In the era of Spotify and YouTube, one often stops to wonder: what should I do with my old record collection? And no surprises there. Didn’t we all see our books and DVDs suffer the same unfortunate fate – replaced, ignored, unloved. But if you’re a true music buff, you’ll want to find some way or the other to still stay connected to that old-school record player charm and relive some cherished memories, made around it, from time to time.
The best suitcase record player can help you do just that. Such a device is compact and easy-to-use, especially when traveling, and lets you enjoy your favorite classics on-the-go. Call it modern classic; suitcase record players are portable, user-friendly, and offer warm analog sound. Plus, the good thing is, your old record stack won’t just catch dust in your absence! After all, true readers and cinema fans also hold onto ways that Gen Z finds old; like it’s gold.
If you’re on the hunt for the best the market has to offer, look no further! In this article, we bring you a list of the top suitcase record players – complete with reviews and a detailed buying guide. So, get ready to put on some smooth jazz or blues and properly groove. Dear friend, it’s time to let loose like it’s still 1962!
Top Suitcase Player Reviews
When you start searching online for record players, you’ll find yourself bombarded with options. To make your life a bit easier, we’ve brought you the top suitcase player reviews below.
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Suitcase Record Player
This is one of the most popular suitcase record players and has established a name for itself. It has a stylish design and is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy vinyl on the go. That’s why, it’s preferred by musicians, record producers, and music lovers worldwide.
It comes with a very modern and sleek design. You can easily take it with you on a trip or store it anywhere.
This product has a funky red color, and it comes in various other exciting colors too! So, rest assured, it will jazz up your living room with its sound and looks – and also your social life.
The device comes with two built-in stereo speakers that offer excellent sound and hence you don’t need to have additional speakers.
The speakers have a built-in Bluetooth receiver that lets you stream your favorite songs from your smartphone or tablet.
It offers you a 3-Speed turntable that can play 78, 45, and 33 1/3 records effortlessly. With a high-quality adapter, you can also modify the RPM settings using the pitch control for a scintillating sound effect!
That’s not all! This amazing device has an AUX output you can use to connect with any portable speaker. Feel free to use it with your smartphone or any audio device that plays music.
So, even if you don’t have a Bluetooth device handy, you can still enjoy some classic rock or blues. It’s compatible with most speakers, so you don’t have to worry at all.
Pros
- Sleek and compact design offers excellent portability
- Pitch control for adjusting any record’s RPM
- RCA outputs for connecting to external audio devices
- Bluetooth speakers can be connected to a smartphone easily
- Headphone jack included for greater convenience and connectivity
Cons
- The speakers are a bit weak
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Suitcase Record Player
Our next product comes from a brand that has been in the music business for almost a century. This suitcase record player from Victrola offers you excellent sound quality and an exquisite design, elevating your music experience.
Its black and white retro map design will be the center of attraction in your living room. With a carry handle and an extremely compact structure, it gives you the freedom to enjoy your vinyl anywhere and everywhere!
It has a belt-driven 3-speed turntable that can play 45, 78, and 33 1/3 RPM records easily. The device offers you premium sound quality. Also, it consists of isolating feet that can prevent vibration from affecting the sound.
It has Bluetooth connectivity that can wirelessly stream your music from 33 feet away. You can use your smartphone, tablet, or any device having Bluetooth.
So, even if you want to listen to a song that’s not on vinyl, this feature will help.
For those who want to take their music to another level, this device offers a 3.5 mm AUX cable. Connect it to an external audio device or speakers to have a fantastic time!
If you want to sit back and enjoy your music privately, put on your headphones and plug it in the headphone jack.
Since the device has simple controls, anybody can use it to play their favorite tunes. It can be easily set up in minutes as no stereo equipment is required. That’s why this device is loved by vinyl enthusiasts and newbies trying it for the first time.
