Unlock the Magic of Vinyl with Our Top Picks

Victrola: The All-in-One Vinyl Experience

This Victrola record player is a star in every sense. It comes with a built-in speaker, offering an all-in-one vinyl experience right from the start. The inclusion of Bluetooth streaming, along with being a cassette and CD player, makes it the most versatile option we tested. Its mid-century modern aesthetic is available in two set-up options - standalone or tabletop. While the built-in speakers are great for beginners, for the ultimate sound quality, adding external speakers is recommended. The Century Signature Record Player stands out with its seamless setup, beginner-friendly features, and timeless design. It's the perfect one-stop shop for any vinyl newbie.

What sets Victrola apart is its versatility. It not only plays records but also cassettes and CDs, and can be paired with Bluetooth devices for streaming music. With its 4-in-1 functionality and convenient features, it's a great investment. As Kayla Kitts, our shopping editor, said, "Being able to put on my dad’s original records from 50 years ago was probably my favorite part. Sharing that with him was so special and something I’ll always remember."

Fluance RT81+: Simple and Intuitive Setup

The Fluance RT81+ is our next-best pick for beginners. Its simple and intuitive setup is a breeze, thanks to the helpful instructions provided. The clear, higher quality sound, thanks to the diamond-tipped needle, is a delight. The sleek, minimalist design puts the record on display, adding a touch of charm. The semi-automatic operation is a nice feature, making it easy to use. After selecting the playback speed, a lever automatically lifts and lowers the tonearm, eliminating the worry of dropping the needle. However, it's important to note that no speakers are included, so we recommend the corresponding Fluance speakers or using your existing wired pair.

As Erin Johnson, our associate shopping director, mentioned, "There is something mood-boosting about blasting a record. My Apple AirPods cannot transport me to another place the way blasting a can. Shania Twain’s Come on Over was my go-to record during testing. I got the 25th-anniversary version, and it’s red, so it just looks and sounds amazing on this turntable."

Sonos Pro-Ject T1: Elevated Listening Experience

If you have a bit more to spend, the Sonos Pro-Ject T1 is an excellent choice. The setup is quick and straightforward, with the tonearm and counterweight pre-set in the factory. This turntable elevates the listening experience, making your favorite albums sound richer than ever. Its minimalist design is perfect for small apartments, saving space without compromising on style. But keep in mind, you'll need to purchase additional speakers and an appropriate adaptor. As Genevieve Cepeda, our shopping writer, said, "Every album I put on sounded super-rich. For this test, I listened to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (one of my favorite albums!). I also listened to Taylor Swift’s Red, Sweet Baby James, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. No matter the genre, this record player sounded great!"

While these are our top picks, there are many other great record players available. When choosing, consider factors such as setup ease, sound quality, features, and your budget. Whether you're a vinyl novice or a seasoned collector, there's a record player out there that's perfect for you. So, take a deep breath, explore the world of vinyl, and let the music transport you.

While you’re adding a new record player to your cart, throw these albums in to get your listening started. These were our editors’ go-to records during testing: Shania Twain record on Fluance RT81+ Turntable.

Manual, Automatic, or Semi-Automatic: Manual record players offer the most control and tactile experience, while automatic players are the easiest to use but more expensive. A semi-automatic player like the Fluance RT81+ is a great middle ground.

Included Speakers: Decide whether you want a record player with speakers or without based on your priorities. For starters, the Victrola Century Signature Record Player with built-in speakers is a great option.

Built-In Pre-Amp or External: A built-in pre-amp is simple, but for a more hi-fi sound, an external pre-amp is recommended. The Sonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable comes with a built-in pre-amp.

Behind the Scenes: To find the best record players for beginners, we researched from reputable brands and gathered insights from vinyl novices. Each turntable was evaluated in various aspects such as setup, ease of use, sound quality, and features.

Considering all these factors, the Victrola Century Signature Record Player excelled in every category, earning it our top choice. It's a great investment for any vinyl enthusiast.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the best products. Our unique methodology tests products in three labs and with home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, and ease of use. And remember, companies can never buy our recommendation - products must earn it.

Meet Our Testers: Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor with over a decade of experience, tested the Victrola record player and loved filling her living room with her dad's old vinyl. Erin Johnson, the associate shopping director with 9 years of media experience, has been using her Fluance record player for a year and loves it. Genevieve Cepeda, a staff shopping writer, tested the Sonos record player and learned a lot from local record shop experts.