A portable turntable allows you to take your vinyl music with you wherever you like and turn any room into an analog lover’s dream. The beauty with a portable turntable is that it is specifically designed to play your vinyl records in new locations. Most modern and vintage turntables aren't designed with portability in mind, so moving them around can require lengthy set-ups each time. A portable turntable will allow you to stay on the move and easily bring your vinyl collection with you.
Portable turntables work the same way that modern and vintage turntables work. A portable turntable will have a stylus that moves over the vinyl record you place on the platter (the circular disc that holds your record). The stylus will read the grooves in your record and send the responses to the turntable’s cartridge (electromagnetic piece) and send out a signal. The signal is what your amplifier uses to project the sound so everyone can listen.
The benefit of using a portable turntable over a standard turntable is that portable turntables come with an easy breakdown and set-up components. They also come with internal features to help create a more stable and cohesive device that is easy to move without damaging parts.
Portable turntables are also great at mixing tracks and can be combined with a portable fader, portable speakers, or a micro DJ. The other component to mixing tracks is merely moving the vinyl back and forth to create different sounds in addition to the song. You can begin mixing songs with a turntable, but many pros like to add in a digital vinyl system, DJ mixer, portable fader, and portable speakers.
Portable Turntable Comparison Table
Image | Product | Turntable Type | Tone Arm Type | Playback Speeds | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fluance Elite | Belt Drive, Automatic | S-Shaped Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm | ||
Audio-Technica AT-LP60 | Belt Drive, Automatic | Straight Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm | ||
ION Audio Max LP | Belt Drive, Automatic | Straight Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm, 78 Rpm | ||
HYM Seed | Belt Drive, Automatic | Straight Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm | ||
Sony PSHX500 | Belt Drive, Automatic | Straight Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm | ||
Numark PT01 Scratch | Belt Drive, Automatic | S-Shaped Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm, 78 Rpm | ||
Audio-Technica ATLP120 | Direct Drive, Manual | S-Shaped Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm, 78 Rpm | ||
Electrohome Winston | Belt Drive, Semi-Automatic | S-Shaped Tonearm | 33 ⅓ Rpm, 45 Rpm, 78 Rpm |
Turntable Drive System Types
There are two types of portable turntable drive systems that you can purchase:
Benefits of Portable Turntables
Portable turntables are best for home listeners who frequently enjoy moving their turntable around their home or for DJs who plan to mix new records at parties. In each case, the benefit is portability. Most modern and vintage turntables lack easy portability. They require significantly more set-up and make portability a challenge.
Portable turntables are designed to be moved from location to location. This makes them ideal for homeowners who love to move their turntable from room to room or travel with their turntable. You can easily transfer your portable turntable from your living room to the bedroom to play you to sleep. It also makes them ideal for DJs who want to mix records at their latest gig.
Choosing High-Quality Portable Turntables
Usage
Portable turntables work well for listening at home, but consider purchasing separate speakers if the speaker volume is low. These turntables may not work as well in large rooms without additional speaker power. Check to see that your portable turntable has built-in upgrade capabilities if you plan to use the turntable for DJ purposes. These include adapter cable outputs and USB support. Make sure that the specific DJ equipment you want to use can be connected to your portable turntable.
Turntable Type
Belt drive turntables that offer stable speeds will provide the best sound quality. But direct drives offer quicker starts when beginning to play new records and might be best for a DJ. Manual turntables require the user to place the stylus tonearm on the album as well as take it off of the record at the end of the song.
Semi-automatic stylus tonearms will remove themselves at the end of the song, but still, need to be placed on the record to start. Automatic stylus tonearms will put themselves on the record as well as take themselves off. All three options work well and the choice is up to you.
Cartridge Type
Moving magnet cartridge types is the most common type of cartridge type. These are the most common because they are easy to replace when needed. Moving magnet cartridges also tend to be more affordable. The moving coil cartridges offer better sound clarity but will come with added cost.
Tone Arm
Tonearms come in straight or s-shaped sizes. Both options work well, but s-shaped tonearms tend to have a cleaner sound. S-shaped tonearms may also skip while straight tonearms are less likely to skip and straight tonearms can break down vinyl grooves faster. The best tonearms are made out of aluminum or carbon fiber.
Phono Preamp
Most portable turntables come with built-in USB outlets and built-in preamps. This means that you won't need to purchase any additional add-ons. However, add-on preamps are higher quality, and if you will be playing professional gigs, then we would recommend buying an add-on for superior sound quality.
