10 Best Turntables – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Turntable + Reviews

 

If it feels like you were born to enchant people with music and your particular interests call the best turntable, this paragraph might be of help. To make it easier for you to find the turntable that meets your needs, we have examined some of the most appreciated products in this line and concluded that the first product to pay attention to is the Audio-Technica ATLP120USB. Built with DJs and music enthusiasts in mind, this unit comes with features that will help you get the party started with greater ease and enhanced comfort. Thanks to the USB option provided, you can easily connect the unit to your PC and thus digitize your favorite LPs. The product was designed to minimize vibration and comes paired with various accessories so you can use it right away. If this item is currently unavailable, a reliable alternative is the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Turntables (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

If you’re in the market for the best turntable for the money, finding the one that meets your specific goals and interests might not be an easy task. The process usually takes lots of browsing and time. To simplify your shopping session, we have compiled below a list of turntable reviews. Check it out to get one step closer to identifying the best budget turntable.

 

 

1. Audio-Technica ATLP120USB

 

Designed to meet the needs of both amateurs and professionals, this model sports a solid and stylish build that will make it easier for you to play your favorite music. The product connects to computers easily thanks to the USB output and can also be connected to speakers and audio systems.

This further means that you will be able to digitize your favorite records and do so for a long time. The ATLP120USB sports quality materials that won’t fail or break anytime soon. Thanks to the selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds, you can personalize your experience depending on your interests and needs.

Due to the various controls featured, making the needed adjustments won’t be difficult. You will thus get a forward/reverse control, a speed indicator, and pitch control. This short Audio Technica turntable review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that the pack includes various cables and adapters as well as the Audacity software.

 

Pros

Converting your vinyl records to digital is significantly easier with this turntable as it was built to meet such needs and do so for a long time.

Due to the USB output featured and the Audacity software provided, you can easily connect the unit to your computer to digitize your most-loved records.

For easy operation, the item comes with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds as well as various controls that will enable you to play with the tunes and the sonic output.

Thanks to the die-cast aluminum platter and the slipmat employed, vibration is minimized so you can enjoy the best sonic output.

This Audio Technica turntable also comes with a target light that will help you use the item even in low-light conditions as well as several accessories for easy connectivity.

 

Cons

If you want to digitize classical vinyl records, you might have to take this unit apart and bypass the pre-amp in order for the audio not to drop out on quieter parts of the record.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($479.99)

 

 

 

2. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

 

Sporting features that are usually available with more expensive models, this plug-and-play unit will help you enjoy high-end analog sounds while providing you with stability and noise reduction. The product comes with a quality carbon-fiber tonearm that ensures stiffness, decreases unwanted resonance, and thus delivers high fidelity from all LPs you play.

To make sure you get resolute speed stability, this model sports an updated DC power supply. The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge featured is committed to ensuring remarkable detail retrieval. Since vibrations are usually a common problem with turntables, this one comes with a motor that ensures silent operation and stable isolation feet.

The unit has a heavier platter and is available in a variety of high-gloss color options, so you can easily find the one that best meets your preferences. The pack includes an adapter as well as a dust cover.

 

Pros

If you want a product that offers easy operation, noise reduction, stability, and high-quality sounds, this unit might be cut out for you.

The product features a quality build and various parts that promise to ensure stability and reduce vibrations, so you can enjoy remarkable sonic outputs.

Thanks to the carbon-fiber tonearm employed, the product is committed to decreasing unwanted resonance and thus ensuring high fidelity no matter the LP you play.

The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge will make sure that you will get to enjoy all the nuances and details of the records you use.

The motor used for this unit was built to ensure silent operation; moreover, the product features stable isolation feet.

To cover various preferences, the turntable is available in several high-gloss color options.

 

Cons

The pack does not include a tonearm counterweight, which means that you will have to buy one separately and thus spend more.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

3. 1byone Wireless Turntable

 

In case you’re interested in getting a turntable that is coupled with a pair of speakers as well, this bundle from 1byone is worth paying attention to. The turntable is a combination of classic mechanics, mahogany materials, and top-notch tech that work together to deliver both a superior visual and sonic experience.

You can use the unit to listen to your old pieces of vinyl or to stream digital music as it comes with a built-in wireless receiver. No matter your choice, the stereo speakers included in the pack and the 36 watts of power will get you crisp sounds and enough volume to get the party started.

Thanks to the switchable phono line, the item can be connected to an audio system. To help you digitize your favorite songs, you can also connect the turntable to your computer via USB. The wireless connection will enable you to play your favorite music from your various devices.

 

Pros

Bound to provide you with superior sounds whether you stream digital music or you listen to vinyl, this turntable comes with a noteworthy combination of classic mechanics and modern technology.

The item features a solid iron platter that ensures stability as well as an adjustable counterweight that is committed to tuning out distortion and skipping.

The unit boasts a built-in switchable phono-line out jack as well as a USB port, which means that you can connect the turntable to an audio system or your computer.

