Best Record Player Under $100

I won’t list all the reasons why you could be looking for the best record player under 100. But I’ll bet you want to know where to start finding the one for you.

Also, if you’re wondering if there’s a difference between a record player and a turntable, there is. So check out my handy buyer’s guide where I list the 7 criteria I use to review record players specifically.

The Best Record Players Under $100

1. Victrola 50’s Retro Player

This retro-styled vinyl provides a comprehensive audio experience. With Bluetooth technology and an audio jack, you and your friends can stream your favorite music. With a built-in CD player, you get to enjoy the music that comes from your CDs.

With Bluetooth connectivity, you don’t have to stress connecting audio cables and carrying old records with you. It is easy to set up, and once it is paired, the record player will remember the device.

With less time spent trying to connect devices, more time can be spent on what matters most – listening to your favorite music. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 15 x 13 x 7 Inches
• Item weight: 8.7 pounds
• Speed levels: 3 levels of speed
• USB connector: Yes
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Color: Black
• Manufacturer: Innovative Technology
• Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Great sound quality due to built-in amplifier
• Made of high-quality material
• Easy to use for beginners
• Great design that complements any space
• Great value
• Features headphone jack, perfect for those who love to listen to music late at night

Cons

• Bluetooth allows you to pair with other devices, but not with a Bluetooth speaker
• The wattage is lower than most turntables in the same category

2. Wockoder Player with Built-in Speakers

You would be surprised to know that this record player features so many amazing features, and it still falls within your budget. Have you considered the possibility of enjoying your classic vinyl and recent tunes using one unit?

This record player features superior music output made possible by the three belt-driven speed levels of 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM coupled with three sizes for playing.

The unit is protected by strong absorption pads and a spring that reduces vibrations and improves sound quality. This unity is easy to use, easy to maintain and emits good vibes at different atmospheres.

The plastic case provides good storage for the vinyl’s and protects it from particles that can cause damage over time. If your mobile device is Bluetooth enabled, it can stream music on this record player.

You don’t need anything else to use this record player because the package has everything you would need, such as built-in speakers and stereo systems.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 12.3 x 10 x 4.1 inches
• Item weight: 5.28 Pounds
• Speed levels: 3 levels of speed
• Connections: Wireless
• Color: Vintage Style
• Material: Vinyl
• Manufacturer: Wockoder
• Customer reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Pros

• It comes with a vibration absorption pad.
• The cover repels dust particles.
• Easily connects with other Bluetooth devices.
• Features headphone jack that is ideal for those who love to use headsets
• Sound quality from this unit is one of the best options
• Portable and lightweight

Cons

• May need powered speakers for louder volume

3. Victrola Metropolitan Bluetooth Player

This record player has the best of both worlds – a modern look with a Vintage-style sound. Apart from that, you will appreciate how this record player was designed to play any type of records as it has 3 belt-driven levels of speed (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM).

It comes with Bluetooth technology, giving you more liberty to connect and listen to music from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Another unique feature is the easy-to-adjust LED lighting that automatically turns on at dawn, amplifying any environment.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 15.4 x 6.7 x 15.4 inches
• Item weight: 15.67 pounds
• Connections: RCA, Bluetooth
• Color: Espresso
• Material: Wood
• Speed level: 3 levels of speed
• Manufacturer: Victrola
• Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Amazing sound quality
• Easy to clean
• Highly durable
• Versatile in playing multiple forms of audio, including cassettes, MP3, and records
• Great value

Cons

• Some might perceive wooden turntables as lower quality

4. Wrcibo Vintage Record Player

With a three-speed belt-driven turntable, you can listen to old playlists and new albums any time. You can enjoy music from other sources like phones and cassettes.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, its rich sound quality and easily adjustable functions prove that you need some functionality while listening to music.

If you want a more private experience, the audio jack allows you to connect headphones or earphones for more individualized use. It allows you to play any genre of music on different types of records despite the size.

The RCA output guarantees an easy connection to HiFi systems. This manufacturer of this record player also comes with a 2-year warranty. Isn’t that amazing?

Specifications

• Product description: 16.5 x 16.5 x 6.5 inches
• Item weight: 8.58 pounds
• Connection: Wired
• Material: Wood
• Motor Type: AC Motor
• Manufacturer: Arecibo
• Customer reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Easy to use
• Fast and easy cleaning and maintenance needed
• Offers great value for money
• High-quality materials

Cons

• Cannot connect to Bluetooth speakers

5. Kedok Vintage Suitcase Record Player

Packed in a vintage-style suitcase with an ergonomic handle, this record player is more than a regular suitcase. Within the suitcase is a powerful yet lightweight turntable that allows you to enjoy all your favorite records anywhere and everywhere you go.

The built-in speakers mean you don’t need to connect to any external speaker. Since most music lovers enjoy a more personalized experience in the evenings, you will find the audio jack behind the device useful to plug in your headset.

Another feature is the Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair the turntable with any Bluetooth-enabled device so you can listen to music from various Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Specifications

• Product dimensions: 13.94 x 10.16 x 4.49 inches
• Item weight: 4.89 Pounds
• Speed levels: 3 levels of speed
• Connections: Wireless
• Color: Vintage Style
• Material: Vinyl
• Manufacturer: Rybozen
• Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

• The exterior looks like a suitcase and provides secure storage for the contents inside.
• The cover repels dust particles.
• Easily connects with other Bluetooth devices.
• Features a headphone jack for those who love to use headphones
• Sound quality is one of the best in this category.
• Portable and lightweight

Cons

• You may need external speakers if you want higher volume

6. Ion Audio Max

It’s got some good features and for a price tag under 100 bucks it’s worth a look. The Ion Audio Max allows you to convert your vinyl tracks into digital format.