Sound Quality
Damping minimizes vibrations and is particularly important for portable turntables. It's challenging to purchase separate damping equipment and lug it around with you, so we recommend spending a little more for a portable turntable with reliable built-in damping technology.
If you go with a cheaper model, be prepared to purchase your own damping kit to improve sound quality. Manufacturers do not always present a signal-to-noise ratio or S/N. If you can, look for an S/N ratio of 65db or higher. S/N explains how much of the music you hear versus how much of the background noise you hear.
Storage & Portability
Most portable turntables range in size from 4 to 28 lbs. The size and weight that is best for you depend on your needs. We do recommend considering the size of the records that you own. If you are a homeowner and want a portable turntable that can play your 10" and 12" records, then you may want a larger size. However, if you are a DJ that plans on primarily using 7" records, then a small machine won't affect your ability to play your vinyl.
Build Quality, Design & Style
For DJ options, we recommend choosing a modern portable turntable design. The vintage aesthetic is fine, but modern parts will create a more durable machine that requires less maintenance. If you plan to primarily move your portable turntable around the rooms in your home, then you can sacrifice more on build quality. The cheapest quality portable turntables will use plastic parts almost exclusively.
Extra Features
Portable turntables often come with additional features. These include built-in USB ports, integrated lights, WIFI connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, headphone sockets, and RCA inputs. What matters to you will depend on your needs, but most DJs will require Bluetooth connectivity and RCA inputs.
Price & Warranty
Portable turntables typically offer one to five year limited warranties. The more expensive portable turntables tend to provide greater warranties. If you plan to use your turntable at gigs heavily, then purchasing a more expensive turntable with a stronger warranty is your best bet.
8 Best Portable Turntables Reviewed
1. Fluance Elite
best portable turntable
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | S-shaped tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm |
Weight | 14.1 lbs. |
Dimensions | 16.5” x 5.5” x 13.75” |
Warranty | Yes, Two years manufacturer’s warranty |
The Fluance Elite portable turntable is an affordable model that would make any homeowner happy. The Fluance Elite offers an impressive 67 N/S and 2.0 grams of tracking force with an Audio Technica AT95E stylus. This creates a superior rich sound when you play your favorite vinyl records. The adjustable counterweight on the S-type tonearm gives you greater customization compared to other entry-level portable turntables.
We also love the aesthetic of this portable turntable. For an entry-level option, the walnut finish creates a look that feels expensive. This is also a heftier portable turntable, which helps tremendously with vibrations. The Fluance Elite also comes with strong damping capabilities: a rubber slip mat and sound isolation feet. The aluminum platter is also a premium build component that helps keep unwanted sound away.
Where the Fluance Elite could stand for improvement is in the reliability of the turntable speed. We’ve seen this model fluctuate 4-5 rpm below or above the chosen speed. Because this is an entry-level model, the cartridge is a moving magnet cartridge and not a moving coil cartridge. For homeowners, this won’t be a deal-breaker as moving magnet cartridges are the most common. For a DJ, however, the upgrade to a more expensive machine with a moving coil might be worth it.
We recommend the Fluance Elite for the homeowner who wants a quality portable turntable at an entry-level price.
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Cons
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60
best portable turntable under $100
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | Straight tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm |
Weight | 5.3 lbs. |
Dimensions | 14.1 x 3.8 x 14.2 inches |
Warranty | Yes, one year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
If you want to jump into the portable turntable world but are short on cash, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is perfect for you. This is the most affordable portable turntable on our list. It’s also the easiest to set-up and use. The AT-LP60 comes ready to use in the box. Simply pull it out and connect the wires to listen to your favorite vinyl records. You can even purchase a small portable wireless speaker as part of an add-on package.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 has a dual magnet cartridge, a replaceable stylus, and an RCA output cable. A plastic hinged dust cover can be used to protect your turntable when it is not being used. However, the device only comes with a one-year limited warranty. It also cannot handle a lot of movement. If you plan to have lots of people walking in and out of the room or dancing around, the player may skip around. We would not recommend this turntable for DJ work or mixing/scratching. These drawbacks are forgiven for most homeowners, however, by the fact that this portable turntable is so cheap.
If you are a vinyl novice and on a tight budget, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is going to be your best choice. You won't find a more affordable portable turntable option on the market that still delivers excellent audio quality.
