If you own a turntable and you’re enthusiastic about vinyl, you should consider a turntable mat as just another piece of the setup. It is not particularly integral to your listening experience. But still, the best turntable mat helps protect your records and adds a pop of style to your turntable setup, and also it enhances the overall audio.
A turntable mat can be a very effective vibration dampener and can open up the sound from the record and allow the music to echo more fully. The ideal turntable mat should also be anti-stick, so it’s gentle on older records.
If you’re using a mat that just came free with your turntable, you need to check that it’s not damaging your records or compromising your listening experience, or even gathering static (you can get a nasty shock otherwise). The market is saturated with mats, so what’s the best turntable mat for you?
As always, you need to consider the price, but you should also consider what material it is made of, whether it fits in aesthetically with your setup and whether it is an upgrade from your current turntable mat. Now that you know the basics, let’s look at some of the best mats on the market.
BEST TURNTABLE MAT REVIEW
1) Hudson's ACRYLIC TURNTABLE MAT - ORANGELIT - LP SLIPMAT
PRODUCT FEATURES
These turntable mats have a sci-fi vibe that will change up the mood when you’re listening to music. They have a transparent body which makes them look very appealing, and you have two other colors to choose from, which are also quite excellent.
This is the best turntable mat if you can get if you like neons and you’re not opposed to a colorful style that will liven up your surroundings. If you are looking for neutral-colored mats, this is perfect for anyone who loves a splash of color.
Hudson Hi-Fi has these priced at roughly $23, so this is one of the cheapest turntable mats out there. They are made up of acrylic material, which means that they’ll provide a less ‘splashy’ sound and give you a tighter bass. Acrylic mats also cut down on vibrations, so you’re paying for quality here.
The unique look of the mat alone is worth the price, and the fact that they’re see-through makes them unusual and quirky. That bright color against a black turntable would look very funky and modern.
This platter mat can also absorb distractive vibration energy and thus allow the stylus to improve contact with the grooves on the record. So this feature helps your vinyl record in producing more clear and distinctive sounds.
Hudson's mats can provide a higher fidelity listening experience to the users. So it is time to replace to old turntable mat if you have decided to improve the vinyl's sound quality. Also, Hudson Hi-Fi has a money-back guarantee in place if you’re somehow dissatisfied with the product. Grab it now!
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2) PREMIUM LEATHER DEER HIDE TURNTABLE MAT
PRODUCT FEATURES
If you want a premium upgrade turntable mat, this is for you - because it is made up of supple deer hide leather. In terms of the look, it's grainy and black and won't really stand out, but if your turntable is in neutral colors, it'll complement your existing setup perfectly.
Anyway, you're probably interested in it for its functionality. Leather mats can dampen vibrations and give you a slightly better bass sound. This turntable mat, in particular, is excellent for combating static and minimizing resonance (particularly if you have a metal turntable platter).
The leather is high-quality and soft, so you shouldn't have any complaints on that front. Synthetic leathers tend to show many deficiencies over time, but you can't find any fault in organic leather, and it also has a good lifespan.
This deer hide leather can be quite expensive, and this is hand-made and not produced industrially, so every mat is unique. Synthetic leathers tend to show many deficiencies over time, but you can't find any fault in organic leather, and it also has a good lifespan.
It will fit any turntable with a 12" platter, and the leather isn't too thick either. If you're passionate about supporting small independent sellers as well, this is a great choice. If you don't want to get rid of your existing mat, this is thin enough that you can place it over that as well for an added layer of protection.
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3) CORK TURNTABLE MAT BY PRO-SPIN FOR VINYL LP RECORD PLAYERS
PRODUCT FEATURES
If you’re looking for the ideal cork mat, then I recommend this for you. These cork turntable mats are from the brand Pro-Spin, and at $18, this isn’t too much of a pocket pinch, and a light cork mat is a nice upgrade from whatever cheap turntable mat you’ve been using.
It’ll give your setup a retro look, and the light brown coloring will provide a nice contrast and pair well with your turntable setup.
They help cut down on any added feedback as you listen to your favorite tunes and are great for dampening or naturally absorbing any extraneous sound or vibrations.
The cork is soft but provides a decent grip for the stylus and provides a surface that will match the LP grooves to produce better mid and low frequencies. The turntable mats from Pro-Spin are custom-cut and sized and should be compatible with most turntable platters out there.
The anti-stick surface will prevent any damage to your records, so you can use this turntable mat for playing ancient records as well. You should also notice an improved bass response. This is a very affordable option if you’re looking for a quick fix, and it should produce excellent results.
