Getting the best sound from your turntable can be a challenge. People who are just buying a record player for the first time may not have considered the impact that their turntable mat has on the sound that it produces.
This handy piece of equipment can also work to protect your vinyl records, reduce the friction between the record and the turntable, and generally just improve the sound the records produce on the turntable.
However, with so many types of turntable mats to choose from, it can be difficult trying to find the best turntable mat for your needs. There’s no need to worry, I’m happy to help you find the best product for your record player.
It will all come down to what sound you’re hoping to get from your new turntable, and how a turntable mat can work to give you a better sound quality.
I’ve researched and reviewed hundreds of products to find the best of the best when it comes to turntable mats.
I’ve used some strict criteria to narrow it down to the 5 best turntable mats on the market, and I’ve made sure to include one of each of the four most popular types of turntable mats to give you plenty of choices.
Best Turntable Mat
OUR TOP PICK
The Hudson Hi-Fi Acrylic Turntable Mat will give you the superior sound quality that you’re after.
This particular turntable mat has been constructed using a sturdy acrylic. This type of turntable mat works to tighten up the bass notes, as well as deliver a powerful mid range.
It will give you a tighter sound in general, which will make for a very happy audiophile.
Another great feature of this turntable mat is that it works to reduce the vibration between the record and your turntable. This will in turn improve the sound quality, as vibration can hamper this every time you play your favorite records.
This particular turntable mat features a recess in the center so that records can stay flat, minimizing unwanted vibration.
One of the most important features of this turntable mat is that it works to keep your valuable vinyl records protected. So you won’t have to worry about the turntable damaging your collector’s items.
You’ll also get a better choice of color with these turntable mats. The Hudson Hi-Fi acrylic mats are available in 5 great colors. Choose from orange, blue, green, red, or yellow.
Ideal if you want your chosen turntable mat to match a certain color scheme in your home.
Pros
- Tighter sound - get the tighter sound quality that you’re after
- Reduced vibration - ensures that records stay flat for reduced interference
- Multiple colors - choose the best color for your needs
Cons
- Neon - colors may not be to everyone’s taste
EDITORS CHOICE
Looking for a more transparent sound with minimal vibration? Then you will need to opt for the Silicone Turntable Mat from Ywhomal.
This particular turntable mat has been designed to be non-slip, so you won’t have to worry about it moving around as you listen to your favorite records.
This will allow you to enjoy your records more than if you were to opt for a cheap acrylic turntable mat.
What’s really great about this turntable mat is that it can be used with a variety of different turntables. You can use this silicone turntable mat with brands such as Audio-Technica, Technics, Pro-Ject, and many more.
You’ll get the high quality sound that you’re after with this particular silicone mat. It has been designed so as to not stick to your records when you play them. This will also give you the high fidelity sound that you’re searching for from your records.
Another handy feature of this particular turntable mat is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. The manufacturer is so confident that you will enjoy your new silicone mat that they promise to cover it for the lifetime of the product.
Pros
- Versatile - can be used with a variety of turntables
- Transparent sound - no need to worry about static or interference
- Non-slip - features non-slip grooves to prevent the mat from sticking to your records
Cons
- Thickness - may not be to everyone’s taste
BEST VALUE
The Hudson Hi-Fi Audiophile Grade Silicone Turntable Platter Mat is ideal if you want a more budget friendly turntable mat that will still deliver a solid sound.
This particular turntable mat is available at a competitive price compared to some of the other types of turntable mat available from the same manufacturer.
A great feature of this turntable mat is that it’s widely compatible. It is suitable for use with all types of turntables. If you have a smaller turntable, you can simply cut it to size so that it will fit on your platter.
What’s really great about this particular turntable mat is that it’s been constructed to meet high standards. Hudson Hi-Fi has crafted this silicone mat to very specific features so as to ensure a better sound quality.
The mat features non-slip grooves as well as a label recess to ensure that your records will stay as flat as possible.
Thanks to the improved contact, you’ll be able to get a much better sound quality from this turntable mat. You’ll notice that the bass response is tighter, the mid range improves, and that static has been greatly reduced.
Pros
- Versatile - can be used on all types of turntable
- Improved sound quality - works to tighten bass response and improve mid range
- Better contact - gives better stability to records for improved contact
Cons
- Size - if you have a smaller turntable, you may need to cut the mat to size
RUNNER UP
Looking to deepen the bass of your vinyl records? Then you will need to opt for a leather turntable mat. The Pro-Ject: Leather It Turntable Mat gives you the perfect sound that you’re after.
This particular turntable mat will give you the broader bass notes that you’re after so that you can enjoy a fully rounded sound. Perfect for audiophiles who want to hear all aspects of their favorite music.
You won’t have to worry about any vibrations interfering with your music if you choose this leather turntable mat. This particular turntable mat works to reduce the vibrations your record player produces.
This means it won’t influence the quality of the music that you listen to. This leather turntable mat gives you arguably better sound quality than acrylic and cork mats.
A great feature of this turntable mat is that it has been designed to give you the high fidelity sound that you are after. You will also get a more stable performance compared to other styles of turntable mat.
You won’t have to worry about static when you use this turntable mat, and it will also give you less noise than cheaper products.
This particular turntable mat has been designed to fit all turntables. It measures 12 inches in diameter so that you can easily fit it with your particular turntable.
Or you can easily cut it to fit your smaller turntable to get the high sound quality that you are after.
Pros
- Fuller sound - broadens bass notes so that you can enjoy a fuller sound
- High fidelity - gives you the accurate sound you’re after without worrying about static or interference
- Versatile - turntable mat measures 12 inches in diameter and can be used on all turntables
Cons - Pricey - one of the more expensive options on my list
RUNNER UP
Want to opt for one of the more popular material choices? Then the Hudson Hi-Fi CoRkErY Recessed Turntable Platter Mat is the perfect choice for your needs.