Pros
- Stylish and portable design with a carry handle
- Simple controls and easy setup are ideal for beginners
- It can be connected to external speakers and Bluetooth devices
- Built-in headphone jack for private listening
- High-quality turntable and premium sound
Cons
- Some users have questioned its durability
VInYL MUSIC ON Portable Record Player
This classy vintage record player will be an excellent addition to your living room. It looks exactly like a suitcase but a stylish one. This amazing product from VInYL MUSIC ON is popular due to its compact but durable design that will last for years.
Let’s talk about its performance. It comes with built-in dual stereo speakers that offer outstanding sound. As its speakers have a full range, its analog audio performance can make any old song sound refreshing.
Even if it’s an old record, the player will provide you the best quality sound possible.
It has a 3-speed belt-driven turntable system that comfortably plays all records. The brand assures you that music experts craft all the products.
That’s why this record player comes with a high-quality diamond needle and a sensitive cartridge that will prevent scratches on your vinyl records.
Want to connect your phone to the record player? This device has a Bluetooth receiver that can stream music from up to 33 feet away. Compatible with almost all smartphones, the device lets you enjoy your favorite music even if you run short of records.
Along with all this, the record player has an RCA output that you can plug into amplifiers and external speakers. An AUX IN jack can be connected to your smartphone to enjoy non-stop music.
Overall, the brass-plated design with solid hardwood structure keeps everything in one place. The design also makes it ideal for traveling and easy storage.
Pros
- Excellent speakers with crystal-clear sound
- High-quality cartridge and needle prevent record scratches
- Durable wooden structure for long-lasting performance
- 30 days full refund offered if you’re dissatisfied
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and audio speakers
Cons
- It’s a little heavy
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Byron Statics Vinyl Suitcase Record Player
This suitcase recorder from Byron Statics is a combination of modernism and retro. Having a minimalistic design, simple controls, great sound quality, and several conveniences, this device is a vinyl enthusiast’s dream.
Just like a normal suitcase, you can open the snap latch and start tuning in your music. Once you are done, shut down the case to keep the dust away from your records. It’s lightweight and compact, making it ideal for taking with you to your next destination.
It offers you a simple plug-and-play system and operates three speeds efficiently - 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. The turntable is super smooth and has a replaceable stylus for better tracking. This system also decreases the resonance, producing a flawless musical experience!
It’s compatible with most records and will also enhance the sound. The device automatically stops playing music at the end of each record. It comes with a 9V adaptor and an extra needle.
If you want to hook it up to an external speaker or stereo, a 3.5mm AUX cable and an RCA cable are available. It offers such a warm and soothing sound that can make any ambiance delightful! Alternatively, you can plug in your headphones and immerse yourself in your playlist.
And if you run out of playlists, connect the device to your smartphone or tablet using the cables. The easy controls make the record player great for music lovers and those who want to try this out.
You can easily take it to a party and rock it!
Pros
- Autoplay button for popping music easily
- Front-facing speakers and three-speed compatibility
- 5mm headphone jacks for uninterrupted private listening
- Adaptor protects the device during a short circuit
- Modern tone arm for crystal-clear playback
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a Bluetooth
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JOPOSTAR Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player
The final product on our list comes from JOPOSTAR and is a highly-rated record player. Offering you both wireless and wired connectivity, this device is manufactured to play almost any record you might have.
It comes with a very traditional design, with a combination of black and red. The silver metal screws make it more sophisticated. It is portable, not too heavy, and easily fits any bedside or living room table.
You can take it with you to a friend’s house or to any place where you can enjoy music in solitude.
This record player sets itself apart by its music recording functionality. It can record and convert any vinyl record’s music into an MP3/WAV file, which you can later listen to on your smartphone or laptop.
This lets you enjoy old records that might not work on other record players. The 3-speed belt-driven technology can tackle all records with ease.
If the built-in speakers don’t cut it for you, you can connect the device to any home theatre or external sound system. Just make sure to use the 45 RPM adaptor when playing a record on the same RPM settings.
You also get an automatic on/off switch, which you can turn on or stop playing the record once it’s finished. Furthermore, there is a one-touch lever reason for lowering the tone arm to customize your listening experience.