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4) TURNTABLE PLATTER MAT FOR UNIVERSAL TO ALL LP VINYL RECORD PLAYERS
PRODUCT FEATURES
Rubber turntable mats are pretty popular, and they’re very effective at dampening vibrations. It is a plain black rubber mat without any frills and will look good with your black or white turntable setup. Another benefit of rubber turntable mats is that they help to reduce slippage, so they’ll hold your record in place.
If you’re looking for a low-effort high-yield kind of mat, this is the best turntable mat you can go for. It won’t cost much, and it’s pretty easy to clean as well, which is a bonus if you don’t have hours to dedicate to polishing up your vinyl collection and your audio equipment every week.
The rubber surface is also scratch-resistant, and it’s bound to last you a long time for something you’re paying very little for.
Although you might experience some static because rubber has low conductivity, this is a small price to pay for a good, low-investment product. This is a fuss-free alternative for people who are new to vinyl and want to switch out their old mat for something new and uncomplicated.
You can trust that you’ll get a cleaner, warmer sound, and the mat is compatible with all the standard turntable platters.
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5) ACRYLIC TURNTABLE MAT WITH RECORD LABEL RECESS
PRODUCT FEATURES
If you didn’t like neons and you’re all about that monochrome aesthetic, Hudson Hi-Fi has some excellent neutral options for you. If you want things to match, these will go great with your black, gray, or white turntables.
Hudson Hi-Fi is selling the best turntable mat if you’re into a monochromatic, minimal style. This particular mat is white, but there are two other varieties to choose from. Your sound won’t be very ‘splashy’, and you’ll get an improved bass response.
There’s also a record label recess so that the record stays still and flat on the mat, and you shouldn’t hear any ambient background noise. The mat also improves stylus contact with the record and is excellent for producing cleaner, sharper audio.
These Hudson Hi-Fi mats are made in New York (a trendy place for trendy vinyl paraphernalia!) and have a smooth surface. The anti-skate function should work like a charm with these mats, with no damage to your stylus.
So if you’d like a sleek and modern setup, these turntable mats are a must-buy for you. Although there are cheaper mats out there (these are $22), they have a premium feel to them, so you’re truly paying for quality.
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6) TURNTABLE PLATTER MAT RUBBER
PRODUCT FEATURES
This is a turntable mat that is made of solid soft safety rubber from Ywhomal and comes in a simple black that will match with anything. This mat should be compatible with all standard platters of well-known brands and prevents any kind of slippage as you’re playing your records.
The non-slip grooves on the mat will hold your vinyl firmly in place and ensure that it sits flat. This is a great choice if you’re replacing your old felt mat, as the soft safety rubber will give you a much better audio experience.
Also, at $16, this is an easy bargain, so you don’t have to think twice before buying it. It’s plain, top-quality, and effective.
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7) CORKERY DECOUPLED CORK N RUBBER TURNTABLE PLATTER MAT
PRODUCT FEATURES
This is a nice cork turntable mat from Hudson Hi-Fi, and it has ‘risers’ or little bumps on the mat, so the record won’t stick to the mat. This gives the mat a bit of an unusual appearance. So it is a unique piece to add to your setup, and cork is very effective for dampening resonance, particularly from metal turntable platters.
It also cuts down on extraneous noise and therefore reduces static. This is the best turntable mat out there if you’re looking for something classy yet singular. The textured cork is pleasingly attractive and will take your vinyl experience to the next level, at the cost of just $22.
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8) FLUANCE TURNTABLE CORK PLATTER MAT
PRODUCT FEATURES
If you’re looking for a pure cork turntable mat, this is a good choice from Fluance. This is made with A-grade cork, so this can be your ideal turntable mat if you’re looking for a premium cork mat.
It has dampening capabilities, so you’ll only hear music and no vibrations, and it’s a great way to enhance your analog experience. It also provides a decent grip between the record and the platter while preventing the record from sticking to anything. This is a nice, polished mat that will surely liven up your setup.
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9) TURNTABLE LAB: ED HERTZ SLIPMAT - SINGLE
PRODUCT FEATURES
If you’re into more artsy pieces, you’ll love this turntable mat. Turntable Lab uses a great spiral print that will really make your mat stand out. It looks great when paired with colored vinyl, as the spirals overlap with the color and produce a funky, fun effect. This is a felt mat, and the print is sublimated, so it won’t scratch or scuff your records at all. If you’re looking for something a little different that will liven up your plain black turntable, this is the best option.
