The 4 Best Vertical Record Players: A Complete Guide

Published Categorized as Turntable Reviews

Looking to get the lowdown on the realm of the vertical record player? Want to find some of the best on the market today?

Then step forth and saddle up as we explore 4 of the best in depth.

Table of Contents

Vertical Record Player

1. Pro-Ject VT-E BT R

Right at the top of the list, we have this vertical record player from the wizards over at Pro-Ject. This is a piece of kit with tremendous attention to detail in terms of the build quality and the resulting tonal output. Of course, this does mean that it sells for a considerable amount more than some others on this list, but it is arguable that you get what you pay for in the world of vertical turntables.

If you are the kind of person that likes to customize their experience through interior decoration, then you are in luck! This turntable comes in 3 different colors (black, white, and red), each of which will no doubt find a place in your home decoration environment, especially since you have the choice of standing it up on a flat surface or mounting it on the wall.

Compared with some other more gimmicky vertical turntables, the Pro-Ject offers better sound quality at least in terms of the amount of noise produced by the motor. Thanks to the linear tracking system, you can be sure that your full-range stereo speakers are not going to act as a conduit for extra vibrations, all while operating at a steady and reliable speed.

On top of all of this, it is also fitted out with a built-in phono preamp and Bluetooth functionality, meaning you can outsource the audio to a set of phono speakers or just a Bluetooth speaker. What a modern turntable!

Pro-Ject VT-E R (OM5e) - Black Vertical Turntable, Black/Matte

Key Features

  • Dimensions are 16.9 high by 9.6 wide by 13.6 inches deep.
  • Weighs 6.2 lbs.
  • Comes in three glossy colors (black, white, and red).
  • Can be stood upright or hung from a wall.
  • Offers Bluetooth functionality
  • Comes with a built-in phono preamp
  • Belt-driven motor runs on a belt made from durable silicone that offers low-vibration interference and the ability to play warped records.
  • High-quality components like the lightweight aluminum tonearm and Ortofon OM5E cartridge make this one of the more modern vertical turntables.

Pros

  • This standing record player boasts an innovative vertical orientation.
  • Offers Bluetooth functionality.
  • Uses a stable and robust lightweight aluminum tonearm.
  • Fitted with a high-quality Ortofon OM5E cartridge.
  • The belt drive is unique and precise.
  • The aesthetic is minimal and in vogue, with a build quality that really counts.

Cons

  • The Bluetooth’s range is a little limited with an inconsistent quality of connection. This means the connection to smart speakers can be weak at times, too.
  • Though the build quality is reliable, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as you might expect from such an expensive piece of kit.
  • Wall mounting isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially if you are not used to such acts of DIY.
  • Installing the belt drive is also a bit of a nuisance.

2. Easygoproducts Vertical Bluetooth Turntable

If, however, you are on more of a budget, then this turntable has surely got you covered, offering a speed stability that far belies its low price point. Though relatively little known just yet, Easygoproducts is surely a brand that we will be seeing a lot more of in the future, especially considering their innovative and playful dealings with the vinyl record. Far from just a novelty, this vertical record player is more than capable of dealing with a floating record and even comes with a remote control if you ask nicely.

As with the Pro-Ject, you can either set this up standing on a flat surface or on a wall. Thankfully, both the mounting bracket for the former and the standing feet for the latter are included when you purchase the turntable, so just short of an amp and some external speakers you are ready to go. The vertical platter is held together by a magnetic record holder that keeps the discs in place, making sure that the record clamps tight and does not come loose.

Playing records vertically has never been so affordable and yet so right. If you are wanting a higher quality of sound you will likely need to avoid the built-in speakers at all costs. Do the right thing and use the USB ports to outsource that audio as soon as possible!

EasyGoProducts Guitars Shaped Vertical Bluetooth Turntable – 3 Speed Record Player – Auto Stop Feature

Key Features

  • Dimensions are 22.5 high by 18 wide by 9.2 inches long.
  • Weight is around 13 lbs.
  • Can be stood on a flat surface or hung from a wall, both options catered to by the company itself.
  • Offers the opportunity to play music from other devices via Bluetooth or Auxiliary inputs, permitting communication between in-built speakers and external devices.
  • Similarly, you can also connect to external speakers via the phono jacks for the left and right channels in the back of the turntable.
  • Easygoproducts offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which is in no way affiliated with the poor quality of their products.

Pros

  • The auto-stop feature is adept at protecting records, ensuring that playback goes on no longer than is necessary and stops when the record is finished.
  • The 30-day money-back guarantee is very useful for those with commitment issues.
  • Bluetooth functionality, though standard these days, is still worthy of merit.
  • Both wall mount and standing feet hardware is included by the manufacturer, something that could easily have been overlooked.

Cons

  • The build quality of the plastic chassis feels a little flimsy and does not feel as though it could handle falling from a wall mount unceremoniously.
  • The sound quality is incredibly questionable if you are the kind of person that is likely to dissect the sound as it comes to you.
  • The tonearm is too lightweight and thus has been known to jump about at times.

3. Fuse Vert

In an age where things are either one or the other – where binaries reign supreme – it is comforting to see a brand like Fuse trying to strike a healthy balance between the old and the new. Here we see such a fusion in the form of the Fuse Vert, a modern turntable in the sense that it uses a standing platter as its root, but an altogether retro turntable for its aesthetic qualities which can add to the styling of just about any living space.

