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The best Bluetooth turntables you can buy for Father's Day
Vinyl records have seen a major resurgence in recent years. In 2023, vinyl sales were up 14% compared to 2022, with a total of 49.61 million vinyl albums sold. With this increase in vinyl record sales, more people want a record player setup in their homes. Although vinyl records are made to be listened to on a classic analog-style turntable, technology has allowed Bluetooth to be built into modern-day turntables to provide more options to different kinds of listeners.
Also: Everything you need for a vinyl setup
"[Bluetooth turntables] can provide a very chic and convenient solution for someone's music playback situation," said Benjamin Hegy, an employee of Chicago's famous Reckless Records store. "It's important to respect every listener's opinion."
That being said, I've rounded up the best Bluetooth turntables for those looking for a wireless setup based on my own experience testing them out, as well as on opinions from experts like Hegy.
The best Bluetooth turntable you can buy right now
My top pick is the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW thanks to its immersive sound quality and sturdy and timeless design, but I also included options from Pro-Ject, Sony, and more. Read on to figure out which Bluetooth turntable is right for you, especially if you're looking for a Father's Day gift for a music-loving dad.
The best Bluetooth turntables of 2024
- Belt-driven
- Multiple connection options, including Bluetooth
- Sturdy and timeless design
- Does not have adjustable speed
- Have to manually connect Bluetooth each time
Audio-Technica has been making record players since 1962 and is known for its entry-level turntables designed to introduce new listeners to the world of vinyl.
I personally tested the AT-LPW50BT-RW, which uses Bluetooth 5.2 to stream your favorite albums to speakers or even wireless headphones. While other Audio-Technica turntables are also Bluetooth-compatible, this model is the first to incorporate Version 5.2, so you'll get the best of the best connection from up to 800 feet (240 meters) away.
Read the review: Audio-Technica's new turntable puts a modern spin on an old classic
The great thing about this record player is that there are different ways to listen to your music. You can connect it via AUX or phono output if you want to use the turntable amplifier, a receiver amplifier, or a dedicated preamp, meaning it works with both new and vintage setups.
What really made this turntable shine was using the Bluetooth connection to listen to my records with my noise-canceling headphones while working. The sound was so immersive, and I could put on a record, walk away to another room entirely, and still hear the crackles come through crystal-clear -- without disturbing anyone else with my music taste.
In addition, verified customers say that the built-in phono preamp that delivers an excellent listening experience, no matter how you choose to play audio.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW tech specs: Plinth material: 30mm-thick MDF plinth, with rosewood veneer | Platter material: Die-cast aluminum | Cartridge model: AT-VM95E | Drive type: Belt drive | Supported speeds: 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm | Tonearm type: Straight style, carbon-fiber | Built-in preamp: Yes | Cueing lever: Yes | Anti-skate: Adjustable
- Long battery life
- Compact and portable
- Compatible with any Bluetooth device
- No counterweight
- No auto-turn feature
Vinyl isn't meant to be portable, but that doesn't mean it can't be. The Sound Burger is unparalleled when it comes to portability with vinyl (if you so choose to go that route). It is an updated version of a 1980s model with Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging (including a battery life that lasts 12 hours).
I was able to go hands-on with the Sound Burger and while I am normally an analog setup kind of vinyl listener, it was refreshing to try out a new experience with this turntable. You can connect it to any Bluetooth device, like a portable speaker, a soundbar, headphones, etc. I was able to listen to vinyl outside on my deck by a fire and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Review: Audio-Technica's Sound Burger curbed my craving for vinyl portability
It's super lightweight at just 1.98 pounds, meaning you can take it with you on vacation or camping--two use-cases I can see the Sound Burger being good for. Its compact size also means it's great for those who live in smaller spaces and don't have the room or means for a larger, more traditional vinyl setup.
Just keep in mind that customers note that it doesn't have a counterweight, which means it is prone to skipping sometimes. It also doesn't have an auto-turn, but that's definitely not a deal breaker for the average vinyl listener.
Audio-Technica Sound Burger tech specs: Plinth material: N/A | Platter material: Die-cast aluminum alloy | Cartridge model: ATN3600L | Drive type: Belt drive | Supported speeds: 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm | Tonearm type: Straight style | Built-in preamp: Yes | Cueing lever: No | Anti-skate: Built-in/not adjustable
- Can turn vinyl records into digital copies
- Great for vinyl beginners
- Affordable
- To play 78 RPM records, you'll need to purchase an additional cartridge
The Audio-Technica LP120XUSB allows you to connect wireless headphones, speakers, or home stereos to the turntable, making it easy to use. One Reddit user called it "one of the better starter tables if you are looking to buy new."
