1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player Review: The Perfect Gateway to the World of Vinyl?

There’s a certain magic that has been lost in the era of streaming. We have infinite songs at our fingertips, but the experience can feel sterile, intangible. I remember finding a dusty crate of my parents’ old LPs in the attic—Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, David Bowie. Holding the large cardboard sleeves, admiring the artwork, and feeling the weight of the vinyl was a connection to the music that a simple tap on a screen could never replicate. The problem was, I had nothing to play them on. The search for a record player began, but it was daunting. Audiophile forums spoke of preamps, cartridges, and counterweights in a language I didn’t understand. I just wanted to listen to those records, to hear the warm crackle and pop that people wax poetic about. I needed something simple, stylish, and affordable that wouldn’t require a degree in audio engineering to set up. This is the exact predicament where a product like the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player enters the conversation, promising to bridge the gap between nostalgic charm and modern convenience.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Record Player

A record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rediscovering the intentional act of listening to music. In a world of playlists and algorithm-driven suggestions, a turntable forces a more deliberate engagement. You select an album, place it on the platter, and often listen to it in its entirety, as the artist intended. The main benefit of a portable, all-in-one model like this is accessibility. It removes the financial and technical barriers that can make vinyl seem intimidating, offering a complete, out-of-the-box solution with built-in speakers, multiple speed settings, and even modern features like Bluetooth.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: a beginner eager to explore vinyl, a student in a small dorm room, or a casual listener who wants a stylish and simple device for the living room. It’s perfect for those who have inherited a record collection and want a no-fuss way to enjoy it. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are serious audiophiles. If your goal is to build a high-fidelity system with components you can upgrade over time, and you prioritize sonic accuracy above all else, you would likely be better served by a more traditional component turntable that separates the turntable, preamp, amplifier, and speakers.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The beauty of a “suitcase” style player is its compact footprint. When closed, it’s no larger than a small briefcase, making it incredibly easy to store on a shelf or slide under a bed. Consider where you’ll place it when it’s open for play; while small, it still needs a flat, stable surface away from excessive vibrations. Its portability is a huge asset for those in apartments or who want to move it from room to room.
• Performance & Sound Quality: This is the most critical area. All-in-one players feature built-in speakers for convenience, but they are typically small and will not produce deep bass or high-end clarity. Look for models, like this one, that include RCA outputs. This gives you a vital upgrade path to connect to external powered speakers or an amplifier, dramatically improving the sound quality when you’re ready. Also, ensure the player supports all the speeds you need (33, 45, and 78 RPM) to play your entire collection.
• Materials & Durability: Most portable players are built with a wooden cabinet wrapped in a material like PU leather. This achieves a fantastic retro aesthetic and keeps the unit lightweight. While perfectly durable for home use, it won’t be as robust as the high-mass MDF (medium-density fibreboard) plinths found on more expensive, non-portable turntables, which are designed to dampen vibrations.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: For a beginner, simplicity is paramount. Features like an auto-stop function (which stops the platter from spinning at the end of a record) and a pre-balanced tonearm make the experience plug-and-play. Long-term care involves occasionally cleaning your records and stylus with a proper brush and replacing the stylus after a certain number of playback hours to protect your vinyl.

Keeping these factors in mind, the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player stands out in several areas, particularly for its blend of style, simplicity, and connectivity. You can explore its detailed specifications and vibrant colour options here.

While the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the 1 BY ONE: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player from its box felt like an event. We tested the turquoise model, and the colour was even more vibrant and charming in person than in the pictures. The faux leather has a pleasant texture, and the chrome-coloured clasps and corner guards give it an authentic mid-century modern vibe. At just 5.7 pounds, it is genuinely lightweight and easy to carry with one hand using the built-in handle. Opening the latch reveals a cleanly laid out deck. The controls are intuitive: a single knob for power and volume, a small switch to select between Phono, and Bluetooth, and another to select the speed (33, 45, or 78). There’s no complex setup or counterweight balancing to worry about. The package includes the power adapter and a 45-RPM adapter for playing 7″ singles. It’s the definition of plug-and-play; we were ready to spin a record in under a minute, a fact confirmed by one user who joyfully stated, “i got it working in 1 min :)”

A Deep Dive into Performance: Putting the 1 BY ONE to the Test

Aesthetics and simplicity are wonderful, but the true test of any record player is how it performs. Does it play records reliably? How does it actually sound? And do the modern features like Bluetooth add real value? We spent extensive time with the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player, spinning everything from brand-new 180-gram pressings to delicate, decades-old 78s, to get a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and limitations.