The inside, though, is exceedingly modern, offering everything from Bluetooth functionality via smartphones, tablets, and/or laptops, to the ability to play digital files via the USB port. Sadly, though, you can connect this turntable to external speakers, you can not do so via Bluetooth. Luckily, the RCA outputs are more than capable, especially useful since the built-in speakers are pretty weak.

Decidedly retro is the turntable’s choice to include not only the 33 1/3 and 45 rpm playback but also 78 rpm, a near-extinct audio format that is rarely ever catered towards anymore. Heck, this thing even has an alarm clock! These guys are off the charts!

Fuse Vert Vertical Vinyl Record Player | FM Radio, Bluetooth, AUX, USB | Alarm Clock | Full Range Speakers | Vintage Mid Century Modern Style | Handcrafted Ashtree Wood

Key Features

  • Dimensions are 17.25 high by 16.25 long by 11.5 inches wide.
  • The weight is around 9.3 lbs.
  • Plays the three main turntable speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm.
  • Offers Bluetooth functionality, playing music from external devices, though not vice versa.
  • USB functionality can be attained in the form of playing MP3 files from a USB drive.
  • The RCA output jacks allow the outsourcing of the turntable to external speakers.
  • The radio and alarm that are equipped on board might be a deal breaker to some.

Pros

  • Bluetooth capability, though a standard these days, is still handy.
  • The built-in stereo speakers are decent enough.
  • The tonearm is balanced and features an Audio-Technica cartridge.
  • There is the option to outsource the audio to external speakers via the RCA outputs.
  • Offers the ability to play FM radio alongside an alarm function.

Cons

  • Bluetooth can be a little confusing and certainly not all that welcome if it is your first rodeo with such technology.
  • The built-in speakers are decent enough but really do not bring much to the table.

4. Victrola Wood Wall Mount Vertical Record Player

Finally, we have another hanging record player which, despite its more classic design tendencies, boasts some very modern features, being, in fact, one of the most versatile models on the list, despite its relatively low quality.

The construction quality is decent enough but does lag when compared to other more expensive models. The same goes for the sound overall sound quality, though this is arguably to be expected from such an affordable piece of kit.

Following on from this, the internal speakers are also fine enough but are not great when compared to others of this variety. Unlike the other turntables listed here, though, there is no option to outsource the audio to a pair of external speakers.

Alternatively, you can play some CDs or listen to the AM/FM radio, or even play music via Bluetooth up to a range of 33 feet.

Aesthetically, this turntable is a real catch and will look stunning on your wall if you are someone who prefers more antiquated interior design. If this is all you are looking for in a turntable, then Victrola has got you covered. If not, then it would be an idea to look elsewhere for your audio functionality.

Victrola 'The Shelves' - Vinyl Records and Album Art Holder (Set of 2), Espresso Wood Finish with Smart Black Metal Accents, Elegant and Stylist Looks, Wall Mountable, Single Shelf Holds 1 Record Art

Key Features

  • Dimensions are 19.2 high by 23.2 long by 7.8 inches wide.
  • Weighs are 22.8 lbs.
  • Plays the three main speeds of record (33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm).
  • Offers Bluetooth functionality that enables music to be played from external devices up to 33 feet away.
  • The aux input means that it can also play music from devices that are not Bluetooth capable.
  • The CD player and AM/FM are a nice touch, though they may as well have gone the whole hog and included a cassette player.

Pros

  • Bluetooth capability from external devices up to 33 feet away means that you can send any audio you like to the built-in speakers which, though nothing special, are decent enough.
  • The vintage design here is likely the main attraction to this turntable, the kind of thing that will end up hanging on a wall gathering dust between each occurrence where it becomes a fleeting conversation piece.
  • The sound quality is decent enough for the price.

Cons

  • There is no RCA out, so you are stuck with the lackluster built-in speakers.
  • The belt can slip off at times, failing at its only job.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Hopefully, you have found a new favorite record player!

FAQs Vertical Record Player

Are vertical turntables any good?

This remains to be seen by each individual person though the consensus among audiophiles is that they are at best equal to horizontal turntables. More than anything, vertical turntables seem like something of a gimmick, admittedly a gimmick that won’t just lay down and die with dignity.

Do vertical turntables damage records?

This depends on which you are using. If you are seriously into the idea of owning a vertical turntable and willing to fork out the extra cash to buy a higher-end one by, say, Pro-Ject, then you are likely not going to damage your records in the process. The same can’t necessarily be said for the lower-end options by Victrola and the like.

How much is an ELP turntable?

An ELP turntable is likely to set you back around $16,000 due to the fact that they are built-to-order laser turntables that are sent directly to consumers.

What is a vertical record player vs a horizontal one?

A vertical record player is one that operates and stands tall. A horizontal record player is a more standard record player that operates flat.

By Robert Halvari

My name is Robert Halvari - audio engineer and a total audiophile. I love vinyl because it has that natural character which brings music to life. I've been using and testing vinyl record players for around 15 years and I'm sharing my love and knowledge of vinyl by publishing all I know at Notes On Vinyl

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