It’s super easy to use and you have the added benefit to plug and play your MP3 device and listen through the built-in speakers. It’s a neat little record player for the price tag and it looks smooth with an eye catching design.

Read the full review of the Ion Audio Max here.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Record Player Before Making a Purchase

Many people are revisiting their desire to have their own record player in their homes.

For some people, they’re experiencing the sheer excitement that naturally comes from owning a record player for the first time. Others may already own an old collection of classical records they would love to explore again.

After reading about different high-quality record players, your choice may change based on several factors, including size, design, and many more.

If you’re planning on buying a record player, either online or in person, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few factors to look for in a record player before making a purchase.

Sound Quality: This is often the most important aspect of a good record player. If you are flexible on the other features, never jeopardize the sound quality because that defeats the entire purpose of owning a record player, which is to listen to beautiful music.

The sound quality of a record player is determined by the following:

• Choice of the stylus
• Audio component
• Materials used

If you are looking for a record player that can fill your entire room with sound, go for a larger unit because the larger record players hold more power. More recent record players are made of high-quality materials like an acrylic platter and a one-piece wooden casing.

Weight: If you want to enjoy your record player, it needs to be portable and easy to move from one place to another.

For instance, you may feel like listening to music in your room at times, but you may want to relax in your garden on other days. What if you like to take the player to a friend’s house for a party because he prefers the sound quality compared to the one he owns?

For all these situations, a portable and foldable record player with a handle is ideal for ease of transportation.

Apart from the weight, it would be nice for the record player to have an option for wireless connection because you may need it when you’re stuck in a place, and connecting to a power source is impossible.

If a record player is lightweight, portable, offers wireless connection, and has rechargeable batteries, you are better off with these models.

USB Connectivity: If you do not have your favorite record nearby and the only option is to play the song using a USB cable, wouldn’t it be nice to have a record player that has a USB connector?

A USB connector gives you the chance to convert your records into digital audio files. Some record players also have USB ports where a flash drive can be inserted to convert the vinyl.

Automatic or Manual: This concept refers to how the needle is placed on the record and to remove it from the record.

With an automatic player, a push of the button initiates and disengages the needle.

In manual systems, you must lift the needle and place it on the record.

The third option is a semiautomatic player, which requires you to place the needle on the record physically, but it automatically removes it.

The most convenient and most marketable of the three systems is the automatic system of the record player.

Audio Jacks: If you are the type to listen to music using headphones, it is important to go for models with an audio input and output for headphones or MP3. An audio input allows you to connect your record player to external speakers.

External speakers and headphones can help bring out the best audio quality.

Design: Check if the design you have in mind will fit your home or space’s interior decoration. Record players come in various designs, and they are all eye-catching.

Before proceeding with the purchase, have a mental image of your space at home in mind. If it helps, try to take a picture of the space with your phone. Search online stores for modern styles and designs with shining colors and exotic designs.

If you feel a particular product will fit your interior space well, go for it!

Budget: Record players are generally affordable as the price ranges from $60 to $1500. Small and portable ones are cheaper and are within reach of customers on a tight budget.

Beginners should start with cheaper and smaller models before moving to larger and more sophisticated ones. The point is to help you find a model that is within your budget.

Extra Accessories: Before choosing a record player, do some online research for the extra features (or lack thereof) and accessories that will make your experience more enjoyable.

There may be some models that make allowance for extra needles. This will come in handy if the needle suddenly breaks or wears out.

Some other record players come with a protective case to shield them from the inevitable dust and dirt that float in the air. Some also come with a cleaning set and other features like lights, wireless connection, Bluetooth connection, and audio jacks.

FAQ:

Record Player vs. Turntable – What’s the Difference?

Firstly, most websites providing information about the machines we use to spin our stax make the mistake of mashing record players and turntables together in one confusing lump.

But there are actually very distinct differences between the two…

I wrote in detail about the differences here, but I’ll briefly touch on the main ones…

Find a picture of any phonograph from way back when and you’ll notice that they all have built-in speakers or in much older versions a mono speaker. Yes, that’s the main difference between a record player and a turntable.

Record players are self-contained units and you don’t need anything else before you can kick back and enjoy your vinyl records.

Turntables on the other hand require external speakers and sometimes a phono preamp to bring the sound to line level. Although some turntables do have built-in phono preamps.

Record players also have very little in the way of fine-tuning their performance. Some will be factory-fitted with pitch or tone controls but that’s pretty much the exception, not the rule. Turntables are usually more sophisticated and the higher end you go the more fine-tuning is available. They also cost more than record players.

Final Verdict

As mentioned earlier, only you will know what type of record player will best suit your needs. Keep in mind that the tips in this buying guide can help you, even if you’re buying another product that’s not on this list.

As you tick every box on your checklist, make sure you exercise good judgment and stay within your budget. As a rule of thumb, the secret to a long-lived record player is careful and consistent maintenance.

We hope this review has helped you find the best record player under $100. If you know other people who would benefit from reading this review, kindly recommend it to them, and check out some of our other review guides.

Best of luck!