Setup and Ease of Use: From Box to Music in 60 Seconds

The single greatest strength of this turntable is its profound accessibility. For anyone who has ever felt intimidated by the world of vinyl, this player is a welcoming handshake. The entire setup process consists of two steps: plugging the power cord into the wall and plugging the other end into the back of the unit. That’s it. Opening the lid, you are greeted by controls that are immediately understandable. The power/volume knob has a satisfying click when turned on. The speed selection is a simple, firm toggle switch. To play a record, you simply place it on the platter, gently lift the tonearm using the cue lever (a feature we appreciate for preventing accidental needle drops), position it over the record, and lower the lever. The tonearm descends smoothly thanks to its “soft damping control,” and music fills the room.

We tested its rotational speed consistency using a strobe disc and found it to be impressively stable, with negligible fluctuations. This confirms the findings of one user who noted a “constant RPM with negligible fluctuations, even on warped discs.” This stability is crucial for ensuring the music sounds as it should, without any noticeable “wow” or “flutter” (the audio distortions caused by speed variations). The auto-stop feature worked reliably on most LPs, stopping the platter a few seconds after the final track finished. However, as one user pointed out, on some records, it could stop “just before the record ends.” This is a common quirk on players in this category and wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, but it’s worth noting.

Sound Quality: Managing Expectations and Unlocking Potential

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the built-in speakers. To be blunt, they will not impress an audiophile. They are small, front-facing stereo speakers that deliver a sound best described as functional. The audio is clear enough for casual listening in a bedroom or office, and the volume gets surprisingly loud. We found, as did several users, that the sound is “clear” and “decent,” but ultimately “basic.” It lacks significant low-end bass and can sound a bit thin or “tinny” at higher volumes. One user perfectly summarized it: “The sound is clear, and the speakers sound good, but nothing amazing.”

However, to judge the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player solely on its internal speakers would be to miss the point entirely. Its true audio potential is unlocked via the RCA outputs on the back. We connected the turntable to a pair of entry-level powered bookshelf speakers, and the transformation was immediate and astounding. Suddenly, the sound was full, dynamic, and rich. The warmth of the vinyl came through, the bass had presence, and the stereo separation was excellent. This single, simple upgrade elevates the player from a fun novelty to a legitimate and highly enjoyable music source. Many experienced users recommend this path, with one noting, “Internal speakers themselves are very low quality- do hook it up to something nicer.” This upgrade path is the player’s secret weapon, allowing it to grow with you as your interest in audio deepens. If you’re ready to unlock its true potential with a proper sound system, you can see all the connectivity options and features available on this model.

Portability and Design: A Stylish Trip Down Memory Lane

Beyond its function as a music player, this turntable is a fantastic piece of decor. The briefcase design is not just a gimmick; it’s a core part of its appeal. The wooden cabinet construction gives it a solid feel despite its light weight, and the PU leather wrapping is applied neatly. The chrome hardware adds a touch of sparkle, completing the retro aesthetic that so many users fall in love with. As one reviewer eloquently put it, “The Portable unit came in a faux baby blue leather case with chrome accent features which gave it a look from the 80’s.” It’s a conversation starter, an object that looks just as good sitting closed on a shelf as it does open and playing a record.

Its portability is practical. Being able to close the lid, latch it securely, and carry it to another room, a friend’s house, or a holiday home is a significant advantage over traditional turntables. It makes sharing the vinyl experience easy and fun. It is important to clarify, as one user noted, that it is not battery-powered and “Does need to be plugged in though.” “Portable” here refers to its ease of transport, not off-grid capability. For most users, who simply want to move it from the living room to the patio on a sunny afternoon, this is a perfect compromise.

Connectivity and Versatility: More Than Just a Record Player

The 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player truly shines in its flexible connectivity. The inclusion of Bluetooth is a brilliant nod to the modern listener. We found pairing our smartphone was effortless; you simply switch the function toggle to BT, and the player appears in your device’s Bluetooth menu. Within seconds, we were streaming a podcast through the turntable’s speakers. The audio quality via Bluetooth mirrors that of the built-in speakers themselves—it’s fine for casual listening at low to mid-volumes but won’t be your go-to party speaker. This was consistent with user feedback: “in regards to connecting your phone and playing music the sound isn’t great AT LOUD VOLUME.”

