Buying Guide for the Best Record Players With Built In Speakers
Choosing a record player with built-in speakers can be exciting, especially if you’re new to vinyl or want a simple, all-in-one listening solution. It’s important to think about your listening habits, the space where you’ll use the player, and the sound quality you expect. Focus on getting a model that fits your lifestyle and complements the way you enjoy music—whether you want portability, convenience, or something more suited to longer listening sessions. Think about how much you care about sound detail, volume, portability, and the option to upgrade in the future.Sound QualitySound quality refers to how clear, rich, and true-to-source the music sounds when played through the record player's built-in speakers. This spec is a core factor because it can greatly impact how enjoyable your records sound. Some record players emphasize higher treble or bass, while others aim for a balanced sound. Lower-end players often sound more boxy or flat, which might be fine for casual listening or background music. Mid-range models give fuller, more dynamic sound, which suits those who want to notice more musical details. Higher-end built-in speakers might impress you with depth and clarity, though they still generally won’t match separate speaker setups. Think about your expectations: if you’re mainly background listening or bringing the player to gatherings, a basic sound will do. If you expect to sit down and enjoy your albums closely, prioritize higher sound quality.
PortabilityPortability means how easy it is to move your record player from one place to another. This is important if you plan to use it in different rooms, take it to friends’ houses, or store it away when not in use. Portable record players are usually lighter and have carry handles, but may sacrifice some sound quality and sturdiness. Less portable models might be heavier and bulkier, better suited for a permanent spot. If you think you’ll often move your player, go for a lighter, more portable option. If your player will mostly stay in one place, you can prioritize sound quality or features instead.
Speakers Power (Wattage)The speakers’ power, measured in watts (W), tells you how loud and robust the built-in speakers can get. Low-wattage speakers (around 2-5W) are generally fine for bedroom or small room listening. Medium wattage (5-15W) works well for filling bigger rooms or if you want a bit more volume. High-wattage (15W and above) models are less common but give stronger sound and can handle gatherings or parties. Consider where you’ll listen: for personal use in small areas, lower wattage is enough, while larger rooms or social settings may need more powerful speakers.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to the different ways you can link the record player to other audio devices or accessories. Many record players now offer outputs for external speakers, Bluetooth, headphone jacks, and even USB connections. Having these options means you aren’t limited just to the built-in speakers—you can upgrade your sound or digitize your vinyl collection. If you want flexibility in the future, such as connecting to bigger speakers or wireless headphones, look for models with more connectivity options. If you only care about the built-in speakers, this may matter less to you.
Playback SpeedsPlayback speeds refer to how fast the turntable spins your vinyl records, usually measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Common speeds are 33 1/3, 45, and sometimes 78 RPM. This matters because different records are designed to be played at different speeds, and using the wrong speed can make music sound odd. If you have a mix of modern albums (usually 33 1/3 RPM) and singles (often 45 RPM), you’ll want both options. If you have vintage 78 RPM records, make sure your player includes this speed. Think about your current or future record collection to pick the right playback speed support.
Build QualityBuild quality relates to how sturdy and well-made the record player feels. This affects both durability and how smoothly the player works over time. Cheap plastics and poorly built components may look nice but can break easily or cause unwanted vibrations that lower sound quality. Metal and wood components or more solid plastic parts usually last longer and provide more stable playback. If you plan to use your player frequently or move it around a lot, prioritize better build quality for long-term satisfaction.