Speed

This Victrola turntable is able to spin your vinyls at 33, 45 and 78 speeds. And the adapter needed for the 45’s is included.

Like other record players, it can play 7, 10, or 12 inch vinyls.

Size

So this baby is larger and heavier than the other players I’ve reviewed so far. With the lid closed, it measures 12.25″ tall, is 21″ wide, and 16″ deep.

It tips the scales around 17.5 lbs. This unit is better suited to be set up and left where it is. But how often are you planning to move your record player anyways?

Drive

Victrola designed this record player with a 3 speed belt drive. In my opinion, this is a better option because the belt reduces vibrations from the motor on the tonearm.

There’s no auto return with this record player. But it does have an auto stop function.

So when your vinyl is finished the motor will stop spinning. This is a good benefit to protect your vinyl and your needle from wear and tear.

Cartridge & Stylus

Like most entry level cartridges, this one is ceramic. And unfortunately, it can’t be upgraded to something more high end.

But you’ll be happy to know that the style are easy to find. And you can pick up a pack from Amazon for about the same price as a fancy coffee at Starbucks.

Speakers

The main feature that makes this Victrola attractive is the 5 watt stereo speakers. The other record players I’ve reviewed here top out at 3 watts.

These are mounted on the front for more directional sound and better quality than a side mounted option.

Frills

Besides the more powerful speakers included with this player, there’s the other music options!

This Victrola 6-in-1 product allows you to listen to:

1. Vinyl records (33, 78, and 45 rpm)
2. CDs
3. Cassette tapes
4. FM Radio stations
5. Music from a device connected with Bluetooth
6. Music from a device connected with the auxiliary 3.5mm jack

USB & Connectivity

First things first. There is no USB port on this product so you won’t be ripping music to your computer.

But you do have the option of Bluetooth streaming tracks from your smart device. And it’s good for up to 33 feet.

There is a pair of RCA outputs. With these, you  have the option to hook up other speakers.

So you can upgrade to even more powerful speakers if that’s your fancy. And even throw in a subwoofer for that something extra.

These are great features in my opinion and another reason why this record player is one of my favorites.

FAQ

• Does this have a built-in phono preamp?
  Yes it does. So you won’t need to hook it up to an external amplifier. It’s good to go out of the box.
• Is this a full sized turntable?
  Yes, so your vinyls won’t hang off the side. I prefer this kind of design. Especially when playing 78’s.
• Does this turntable have a dust cover?
  Yes, the lid closes to protect the record from dust and other objects.
• Can I rip vinyl to MP3 with this turntable?
  No.

Should You Buy the Victrola 6 in 1 Multimedia Center?

I’m impressed with this player from Victrola. The 5 watt speakers and other hook up options makes it well worth it.

The variety of music options lets you enjoy other analog music like cassette and CDs,

I love the variety of earthy colors and retro styling and design.

My choice would be the farmhouse shiplap grey one. It looks amazing. But there are other beautiful color options too.

Overall, other owners are very happy with the sound quality. But it sounds best at medium volume.

Of course if you hook up even better speakers you’d likely get even better sound.

But keep in mind that the cartridge is ceramic and it doesn’t have a high end stylus which will limit what even the best speakers can do.

Higher End

1byOne Belt Drive HiFi Record Player (H006)

With the highest quality cartridge and needle in this list, the H006 by 1byOne is the highest quality option for a record player with speakers in this list.

Check Price on Amazon Check Price on 1byOne

Speed

This 1byOne record player is able to spin vinyls cut at 33 and 78 speeds. It also includes a 45 adapter so if you have any 45’s you can enjoy those too.

And like other record players in its class, it can play 7, 10, 12 inch vinyls.

Size

It’s not a large record player. So it’s a great fit for small rooms or rooms with limited space.

It measures in at 17.4″ wide by 14.6″ deep x 7.6″ tall with the dust cover closed.

The 1byOne weighs a few ounces over 13 lbs. So it is a little heavier than other record players like the Jensen for example.

But it’s still not difficult to move around from room to room if necessary.

