Matt HallowesWhen buying an affordable record player that includes built-in speakers, it’s important to understand that you’ll need to make a trade-off between audio quality and affordability. These vinyl players can be considered entry-level products that are aimed more toward casual listening. If you’re picky about your audio’s integrity, we recommend looking at traditional record players paired with bookshelf speakers.
However, if you’re just a casual listener and don’t have the space or need for external speakers – here are a few options that perform well enough to recommend.
Our Pick!
Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player
Aside from vinyl records, the Victrola 8-in-1 plays CDs, tape cassettes, FM radio, as well as AUX and Bluetooth inputs. All inputs play through the Victrola’s built-in speakers
Our Recommendations
Numark PT01USB
The Numark PT01USB is the best portable choice. This compact record player features battery capabilities and weighs in at less than 5 Lbs.
Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player
Smaller devices limit the size of the speakers. The Victrola 8-in-1 record player is a larger vinyl player system, and this larger form factor results in louder and better overall quality sound.
Arkrocket Discovery
The Arkrocket features detachable legs which make it a versatile choice that can be placed in more locations than most record players.
Crosley CR8017U
At around $50, the Crosley CR8017U is the most affordable of these record players. A great option for those who don’t need many features.
Our Selection of the Best Record Players With Built-in Speakers
These record players all include speakers built into their design. Though the additional features, connectivity, and controls vary between vinyl players. We’ve noted the data points of each product to help you get a quick overview.
1. Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player
Power
AC
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
16.5 Lbs
The Victrola Nostalgic 8-in-1 record player is built to offer practically any playback method you could ask for, combining old-school listening mediums with modern features. This is a great centerpiece for any home entertainment system.
It’s less focused on portability and is larger than the competitors on this list. There are both benefits and drawbacks to this larger size, though. Because the larger case allows for larger speaker drivers, this record player offers superior volume and audio clarity than many alternatives. Granted, you should still not expect high-fidelity audio, but it doesn’t sound bad.
This record player features an appearance that we’ve seen used by a number of brands. It follows a classic vintage appeal, which blends in especially well with a wood-finish decor. The overall build quality of this product is still rather ‘plastic,’ especially with regard to the core components.
The Victrola 8-in-1 record player supports vinyl record playback, as well as CD discs, FM radio, cassette tapes, Bluetooth, and auxiliary input. All the controls are found on the front of the record player and can also be controlled using the included remote.
Overall, suppose you aren’t looking to move your record player around a lot and have the space to utilize it. In that case, the Victrola provides an all-in-one solution that consolidates several audio formats into one device.
Why We Recommend It
Victrola’s 8-in-1 record player has some of the best onboard audio for an affordable record player with built-in speakers. The larger size results in a slightly better bass response and more volume. This speaker also comes packed with features, offering Bluetooth, CD, and radio support.
2. Numark PT01USB
Power
AC & Battery
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
4.2 Lbs
The Numark PT01USB is a compact record player with a built-in speaker and a headphone jack that stands out for its strengths as a crate-digging vinyl player. It is a lightweight and easily portable record player that can be powered with batteries or a direct power line. In fact, we recommend this speaker as the best portable record player for vinyl hunting.
In terms of features, you’re not going to find any radio functionality or additional multimedia format support. What you do get, however, is a built-in USB port that allows you to use this record player to digitize tracks directly from your vinyl. This is a great tool if you’ve got a large collection of underground releases that aren’t on modern streaming services.
The onboard speaker on the Numark PT01USB is fairly small and limited in what it can do, so this isn’t the option if you’re looking to fill a room with sound. With that said, there are RCA outputs that allow you to attach stand-alone speakers. This can be useful if you’re looking for versatility, and the overall quality of the parts is better than many other models at a similar price point.
You will also have some useful controls available to you, including pitch control. It supports 7, 10, and 12″ vinyl and speeds of 331/3, 45 & 78 RPM.
In summary, the Numark is a record player with built-in speakers that focuses on portability more than it does features, though its build quality is good, and the inclusion of RCA cables means you can easily add speakers in the future. This one is primarily for the crate diggers.
