7 Best Retro Record Players (2024)

Old record players have classic aesthetics, but their sound quality does not come close to modern players. Vinyl has, however, never gone out of style, and it has even been attracting growing popularity among music enthusiasts.

Some brands have been releasing retro record players to cater to this market, which look vintage but are furnished with modern technology.

When looking for an excellent retro record player, consider one with a powerful motor, superior tonearms, high-quality cartridges, and extra features like an inbuilt CD player. Some of the best players of this kind include:

1. 1byone Wooden Wireless Vinyl Record Player

This vinyl record player by 1byone will bring that old-school nostalgia right into your living room.

Its construction has been inspired by the brand’s 100 years of turntable design that include features like top quality speakers and advanced stereo system functions. 1byone is committed to bringing technological audio versatility to their customer’s home sound experience.

This record player is among the most nostalgic players in the current market. It has an old-fashioned look that will add a classic touch to any room in your home. The exterior is protected by a dust cover, and there is a convenient front panel with playback controls.

The player may look old-fashioned, but it is equipped with modern features like Bluetooth capability. Its turntable plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records in 7, 10, and 12-inch sizes, and you can, therefore, enjoy your favorite music from cassettes, CDs, and vinyl records.

The player’s audio recording feature allows users to transform the audio on these records to playback on their mobile phones so that they can listen to them from anywhere. If you have a large collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, the 1byone turntable will especially come in handy.

Its speakers have been conveniently placed at the front for an enjoyable listening experience. You can connect it to your stereo system or other advanced speakers via the AUX jack. Users can also play music from mobile phones and tablets via a 3.5mm jack.

Pros

• Supports wireless connection
• Vintage exterior
• Versatile
• High-quality sound

Cons

• Volume is a bit low
• Delicate build quality

2. Victrola VTA-600B-ESP Classic Bluetooth Record Player

The Victrola 8-in-1 comes in a classic and real wood package for vintage enthusiasts. Its 3-speed turntable is ideal for vinyl lovers who can enjoy their records from the inbuilt stereo speakers.

This 8-in-1 music center promises versatility and convenience. It has a USB player, CD player, and AM/FM radio. Its wireless connection has a range of 33 ft, and there is a 3.5mm aux-in to use on non-Bluetooth devices. You can also indulge in your analog tapes with the inbuilt cassette player.

Users can record from cassettes, CD’s and vinyl records directly to their computer and enjoy their music from anywhere.

Pros

• You can record from vinyl to MP3
• Classic design
• Inbuilt stereo speakers

Cons

• The sound quality is not excellent
• The components are cheap

3. Rcm Vintage MC-255BT Wireless Vinyl Record

The RCM vintage 6-in-1 record player serves as an all in 1 entertainment center with multiple listening options. You get a vinyl record player, FM radio, and an inbuilt CD/USB MP3 player.

This is a perfect player if you value classic vintage styling. The cabinet has been handcrafted from real wood, and the planks are 1.5-inch thicker than comparable players for maximum durability. The cabinet’s protective cover will discourage dust build-up.

The player is furnished with a vintage-style control panel with user-friendly control buttons. The wireless connection capability will allow you to play your favorite music from your phone and any other Bluetooth-enabled device.

There is also an audio recording function to transform music files from AUX, vinyl/CDs to USB MP3 format.

A 3-speed turntable can play 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. Its needle arm automatically stops when the album is done to protect the needle from damage.

The player also has four full-range stereo speakers for excellent audio quality. You can enjoy an authentic listening experience.

Pros

• Stunning retro design
• Multiple listening options
• Audio recording function

Cons

• No control knob for tone
• Audio lacks bass and depth

4. D&L Vintage Record Player

If you are on the lookout for a record player from a reputable brand, consider the D7L 7-in-1 vintage player. The company is specialized in gramophone, and they offer professional quality products to customers.

This player has a stunning old-school exterior that includes a golden front panel. The wooden casing makes the player an excellent home decorative piece.

Vinyl lovers can look forward to playing all their records with the belt-driven turntable. It plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records in 7, 10, and 12-inch sizes. You need to put the needle on the record and return it to place once the record is over since it automatically lifts the arm.

The player has multiple musical functions depending on your preferences. In addition to AM/FM radio, it can also play music from CDs and cassettes. You can transform your vinyl records to MP3 files for convenience.

A 3.5mm aux-in jack lets you stream music from non-Bluetooth devices. A headphone jack also comes in handy when you want to listen to music alone.

As with most other budget record players, the volume is low, but you can link the RCA outputs to external speakers or another sound system.

Pros

• It includes FM radio, CD/USB player, Bluetooth, and cassette player
• A perfect blend of old and modern
• Three speeds

Cons

• Low sound
• Skips records sometimes

5. Crosley CR6231A-GR1 Turntable

This record player from Crosley features a striking design-build and retro appeal. It has a green and cream vinyl-wrapped exterior and a matching stand that can be removed for portability.

