I'm not sure I know where exactly to start with the topic of portable turntables, all-in-one turntables, or turntables with built in speakers... whatever you want to call them. We write about turntables a lot, I know. My point with making a list of the 10 best portable turntables or the 5 best all-in-one record players is this: There are a lot of really good options if you know where to look.

There can sometimes be a pretty big barrier for people who are trying to get into collecting vinyl. I get it, you can't just go out and buy a Bose SoundLink or other such similar streaming device and just plug it in and magically listen to your records. A lot of "die-hard" record collectors insist that the only way to reallllly enjoy vinyl is to have a stereo that is pretty elaborate and tower-speakers with a special receiver and all of that stuff. Actually, we're modestly like that... because a good stereo is something I think everyone who loves music should invest in. But if you're just getting started, or just want to feel it out before you dive in head-first into a new hobby, a fantastic place to start is one of these all in one turntables. I say that because even with the higher end stereo setup I currently have in my living room, I love the simplicity of a small standalone record player that I can listen to in my loft. If you're buying a turntable for a friend or whoever and just aren't sure if they'll be let down by a more entry-level turntable, consider the idea that even if they plan on upgrading to a much nicer setup in the future, just about everybody who ends up loving the practice of collecting vinyl in the future will appreciate the idea of also having another small turntable that sits by itself and plays records in the bedroom or near their office desk.

My first turntable was a portable one, and even though I almost never move it anywhere in my house or take it anywhere really, it is nice to just have it... even knowing I have the mother-of-all-stereos elsewhere in the house. So, I've put together this list of some record players that I think have some classic styling, basic-functionality you should expect, and that I think would make the perfect starter turntable for anybody. If you are unsure about going any further into record collecting or just want to be able to listen to your records in a different room in your house without having to buy an entire new system, I think this is a good place to start.