Why We Recommend It
A brilliant little crate-digging record player, the Numark is a lightweight, highly portable solution that batteries can even power. Despite its minimalist design, it still offers some cool functionality. We’re particularly big fans of the USB connection and headphone jack. You can easily bring this record player to a garage sale, but it would look just as good in your bedroom or office.
3. Udreamer Record Player
Power
AC
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
16.5 Lbs
The Udreamer Vinyl record player is incredibly affordable and offers vinyl-playback capabilities from a 7, 10, or 12-inch record, as well as some other connectivity options.
The Udreamer vinyl record player with speakers can spin records on 3 listening speed modes (33 – 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM). The turntable is belt-driven, and the base is spring-loaded for shock absorption, allowing for uninterrupted listening, and a foldable dust cover protects the record and other equipment.
Aside from vinyl playback, the Udreamer record player supports Bluetooth pairing, acting as a Bluetooth speaker with a classy aesthetic and a USB input, where you can load a playlist to the drive and have the Udreamer record player play it back by itself.
The onboard speakers operate in a left and right stereo configuration, and while the separation is great, the sound quality can be better. Since it’s fairly portable and really lightweight for a record player with built-in speakers, it’s a great way of taking your analog playback device around with you (it isn’t wireless, though), but if you want improved audio quality, you can always use the RCA line out to run an external speaker pair.
Why We Recommend It
The UDreamer record player is a good budget choice for spending less than $100 and is often on sale for closer to $60. Its features are somewhat limited, but it still offers Bluetooth connectivity and USB input. The design is simple yet attractive enough to work in most environments.
4. Arkrocket Discovery Record Player
Power
AC
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
17 Lbs
The Arkrocket Discovery range of record players by Arkrocket is fairly affordable, easy to operate, and versatile. Rather than a strictly table-top design, Arkrocket includes removable legs with their record players, allowing for free-standing use. This sets it apart from many similar record players on the market, which, while having a somewhat similar design, don’t feature any freestanding capabilities.
The Arkrocket Discovery record player beautifully combines vintage aesthetic and 3-speed record playability with modern features. If you like your record players with some personality, you’ll find a dozen different color variations available for the Discovery, ensuring you can find one that fits into your home environment.
The Discovery can accept Bluetooth pairings or spin your favorite record on one of three speed modes. The built-in speakers are 5W each and operate in a stereo configuration, offering a reasonable soundstage. The built-in speakers sound great, though they aren’t very powerful, so you may need to use the RCA output to run a separate pair of speakers if you’re looking for louder listening levels.
Why We Recommend It
We’ve included the Arkrocket Discovery on this list for its versatility, being able to be placed on either a counter, desk or if you prefer – attached to legs which allow it to be used as a free-standing vinyl player that can be placed in the center of the room.
5. Crosley CR8017U-NA1
Power
AC
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
7.25 Lbs
Over the years, Crosley has specialized in affordable record players, and the CR8017U-NA1 is one of their reliable models. It brings together the features of a classic record player with built-in speakers but with the addition of some modern functionality.
Aesthetically, the Crosley comes in a variety of colors and designs. While some color variations are common in affordable record players, this model offers more than a dozen different designs, ensuring your record player matches your environment. The design of the record player itself is somewhat familiar and features a large grill across the front of the player, behind which the speaker’s drivers are housed.
One of the stand-out features of this record player is the Bluetooth connectivity option. This essentially turns this speaker into a combination of a record player and Bluetooth speaker. You also get an auxiliary input to connect other devices. It also features a headphone jack, which is always a useful feature on record players and allows you to easily negate the limited audio performance that comes from most built-in speakers. The RCA output also accommodates the use of external speakers should one want to upgrade the audio. As with most built-in speakers, you’ll have a noticeable lack of low-end performance, but these speakers sound fairly good, considering the market.
In terms of vinyl format support, the CR8017U-NA1 can play the three primary speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) and can play various vinyl sizes.
Overall, you should consider the Crosley if you’re looking for a record player that also offers additional modern connectivity. We don’t recommend this model for portability, but it will suit casual listening at home.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Crosley CR8017U-NA1 for those working with a very limited budget. It’s typically available for around $60, and for that price, it performs very well. This is the most affordable record player with built-in speakers that offer Bluetooth connectivity, which we can recommend.
