There used to be a time when record players required great lumbering sound systems. You used to be able to know what the best pre-amp was, how to change the cartridge, and go through an endless setup process, and even then it might not sound right. All of that is great if sound systems are a hobby, but with the increasing resurgence in vinyl popularity, the vast majority of listeners just want a good plug-and-play experience.
Over the last few years in particular, the plug-and-play experience has been even further modernized with the introduction of Bluetooth functionality. If you're just getting into vinyl, you're probably researching the differences between wired and wireless turntables to see which may be right for you. Bluetooth record players aren't for everyone and remain a debatable topic among audiophiles who take record players and sound quality very seriously, but why shouldn't you be able to combine the comforting listening experience of analog record players with the convenience and accessibility of Bluetooth headphones and speakers?
TL;DR The Best Bluetooth Turntables
- Audio Technica LP60XBT
- Sony PS-LX310BT
- Audio Technica LPW50BT
- Audio Technica LP-120XBT-USB
- Pro-Ject T1
- Cambridge Audio Alva TTv2
- Lenco LBT-225
- Pro-Ject Juke Box E
- Victrola Re-Spin
- House of Marley Stir it Up
So, with all that in mind, here are our picks for the best Bluetooth record players on the market right now.
1. Audio Technica LP60XBT
You'll notice quite quickly throughout this guide that Audio Technica are the kings of the plug-and-play record player world. Their stable of reliable, affordable, and super easy-to-use turntables make them a safe pair of hands for anyone wanting a new record player without any confusing setup or having to do any research.
The crown jewel in their range of plug-and-play models is the LP60XBT. You may have already seen these turntables around before, they're almost the closest thing you can get to the "stock" record player. Walk into any record shop and check out their listening stations, it's likely you'll find these.
The Bluetooth functionality is flawless on these players. Everything is designed to be pretty easy so all you need to do is press the Bluetooth button once and the turntable should become discoverable to your nearby devices.
With an RRP of $219, its price point sits at the higher end of the entry-level models, but it's well worth the price. If you're not much of an audiophile and you just want a reliable model that's great at capturing the nuance in the music, then the LP60XBT should be your choice. In fact, this record player could easily go toe-to-toe with a player sitting at double its price point.
2. Sony PS-LX310BT
If the LP60XBT doesn't quite float your boat, then your next best choice is going to be Sony's flagship record player, the LX310BT. For starters, this thing looks absolutely great. It's only available in black, but honestly who's complaining about that? The sleek design has just a hint of 70s about it and it's going to look great sitting in any AV cabinet or on any side.
But what about functionality? Well, it's borderline silly how easy this record player is to use. First off, it's fully automatic, so if you're not too sure how you're supposed to use the tonearm on a turntable you can just relax. All you need to do is press a single button and you'll see the tonearm lift itself up and drop itself down into place just like that.
The Bluetooth feature works well and getting connected is just a case of pressing a few buttons. Which is very fitting with the whole easy-to-use theme of this record player.
At $250 RRP, it's slightly more expensive than the LP60XBT but for what you get out of this record player that's still a brilliant price. The sound quality is great and there is a nice big soundstage so again you're going to be picking up the nuances of any album you throw on.
3. Audio Technica LPW50BT
We're moving up a little bit now in terms of price point. Clocking in at just shy of $500 is the Audio Technica LPW50BT. As we mentioned earlier, the brand name Audio Technica should probably signify to you that you're looking at a decently made and strong sounding plug-and-play record player.
The sophisticated wood finish is particularly striking on this one. It really adds a little extra something to the design and shows a touch of care that more plastic-based models perhaps lack. Part of the appeal of a record player is the aesthetic, so it's nice when design has been dutifully considered.
Although the LPW50BT Bluetooth turntable has a great combination of convenient features, the Bluetooth can be a bit frustrating on this player. Don't get me wrong; when it connects, it works like a dream, but getting connected can be a bit of a struggle sometimes.
Minor issue aside, this is a great bluetooth record player option for people looking for more of a mid-range player that has been released in the past year and has been built really well.
4. Audio Technica LP-120XBT-USB
This is the last Audio Technica entry on this list. Turntable enthusiasts and DJs will instantly recognise this iconic turntable because it's essentially just a Bluetooth upgrade to the old LP-120-USB tables. They'll set you back about $400 but they look great and they come with a whole raft of features that you're not going to find on many other options on this list.
