VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable Review: The Ultimate Nostalgia Machine for the Modern Age?

There’s a magic to vinyl that digital formats can’t quite replicate. It’s the ritual: sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle drop of the needle, and that first, faint crackle before the music swells. For years, my parents’ cherished record collection sat gathering dust in the attic, a treasure trove of memories from The Beatles to Bowie. I wanted to unlock that warmth, to share those moments with my own family, but the world of turntables felt intimidating. Hefty components, complex setups, and audiophile price tags seemed like a high barrier to entry. I just wanted something simple, stylish, and versatile—a device that could bring old LPs to life without demanding a degree in audio engineering, and maybe even play a playlist from my phone. This search for an accessible, all-in-one solution is what led me to the charming suitcase player that promised to bridge the analogue past with the digital present.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Record Player

A portable record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging generations of music lovers. It solves the problem of inaccessible vinyl collections, offering a simple plug-and-play experience for those new to the format or returning after a long absence. Its main benefits are convenience, affordability, and versatility. Unlike traditional hi-fi systems that require separate components like amplifiers and speakers, these all-in-one units contain everything needed to start listening immediately. Their compact, often suitcase-style design makes them perfect for smaller living spaces, university dorms, or even for taking to a friend’s house to share the vinyl experience.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the desire to explore vinyl without a significant financial or technical commitment. This includes students, casual listeners, people rediscovering old family collections, or those looking for a stylish, retro-themed gift. It’s perfect for the person who values atmosphere and nostalgia as much as pure audio fidelity. However, it might not be suitable for seasoned audiophiles or those looking to build a high-end, component-based sound system. If your primary goal is critical listening and capturing every subtle nuance of a recording, you might consider investing in a dedicated turntable and separate, higher-quality speakers and amplifiers.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is the main draw. Check the product dimensions (the VOKSUN is a compact 35 x 25.5 x 12.5 cm) to ensure it fits your intended space, whether it’s a bookshelf, a side table, or a corner of your room. The suitcase design is excellent for storage, as it can be closed up and tucked away neatly when not in use.
• Performance & Features: Look for a 3-speed player (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) to ensure compatibility with all common record sizes and types. Modern features like Bluetooth connectivity (to use the player as a speaker), USB playback, and vinyl-to-MP3 recording add tremendous value, transforming it from a simple turntable into a multi-functional audio hub.
• Materials & Durability: Most suitcase players are built with a combination of plastic and wood, wrapped in materials like PVC leather. While not as robust as the high-mass MDF plinths of audiophile turntables, they are designed for lightness and style. Check for sturdy latches, a solid handle, and a well-protected tonearm for longevity, especially if you plan to move it around often.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best entry-level players are incredibly user-friendly. Look for simple controls: a single knob for power and volume, a speed selection switch, and an auto-stop function that halts the platter at the end of a record. Long-term care is minimal, usually just involving occasional dusting and eventual stylus replacement.

Keeping these factors in mind, the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the available colour options here.

While the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable is an excellent choice for its category, 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Slice of Retro Charm

Unboxing the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable felt like opening a time capsule. The unit arrived securely packaged, and lifting it out revealed a beautifully crafted suitcase, finished in a vibrant blue PVC leather that feels surprisingly premium for the price point. The chrome-coloured latches and hardware add to the vintage aesthetic, and the integrated handle is solid and comfortable. At first touch, it’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy. Setting it up was laughably simple: I opened the lid, plugged in the power cord, and it was ready to go. There were no complex components to assemble or balance. Inside, the layout is clean and intuitive. The platter, tonearm, and controls are all logically placed. It immediately gives off an air of fun and accessibility, a stark contrast to the often-intimidating look of more “serious” turntables. It’s an invitation to simply put on a record and enjoy.

A Deep Dive into the VOKSUN Turntable’s Performance

A record player can look the part, but its true test is in the playing. We spent weeks with the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable, spinning everything from delicate folk LPs and classic rock albums to old 78 RPM shellac records. We also tested its modern connectivity features, turning it into the centerpiece of a garden BBQ and a personal listening station. Here’s our in-depth breakdown of how it performed.

