Best Record Stores in Akron
Akron's record route is small enough to cover without overplanning, but the stores are not interchangeable. Time Traveler is the collector's anchor, Viking gives downtown a used-crate stop inside Trust Books, and Vinyl First adds a straightforward Oakdale browse. 2 Live Music is broader and more CD-heavy, but its long local history makes it part of the city's physical-music picture.
Quick Takeaway
Start at Time Traveler on West Market, continue downtown to Viking Records at Trust Books, and finish at Vinyl First. Add 2 Live Music if CDs, movies, and a large mixed-media selection are part of the hunt.
The 4 Best Record Stores in Akron
Time Traveler Records
Independent record storeTime Traveler is one of Akron's longest-running independent shops, with vintage vinyl, newer music, CDs, rare records, and local-music character.
Best for: Rare records, classic rock, metal, local music, and vintage catalog
Location: West Market Street near downtown
Time Traveler is the record-first anchor for Akron. Its weekday closing time is early, so collectors should make it the first stop rather than assume an evening browse will work.
Viking Records at Trust Books
Independent record storeViking Records gives downtown Akron a compact used-record stop, with broad genre coverage and a crate-digging focus inside Trust Books.
Best for: Used records, crate digging, jazz, soul, and eclectic browsing
Location: Lower level of Trust Books on North Main Street
The lower-level setting is part of the appeal, but it also means you are visiting a record counter inside a larger shop. Pair it with downtown errands and expect used-collection turnover rather than a huge standardized inventory.
Vinyl First
Independent record storeVinyl First is a record-first Oakdale stop with used records and new releases across rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, soul, and country.
Best for: Straightforward used records, new releases, and broad genre browsing
Location: Oakdale Avenue
Vinyl First is the cleanest generalist stop after Time Traveler. Its Tuesday through Saturday schedule and Sunday afternoon opening make it flexible, especially if the downtown shops are closed.
2 Live Music
Independent record store2 Live Music is a large, long-running Vernon Odom Boulevard shop with budget finds, a big selection, and strong community reputation across CDs and other physical media.
Best for: CDs, budget media, hip-hop, soul, movies, and large mixed inventory
Location: Vernon Odom Boulevard
Note: The directory describes this as more CD-heavy than vinyl-focused. Treat it as a physical-media destination rather than a pure record-shop stop.
Collectors who only want vinyl can skip 2 Live Music, but that would miss one of Akron's bigger music inventories. The Thursday through Saturday schedule is narrow, so check current hours before making the south-side drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akron's best record store for rare vinyl?
Time Traveler Records is the clearest choice, with rare records, vintage vinyl, classic rock, metal, and local-music depth.
Is Viking Records a standalone shop?
Viking Records operates in the lower level of Trust Books on North Main Street, so plan it as part of a downtown stop.
Does 2 Live Music have vinyl?
It has physical music inventory and budget finds, but the directory describes it as more CD-heavy, so vinyl-only shoppers should prioritize Time Traveler, Viking, and Vinyl First.
Final Thoughts
Akron does not need a padded list. Time Traveler, Viking, and Vinyl First form the serious vinyl route, while 2 Live Music is a worthwhile optional detour for collectors who still shop CDs and mixed media.
More City Guides
Explore More Record Stores in Akron
This guide features our top 4 picks, but Akron has more to explore in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.