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3. ION Audio Max LP
best rated portable turntable with speakers
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | Straight tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm |
Weight | 7.71 lbs. |
Dimensions | 4.06” x 16.46” x 15.24” |
Warranty | Yes, 90-day limited warranty |
The ION Audio Max LP is a portable turntable known for its speakers. These stereo speakers are some of the loudest speakers on the market for affordable portable turntables. These will sound great at home. Three playback speeds include 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm for homeowners who need to play records at all three speeds. The aesthetic is simple with the parts in black and a plastic dust case cover.
The built-in USB port is similar to other portable turntable models, but ION includes ION Audio EZ conversion software that makes it easy for you to digitize your favorite vinyl records. This easy process is more convenient compared to other portable turntables that come with USB ports but lack the software to do the work for you. This portable turntable also comes with a ⅛ inch aux port to let you play music from other sources beyond vinyl including connecting to cassette players and CD players.
For DJs and mixer/scratch work, we might recommend choosing another portable turntable simply because these speakers won’t be loud enough for that work. You would be better served spending more money on a higher-quality portable turntable and then purchasing separate speakers if you are serious about your work. For homeowners, these built-in speakers will help you avoid purchasing additional speakers and can be a serious bonus.
If you want a turntable that comes with high-quality built-in speakers at a mid-range price level, then you want the ION Audio Max LP.
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4. HYM Seed
best portable turntable with Bluetooth
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | Straight tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm |
Weight | 26.5 lbs. |
Dimensions | 9.8 x 15 x 13.8 inches |
Warranty | Yes, one-year warranty provided. |
The HYM Seed portable turntable is one of the highest quality turntables on our list. The price point is higher, but the rewards are well worth the higher sticker. The HYM Seed portable turntable includes a built-in amplifier with 80W power from two 25W 4-inch woofer drivers. This speaker will blow most homeowners away and makes it easy to travel with as well as move from room to room.
The HYM Seed portable turntable also comes with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio opportunities, but still has the AUX 3.5 audio input and RCA output needed for accessory add-ons. The tri-point suspension system is patented and helps to hold the aluminum platter as well as the tonearm still during speaker vibrations. This creates accurate musical readings. The aesthetics of the unit is unparalleled with a cool and compact design. Colors come in black for a more modern sleek appearance and walnut or white oak for a more vintage feel. The HYM Seed stands out from the crowd.
If you have money to spend and you want a strong portable turntable with massive speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, then you want the HYM Seed portable turntable. However, the shape may not be the best option for DJs who would prefer to connect to external speakers and will be frustrated by lugging around the additional speaker on the HYM Seed.
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5. Sony PSHX500
best quality portable turntable
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | Straight tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm |
Weight | 8.8 lbs. |
Dimensions | 18.5 x 16.32 x 6.2 inches |
Warranty | Yes, one year limited warranty |
The Sony PSHX500 is a top tier portable turntable that is perfect for homeowners who value quality and DJs who want to use the best equipment. This sleek, modern, beautiful design is in all black and includes numerous customization options to make this the perfect turntable. Smooth, warm, deep, authentic sounds will play from this turntable. Playback includes 33 ⅓ rpm and 45 rpm.
The included software for the Sony PSHX500 makes it possible to convert your favorite vinyl records into high-resolution digital audio with Direct Stream Digital software. The added USB input makes it possible to connect to your laptop or computer to record. The phono and line output also gives you the option to play through an integrated amp or external phono.
The straight tonearm is equipped with greater traceability and stabilization properties to ensure that your sounds come out detailed and precise. The 0.20-inch rubber mat is placed over the aluminum die-cast platter to ensure that your records can rest comfortably without damage. The entire lower half of the turntable is insulated and includes a 1.18-inch thick MDF cabinet to ensure that vibrations won't get in the way of your sound.
One drawback to purchasing the PSHX500 is that it doesn't have 78 rpm capability. The only other drawback is that the cartridge is in an awkward position to remove. If you want to upgrade the cartridge or need to replace it, it won't be as easy as it is on other turntables. This upgrade or replacement will require professional repair.
If you want the best that money can buy with high-quality build materials and the highest quality audio playback, you want to buy the Sony PSHX500 portable turntable.
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6. Numark PT01 Scratch
best portable turntable for scratching
Turntable Type | Belt drive, automatic |
Tonearm Type | S-shaped tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm |
Weight | 6.1 lbs. |
Dimensions | 11.9 x 11.9 x 4 inches |
Warranty | Yes, three years manufacturer’s warranty |
Not every aspiring DJ and mixer/scratcher can spend a lot of money on their first turntable. This is where the Numark PT01 Scratch comes in to play. This is the most affordable option for new DJs. It has everything a new DJ needs from a replaceable scratch switch to a built-in speaker and power options that include AC adapter or built-in battery. There are three RPM selections: 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 rpm. The Numark PT01 Scratch also comes with USB connectivity.