Given its features, you can use this item to convert vinyl records into MP3/WAV files and play music from various devices such as smartphones and PCs.

The pack includes a pair of 36-watt speakers, so you can use the turntable for small gatherings and events.

 

Cons

The instructions provided might be a bit difficult for beginners and more suitable for advanced turntable users.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($299.99)

 

 

 

4. Audio-Technica ATLP60 Fully Automatic

 

Listening to your 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records is not only an enjoyable experience when employing this unit but also an easy process as the product was designed to ensure superior sound quality and ease of operation. The ATLP60 turntable is a fully automatic belt-drive unit that offers a wide variety of connectivity options.

You will thus get a switchable phono pre-amp and RCA output cable, which means that you can connect the product to powered speakers or audio systems. Various adapters are also provided to further simplify the whole process.

Thanks to the die-cast aluminum platter, unwanted resonance is removed and vibration reduced, which translates into clear audio. The item is coupled with a Dual Magnet phono cartridge as well as a replaceable stylus. You will also receive a dust cover to protect the product.

 

Pros

If you want a turntable that will help you enjoy your old records while retaining the original nuances, this product should not go unchecked as it promises to deliver high-fidelity audio.

To make things simple for you, the product was built to ensure easy operation; once you start it, it will automatically place the tonearm on the record you want to play and return it when the record ends.

Due to the various connectivity options, it won’t be difficult for you to connect the unit to an audio system, speakers, or your computer.

The belt-drive design and the die-cast aluminum platter are committed to reducing vibration and removing unwanted resonance so you can enjoy high-fidelity audio.

The turntable comes with a Dual Magnet phono cartridge, a replaceable stylus, and a dust cover.

 

Cons

The product might be more suitable for beginners and amateurs than experienced audiophiles.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

5. Sony PSLX300USB USB

 

If you’re the proud owner of classic vinyl and you’d like to transfer old records to your computer or music player, this Sony turntable might be cut out for you. The item is committed to helping you bring your favorite records into the digital realm easily and rapidly.

It thus features a USB connectivity option that will allow you to import tunes into your PC and convert them into MP3 files that you can then store and play on various devices. To enhance your experience, the product comes with the Audio Studio software that will help you archive the music from your vinyl, store it to your PC, and even optimize the sound in various ways.

You can also connect it to your audio system to playback vinyl records. Thanks to the belt-drive design and the quality stylus, you will enjoy smooth playback and superior sound reproduction. The unit offers two speeds including 33 1/3 and 45 rpm.

 

Pros

Transferring your favorite songs from your vinyl records to your computer and turning them into MP3 files will be an easy and enjoyable process if you go for this turntable.

The USB output will make it easy and rapid for you to convert your favorite songs from your classic vinyl and bring them into the digital realm.

Thanks to the Audio Studio software provided, you can further optimize the sound of the music you want to convert and archive.

Remarkable sound reproduction and smooth playback are ensured by the belt-drive design and quality stylus featured.

Since this is a fully automatic turntable, your records will be protected from damage such as scratches.

The product ensures 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds and a tonearm that promises to provide stability.

 

Cons

The product does not have a weight adjustment on the arm, so you will have to make the required adjustments yourself.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Fluance RT81 Elite

 

If what you want from your next turntable is excellent sound reproduction as well as a durable, stylish, and easy-to-use unit, this Fluance turntable is an option to be considered. The product boasts quality components and a belt-drive design that will deliver a crisp and pure sound when playing EP and LP vinyl records.

The enhanced audio clarity promised is further ensured by the upgraded elliptical stylus that minimizes distortion and noise. The S-Type tonearm featured, adjustable counterweight, and anti-skating system used work together to prevent scratches and damage and deliver a clear sound.

Furthermore, the cabinet is made of solid audio-grade wood, a choice that will reduce vibrations even more. The quality of the sound delivered is further enhanced by the aluminum platter, isolation feet, and rubber slipmat employed. This Fluance turntable review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that the pack includes various accessories such as adapters and a dust cover.

 

Pros

Take your sonic experience one level higher if you go for this turntable as it comes with quality components that will reproduce the sounds of your vinyl records faithfully and clearly.

The product promises to ensure pure sound reproduction thanks to its belt-drive design, upgraded elliptical stylus, adjustable counterweight, and anti-skating system that reduce noise and prevent scratches.

Vibration reduction is further enhanced by the solid audio-grade wood used for the cabinet, the isolation feet featured as well as the aluminum platter employed.

The balanced S-Type tonearm also contributes to the superior record tracking and noteworthy playback ensured.

The unit sports a Texas Instruments preamp, gold plated RCA line outputs, and a ground terminal for true sounds.

The pack includes various accessories such as adapters, a dust cover, and a quick start guide.

 

Cons

The item might lose its ability to regulate speed after several uses and thus may have RPM fluctuations.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($249.99)

 

 

 

7. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Belt Drive

 

Whether you’re new to vinyl albums or you want to make use of your old record collection again, this easy-to-use and stylish turntable might be right up your alley. The item plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records and comes with options that will make it easy and possible for you to connect the unit to your PC, audio system, or powered speakers.