Let's talk about some of the features that set this model apart from the rest. First, it can run 78 RPM, there's only one other entry on the list that can also do that. So if you've any (admittedly rare) 78 vinyls kicking about, then feel free to bust them out here. Secondly, and what with these turntables being popular with DJs, there's a super handy stylus target light that lets you see the track breaks in low-light.
In terms of Bluetooth, it excels. It comes with Bluetooth 5.0 so the connection is strong and will very rarely let you down. The Bluetooth setup is super easy and it's very good at remembering devices that have previously connected.
5. Pro-Ject T1
The Pro-Ject T1 is a fantastic all rounder. It looks good, it sounds good, it's built well, and the Bluetooth works great. For $600, that's exactly what you'd expect.
I'm not going to lavish this table with all the plaudits in the world, but it's a mid-level option that more than holds its own when compared to turntables of a similar price, (and even some expensive ones). This record player would be the perfect first upgrade for anyone who has outgrown their beginner player.
In terms of design, I'll always be a big fan of a wood finish, but if you prefer something less natural looking, then there are both white and black models available.
6. Cambridge Audio Alva TTv2
We're only including one super high end record player in this list, and there's a good reason for that. You see, once you start creeping into these kinds of multiple thousand dollar price points, it becomes increasingly hard to find user-friendly plug-and-play models. This isn't a list of record players for devoted audiophiles who want to build their own setups, but if you seriously care about the fidelity of your record player and don't mind spending a decent sum of money on it, then this is the option for you.
The surprising thing about this record player is just how new to the game Cambridge Audio was when it came out. It was basically an update on the first ever record player that the company made. And although it might be new, it's a high-level record player and runs as such. Frequencies across the range are nuanced and clear, the bass is crisp, the mid range warm and smooth, and the high end is vibrant and uplifting.
This record player will sound great on any speaker system or pair of headphones worth their salt. The wireless connectivity is great and the audio barely loses any of its edge and shine when you're using the Bluetooth mode.
Yes, $1,999 is a hefty price tag, but you get out what you put in.
7. Lenco LBT-225
Moving back down to a more modest price point, we have the Lenco LBT-225. I'll be up front and say that you should only go for this one if you're happy to wait. The players are only available on Gear4Music right now as Lenco looks to further expand into the US market.
Lenco have been working to expand their stable of record players, and this model represents the Swiss company's first venture into the middle price range at just under $400. And, it's not a bad first crack. It's a good plug-and-play model that will do everything a general listener will want from their record player.
Its biggest takeaway is the fact Lenco has leaned in very heavily on the Bluetooth element, equipped with a strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection.
8. Pro-Ject Juke Box E
The second entry on this list from Pro-Ject. This compact little model is a great all-in-one home entertainment system. It's got quite a retro look (if you ignore the screen) and the bright red model is gorgeous and is sure to stand out on any shelf.
The sound quality of the Juke Box E can be a little lightweight in places, but if you're not too worried about that and you're just after a good level of quality, then you can't go wrong with this model. What sets the Juke Box E apart is the fact it can receive a Bluetooth signal as well as transmit one, so you can play whatever you want from it.
It'll set you back about $500 so it sits in the middle range of things, but it's made by a reputable company and performs very well, indeed.
9. Victrola Re-Spin
We're not going to pretend for a second that this record player is going to blow you away. The sound quality isn't going to be amazing and the performance is going to leave a fair amount to be desired, especially when comparing it to some of the more heavy hitters on the list.
But, what the Victrola Re-Spin is, is quirky, attractive, and very very affordable. It RRPs at under $100 and it's on sale for less than $70 at the moment so if you're not looking to drop a huge amount of money on a fun little record player then why not grab a retro looking suitcase model.
Weirdly, this record player joins the LP-120XBT-USB in being able to play 78 rpm vinyls. So, it's got that extra offer over some of the more expensive models.
10. House of Marley Stir it Up
Finally, we've got the House of Marley Stir it Up. If you’re not familiar with House of Marley and their products, the company is owned and operated by the estate of the late Reggae legend Bob Marley. Their whole purpose is about making audio and music products sustainable and well-performing.
The Stir it Up record player meets both of these goals. Lots of hemp and recycled materials have been used throughout the manufacturing process so if you care about sustainability this is a great choice for you.
It also sounds really nice, but if you want to get more out of it, you can. It has a fully customizable counterweight and you can switch and swap the cartridge to your heart's content. The RRP for this record player is about $250, so it would make a great starter model for anyone who wants their first turntable.
Joe O'Neill-Parker is a freelance contributor for IGN, covering sports and tech. Before founding O'Neill Multimedia, he worked as an editor/producer for an international audiobook production company.
