Where to Buy Vinyl Records Online and in Person

I usually decide what record I want when a familiar song comes on Spotify. That would be great to grab on vinyl, I think to myself. But these days, I don’t buy ’em right away on Amazon. As a local musician who has put out vinyl (in very limited quantities), I’ve come to realize there are ethics when it comes to buying physical music—it’s best to ensure your favorite musicians are seeing as high a cut from your purchase as possible.

That’s why rule number one for buying records is: If you can buy what you’re looking for straight from the artist—whether on their website, Bandcamp, or via their label—do it that way. That’s how they get the highest cut. Still, many records that become the objects of your desire might not be available from musicians or original labels for various reasons. That’s why I’ve pooled together some other alternatives to help you on your vinyl hunt. 

Interested in learning more about analog and high-end audio? Check out our guides to the Best Turntables, Best Vinyl Accessories, Best Gear for Aspiring Audiophiles, and How to Upgrade Your Home Audio.

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Your Local Record Store

This might be obvious, but the best place to check first is your local record store. Vinyl is a physical medium where music has been pressed into literal plastic, so the best way to ensure you’re getting a quality record that’s clean and without damage is to shop in person. 

It helps that local record stores are among the coolest places on the planet to browse. Depending on where you live, there might be different local options that specialize in various styles of music or aesthetics. Be sure to inspect the record to make sure it is flat and free of scratches—unless you’re buying from a bargain bin.