Design, Portability, and Build Quality

The single greatest strength of this VOKSUN player is its design. It nails the “retro-modern” aesthetic perfectly. The suitcase form factor isn’t just a gimmick; it’s genuinely practical. When closed, it protects the delicate turntable components from dust and damage, and the handle makes it effortless to move from room to room. We found ourselves taking it from the living room to the home office without a second thought. This portability was a huge hit, echoed by one user who mentioned it “was a such a feature and excellent speaker” at a garden BBQ. The compact dimensions mean it doesn’t dominate a space, fitting comfortably on a small table or shelf. The PVC leather finish, available in multiple colours, is well-applied and gives the player a luxurious feel that belies its budget-friendly price. As another happy customer noted, “the leather feel of the product makes it feel very good quality and luxurious.”

However, the design isn’t flawless. While our test unit was solid, a few user reports mention issues with the turntable base feeling loose or not being properly fixed in place, leading to skipping or an inability to turn. This suggests some potential for quality control inconsistencies. We experienced no skipping whatsoever, even with brand new records, but it’s something to be mindful of upon unboxing. The most consistent and widespread critique, which we fully endorse, is the length of the power cord. At only about one metre long, it significantly restricts placement options. Unless you have a socket right where you want the player, you’ll be reaching for an extension cord, a minor but persistent annoyance confirmed by multiple users who wished “the power cable was a bit longer.”

Audio Performance: Speakers, Headphones, and Outputs

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the built-in speakers. For an all-in-one unit at this price, our expectations were managed, and we were pleasantly surprised. The sound is clear and gets reasonably loud, more than enough to fill a medium-sized room with warm, analogue music. As one user aptly put it, “For the price, the sound isn’t too bad.” We agree. It’s not a hi-fi experience; the bass is present but not powerful, and the overall sound profile can feel a bit constrained in the mid-range. Some have described it as “tinny” or “can-like,” but we found it perfectly acceptable for casual listening and ideal for someone just starting their vinyl journey. Another new user confirmed this, saying, “The sound quality is okay and I have used my own earphone which works well.”

This is where the VOKSUN player’s connectivity becomes its saving grace. The sound limitations of the internal speakers are easily overcome. We plugged in a pair of quality headphones into the 3.5mm jack and were immediately rewarded with a much richer, more detailed listening experience, perfect for late-night sessions. The real game-changer, though, is the RCA audio output on the back. We connected the turntable to a pair of powered bookshelf speakers, and the sound quality was transformed. This simple upgrade path allows the player to grow with you. You can start with the convenience of the built-in speakers and later integrate it into a larger, better-sounding system. This versatility makes it an incredibly smart purchase for a beginner.

Versatility in Spades: Bluetooth, USB Recording, and Multi-Speed Playback

The VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable is far more than just a record player; it’s a complete audio hub. The Bluetooth functionality is brilliantly implemented. With a flick of a switch, the turntable becomes a Bluetooth receiver, allowing you to stream audio from your phone or tablet through its speakers. Pairing was instantaneous and the connection remained stable. This feature proved incredibly useful, turning the player into our go-to speaker for podcasts and playlists. As one user highlighted, the Bluetooth sound is “perfect and loud,” making it a versatile party piece.

The vinyl-to-MP3 recording feature is another standout. The process is straightforward: plug in a USB flash drive, play your record, and press the record button. We digitized several tracks from an old, hard-to-find LP. The resulting MP3 files were of good quality, perfectly capturing the character of the vinyl recording. This is an invaluable tool for preserving rare records or for creating a digital copy of your collection to listen to on the go. It’s a modern convenience that adds immense practical value, allowing you to “record to a memory stick,” as one satisfied customer put it.