6. Voksun Record Player
Power
AC
Vinyl Sizes
7, 10, and 12″
Speeds
331/3, 45 & 78 RPM
Weight
8.2 Lbs
Incredibly compact and beautifully designed, the Voksun vinyl record player complements any entertainment center and has all the features you’d want in a versatile system to act as the heart of your home entertainment area.
Aside from vinyl playing capabilities on three speed settings, the Voksun also accepts Bluetooth pairings, AM/FM radio streaming, and auxiliary inputs, providing incredibly versatile use at a budget-friendly price that is sometimes discounted to around $50.
The controls on the Voksun record player are discreet and easy to use, while all the outputs are hidden behind the unit. There is the option of running external speakers using the RCA outputs, which I’d recommend if you’re looking for fuller-bodied, high-quality sound and stereo separation. The onboard speakers of this record player are good as an entry-level system, though.
Why We Recommend It
We’ve included the Voksun Record Player for its unique design approach that features a less angular design with softer edges. This design allows this record player to blend in seamlessly with many decor choices.
Understanding Record Players With Built-In Speakers
When we think about record players with built-in speakers, we tend to break them up into two main categories. Which one is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including the type of space you have available, whether you want it to be portable or not, and how many features you want.
All-in-One Record Players
All-in-One record players are focused on providing built-in speakers and aiming to bring many additional multimedia features to the table. These types of turntables will typically add features like a cassette player, CD player, Bluetooth support, or AM/FM radio. Because of the added features, these are larger vinyl players and aren’t as portable as the more minimalistic models.
Benefits
- Additional multimedia features.
- Larger speakers mean better audio potential.
- Wireless connectivity on some models.
Drawbacks
- They can be quite large and heavy.
- The additional features either require higher cost or lower quality to remain viable for manufacturers.
Compact Record Players
Compact record players are a more portable solution and are more focused on a minimalistic design approach rather than bringing additional features. The compact record player market has more known brands offering affordable prices due to the lower investment in features. These options are great for great diggers or those looking to move their record player around regularly. It’s not uncommon to see these types of designs fold up and become even more portable.
We also have a list of the best portable record players that may interest you.
Benefits
- Fairly lightweight in many cases.
- Easy to carry.
- Lots of affordable options.
Drawbacks
- Smaller speaker drivers can limit sound quality and volume.
- Lack of features
What To Consider When Buying Record Players With Built-In Speakers
Budget record players will not deliver exceptional sound quality, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy one. They still hold merit as long as you set your expectations reasonably. Here are some of the things you need to consider when buying one of these vinyl players.
Limited Speaker Performance
In most cases, built-in speakers on a budget record player will be good for casual listening by yourself or you and a couple of friends in close proximity to the record player. However, many models are limited in their speaker size, which has a noticeable impact on overall audio quality. A good option here is to opt for one that offers both onboard audio as well as connectors such as RCA to attach external speakers. That way, you can always increase the audio performance in areas where the record player spends the most time but also retain the portable aspect of the onboard speakers.
In terms of how these smaller speakers impact the audio performance, you’ll notice the most impact in the low-end response. Smaller drivers will not be as effective in providing bass. Additionally, sound may sound muddier and have less fidelity than large, higher-quality speakers.
I know this probably isn’t selling it to you, but managing expectations is important. It’s important to understand the differences between analog and digital quality too, as analog audio is heavily influenced by the quality of the parts involved and high-quality versions of these parts aren’t as prevalent in smaller manufacturers.
We’ve previously looked at higher-end record players that don’t include external speakers, should you feel the need to compare.
Features & Connectivity Options
As you have undoubtedly noticed with the products on this list, there is no standard for the features and connectivity found on these record players. Some focus on a minimalist approach, just looking to provide a vinyl-only solution, while others seek to bring additional multimedia features such as FM radio, CD, or even cassette support.
The right choice for you is going to depend on what audio equipment you already own and whether you want to keep your vinyl player in the same room as your entertainment system or not. For instance, it’s not worth paying extra for Bluetooth functionality if you already have another Bluetooth speaker in the same room.
We recommend opting for a record player that has an RCA output and ideally a headphone jack too. RCA output means that even if you outgrow the performance of your onboard speakers, you can easily scale up the quality of your audio with the addition of separate speakers. Consider it futureproofing.