This portable turntable offers a DJ aesthetic with clean black and bold red colors. The scratch switch is also adjustable so you can easily unscrew and adjust for your playing style. This is also great for DJs who want to practice using both left-handed and right-handed scratching. You can easily connect to your phone via the ⅛" stereo input and add a background beat. It's also possible to record your scratching digitally via your laptop with the built-in USB input. Weighing in at a mere six pounds, this portable turntable is perfect for traveling.
The Numark PT01 Scratch could improve in two areas. We’ve seen users have difficulty with the top of the unit popping off though this can be fixed at home with tools. We’ve also found that the tonearm sometimes pops out of the groove and requires a readjustment. These two issues are minor for the budget price point.
When it comes to DJ and mixing/scratching goals, you cannot do better than the uber affordable Numark PT01 Scratch.
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Cons
7. Audio-Technica ATLP120
best portable USB turntable
Turntable Type | Direct drive, manual |
Tonearm Type | S-shaped tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm |
Weight | 23.5 lbs. |
Dimensions | 22.9 x 16.5 x 8 inches |
Warranty | Yes, one year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
This is the more expensive version of the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 covered earlier in our review. The Audio-Technica ATLP120 is an advanced version with a direct drive automatic option. We love the aluminum platter and overall build quality of this turntable. A slip mat and damping components are also included. A removable dust cover keeps your turntable clean when not in use. The fully manual operation and direct drive motor are favorites for many DJs who want reliable, quick start-ups.
Aesthetically, this turntable appears to modern users with a black tech vibe. Internally, this portable turntable uses high-quality build parts and includes metal. However, the exterior consists of many plastic parts that are less reliable. This is standard for a portable turntable at this price point. Another thing to keep in mind is that this portable turntable does not have internal speakers. You will need to purchase your own speakers and connect them to this turntable.
A USB input is available to plug in your laptop or computer for additional customization directly. Included is Audacity software to digitize your vinyl records. Playback controls include a high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider (+/- 10% or +/- 20%). This further customization is fantastic for DJs and great for homeowners who want an added level of control over their music.
If you want a great portable turntable in the mid-tier price range for home listening or DJ work, then the Audio-Technica ATLP120 is an excellent option for you.
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Cons
8. Electrohome Winston
best vintage portable turntable
Turntable Type | Belt drive, semi-automatic |
Tonearm Type | S-shaped tonearm |
Playback Speeds | 33 ⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm |
Weight | 15 lbs. |
Dimensions | 15 x 12 x 21 inches |
Warranty | Yes, one-year limited warranty |
The Electrohome Winston portable turntable is our favorite vintage portable turntable. It has that classic aesthetic retro design that homeowners will love. This design, however, does make it difficult for DJs to work, and we recommend DJs skip this model. Homeowners will love the way the real wood veneer cabinet limits vibration and creates a fun retro vibe among their home decor. The illuminated tuning dial is a nice touch.
This turntable has a 3-in-1 system that allows users to play vinyl records, CDs, and AM/FM radio all from the device. It also includes an aux input so that you can connect personal MP3 players, tablets, and smartphones. This turntable also has built-in speakers so you can listen to your music without an additional speaker set-up. The belt-driven turntable can play 7, 10 and 12-inch records and can play records at all three speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 rpm.
The Winston does have an all-wood look. However, the wood itself is lightweight. The dials can also be challenging to read with small letters and numbers. We also are not a fan of the hard plastic platter that your records will rest on.
If you want a retro vintage aesthetic and want an affordable player with 3-in-1 turntable capabilities, then we recommend purchasing the Electrohome Winston vinyl record player.
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How to Set Up a Portable Turntable
The set-up of a portable turntable is very similar to setting up a denser, more robust stationary turntable. Portable turntables should rest on a flat surface when possible. This prevents them from falling off because of vibrations. It also makes it easier to mix records if you are setting up for a DJ event. From here, it’s time to position speakers. Speakers should ideally be 12 feet apart from your turntable unless you have speakers designed to sit next to your turntable.
Now, it's time to install the belt. Once you install the belt, you won't need to repeat this process at each gig. The belt should be placed around the motor, and then the platter should be added and installed. However, if your motor is off to the side (right or left), install the platter first and then the motor. If you have a direct drive, this may already be installed when you receive your turntable.