Finally, the core function—playing records—is handled with competence. The belt-drive mechanism provides stable rotation, and the three-speed selection (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) means you can play virtually any record ever made. We tested it with standard LPs, 7-inch singles (using the included 45 RPM adapter), and even some brittle 78s from the 1940s. The player handled them all without issue. The simple, high-sensitivity stylus did a commendable job of tracking the grooves. For anyone looking to explore old family heirlooms, like the user who needed it for “78 rpm records for research purposes,” this player is an ideal and inexpensive tool.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we scoured user feedback to see how our experience compared. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with most users celebrating the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable as a fantastic value proposition. Many, like one happy parent, purchased it as a gift and were “really surprised at how good the built in speakers are!!” Its role as a gateway to vinyl is a recurring theme, with one reviewer noting it was a “beautiful opportunity to introduce my kids to the wonders of American Mountain Music.” The ease of use is consistently praised; it’s described as “super easy to set up and use” and a “great little treasure.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most common complaint, as we also found, is the short power cable. One user summed it up perfectly: “unless it’s next to a socket, you have to have extension leads trailing around. 😒” More concerning are the occasional reports of quality control issues, specifically units arriving with wobbly or non-functional turntables that cause records to skip. One frustrated buyer reported that “every single one of them skips,” pointing to a loose plastic base. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of checking the unit thoroughly upon arrival. The manufacturer’s customer service has received praise in some cases for resolving these issues promptly.

How Does the VOKSUN Turntable Compare to the Alternatives?

The VOKSUN player shines in the entry-level, all-in-one market, but how does it stack up against other options? We looked at three popular alternatives at different price points to give you a clearer picture.

1. FYDEE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Turntable Record Player

The FYDEE record player is a direct competitor to the VOKSUN, occupying a very similar niche and price point. It offers the same core features: 3-speed playback, built-in speakers, and multiple connectivity options like AUX and RCA out. The primary difference is aesthetic. Where the VOKSUN opts for a vibrant, retro PVC leather suitcase look, the FYDEE features a more subdued, classic natural wood finish. This choice comes down to personal taste. If you prefer a more traditional, hi-fi component look over the playful portability of a suitcase, the FYDEE is an excellent alternative. Functionally, they are very closely matched, making them both great entry points into the world of vinyl.

2. Audio-Technica LP60XBK Automatic Turntable

The Audio-Technica LP60XBK represents the next logical step up for a budding vinyl enthusiast. It is not a portable, all-in-one player; it is a dedicated turntable from a highly respected audio brand. It lacks built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and a suitcase design. What you get instead is a focus on superior sound quality and reliability. It features a fully automatic operation (the tonearm lifts and returns by itself), which is a fantastic convenience feature. This player is for someone who has decided they are serious about vinyl and is ready to invest in separate speakers and an amplifier (or already owns them). It offers a more refined, detailed sound than the VOKSUN but sacrifices the all-in-one convenience and portability.

3. Fluance RT82 High Fidelity Turntable Walnut

The Fluance RT82 is in a different league entirely, aimed at the discerning listener looking to build a true high-fidelity system. It is a precision-engineered piece of audio equipment. Key features include a solid MDF wood plinth for vibration damping, a high-quality Ortofon OM10 cartridge for superior sound retrieval, and a speed control motor for absolute rotational accuracy. This turntable will extract significantly more detail and dynamic range from your records than the VOKSUN or Audio-Technica. However, it requires a full component system (phono preamp, amplifier, speakers) and a much larger budget. It’s the right choice for the dedicated audiophile, but overkill for the casual listener who the VOKSUN is designed for.

Our Final Verdict: Is the VOKSUN Turntable Worth Your Money?

After weeks of listening, testing, and comparing, our conclusion is clear: the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable is an outstanding product for its intended audience. It is the perfect first record player for anyone curious about vinyl, a fantastic gift for a music lover, and a wonderfully versatile audio device for any home. It expertly balances nostalgic charm with modern functionality, offering features like Bluetooth streaming and MP3 recording that dramatically increase its value. While the built-in speakers won’t satisfy a seasoned audiophile and the short power cord is an undeniable quirk, these are minor trade-offs for the immense convenience, style, and pure fun it delivers.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to beginners, casual listeners, and anyone looking to bring an old record collection back to life without breaking the bank. It’s an accessible, affordable, and deeply enjoyable gateway to the rich, warm world of vinyl. If you’ve decided the VOKSUN Portable Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable is the right fit for you, you can check its current price and purchase it here.