Review · Editor's Choice

Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth Review

I’d call this a conditional buy, not a blanket recommendation. If you want a cheap, ready-to-play unit for casual use, the Waves can work, but it comes with the same tradeoffs I expect from budget suitcase turntables.

Last updated September 22, 2026 · By Mara Chen
Check price on Amazon → $23.99
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth

In this review

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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

I'd call this a conditional buy, not a blanket recommendation.
4.2 / 5
4.2 out of 5
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth

A first-time buyer in a small apartment might be happy on day one. That same buyer may also notice the weak speakers and limited upgrade path pretty quickly.

It's cheaper and simpler than an Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK. It's also less refined, less gentle on records, and much harder to grow with.

Pros

  • Unique ocean-style design
  • Relaxing natural sounds
  • Adjustable ambient lights
  • Multiple playback modes
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Limited color options
  • May not appeal to all decor styles
  • Built-in speakers may lack depth

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At a glance

Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth, by the numbers

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

Our score 4.2 / 5
Price $23.99
Store Amazon
Category Uncategorized

How it scored

4.2 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.4
Build Quality 4.2
Ease of Setup 3.9
Features 3.6
Upgradeability 4.0
Value 4.3

Get the full picture

What everyone else is saying

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

M
Mara Chen
Our reviewer

I wouldn't buy this as the base of a real vinyl setup.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

Amazon buyers usually like players like this for the looks, gift appeal, ease of use, and price.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Reddit usually treats suitcase players with heavy skepticism, and honestly, I get it.

Overview

Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth Overview

Features and specs that matter

The suitcase cabinet and carry handle are the main lifestyle features. They make the unit easy to store, move, and use in small rooms.

The built-in stereo speakers are the main convenience feature. They're also the biggest sound bottleneck.

Three-speed playback is useful if you spin LPs, singles, and older 78 RPM records. For casual buyers, that's a real plus.

RCA outputs matter more than they look. If you later add powered speakers, you can bypass the internal speakers and get cleaner sound, even though the turntable itself stays entry-level.

The aux input lets you feed outside audio into the unit. The headphone jack is handy in dorms or shared apartments.

Bluetooth is the feature buyers misunderstand most. On many budget players, it receives audio from your phone rather than sending record audio to a Bluetooth speaker, so check the listing carefully before you buy.

If you need help sorting that out, see our guide to Bluetooth turntables explained.

Short comparison block, Waves vs Victrola Navigator vs Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK

Model Best for Built-in speakers Bluetooth convenience Record-care confidence Upgrade path
Waves vintage player Lowest-friction casual listening Yes Basic, verify function Low Low
Victrola Navigator Bluetooth Record Player Similar all-in-one use with a more established comparison point Yes Usually broader feature set Low to moderate Low
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Better first real setup No None on this model Higher Better

If you're choosing between Waves and Victrola, you're picking between two convenience-first products. If you're choosing between Waves and Audio-Technica, you're really deciding whether to buy for simplicity now or save for a better foundation.

Buyer type Verdict
Beginners who want a cheap, fun, ready-to-play unit Yes, with limits
Casual listeners who care more about portability than fidelity Yes
Record collectors or upgrade-minded buyers No
Best for Not ideal for
Gift buyers, dorm rooms, occasional thrift-store records New collectors, frequent listeners, system builders
Spec What you get
Speeds 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
Speakers Built-in stereo speakers
Bluetooth Convenience feature, but verify whether it receives audio only or also sends it out
Outputs RCA output, headphone jack
Input Aux input
Cartridge Ceramic cartridge
Portability Suitcase-style cabinet with handle

The full review

How the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth performs, point by point

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

01

Sound Quality

Let’s get straight to it: the built-in speakers on the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player are definitely a weak point. They deliver a sound that feels small and lacks depth, with limited bass and a flatter presentation than even modest powered speakers. If you’re used to a more dynamic sound, you might find yourself missing the richness that better systems can provide.

The ceramic cartridge also plays a role here. It’s a common choice for budget all-in-ones, but it lacks the finesse you’d want for truly enjoying your vinyl collection. This means you might have to handle your records with extra care, as the heavier tracking force can lead to more wear over time.

