Vinyl continues to re-emerge as a valid music format.

Turntables are, unsurprisingly, selling at rates not seen for decades.

Yet, it isnt just the younger generation snapping them up.

best retro record player

Image Credit: Robin Stewart/Shutterstock

Older generations are buying turntables of all sorts, with the nostalgic seeking retro record players.

These vintage record players come in many shapes and sizes.

Some are transportable, like the suitcase designs from the 50s and 60s.

A full shot of a LuguLake Vintage Vinyl Record Player

Gramophones or radios from a bygone age inspire others.

Here are the best retro record players available right now.

However, it not only adds character to a home or room with an old-fashioned style.

A full shot of a Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player with remote control

It is ideal for any vintage-style hotel lobby, restaurant, or cafe, too.

Yet, there is much more to this vinyl player than its appealing design alone.

Furthermore, the flower-shaped copper-plated horn holds a 10W tweeter.

A full image of a sky-blue Victrola Vintage Suitcase Turntable

This audio system provides an immersive sound that is all too often missing from vintage record players.

But, as a multimedia center, it not only plays vinyl.

Victrola Vintage Suitcase Turntable

Another style popularized by Victrola is the portable suitcase style.

A full shot of a red Victrola 50s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

However, it is such a trendy-looking turntable that anyone cant help but love it.

With an affordable price to boot, it’s a great all-around purchase.

There are numerous designs and colors for this model.

A black Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player with remote control

You could even take it with you on vacation.

However, ensure you protect the tonearm and take it as carry-on luggage, whatever your transport mode.

As with many turntables with built-in speakers, low frequencies suffer in the audio output.

A front shot of a LuguLake Vintage Vinyl record Player with connections illustrated underneath

you could solve this by connecting to external speakers via the RCA or Bluetooth outputs.

In fact, the Bluetooth output is an especially attractive feature in this price range.

Victrola 50s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

Victrola does love a retro record player.

An angled shot of a LuguLake Vintage Vinyl Record Player with the different parts marked

It includes the necessary software and USB cable for this purpose.

Its available in several colors, including red, black, blue, and an eye-catching teal.

Its pretty lightweight for its size, and the sturdy build also makes it easy to transport.

A Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player with its features explained below

However, the sound is standard, and there is no equalizer, which is unsurprising at this price.

RCA outputs are also missing, so you will need to connect external speakers via the headphone jack.

The sturdy turntable emits the warm and cherished sounds that vinyl is famous for producing.

A woman putting a record on the Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player at home

However, connecting to external speakers is possible if you need a more prominent sound.

The graphic equalizer is one feature that distinguishes this audio system from its competitors.

Additionally, this machine has a CD player and an AM/FM radio.

Victrola 8-in-1 shot with lid up and remote control by its side

Digitnow Suitcase Record Player

Another good option for a portable suitcase record player is this one from DIGITNOW.

Several differences exist between this one and the more popular Victrola Vintage Turntable.

To start, this one is lighter, which makes it more transportable.

An image illustrating the features of a Thai-dye Victrola Vintage Suitcase Turntable features

But, you could argue this means it is less sturdy and durable.

However, some key features set it apart.

The vinyl to MP3 recording feature is one you wouldnt usually find in a budget-priced suitcase turntable.

A woman lying next to a Victrola Vintage Suitcase Turntable

This DIGITNOW turntable has that and an AM/FM radio that permits recordings to MP3 files, too.

House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable

House of Marley has won plaudits for its dedication to eco-friendly products.

The Stir It Up Turntable is one of many they manufacture, consisting of sustainable materials.

Peach colored Victrola Suitcase record player playing record

The aluminum platter is recyclable, and the fabric covering the base only contains sustainable materials.

The dust cover also consists of this environmentally-friendly fabric.

It will look great in any room you decide to place it, and the build quality is sturdy.

An image showing a blue Victrola 50s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with its features demonstrated underneath

But how does it sound?

In short, it sounds great.

The Audio Technica cartridge is excellent and, together with the built-in preamp, delivers first-rate sound.

A black Victrola 50s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center sitting on a shelf

Even the bass is deep, crucial given that reggae legend Bob Marley is the inspiration behind the company.

There are no built-in speakers on this record player.

Instead, you could connect using the included RCA cable and hook up to an amp or external speakers.

A red Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player with features illustrated

FAQ

Q: Is CD Better Quality Than Vinyl?

In short, yes.

There is much less interference and better channel separation.

An image demostrating the Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player’s vinyl-to-MP3 recording ability

It really does come down to personal preference.

Q: Why Do People Still Buy Vinyl?

On top of all that, you listen to the tracks in the order the artist intended.

Full shot of the walnut colored Electrophome Kingston 7-in-One record player with lid up

A colorful Digitnow Suitcase Record Player with Bluetooth, USB, and SD card features demonstrated

A Digitnow Suitcase Record Player with a smartphone demonstrating the Bluetooth capability

A Digitnow Suitcase Record Player with USB stick and SD card demonstrating its recording ability

A House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable

A man putting a record onto a House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable

A House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable on a unit with Bob Marley records underneath