This Crosley turntable plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records in two speeds and quality sound. It is complemented by a diamond stylus needle and dynamic full-range speakers. You also get an AC power adapter and a moving magnetic cartridge.

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Retro styling

Cons

• Inconsistent speed
• Tonearm imbalance

6. Victrola 50’s Retro Turntable

Victrola’s 3-speed turntable player will bring a vintage feel and multiple audio options to your home. The history of Victrola goes back to 1906, and its reputation is built on premium sound quality, nostalgic design, and luxurious craftsmanship.

If you are a collector of vinyl records, get ready to listen to them in the ideal format with the player’s three-speed turntable. It will allow you to listen to older and rarer records in rich sounds. The player plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, and its sapphire-tipped stylus functions excellently for playback.

To get the best of the turntable, ensure it is on a flat surface, and that everything is aligned. The tonearm should be directly parallel to the record to avoid damage.

The MP3 conversion function is another exciting feature with this player. You can quickly digitize vinyl records as it comes with recording software that will copy your records to your computer. If you have rare and sentimental records, you can make digital copies and listen to them even when you are not home.

It is also easy to pair the player with a Bluetooth-enabled device like smartphones and tablets. A 3.5mm aux input is included for those devices without Bluetooth capability. You can also bring out those CDs that you have not played in years since there is a CD player.

The only downside to the Victrola 50s record player is its low sound, although it can be remedied through external speakers.

Pros

• Bluetooth capability
• 3-speed turntable
• MP3 conversion

Cons

• Low volume

7. Crosley CR8017A-WB Vintage Portable Turntable

This vintage turntable from Crosley promotes the brand’s mission of taking analog music to the masses. It features a minimalistic vintage-inspired look that will fit any living space.

The washed blue color brings old-school nostalgia to any musical experience. The player has a compact and lightweight design to make it incredibly portable.

The belt-driven 3-speed turntable plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. You can look forward to experiencing the characters and stories behind your favorite vinyl records.

You can stream music from any streaming platform or from the music files in your phone, thanks to the player’s Bluetooth Receiver. It comes with RCA outputs to link the player to a stereo system.

The player is fitted with inbuilt speakers than enrich its audio output. Users can look forward to amplifying their music tastes and preferences.

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• Vintage aesthetic
• Three-speed player

Cons

• The turntable is prone to skipping records
• It has to automatic return function on its tonearm

How to Store Your Vinyl Records?

Vinyl records are quite fragile, and any scratches or dents can compromise on the audio quality that you get. Vinyl collectors have been known to go to extra lengths to protect their records, which are sometimes passed on from generation to generation.

Vinyl records are primarily vulnerable to heat, pressure, light, and humidity. The following guide will help you preserve the integrity of your records:

Preparing Your Records for Storage

Dust can do irreversible damage to vinyl records, which is why you should clean them before putting them in storage. Do not use any regular cloth since they can easily scratch your precious records.

Most online and local musical stores will have vinyl brushes and clothes and a record cleaning solution to make your work easier.

You will also need inner and outer sleeves for added protection. Whereas most records are shipped with standard inner sleeves, it is better to buy a high-quality polyethylene one since it will be in direct contact with the record.

Outer sleeves prevent dust from accumulating on your records when they are in storage. Plastic PVC sleeves have long been the standard, but collectors have been raising concerns over potential contamination from such PVC-based products. You can opt for Polypropylene sleeves, as they have been regarded as being safer.

Storing Your Records

You will need to find a sturdy shelf to store your records safely. It is recommended to keep your records vertically, and you can use the following containers to achieve this placement:

– Victrola Wooden Record Crate

This crate by Victrola will accommodate over fifty records. It features real wood construction, and it will hold your favorite 33’s, 45’s, and 78’s.

The crate is easy to assemble, and it is quite sturdy even when filled with records.

– Chalkboard Vinyl Record Storage

The best thing about this storage crate is the endless possibilities to draw on the chalkboard. You can express yourself with this crate by customizing it to your taste.

The built-in handles make it easy to move the crate from place to place, and i is also furnished with floor protectors.

The crate can hold up to 75 vinyl records, and several of them can be stacked to hold even more records while saving up on space. The crates stack sturdily so you can be sure that your records are safe at all times.

– ZonsWorld Vinyl Record Storage

This record holder features a fun and sleek design to display your 7ʺ and 12ʺ vinyl albums. You can hold over 50 albums in a neat and organized formula.

In addition to being break-resistant, this holder is environmentally friendly as it is made from 100% pesticide-free bamboo that is sustainable and bio-degradable.

Creating a Favorable Storage Environment

Your storage units should be kept in a water-free environment. They should be stored in clean areas with consistent room temperatures. Avoid areas with direct light or humidity.

Conclusion

Retro record players can play all your favorite vinyl albums, as well as play music from your phone or tablets via Bluetooth.

Versatility seems to be a significant characteristic with such players since they come equipped with CD/USB players and cassette players.