One of the unique things about the Audio-Technica LP120XUSB is that you can convert your vinyl records into digital audio files through the Audacity software available on Macs and PCs. That means that the rare, one-off record you found at your local record store can be turned into a digital file you can listen to anywhere you want.
Hegy said he always recommends Audio-Technica to customers. "At our stores, I usually recommend pairing any model of Audio-Technica turntable with a pair of powered/ active speakers, which can receive a Bluetooth signal from a phone or laptop, but still maintains a wired connection for the turntable business."
Other features of this Audio-Technica turntable include a forward/reverse operation and variable pitch control with a quartz speed lock. It also has playback controls and a target light, making it easier to cue your records when it's dark.
Audio-Technica LP120XUSB tech specs: Platter Material: Die-cast aluminum | Cartridge Model: Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge | Drive Type: Direct drive | Supported Speeds: 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm | Tonearm Type: S-Type tonearm | Built-in Preamp: Yes | Cueing Lever: Yes | Anti-skate: Adjustable
- Quality build
- Easy to use right away
- Great sound
- Switching between 33 RPM and 45 RPM can be a hassle
For those who are already committed to vinyl and want a more substantial Bluetooth record player, the Pro-Ject T1 BT is a solid choice.
Michael Moore, the owner of the Devoted to Vinyl blog, said he is a big fan of Pro-Ject and thinks the brand is the perfect one to help transition beginners to a more affordable audiophile alternative.
"The T1 BT offers great features like a heavy glass platter, a carbon fiber tonearm, and a built-in phono stage, so you don't have to purchase a separate external phono preamp," he said. "This makes the Pro-Ject T1 BT plug and play right out of the box -- you don't have to worry that set up will take an hour before you can spin or stream your records."
Pro-Ject also prides its turntables on having "no hollow spaces," meaning there won't be unwanted vibrations on the plinth, and verified customers notice the difference this makes in its sound. This particular model has no plastic parts and utilizes glass and aluminum for a zero-resonance design.
Pro-Ject T1 BT tech specs: Platter Material: Blasted glass | Cartridge Model: Ortofon OM 5E MM cartridge | Drive Type: Belt drive | Supported Speeds: 33 rpm and 45 rpm | Tonearm Type: Straight tonearm | Built-in Preamp: Yes | Cueing Lever: Yes | Anti-skate: Built-in/not adjustable
- Fully automatic
- Pairs well with multiple Bluetooth devices
- Easy to setup and use
- Lacks weight at 7.9 pounds
- No many replacement styluses available
Turntables are either manual or automatic: manual turntables mean you have to lift and lower the tonearm yourself to start or stop playing music. In contrast, automatic turntables lift the tonearm out of its resting position to start and stop the music.
This Sony PS-LX310BT is an automatic turntable that is great for those newer to vinyl. It utilizes Bluetooth 4.2 and allows you to pair up to eight speakers/headphones with the turntable (but only one speaker/headphone can be connected and played back at a time).
Like the Audio-Technica LP120XUSB, you can also connect your turntable to your computer or laptop to rip your favorite vinyl tracks to your computer.
As far as the sound goes, The Frugal Audiophile YouTube channel reviewed the Sony PS-LX310BT and said he was pleasantly surprised with the sound. "If you want an automatic turntable that sounds pretty good, this is worth considering," he said in his review video. "I think this is a great turntable for a beginner who wants to get into vinyl. It is easy to set up and easy to operate."
Overall, 92% of Best Buy customers who purchased this turntable would recommend it to others, giving it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Sony PS-LX310BT tech specs: Platter Material: Die-cast Aluminum | Cartridge Model: Audio Technica AT3600L | Drive Type: Belt drive | Supported Speeds: 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm | Tonearm Type: Straight tonearm | Built-in Preamp: Yes | Cueing Lever: Yes | Anti-skate: Built-in/not adjustable
What is the best Bluetooth turntable?
The best Bluetooth turntable is the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW since you can connect it via AUX or phono output, a receiver amplifier, or a dedicated preamp to work with both new and vintage setups.
However, here's a chart with key specs for all the Bluetooth turntables so you can better compare the Audio-Technica model to all the other turntables on my list.