And if you consider the real wood finish that would make sense.

Drive

It’s a belt-drive unit, which is ideal for a self-contained unit. The belt acts as a shock absorber between the motor and the platter.

This means fewer vibrations on the tonearm and better sound quality overall.

But a belt-drive record player is prone to skipping if there’s movement near the unit. So if you like dancing to your vinyls, make sure it’s on a solid, stable surface like a wall unit, shelf or sturdy table.

It also has an auto-stop switch which makes it semi-automatic. If the switch is turned on, the motor will stop spinning after the last track.

If you tend to visit dream land while listening to vinyls this is a good thing. It’ll prevent your stylus from wearing out too quickly. And it’ll protect your vinyls from wear and tear too.

The downside is that the motor tends to stop right before the last track ends. So it’s a trade-off.

Although I prefer to have the motor stop because I’m one of those folks who usually falls asleep.

Do you know all the parts of a turntable? Check out our Anatomy of a Turntable article.

Cartridge & Stylus

The player comes with a high quality magnetic cartridge and diamond-tipped Audio Technica needle.

This combination far exceeds the standards of the other record players with built in speakers in this list.

Speakers

The two speakers on this baby are small at 3 watts each. They are front positioned which is ideal for the best sound distribution in my opinion.

There are RCA Line Out jacks so you can hook up a pair of external speakers.

One downside is you can’t turn off the internal speakers. So the sound will play through both the built-in and external speakers. I think this will dumb down any external speakers.

Frills

One major benefit of the 1ByOne is that the tonearm is adjustable. So you have some room to move when it comes to the tracking of the needle.

This is not a feature often found in these entry level players. And it’s a big plus point in my opinion.

USB & Connectivity

If you want to bring your vinyl tracks into the 21st century you’ll be happy to know this 1byOne can dog that.

It’s designed with USB connectivity and comes with a USB cable and free software for ripping vinyl.

There’s also an Aux In port so you can play tracks from your smart device through the built-in speakers. Or plug in your headphones for private listening.

And like I mentioned there are RCA Line Out jacks for external speakers. Although, you’ll have to buy those because they are not included.

FAQ

• Does this record player come with the cable for external speakers?
  No. The RCA cables you need for external speakers are not included.
• Can I play vinyls with the dust cover closed?
  Yes, you can spin your vinyls while the dust cover is still attached and closed.
• Is the software for ripping vinyl included?
  Yes, the CD with the software is included.

Should You Buy the 1byOne H006 Belt Drive HiFi Record Player?

I really like the 1byOne H006. It’s got a real wood finish which is a great benefit.

Not only because it looks smart but it’s a solid unit that reduces vibrations and skipping.

From my research, there is overall positive about the sound quality.

One customer is a musician and said he’s more than pleased with the sound of his 70’s vinyl collection.

Although, as with all small speakers, there is a lot of treble and not enough bass, so turning the internal speakers up full blast might sound tinny to some ears.

Budget Option

Jensen JTA-230R 3 Speed Record Player with Built in Speakers

Check Price on Amazon

Speed

This Jensen plays vinyls cut at 33, 45 and 78 speeds. And it comes with the handy 45 adapter you’ll need.

And you should have no problems playing 7, 10 or 12 inch vinyls.

Size

The JTA 230R is smaller than it looks in the picture. Its total dimensions with the cover down are 12″ wide, 11.5″ deep, and 5″ tall with the dust cover closed.

So it’s not big and bulky, and it’s a nice size to fit into any room, office or lounge.

It weighs just over 5 lbs. So moving it around won’t break your back. It’s a shame it isn’t designed in a handy carry case for traveling like another record player in its class.

Drive

This Jensen is belt-driven. So essentially there’s a shock absorber between the platter and the motor.

This is great for reducing vibrations while playing vinyl.

It’s a manual record player but it does have an auto stop function. So the platter will stop spinning after the last track.

If you’re like me and you doze off while listening to your vinyls, this is a good feature.

Cartridge & Stylus

Like with other self contained record players in this class, the cartridge and stylus can’t be upgraded to something better.

