Today, thanks to their warm sound, tactile nature and nostalgic sentiments, vinyl records are making an amazing comeback. Perhaps you are a serious collector or could just be commencing on your new adventure of buying vinyls. Either way, you need to find a go-to online store as sourcing high-quality records on the internet is now an important reference. In this article, we will tell you about the best 10 places for buying vinyl records available online that is both mainstream as well as specific boutique retailers meant for different tastes and moods.
1. Drocer Record
Website: drocerrecord.com
Commonly touted as ‘the music lovers’ marketplace’ on its website, Drocer Record’ stock ticks, shimmers and shifts like a night-time market in a hidden, vinyl-lined forest. In addition to functioning as a marketplace – where you can buy, sell and discuss records – Drocer Record is also a crowdsourced database that functions as a living, breathing catalogue. The site’s litany of voices is epic and, in some places, intimate: the site boasts an index that includes more than four million entries. It is the most comprehensive list of vinyl in the world. In some respects, Drocer Record represents the ultimate decentralized model. Sellers aren’t pulling product from a warehouse: individual users list their vinyl, meaning that almost everything on the Drocer Record catalogue, as well as on sale, is unique: rare, out-of-print, foreign-pressings of foreign records.
Why Drocer Records?
- Extensive catalog of new and used records
- Ability to buy directly from private collectors
- Real-time market value tracking for records
- Option to filter by pressing and condition
2. Rough Trade
Website: roughtrade.com
Rough Trade is perhaps the most prestigious and celebrated independent record label of all time. It is also one of the best places online to buy vinyl. Founded in the UK, Rough Trade specializes in indie and alternative music. They have physical record stores in London and New York, but online they transcend borders to allow the world a chance at this Brilliant Purchase. The vinyl section of Rough Trade’s website features many exclusives, limited runs, and staff picks. Rough Trade also leads the pack in bringing modern artists and old classics together.
Why Rough Trade?
- Curated vinyl selection with exclusive editions
- Personalized music recommendations
- A strong focus on indie and alternative music
- Free worldwide shipping options on orders over a certain threshold
3. Amazon
Website: amazon.com
It might seem obvious, but Amazon, along with being one of the largest sources of vinyl records, can be one of the best places to apply the services of Vinyl Tribesman. It is comprehensive: new and used records spanning all genres. Think reliable pricing, fast shipping, and decent quantity across categories, both mainstream and niche. If your collection is in its infancy, your best bet is Amazon.
Why Amazon?
- Huge selection of new and used vinyl
- Competitive pricing and deals
- Fast, often free, shipping for Prime members
- User reviews help guide buying decisions
4. Turntable Lab
Website: turntablelab.com
Turntable Lab is the ultimate stop for vinyl connoisseurs in New York. They have something for people who like mainstream, underground, electronic, jazz, or rock music – including records by lots of North Carolina artists. You can also find top-shelf turntables, speakers and accessories for your needle drops.
Why Turntable Lab?
- Expert curation in electronic, hip-hop, and rock
- Selection of audiophile gear and accessories
- Knowledgeable staff and detailed product descriptions
- Frequent collaborations with artists for exclusive releases
5. Vinyl Me, Please
Website: vinylmeplease.com
Vinyl Me, Please is a vinyl subscription service and online store that collectors should flock to. For a monthly charge, subscribers receive exclusive pressings of a chosen collection of records. Non-subscribers can still gain access to these exclusive albums through the online store. As their slogan states, Vinyl Me, Please is all about ‘high-quality pressings, unique cover art, and coloured vinyl editions.’ If you’re a collector who holds visual appeal in high regard, then Vinyl Me, Please could be just the company for you.
Why Vinyl Me, Please?
- Unique vinyl subscription model
- Limited-edition releases and exclusive pressings
- High-quality, audiophile-grade pressings
- Stunning packaging and artwork with each record
6. Bandcamp
Website: bandcamp.com
Bandcamp is a distributor that allows artists and independent labels to sell their music directly to fans, and it’s also become a great place to shop for vinyl. Many independent artists and labels now release their music on vinyl through Bandcamp, making it an important destination to find new, obscure acts and support musicians directly. The site regularly features new, limited edition vinyl releases and exclusive pressings, and much of the money spent ends up going to the artists.