Bluetooth Turntable | Price | Drive Type | Anti-skate | Speeds |
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW | $499 | Belt | Adjustable | 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm |
Audio-Technica Sound Burger | $199 | Belt | Built-in/not adjustable | 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm |
Audio-Technica LP120XUSB | $349 | Direct | Adjustable | 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm |
Pro-Ject T1 BT | $449 | Belt | Built-in/not adjustable | 33 rpm and 45 rpm |
Sony PS-LX310BT | $200 | Belt | Built-in/not adjustable | 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm |
Which Bluetooth turntable is right for you?
To decide which Bluetooth turntable to buy, you should consider factors like your vinyl experience if you want an automatic or manual operation, and what price you're willing to spend.
Here is a decision matrix on the best Bluetooth turntables for you to refer to:
Choose this Bluetooth turntable... | If you want... |
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW | The best overall option. You can play Bluetooth or analog with this player, making it a great option for anyone. |
Audio-Technica Sound Burger | A portable Bluetooth turntable. You can connect it to any Bluetooth device and since it weighs under 2 pounds, you can take it anywhere. |
Audio-Technica LP120XUSB | A Bluetooth turntable that great for its value in terms of price and features. You can even convert your vinyl records into digital audio files. |
Pro-Ject T1 BT | A Bluetooth turntable built for seasoned vinyl listeners. It's an affordable audiophile Bluetooth turntable that's built to last. |
Sony PS-LX310BT | An automatic Bluetooth turntable you can plug in and play right away. It can pair Bluetooth with up to eight headphones/speakers. |
What factors should I consider in a Bluetooth turntable?
Moore said it's most important to focus on features that will match your setup.
"If you want a Bluetooth record player for home use, I'd focus more on features that are going to maintain a smooth and enjoyable playing experience," he said. "You're going to want a record player with a heavy platter that will dampen unwanted resonance or footfall traffic happening in the room."
Moore added you'll also want a record player with a high-quality moving magnet cartridge (instead of a cheaper ceramic cartridge) that tracks the groove of your record well and limits surface noise.
In addition, pay attention to these factors before making your final purchase:
- Sound quality: A turntable is nothing if it doesn't produce a clear and crisp sound as you listen to your records.
- Drive type: There are different types of drive types in turntables. A belt drive smooths out vibrations and variations in speed, while direct drive removes the need to ever replace a belt, making it easier to use.
- Price: Turntables range in price from affordable (around $100) to expensive setups that can cost you thousands.
How did we choose these Bluetooth turntables?
When looking for the best Bluetooth turntable, I began by testing the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT-RW
and analyzing its performance. However, I knew that one turntable couldn't be perfect for everyone, so I also spoke to vinyl experts who have used and recommended these turntables, as well as considering recommendations from experts online, including the Frugal Audiophile.
What is the difference between analog and Bluetooth turntables?
Analog turntables and Bluetooth turntables are different in how the music is played. Analog setups are wired into an amplifier which then amplifies that signal through a pair of speakers, while Bluetooth uses short-range radio waves to wirelessly stream music to speakers, a sound bar, or another device.
Many experts and seasoned listeners prefer analog over Bluetooth.
"As records are an analog technology, I feel they are best enjoyed in the analog realm," Hegy said. "It seems antithetical to take that analog signal off of a record and then digitize it so that it can be streamed wirelessly to a pair of waiting speakers."
However, he added that everyone's preferences are different, and especially if you are just building out a setup, a Bluetooth turntable might make the most sense.
"All that said, I do believe there is a time and place for all technologies to find their best application, so it's just up to the listener to think through what will work best for them," Hegy said. "Often, this includes a person wanting to add a turntable to their established A/V TV situation, which might include a soundbar. I think a Bluetooth turntable is a great fit in this application."
How do you replace a needle on a turntable?
It's best to change your stylus every three to five years. Or you can change it if you notice the sound quality changing. To change your stylus, pinch the cartridge's sides and gently pull out the old stylus. Then, position the new stylus with the needle pointing downward and away from the tonearm and slide it into the cartridge, pressing into it until you hear it click.
Be gentle throughout the process since the stylus is delicate and can be damaged easily.
Are there alternative Bluetooth turntables worth considering?
There are other options on the market for Bluetooth turntables, but not all will provide you with high-quality sound. Here are a few different options I think are worth looking into:
Meet the experts
ZDNET sourced external industry experts for this article. Here is more information about them:
- Benjamin Hegy: Works at Chicago's renowned Reckless Records record store. Has an interest in "guiding people to a long and happy life in music."
- Michael Moore: Owner of the Devoted to Vinyl blog where he aims to help simplify the world of vinyl. He has been a vinyl enthusiast and collector since 2013. You can also find him on his YouTube channel, where he has 11.6K subscribers.