But the factory fitted ones are easy to find.

There are mixed opinions on whether it’s ideal to play 78’s with the factory fitted stylus.

Because 78’s are cut with wider grooves they need a wider stylus at 3 mil. Where your regular 33 and 45’s are cut for a 0.7 mil needle.

Jensen claims their factory fitted needle works fine for 78’s. And from my research other customers are satisfied with doing this.

But if you’re a 78’s collector you should consider getting the correct stylus.

The only kicker here is that it’ll cost you almost half of the price of this Jensen.

Speakers

The 3 watt speakers are side facing. And in my opinion, this is not the most ideal position for the best sound.

And some folks have reported that the built-in speakers sound tinny and that the speakers are not all that loud to begin with.

But the upside is you can hook this baby up to a set of self powered speakers and get much better sound quality.

Or you can enjoy listening to your vinyls through the speakers on your PC if you prefer.

There’s also a 1/8 RCA Line-out jack so you can fire up your headphones if you want some private listening time.

Frills

One of the main features of this Jensen is its pitch and tone control which is unheard of in this price class.

I like the fact that this Jensen has no unnecessary frills like a radio or CD player.

The more moving parts, the more vibration there is on the platter and speakers. And that’s something you want to avoid with an all-in-one record player.

USB & Connectivity

The Jensen comes with a USB port and cable for ripping your vinyl into the 21st century.

The Audacity software you need for converting tracks to MP3 is included vinyl to MP3.

You may need to visit their website and download the latest version. But you can do this free of charge.

FAQ

• Can I stack records with the Jensen JTA 230?
  No. This record player does not have the ability to stack. You can only place one vinyl at a time on the mat.
• Does this record player have a headphone jack?
  Yes. The factory fitted headphone jack is 1/8.
• Can I play newer vinyl with the Jensen JTA 230?
  You could. But I advise against it. The heavier vinyl puts an extra load on the motor making it spin slower.

If you’re looking to spin new vinyl, invest in something that can handle the punch, like the Audio Technica LP120.

Should You Buy the Jensen JTA 230R?

The Jensen JTA 230R is a neat self contained record player. It’s not going to give you the kind of sound quality that will knock your socks off. But it’s pretty decent.

With the pitch and tone controls, you have more room to move when it comes to speed and tone.

This is a big plus in terms of features. And you’d be hard pressed to find another record player in its class with the same control.

So nothing’s perfect. Right?

From my research, I’ve noticed that there are mixed reviews on the sound quality of the built in speakers.

But it’s an entry-level record player so it’s never going to give high fidelity sound. One benefit though is you can hook it up to more powerful external speakers.

A few customers complained about sudden changes in the speed of the motor. Which is a concern for me.

To prevent this from happening make sure the unit is on a solid base and that it’s flat. If it’s not level there could be variations in the speed of the motor.

My Favorite Record Player with Built in Speakers

All things considered it’s a toss up between the Victrola Vintage Record Player and the 1byOne LP 3 Speed Record Player.

I’m crazy about the solid wood finish of the 1byOne H006. It seems like a simple thing but a sturdy base is really important when it comes to an all in one record player system.

I also like that you can hook it up to external speakers or plug in your headphones.

The Victrola Vintage Record Player has really impressed me for the price. The speakers sound clean at normal volume, and the suitcase style adds to the portability factor.

The Bluetooth to smart device connectivity is a nice to have. Especially when you think that you’ll be playing your tracks through those 50 watt speakers.

And the internal phono preamp means you could hook this up to your home audio system too. So there’s a range of options when it comes to set up. Which in my opinion is a winner.

The price tags on these record players are a consideration. But if I had to make a choice right now, I’d go with the Victrola Vintage Record Player.

Conclusion

So you already know there are important things to consider before forking out money for a new record player. Now that you know what to look for, what the differences are and what to stay away from you’re equipped with everything you need to make the best choice for you.

Hopefully, you’ll enjoy vinyls as much as I do. Just a word of warning – it’s addictive!!