The 10 Best Turntables With Bluetooth Output

Editor's Notes

July 01, 2020:

In the world of vinyl record buyers there is definitely a split between serious collectors and those who have a modest collection that they occasionally listen to for fun. For those in the latter category who definitely care about audio quality but don't want to pay the price for an audiophile-worthy machine, the best options on our list are affordable models like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT and the Sony PS-LX310BT. These turntables are considered automatic, which means that after setting the size and speed of your record they will take care of dropping and retracting the needle by themselves. They also have a button which mechanically raises or lowers the needle but holds it in place laterally, which simulates a sort of pause function. They may have fixed cartridges that can't be replaced and counterweights that can't be adjusted, but they will sound perfectly fine to most people's ears.

If even the aforementioned models seem too expensive, you may want to check out budget options like the ION Audio Air LP and Boytone BT-37B-C. These selections will get the job done, but be aware that these types of players tend to apply a lot of tracking force with their unbalanced tonearms. This can cause damage to records over time, and while this won't be a problem for most people it means that they shouldn't be used to play collectible records. Though they are adequate, when placed next to more expensive models it wouldn't be hard to notice their generally poorer build-quality and audio fidelity.

Those who are interested in a more robust, old school record player should check out midrange options like the House of Marley Stir it Up and Teac TN-280BT. You can tell that these players are more robust just by looking at them due to their inclusion of actual counterweights and anti-skate controls, as well as a proper headshell assembly. Automatic functions are sacrificed in turn, but these features allow you to get a great sound from your records by dialing in your tonearm or even upgrading your cartridge down the line.

Most record players with Bluetooth transmission capabilities are on the lower-end of the spectrum compared to turntables at large, and this is because of the way Bluetooth itself works. By definition it is a compressed digital audio format, and in most cases it is incapable of streaming the full quality of a vinyl record to wireless speakers and headphones. While this generally leads to the assumption that there's no point in making a high-end turntable with this capability, models like the Pro-Ject T1 BT and Pro-Ject VT-E BT are some of the very few players which feature both Bluetooth transmission and super high-end components such as glass platters and Ortofon cartridges. These options are, unsurprisingly, far more expensive. Unless you crave durable materials or are looking for something that you can also integrate into an actual Hi-Fi for premium sound-quality, these models might not be worth the price.

Besides those with Bluetooth output, we've written articles about the best turntables with USB output, the [best portable models], and those that resemble vintage designs.