Quick Answer
For most people, the Trevi TT 1022 BT (£78.88) is the best choice because it offers decent built-in speakers with Bluetooth connectivity at a reasonable price, though you'll want to upgrade to proper speakers eventually.
Let's address the elephant in the room: turntables with built-in speakers aren't ideal for serious listening. The speakers are inevitably small, underpowered, and positioned too close to the stylus, potentially causing vibrations that affect playback. But for casual use, portability, or getting started with vinyl, they serve a purpose.
The real question isn't whether they're "good" – it's whether they're good enough for your needs and budget. Here's what you need to know about the options available in the UK market.
Why Built-In Speakers Exist (And Their Limitations)
Built-in speaker turntables appeal to people who want simplicity. No separate amplifier, no speaker cables, just plug and play. They're also genuinely portable – you can move them around the house or take them to a friend's place without hauling extra equipment.
The trade-offs are significant though. The speakers are typically 3-6 watts per channel (barely louder than a phone speaker), and the sound quality reflects the price point. More critically, having speakers in the same unit as the turntable can introduce vibrations that make the stylus skip or add unwanted resonance.
Our Top Recommendations
Record Player Trevi TT 1022 BT 3 W x 2 Stereo Aux-in Bluetooth RCA – £78.88
Best for: People who want built-in speakers plus the option to stream music via Bluetooth
This Trevi model offers 3W stereo speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, making it versatile for both vinyl and streaming. The RCA outputs mean you can connect better speakers later without replacing the entire unit. The USB port lets you digitize your records, though the quality won't match dedicated USB turntables.
The honest take: At under £80, this is about as good as built-in speaker turntables get. The Bluetooth is handy for playing phone music through the same speakers. Just don't expect hi-fi sound quality – think of it as a starter system you can upgrade piece by piece.
View Product →Record Player Denver Electronics VPL-230B Black – £74.60
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want modern features like Bluetooth and USB recording
The Denver VPL-230B packs Bluetooth and USB recording into an affordable package. The build quality is basic but functional, and the included speakers handle casual listening reasonably well. The Bluetooth lets you use it as a wireless speaker for your phone when not playing records.
The honest take: This is strictly entry-level kit. The speakers are adequate for background music but won't do justice to good pressings. However, at £74.60, it's hard to complain. Consider it a stepping stone to better gear rather than an endpoint.
View Product →Record Player Denver Electronics VPL 120 Black – £50.92
Best for: First-time vinyl buyers on a tight budget who need everything in one box
At just over £50, this Denver model strips away the extras to focus on basic vinyl playback with built-in speakers. You get USB recording capability but no Bluetooth. The construction is lightweight plastic, but it plays 33⅓ and 45 RPM records without fuss.
The honest take: This is about as cheap as turntables get while still being functional. Perfect for testing whether you actually like vinyl before investing more. The speakers are tinny and the build feels fragile, but it'll play records without damaging them.
View Product →Are Turntables with Built-In Speakers Good?
The short answer: they're good enough for specific situations. If you want to test vinyl collecting without a big investment, need something portable, or have severe space constraints, they work. They won't damage your records (unlike some toy turntables), and they're genuinely convenient.
But they're not good if you care about sound quality. The built-in speakers are the weak link – small drivers in cheap enclosures can't compete with proper bookshelf speakers. Even a £100 pair of separate speakers will outperform any built-in option.
What to Look For
When choosing a built-in speaker turntable, prioritize models with RCA outputs so you can connect better speakers later. Bluetooth can be useful but adds complexity that sometimes causes reliability issues. USB recording is nice to have but don't expect audiophile-quality transfers.
Most importantly, set realistic expectations. These are convenience products, not hi-fi components. They'll introduce you to vinyl's charm, but serious listening requires separate components.
Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit – £20.20
Best for: Anyone buying their first turntable, regardless of budget
Whether you spend £50 or £500 on a turntable, clean records are essential. This Hama kit includes an antistatic brush and cleaning solution – everything needed to keep records playing quietly and preserve their condition. The brush removes dust and static that causes pops and clicks.
The honest take: At £20, this is mandatory equipment. Dirty records sound terrible on any system, but especially through small built-in speakers where every noise is more noticeable. Buy this with your turntable, not months later when your records already sound rough.
View Product →Built-in speaker turntables serve their purpose as entry points to vinyl. They're not audiophile equipment, but they're honest about what they are – convenient, affordable ways to play records. Just remember that the real joy of vinyl comes through better speakers, so plan your upgrade path from day one.