Do You Need Portability?
Record players with built-in speakers tend to weigh more. After all, speakers use magnets in their drivers, which can add additional weight to your product. There are sacrifices to be made with regard to portability and features. Smaller vinyl players tend not to offer the same amount of features as larger record players, such as the Victola Nostalgia, which features radio, Bluetooth, and CD support. All these additional features need to get built into the vinyl player, which impacts its weight and size.
If you’re looking for something you can take to friends or use for crate digging, go for a smaller option. But if you are planning on using your record player in a single location in your house, you have more options around the type of functionality you want.
If you do have the space to work with and don’t plan to take your record player to different locations, you should instead opt for a traditional record player in combination with bookshelf speakers. This will give you a much better audio experience. One of the biggest justifications for these built-in speaker models is typically their portability.
Quality of The Tonearm, Needle & Stylus
Budget record players have a fixed tonearm. A professional turntable has a balanced tonearm which allows you to adjust the pressure and, sometimes, the height to match the varying thickness of vinyl records. A fixed tonearm means your needle can only apply one pressure.
If your tonearm is too heavy, the needle will dig into the vinyl, accelerating wear and tear. Your records will start to sound dull and lifeless. Not enough pressure and the needle won’t stay in the vinyl grooves properly, in some cases skipping, which scratches your vinyl.
There is a fix for this. The manufacturer usually gives the recommended weight. The issue with budget record players is information on correct tonearm weight is usually not offered by the manufacturer.
If the tonearm is too light, try using some putty to stick a dime to the top of the stylus. If you need more pressure – replace it with nickel. Add and remove until you arrive at the right pressure. This is going to take some trial and error if your manufacturer doesn’t include a recommended weight. You can use a scale gauge that is made specifically for measuring the pressure of tonearm on your vinyl.
If your tonearm is too heavy, you need to get some weight on top of the opposite end of the tonearm. This can be tricky because all fixed tonearms are different, but essentially, you need to lift the tonearm slightly to take pressure off the vinyl. Putty and coins are a good option for plastic or a small magnet if it’s metal. Again, this is going to take some trial and error, and a scale gauge will come in handy.
What Is Considered Affordable?
When we started this list, all products on this list were under $150. However, due to inflation over the years, we’ve recently updated this cut-off to only include products under $175. If you want to focus on under $100, I have another post focusing on the best record players under $100. Having said that, many of the record players on this list are also under $100.
Conclusion
I understand that in many cases people can’t afford a decent turntable with speakers. But I think you’ll be surprised at how much you have to spend. Have a look at this post where I discuss some beginner record players.
As I say in almost every post, vinyl records produce an analog audio signal. Unlike digital MP3, turntables involve moving parts. Cheap parts are going to result in poor sound quality, and you do run the risk of damaging your vinyl. So always keep this in your consideration when buying vinyl players.
Frequently Asked Questions About Record Players With Built-In Speakers
Can I use it with headphones with my record player?
Some models of record players include a headphone jack, which can typically cater to 3.5mm cable connectors. Some even offer support for 6.5mm connectors. Look at the specifications before buying to ensure the product you’re interested in offers this capability.
Can I use a record player with built-in speakers for parties?
The only way we’d recommend using a record player for parties is with the use of external speakers attached. The built-in speakers on these record players cannot provide enough volume to cover even a medium sized room.
What does vinyl speed mean?
Records rotate at different speeds (RPMs). LPs traditionally rotate at 33 1/3 RPM, and this is the standard speed. Alternatively, there are 45 RPM records which are also quite prevalent, especially for 7″ vinyls. 78 RPM records are the least common, but are also typically supported by most modern record players. All record players on our list support all three speeds.
How easy are record players with built-in speakers to setup?
Typically these record players are extremely easy to get started. You can just plug them in, set your speed correctly and get playing. However, there may be more challenges when one is having to pair their phone with a Bluetooth supported device for instance.
Can I add external speakers?
Most vinyl players with built-in speakers will still allow you to plug in external speakers. The most common combination is that of bookshelf speakers. Just check with your model whether it states RCA connections or auxiliary output.