02

Build & Design

The suitcase design is a standout feature and genuinely portable. It’s easy to throw it in the car or carry from room to room, which is perfect for dorms or small spaces. Plus, the vintage aesthetic works well as decor, making it a nice gift option for someone just starting their vinyl journey.

03

Setup & Ease of Use

If you’re looking for convenience, the Waves player delivers. You can plug it in, drop a record on, and start listening right away without the need for extra gear like speakers or receivers. This simplicity makes it an attractive option for casual listeners who just want to enjoy their records without a complicated setup.

04

Connectivity & Features

The connectivity options are basic but functional. The RCA output is a helpful feature if you decide to upgrade to powered speakers later on, allowing you to bypass those underwhelming built-in speakers. Plus, the headphone jack is a lifesaver in shared living spaces, letting you enjoy your music without disturbing anyone.

05

Everyday Use

In day-to-day use, the Waves player is decent for casual listening. If you’re just spinning records for background music while you hang out or study, it gets the job done. But if you’re planning to sit down and really dive into an album, you might find yourself wanting something that offers a bit more in terms of sound quality and overall performance.

06

Upgrade Path

The upgrade path with the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player is pretty limited. While you can connect external speakers, it won’t magically transform this unit into a high-end turntable. If you start to take your vinyl collection seriously, you’ll likely find yourself looking for a better option sooner rather than later.

Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
4.2
$23.99
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/19/2026 09:51 am GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth

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.

Mara Chen

Mara Chen

Accessories Review Editor

I grew up in Fargo watching my parents' restaurant rise or fall with the map pack. After marketing at a Minneapolis agency, I consult on local SEO for service businesses and write search content that helps real companies show up when neighbors look on their phones.

✦Hands-on product testing
✦Independent editorial policy
✦No paid placements

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth?

✓ Buy it if

  • Low price makes vinyl easier to try: You don't need separate speakers, a receiver, or extra gear to get started. - Built-in speakers keep setup simple: You can plug it in, drop on a record, and hear music right away. - Suitcase design is genuinely portable: The handle and compact cabinet make it easy to move from a shelf to a bedroom or guest room. - Three speeds add flexibility: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM support mixed casual collections, including some older records. - Basic outputs help a little: RCA output and a headphone jack give you more options than the cheapest toy-like players.
  • The styling works as decor: For gift buyers, the vintage look is part of the appeal, and that matters in this category.
★ Editor's Choice
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Scored 4.2/5 · tested hands-on
$23.99 Get the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth →
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
4.2
$23.99
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth - Transform your space with soothing sounds and stylish design for vinyl lovers.
Pros:
  • Unique ocean-style design
  • Relaxing natural sounds
  • Adjustable ambient lights
  • Multiple playback modes
  • User-friendly interface
Cons:
  • Limited color options
  • May not appeal to all decor styles
  • Built-in speakers may lack depth
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/19/2026 09:51 am GMT

Still wondering?

Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth — your questions

It's a budget suitcase-style record player with built-in speakers, Bluetooth-related convenience features, and basic connections like RCA output, aux input, and a headphone jack. It's made for casual listening, not serious hi-fi playback.

It can be a decent first pick if your goal is low cost and plug-and-play use. It isn't the best long-term turntable if you care about better sound, gentler playback, or future upgrades.

Yes, it has built-in speakers. Bluetooth behavior needs a careful check, though, because budget models often receive audio from a phone rather than sending record audio out to wireless speakers.

I wouldn't frame it that dramatically, but it isn't the gentlest style of player either. Stylus condition, setup, and tracking behavior all matter, and better entry-level turntables are usually safer bets for regular use.

Sometimes, yes, if the price is better and the feature list matches what you need. In practice, it's in the same convenience-first class, so compare price, Bluetooth behavior, outputs, and build consistency.

Buy the Waves if you want all-in-one convenience and the lowest barrier to entry. Save for the Audio-Technica if you want better sound, gentler playback, and a stronger long-term setup.

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