The headphone jack is another welcome feature, perfect for late-night listening sessions where you don’t want to disturb anyone. Plugging in a decent pair of headphones provides a much more immersive and detailed sound experience than the built-in speakers can offer. Finally, the ability to play 33, 45, and 78 RPM records cannot be overstated. While most modern vinyl is pressed at 33 or 45 RPM, the ability to play older 78s means you can enjoy shellac records from the first half of the 20th century, making this a wonderfully versatile machine for anyone who has inherited a multi-generational collection.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience aligned with the broader public. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from new vinyl enthusiasts and gift-buyers. A recurring theme is the sheer joy and nostalgia the player evokes. One user perfectly captured this feeling: “I’m already sat listening and feeling like I’m right back in my childhood bedroom.” Many celebrate it as their “first record player,” praising its amazing value and ease of use. One happy customer noted, “it plays new and old records without any problems. The sound quality is good and you can pair your phone… It’s a perfect gift.”

The constructive criticism is just as consistent and aligns perfectly with our findings. The most common point of critique is the quality of the built-in speakers. A discerning user stated, “Needle isn’t exactly studio quality… Internal speakers themselves are very low quality- do hook it up to something nicer.” This isn’t so much a complaint as it is sound advice for new owners on how to get the most out of their purchase. The feedback confirms our assessment: the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player is a fantastic starting point, made even better with the simple addition of external speakers.

How Does the 1 BY ONE Compare to the Competition?

The entry-level turntable market is crowded, so it’s essential to see where the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player sits relative to its key alternatives. Each of the following caters to a slightly different user with different priorities.

1. ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers

The ANGELS HORN represents the next logical step up for a beginner who is starting to prioritize sound quality. While it also comes with speakers, its main advantage is the inclusion of an Audio-Technica AT-3600L moving magnet cartridge. This is a significant upgrade from the ceramic cartridge found on the 1 BY ONE, offering better tracking, less record wear, and more nuanced sound reproduction. It has a more traditional, minimalist Hi-Fi look. You should choose the ANGELS HORN if you’re willing to invest a bit more for superior out-of-the-box audio fidelity and see vinyl as a budding hobby rather than just a casual pastime.

2. Denver MRD-51BT MK2 Retro Record Player

The Denver MRD-51BT MK2 is less a dedicated record player and more of a complete retro media center. Its biggest selling point is its incredible versatility. In addition to a turntable, it includes a DAB/FM radio, a cassette deck, a CD player, and a USB port for MP3 playback and recording. If you have a diverse collection of physical media spanning multiple formats, this is an unbeatable all-in-one solution. However, this jack-of-all-trades approach means the turntable component itself is not as focused as the 1 BY ONE. Choose the Denver if your primary goal is to play music from every format imaginable in one convenient, nostalgic package.

3. Fluance RT81 High Fidelity Turntable

The Fluance RT81 is a true entry-level audiophile turntable and exists in a different class. It eschews all convenience features like built-in speakers and Bluetooth in favor of pure sound quality. It boasts a solid MDF wood plinth to reduce vibration, an upgraded Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, and an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate controls for precise stylus tracking. It has a built-in preamp, but you will need to provide your own powered speakers or amplifier. This is the choice for the aspiring audio enthusiast who wants to build a proper component Hi-Fi system and prioritizes analog sound performance above all else. It offers a clear upgrade path but requires more investment and setup.

Final Verdict: Is the 1 BY ONE Record Player Your Gateway to Vinyl?

After extensive hands-on testing, we can say with confidence that the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player is an absolutely brilliant product for its intended audience. It masterfully balances retro charm, modern convenience, and an affordable price point. It is the perfect first step for anyone curious about vinyl, offering a delightful and completely unintimidating out-of-the-box experience. Its greatest strength is its accessibility—it brings the joy of records to everyone, regardless of their technical knowledge.

While the built-in speakers are merely adequate, the inclusion of RCA outputs provides a crucial and highly effective upgrade path, allowing the player’s performance to grow with your passion. For its target market—beginners, gift-seekers, and casual listeners looking for a stylish music player—it’s an unqualified success. It’s not trying to compete with high-end audiophile gear; it’s creating new audiophiles by making the hobby fun and accessible. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the warm, analog waters of vinyl without breaking the bank, we wholeheartedly recommend it.

If you’ve decided the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.