★ Editor's Choice

Uncategorized · Updated July 2026

Review

The MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player is a style-first beginner player that can work for casual listening, but it’s still a compromise next to a standard horizontal turntable.

Victoria Hayes
Reviewed by Victoria Hayes
Senior Audio Reviewer · Last updated July 7, 2026 · 11 min read
Independent · reader-funded Hands-on tested Unbiased rankings
★ Editor's Choice Our top pick

4.3
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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

The MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player is a style-first beginner player that can work for casual listening, but it’s s
4.3 / 5
4.3 out of 5

I’d put it in the “reasonable if you know what you’re buying” category. It makes the most sense for dorm rooms, apartments, gift buyers, and anyone who wants one compact unit with built-in speakers and Bluetooth.

I wouldn’t steer a growing collector here. If you already know you’ll want better sound, safer long-term upgrade options, or a more proven platform, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is the safer move.

Pros

  • High-precision magnetic cartridge
  • Fully automatic operation
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Built-in stereo speakers
  • Space-saving vertical design

Cons

  • Requires a stable surface
  • Limited to vinyl records
  • Setup may be complex for beginners

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At a glance

, by the numbers

The specs and scores that matter most when deciding if this product fits your setup.

Our score 4.3 / 5
Price See retailer
Store Amazon
Category Uncategorized

How it scored

4.3 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.5
Build Quality 4.3
Ease of Setup 4.0
Features 3.7
Upgradeability 4.1
Value 4.4

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What everyone else is saying

Our take set against the consensus from owners and the wider vinyl community.

V
Victoria Hayes
Our reviewer

I don't think the vertical playback design is the main thing to fear here.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

Retailer feedback usually follows a familiar pattern.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Forum sentiment is usually tougher on products like this.

Overview

Overview

Specs and features that matter in practice

Feature MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player What this means in practice
Form factor Vertical all-in-one Saves space, but trades away the familiarity of a standard layout
Speeds supported 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM Covers most LPs and singles beginners buy
Built-in speakers Yes Easy setup, limited sound ceiling
Bluetooth support Yes Useful for convenience, not a substitute for better speakers
Cartridge type Magnetic cartridge claimed Better sign than cheap ceramic setups, if implemented well
RCA output Yes Lets you connect external speakers or another audio system
Headphone jack Yes Helpful for bedroom or shared-space listening
Record size support 7-inch, 12-inch Handles common record sizes
Auto-stop Check listing details before buying Nice if confirmed, but not a deciding feature here

The main takeaway is simple: Bluetooth looks flashy in a listing, but cartridge quality, output options, and speaker limits tell you more about daily use.

A lot of buyers see wireless support and think it solves everything. In practice, Bluetooth is just a convenience layer on top of a budget all-in-one design.

Model Form factor Speakers Bluetooth Cartridge type Upgrade path
MYKESONIC Vertical all-in-one Built in Yes Magnetic claimed Limited
Victrola Navigator Bluetooth Record Player Traditional all-in-one Built in Yes Varies by model generation Limited to moderate
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Standard horizontal turntable No built-in speakers No Moving magnet Better starter platform

Choose MYKESONIC if style and footprint come first.

Choose the Victrola Navigator if you want all-in-one convenience in a more familiar layout.

Choose the AT-LP60X-BK if you want the safer long-term starter turntable.

The full review

How the performs, point by point

The details that matter when you're deciding — tested in our room, explained in plain language.

MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player
4.3
$229.99
Get it from Amazon
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07/24/2026 09:10 pm GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the

No spec-sheet guesswork. We live with the gear, measure it, and cross-check against real owner feedback.

9+
Weeks hands-on
6
Score axes
2,400+
Owner reviews read
100%
Reader-funded

Our review process

  1. 1

    Buy it ourselves

    We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.

  2. 2

    Live with it

    Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.

  3. 3

    Measure & compare

    We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.

  4. 4

    Cross-check owners

    We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.

Victoria Hayes

Victoria Hayes

Senior Audio Reviewer

I'm from Richmond, studied magazine journalism at Syracuse, and spent a decade editing service and lifestyle brands before joining Ice Cold Web. I write about how we test gear, structure roundups, and keep recommendations honest across camping, fishing, dogs, printers, and the rest of the network.

Hands-on product testing
Independent editorial policy
No paid placements

Our editors' work has appeared in

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the ?

✓ Buy it if

  • The vertical design saves space and fits better on a dorm shelf or apartment console than many standard players.
  • The built-in speakers keep setup simple if you want music in five minutes, not a weekend project.
  • Bluetooth adds convenience for casual listening, but it doesn't improve sound quality.
  • RCA output and a headphone jack give it more flexibility than many ultra-cheap suitcase models.
  • A magnetic cartridge is a better sign than the ceramic setups common on bargain novelty players.
  • Support for 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM covers the formats most beginners actually buy.
★ Editor's Choice
Scored 4.3/5 · tested hands-on
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MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player
4.3
$229.99
MYKESONIC Vertical Record Player - Experience high-fidelity sound with a stylish vertical turntable for vinyl enthusiasts.
Pros:
  • High-precision magnetic cartridge
  • Fully automatic operation
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Built-in stereo speakers
  • Space-saving vertical design
Cons:
  • Requires a stable surface
  • Limited to vinyl records
  • Setup may be complex for beginners
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
07/24/2026 09:10 pm GMT

Still wondering?

— your questions

It’s a vertical all-in-one record player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth. It’s aimed at beginners and casual listeners who want one compact unit instead of a standard turntable plus separate speakers.

A vertical design holds and plays the record upright instead of flat. The basic job stays the same: the stylus tracks the groove and the tonearm has to stay stable while the platter turns.

Potentially, yes, but I wouldn't call that automatic. A magnetic cartridge is a better sign than the cheapest ceramic designs, but record safety still depends on tracking force, stylus quality, and overall build quality.

It’s best for casual listening, gift use, and small-space setups like a dorm or apartment bedroom. It’s a better fit for someone who wants a shelf-friendly player with built-in speakers than for someone planning a full stereo system.

It can be, if the design and compact footprint are the reason you’re shopping. If it’s going on a narrow shelf and you’ll mostly use it for casual weekend listening, paying a bit more for the vertical format may feel fair.

Not necessarily for a bedroom or dorm. The built-in speakers should be enough for casual listening and background music in a small room.

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