If you want to change the playlist and listen to something else, you can connect your smartphone with the record player. With this Bluetooth device by your side, you will never run out of music to jam on!
Pros
- Consists of a 45 RPM adaptor for 45 RPM records
- Can convert records into WAV/MP3 music files effortlessly
- RCA output and 3.5mm AUX cable to play music on external devices
- The brand offers you a 1-year warranty and a 30-day full refund
- USB cable included for convenient charging
Cons
- Doesn’t connect easily with Bluetooth speakers
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Things To Consider Before Buying A Suitcase Record Player
Ready to get your hands on a fantastic suitcase record player? Even if you think you know it all, hold up. There are certain factors you need to consider when you go out shopping. It will enable you to find the perfect device for your living room.
Let’s dive into the details!
Durability
In order to enjoy a long-lasting performance from your suitcase record player, it needs to have a durable construction. Having a study frame will allow you to take your record player anywhere without worrying.
Try to select a record player manufactured using metal and wood. The wooden frame will keep the internal components safe. So, if you’re traveling with the record player, bumps or jostles won’t damage it. However, make sure it’s not too bulky. It should be compact for transportation.
The internal components, such as the needle, tone arm, and switches, must be made of durable metal. Also, check for metal screws by the sides. The snap latch for opening and closing the suitcase recorder must be sturdy, too, so that it doesn’t come off easily.
Sound Quality
Although all suitcase record players offer decent sound quality, you can’t expect them to produce excellent surround sound. These devices have small speakers that offer enough sound to fill up a room. But not all of them might be able to fill up a large and noisy room.
If you are not satisfied with the quality, look at the connectivity options. Always select devices having RCA outputs, giving you an option to connect the device to external speakers. However, this hampers the portability of the player.
So, if the device is going to sit in one place for a long time, connecting it to an external boom box via RCA will be suitable.
The best way to judge a device’s sound quality is to check out the customer reviews. If you’re buying the device from a retail store, you can ask for a trial.
Connectivity
If you want maximum flexibility and freedom to enjoy your music, look for Bluetooth record players. These types of devices enable you to connect your smartphone or tablet with the record player via Bluetooth. It gives you the liberty to freshen up your playlist!
Take a look at the Bluetooth range while picking a device. Some devices will let you connect your smartphone in a range of 33 feet. Or, you can choose a device having an AUX cable that you can use to connect your smartphone and enjoy the music from the embedded speakers.
You might like record players that come with USB and SD card slots for your convenience. However, you might have to pay a little extra for these functionalities.
Music Recording
One of the most useful features of any portable record player is its ability to record music. This lets you enjoy any song from your records, even if the record doesn’t work well.
You have to understand that vinyl records are not that robust and might eventually get damaged or break. In such a situation, a record player that can convert the songs into an MP3 or WAV format and store them will be convenient. You can fetch these songs and play them on your smartphone or laptop.
This feature offers you a lot of reliability and flexibility. But the price tag may vary for these kinds of devices, so keep that in mind.
Power Options
Another important factor you have to consider is how the device is powered. Some devices have a lot of wires and run from a power outlet. These may come with adaptors for powering up. On the other hand, you will find devices that run on rechargeable batteries.
Record players that run on batteries might also offer you a safety device, which will safeguard the player from short circuits. But you will face difficulties while moving these devices around due to the wires.
So, if you want to enjoy maximum portability, battery-powered devices will be the best option. Just ensure that it has a full charge, and you are all set to enjoy music on the go!
It all depends on your preference and how much you want to move the record player. However, when it comes to quality, both these devices are almost the same.
Wrap Up
Suitcase record players may be the only way to relive the vintage vinyl era. As many music lovers are tired of screens, these portable wonders have made a comeback. Their style and functionality make them a great value for money.
They offer modern features such as Bluetooth, music recording and conversion, excellent durability, and rechargeable batteries. As the prices vary according to the combination of features, it boils down to your preferences.
So, take your time while researching these devices and keep our buying guide by your side. Unleash the vinyl lover in you with these suitcase record players!