Why Bandcamp?
- Direct support for independent artists
- Limited edition and unique pressings
- Option to preview tracks before purchasing
- Wide range of genres from indie to electronic to experimental
7. Juno Records
Website: juno.co.uk
Juno ‘serves record collectors and groove enthusiasts across the globe’. Based in the UK, this web store boasts an impressive catalog of electronic music: everything from house, techno, and drum ’n’ bass to dubstep, as well as synthase are all here. The electronic section is massive, but Juno also stocks much more. The beat-driven genres of jazz, funk, soul, and rock are all present and accounted for. The store sells a lot of records — and they have an enormous catalogue. They also boast quick international shipping, which is part of their appeal among vinyl collectors everywhere.
Why Juno Records?
- Specializes in electronic music but carries all genres
- Frequent vinyl restocks and new releases
- Fast international shipping
- A wide variety of DJ equipment and vinyl accessories
8. HHV (HHV.de)
Website: hhv.de
HHV is a German online record shop that specializes in hip-hop, but has since expanded to include a vast repertoire of genres ranging from jazz, soul and reggae to techno, house, folk and world music, as well as ambient, pop and indie. The store stocks a steady stream of limited releases, artist exclusives and remastered pressings that attract collectors from all over the world, and it’s since grown into one of Europe’s biggest record shops.
Why HHV?
- Known for exclusive and limited-edition vinyl
- Deep selection of hip-hop, jazz, and soul
- Competitive pricing with frequent discounts
- Fast European and international shipping
9. The Sound of Vinyl
Website: thesoundofvinyl.com
The Sound of Vinyl stocks mainstream, classic and indie records with something for everyone, whether a beginner collector or a seasoned veteran. They also offer great deals on limited-edition handpicked new vinyl, pre-orders for upcoming new releases, and have a selection of the best vinyl accessories from around the world. They also partner with many record labels and artists worldwide for exclusive vinyl pressings and reissues.
Why The Sound of Vinyl?
- Great selection of new releases and classics
- Frequent exclusive offers and limited-edition records
- Intuitive recommendations for buyers
- Pre-order options for upcoming vinyl releases
10. Urban Outfitters
Website: urbanoutfitters.com
More than anything, Urban Outfitters has become a major vinyl outlet, in particular as a retailer primed to reach younger consumers seeking contemporary releases and reissues of old favorites. The Urban Outfitters website features exclusive, limited-edition pressings from artists in popular stadia across the pop-indie spectrum – the company sells turntables and vinyl accessories as well, allowing the enthusiast to get into the vinyl groove at a one-stop destination.
Why Urban Outfitters?
- Exclusive colored vinyl editions
- Pop, indie, and alternative music focus
- Often features contemporary and trending artists
- Stylish turntables and accessories available
Also Read: – Which is The Oldest Vinyl Record in the World?
Conclusion
Whether you are in need of obscure or expensive records, music by up-and-coming independent artists, or just love acquiring new vinyl, there sure is a place for vinyl lovers to choose from. It may be an erratic niche, indie-oriented record-stores such as Rough Trade and Band camp, or one of the biggest online retailers like Amazon. What is truly beautiful about a vinyl collection is its diversity, from choosing specific records to active stores that are always ready to sell. These three platforms will lead you to the musical love of your life, so there is no doubt that there is something for everyone.
An Electronics Engineer & A MBA in Marketing Graduate, Kinjal Gosar is a passionate audiophile herself. Starting her career at India’s biggest Consumer Electronics Retail Chain, her technical knowledge is amazing. Classic Rock has been a huge part of her life and her love for Music has always been evident in all her work. A vinyl collector herself, she loves spreading the joy of analouge while giving nothing but the best to her fellow vinylheads.