The final step is to set the tracking force. This is a critical process for sound quality and differs among brands. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to set this up correctly. The video below is an example of setting up the vertical tracking angle from Bop DJ. Now you can add your cables and connect to your power supply as well as your receiver or speaker. When you move your portable turntable, you won’t need to readjust the belt, platter, or motor. Simply open the device and make the correct cable connections.
Operating a Portable Turntable
To run a portable turntable, first, make sure that you have set up the system correctly. Once it has been set up, turn the turntable on. You can then make your speed selection based on the record you want to play. Now, add the record to the platter.
As the platter begins to move, you can take the tonearm and lift it to the record. You want to place the tonearm at the beginning of the record on the outer edge of the record. If you have an automatic turntable, you won't need to lift the tonearm; your player will lift the tonearm itself.
Using your portable turntable will not only let you listen to your favorite music, but your favorite music can also help you de-stress and unwind.
How to Take Care of a Portable Turntable
Portable turntables need additional maintenance and cleaning care to stay in excellent working condition. They are more likely to degrade compared to stationary turntables because they are moved around frequently. While most portable turntables will need to have parts such as the stylus replaced in time, you can increase the usage of your turntable’s parts by keeping your turntable clean.
Start by protecting your portable turntable from dust. If you have a hinged protective dust cover on your turntable, use it when you are not playing. Make sure that you dust your turntable once a week.
This includes a light towel dusting but also should involve vacuuming around the corners of the device to suck out any dust that has managed to get into your system. We also recommend purchasing a stylus cleaner as well as a stylus brush.
The stylus is one of the most often replaced parts, and taking the time to make sure it is free from dirt and dust will help it last much longer. Here is a great video from Vinyl Eyezz on how to specifically clean your stylus.
Portable Turntables: Common Issues & Fixes
One of the most common issues we hear about is the problem of static noise and crackling vibrations while playing records. This is a frustrating problem, and many portable turntable users are not sure how to solve the problem. First, we recommend looking at your speaker location.
Are your speakers too close to your portable turntable? Second, we recommend taking an anti-static cloth and cleaning your turntable because static electricity may be causing this problem. If you still have a sound problem, you will need to look at your tonearm needle and stylus.
The tonearm needle and stylus are responsible for communicating the sound from your vinyl record to the speaker. If your record player isn’t creating sound at all, then the tonearm’s needle is likely damaged. In this case, a professional will need to repair the needle or replace it entirely.
Another common problem that we see with portable turntables is the degradation of vinyl records. If you play your records frequently, you may notice that the grooves begin to degrade. The best way to fix this problem is to purchase a new vinyl record.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does a portable turntable cost?
Portable turntables cost between $80 and $800 depending on the brand, materials used, and additional components. There is a portable turntable available for everyone at varying price points.
How long does turntable stylus last?
A turntable stylus will last approximately 1,000 to 2,000 plays. Depending on how often you use your record player, you will need to replace your stylus every six months to five years.
Do vinyl records wear out?
Yes. Vinyl records, unfortunately, do wear out. This happens because the stylus wears on the grooves while “reading” them. However, this typically takes a long time. Most vinyl records take 1,000 to 2,000 plays before the audio quality degrades.
Can I connect external speakers to a portable record player?
Yes! You can connect external speakers to a portable record player. You simply use the included Bluetooth technology or connect with RCA cables. We recommend using external speakers if you want a louder, more robust sound. Many built-in speakers on portable record players are made for smaller rooms.
Are portable turntables for everyone or just DJs?
Portable turntables are for everyone! In fact, you’ll notice that some of our reviews specifically mention that the turntable is not a great fit for a DJ but is a perfect fit for a homeowner. Portable turntables are easy to move from room to room and great for when you want to play vinyl at a friend’s party.
Do I need a preamp with my portable turntable?
Most portable turntables come with built-in preamps. An easy way to tell if your turntable has a built-in preamp is if there is a USB port. If you do not have a built-in preamp, then you will need to purchase an external preamp. Preamps make sure that the signal from your turntable is strong enough to be played by speakers.
Conclusion
Portable turntables make it possible to listen to your favorite vinyl records anywhere you go. They also make it possible for DJs to mix and scratch records for unique sounds and to create cool musical stories. Every user has different needs, but if you want to purchase a reliable and quality portable turntable for home listening, then you want the Fluance RT81. This is the real MVP of portable turntables.