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10) GERALD HI-FI CORK & RUBBER RECORD MAT
PRODUCT FEATURES
Finally, this $20 turntable mat from Gerald DuVallSDF packs quite a punch. It’s a cork-rubber hybrid, with about 30% rubber to soften it. Although there’s no label recess, it’s quite good for improving bass response and minimizes vibrations.
Also, you get a lifetime warranty, which is a very good service for the price you’re paying. You can expect a marked improvement in your audio if you end up getting this. The dark brown cork color will also look very nice with any setup.
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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST TURNTABLE MAT?
From slipmat to speakers to storage, finding the right accessories for your vinyl setup is must for maintain everything clean and organized. Because vinyl is fragile and, in many cases, rare, having the right accessories on hand will also make it easy to maintain and enjoy using your vinyl collection for years to come. I have listed the factors which you must check while buying the turntable mat.
Thickness:
The most important characteristic which you must check is the thickness of the mat. Usually, the thickness of the mat varies from one brand to the other, and it also depends on how your turntable is constructed. Some record players may have adjustable arms, and so the mat's thickness is just about feel and functionality. But if your record player lacks an arm, then it is important to give an extra look at the thickness. The density of the mat must make the stylus and arm of your record player touch the record at the correct angle.
So in simple words, the arm should fall level with the mat, and to make this happen, you can choose the turntable mat with the following thicknesses:
- Thin (around 1.5mm)
- Medium (1.5-2mm)
- Thick (anything over 3 mm to around 4mm)
Grip:
At times, your records might give some fluttering sound as well as it slips. This can be prevented when you buy a turntable mat as it aids in giving a grip to your record. One of the most adhesive materials that provide natural grip is rubber. It is much more likely to slip.
Cost:
A turntable mat can cost anywhere between 20$ to 200$. So there are a lot of price ranges available and the quality changes in accordance to it. Money is not a matter of concern for some audiophiles, and on the other hand, some might have budget constraints. So matter what, you can find the optimal one that suits your budget as well as your needs.
Print/design:
The primary use of a record player mat is to protect the record and improve the sound quality etc. But choosing the mat based on the print or design used on it is subjective. Some people prefer an artistically designed, eye-catching mat because when the record player is not in use, its mat will be visible, and having a designed mat might contribute to the decor of your house and improve aesthetics.
Note: Make sure to clean the platter mat. The mat too attracts dirt which might then transfer to the records and needles. Eventually with an untidy record your needle might get a bit gunky. There are brushes and cleaning solution for vinyl records to deal with this. but I've always found it scary to rub them on my delicate stylus.
CONCLUSION
Now you’re aware of some of the options you can check out, and you know what the best turntable mat is going to be for you, going off this list.
Although small costs do add up when it comes to audio accessories, a good turntable mat is essential, so you don’t damage your records and also so that you make the best of your music. There’s no point having a huge vinyl collection lying around if you’re getting a mediocre listening experience. So go on and add your favorite turntable mat to your cart and experience the full potential of vinyl!
FAQ
Turntable mats vary on the type of material it is made, and each possesses a different purpose. So below, I have listed the different types:
- Acrylic: Acrylic mats help in enhancing highs and tightening the lows in sound.
Cork: Cork turntable mat is the most preferred type by many. These mats tend to give a warm sound. - Leather: If you want a broader bass, then choose a leather turntable mat.
- Silicone: Silicone turntable mat gives you a transparent sound and prevents vibrations.
- Other materials include brass, wool, plastic, or glass, and there are some mats made of a combination of two materials, like a carbon-type layer on the bottom.
If you already have an acrylic platter, you don't need a mat because acrylic platters can control resonance. Despite this, if you add a mat to an acrylic platter, it is seen as an extra addition that may affect the angle of the stylus, and your record's playback and lifespan get affected.
Other factors that affect the record are room temperature, dust, humidity, and maintaining your record when not in use. So if you don't have an acrylic platter, you can buy a turntable mat for your record. Also, I suggest you start with a cork turntable mat as it can enhance the natural sound of the turntable. To clean the records use cleaning kit suggested by vinyl enthusiasts and maintain them properly.
Yes, you should. The turntable mat or the platter mat is mainly used to dull resonances and minimize other vibrations caused between the turntables platter, surface, and other parts of the turntable. Also, it is important to use the right size of the mat so that you get to experience the listening experience.
Gibson is a blogger and reviewer, whose passion is helping people with all the aspects of music through the blog he provides. Also, he is an artist and loves to create his own tunes by purchasing good quality musical tools. With his own experience, he has provided a great list of tools for you in this blog. Seeking the best quality musical tools? Read this blog and end your music thirst!