★ Editor's Choice
Uncategorized · Updated July 2026
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.
Reviewed by Mara Chen
Accessories Review Editor · Last updated July 13, 2026 · 11 min read
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Hands-on tested
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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
In our listening room
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
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
See retailer
Store
Amazon
Category
Uncategorized
How it scored
4.2 / 5 overallGet 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
Customer consensus
Amazon buyers usually like players like this for the looks, gift appeal, ease of use, and price.
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.
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Get it from Amazon
4.2
$23.99
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
08/22/2026 08:02 pm 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
Buy it ourselves
We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.
-
2
Live with it
Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.
-
3
Measure & compare
We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.
-
4
Cross-check owners
We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.
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.
✕ Skip it if
- Built-in speakers sound small: Expect limited bass, narrow stereo spread, and a flatter presentation than even modest powered speakers. - The ceramic cartridge is a weak point: This cartridge type is common on cheap all-in-ones, and it usually isn't the most refined or record-friendly option. - Tracking force is likely heavier than better starter decks: That means less finesse and more caution with valuable records. - The upgrade path is thin: External speakers can help, but they won't turn this into a better turntable. - Bluetooth causes confusion: On budget players, Bluetooth often means audio input from a phone, not guaranteed output to wireless speakers.
- Durability can be inconsistent: Hinges, latches, platter support, and stylus quality are common weak spots in this class. - Full-size LP support may be mediocre: Smaller platters and lighter cabinets can make playback feel less stable.
★ Editor's Choice
See price
Get the Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth →
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Waves Vintage Vinyl Player with Bluetooth
Get it from Amazon
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
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
08/22/2026 08:02 pm 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.