This particular turntable mat has been constructed using cork, which helps to deliver unparalleled sound quality.
A great feature of this particular mat is that you can choose between a recessed and decoupled mat depending on the sound quality that you’re after.
Static will be a thing of the past with this turntable mat on your record player. The cork surface works to eliminate static. This will help to improve the sound quality of your music, and you won’t have to worry about the mat sticking to your records.
You’ll be able to get the fully rounded sound that you’re after with this turntable mat. The cork surface delivers an improved mid range, tightens up bass response, and also dampens resonances.
So you’ll be able to get the high fidelity sound that you’re after.
This particular turntable mat delivers the improved contact that you need for a more distinctive, clearer sound.
Pros
- No static - won’t stick to records and works to reduce noise
- Better sound quality - dampens resonances, tightens bass response, improves mid range
- 2 styles - choose between recessed and decoupled cork mats for different sound qualities
Cons
- Flakes - cork may flake over time
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best turntable mat for your record player can be a challenge. Especially if you’re new to the whole turntable listening experience!
I know how confusing it can be trying to find the best turntable mat for your needs if you’re a newbie. Which factors should you prioritize? What kind of things are going to affect the sound of your vinyl records?
I’ve put together this helpful buyer’s guide to aid you in your quest to find the best turntable mat for your needs. I’ve made sure to include all of the essential factors that you will need to know about turntable mats and how they affect the sound of your record.
So as long as you bear the below features in mind when you choose your next turntable mat, you can rest assured that you’ve found the right product for your needs.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about turntable mats below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.
Material
The most important thing that you will need to consider when it comes to choosing the right turntable mat for your needs is which material you’re after. This is because there are several different types of turntable mat on the market, and each delivers a different sound.
So if you have any preferences in terms of the sound that your turntable mat is able to give you, you will need to think carefully about the material you use.
The main types of material that are used for turntable mats include acrylic, cork, leather, and silicone. Some audiophiles will use other materials such as felt, brass, plastic, glass, or even another spare record. There are also turntable mats made using two different materials together.
The best type of material for your needs will entirely depend on the sound that you’re after. Acrylic mats are best paired with modern releases, metal, and rock, because it can help to lighten the lows, and brighten the highs.
Cork is a popular choice, as these turntable mats will give your music a warmer sound. Leather is the turntable mat you should choose if you want to broaden your bass notes.
Silicone is an excellent choice if you want your records to produce a more transparent sound as well as remove any unwanted vibration.
Compatibility
Another important factor to consider is how compatible your new turntable mat will be with your particular turntable. What size vinyl records do you like to play?
This may dictate the products that you are able to choose. You will want to ensure that your chosen turntable mat is suitable for use with your individual turntable.
The great thing about rubber mats in particular is that they can be cut to size. So if you have a smaller turntable and you’re not sure that an acrylic, cork, or leather mat will be the ideal fit, you can always opt for a silicone mat instead.
Simply use a pencil to mark the required size, then you can cut this to fit your turntable.
Durable
It will be crucial to think about how durable your turntable mat is going to be. The sturdier the material used, the longer it will last you.
Some of the most durable materials to opt for are silicone, felt, and leather. These will naturally be hardwearing and be able to withstand years’ worth of use.
The more durable your chosen turntable mat, the better. These mats will be a fantastic way to get great value for your money.
Sound Quality
Arguably one of the most important things that you should be considering is the sound quality of your vinyl records. The whole point of adding a turntable mat to your record player is so that you can improve the quality of the sound it produces.
I’ve already covered how different materials can affect the sound quality of your records. You will need to be thinking about things such as static and vibration. Just these two factors alone can hamper the sound quality of your favorite records.
You should opt for a turntable mat that works to eliminate these from the equation so that you can enjoy your music in the way that the artist intended.
Fully Rounded Sound
In a similar vein to sound quality, it will be important to look for a turntable mat that works to give you a fully rounded sound from your records.
If you consider yourself to be an audiophile in training, then you will need a turntable mat that’s able to deliver a tighter bass response, as well as give you the powerful mid range that you’re after.
You’ll note that treble notes are more pronounced, whereas the bass range may need a little help. This is where a quality turntable mat will come in handy.
If it’s the bass notes you’re particularly concerned about, I’d recommend opting for a leather mat such as the Premium Leather Deer Hide Turntable Mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Turntable Mats?
The best turntable mats are
- Hudson Hi-Fi Acrylic Turntable Mat
- Hudson Hi-Fi Audiophile Grade Silicone Turntable Platter Mat
- Hudson Hi-Fi CoRkErY Recessed Turntable Platter Mat
Is A Cork Turntable Mat Better Than Felt?
This will entirely come down to your personal preference in terms of sound, however, it could be argued that cork mats produce a better sound than felt mats.
These types of turntable mats will give you fantastic sound quality, eliminating any vibration between the record player and the record. You also won’t have to worry about your cork mat sticking to your record.
The only downside to cork mats is that they’re not as durable as felt mats, and can start to flake after time.
Are Rubber Turntable Mats Better Than Felt?
Rubber turntable mats will deliver a different sound quality to felt mats. These are still super lightweight, but are much firmer than felt.
So this means they will have more grip on the platter, which will in turn help to further isolate your record from any vibrations which could impact its sound.
There are some audiophiles that also argue that a rubber mat can help to create a warmer, deeper sound that will help to highlight the original sound of the record’s recordings.
If you were strictly comparing your rubber mat to a felt mat, it will also be free from any static, so won’t stick to your record.
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