To ensure such benefits, the AT-LP60X-BK features a switchable phono preamp and a line-level output. The die-cast aluminum platter reduces vibration whereas the headshell and tonearm featured minimize resonance and improve tracking.

The unit also sports an integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge and a replaceable stylus. The product is fully automatic for easy operation and scratch prevention. In order to help you get started right away, the pack includes a 45 RPM adapter, an RCA output cable, and a dust cover to protect the item.

 

Pros

If you’re on the lookout for a fully-automatic, easy-to-use, and stylish turntable, this model is worth taking into account.

The item plays both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records and can be easily connected to a computer, powered speakers, or an audio system.

To reduce vibration, the product sports a die-cast aluminum platter; furthermore, the tonearm and headshell are committed to improving tracking and minimizing unwanted resonance.

The AT-LP60X-BK is fully-automatic, which means that it is easy to use and prevents scratching and damage.

Thanks to the 45 RPM adapter and RCA output cable included, you can start using the item right upon arrival.

The pack also provides a quality dust cover to protect the turntable and the item is available in various colors.

 

Cons

Considering its features and the performance delivered, this unit might be a better option for beginners.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($119)

 

 

 

8. Sony PS-LX310BT Wireless Record Player

 

Enjoying your most-loved records in high-quality audio is an effortless task with this unit from Sony. Thanks to the simple and easy-to-use controls featured, you can rediscover the natural sound of vinyl records. The item is fully-automatic, which means that the tonearm will automatically play the record and return to its resting position when the record ends.

Furthermore, the item boasts Bluetooth technology, which means that connecting the turntable to your wireless soundbar, headphones, or speaker is an easy and rapid task. To enhance the audio quality delivered, the PS-LX310BT offers three gain settings so you can easily use the one that best matches the audio level of your record.

The belt-drive system and the aluminum platter ensure stability and thus clear playback. The tonearm also sports solid aluminum, which adds to the audio richness, stability, and clarity delivered. This Sony turntable review should also mention that the RCA cables needed to plug the unit directly into a stereo system are included in the pack.

 

Pros

Built to help you rediscover the vinyl experience and provide you with clear, natural, and rich sounds when playing your favorite records, this turntable is bound to upgrade your audio sessions.

To make it easy for you to listen to old tunes, the product features simple controls as well as a fully-automatic design.

Thanks to the quality tonearm that is automatically lowered when you want to play a record and that gets back to its resting position when the record ends, scratches are prevented.

The wireless technology used allows you to connect the item to speakers, headphones, and various Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Furthermore, you can use the turntable to bring vinyl records into the digital realm and convert them into MP3 files.

The unit plays both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records and features a stylish design.

 

Cons

You cannot control the volume if you pair the unit with a set of headphones that feature no independent volume control.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($198)

 

 

 

9. Wockoder Portable Vintage Turntable

 

Whether you want to rediscover your old collection of vinyl records or listen to your favorite digital tunes, your experience is bound to be pleasant with this vintage-style turntable. The unit was built to enhance your sonic experience and add a touch of style to your room thanks to its old-school design.

To enable you to play all the records in your collection, the product offers three listening speeds including 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM and plays 7”, 10”, and 12” records. Given such features, rest assured that there won’t be any record left there unused.

The belt-drive design is committed to reducing vibration and the base comes with a spring that ensures shock absorption, so you can enjoy a superior sound quality. What’s more, thanks to its wireless feature, you can easily play your most-loved digital music directly from your tablet or smartphone. Plus, the unit is compact and portable.

 

Pros

Ideal for vinyl records and digital music, this turntable will help you enjoy your favorite tunes in high-quality audio and add a touch of vintage style to your room decor.

To make sure that no vinyl record in your collection remains unplayed, the unit features three adjusting listening speeds and plays 7”, 10”, and 12” records.

Thanks to the belt-drive design, vibration is minimized, which translates into superior sound quality.

To further provide a high-quality audio experience, the base sports a spring that provides shock absorption.

The wireless unit will make it easy for you to play your favorite digital audio files directly from your tablet or smartphone.

The product is compact and portable; therefore, you can easily carry it to a party location or move it from one place to another.

 

Cons

There is an audio notification whenever you turn it on/off, which might be a bit unpleasant.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($52.99)

 

 

 

10. Victrola 3-Speed Aqua Turquoise

 

With this turntable, listening to your old vinyl records or digital music won’t be just an enjoyable activity but also an easy process, given its user-friendly design. The item features 3 listening speeds (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM), which means that you will get to play many of your records.

Furthermore, the built-in Bluetooth technology will allow you to stream your most-loved digital music from your Bluetooth-enabled device; therefore, you can employ this unit even if you don’t have a generous vinyl record collection. Plus, the turntable sports a 3.5mm aux-in jack that will enable you to play music on non-Bluetooth devices as well.

The item boasts built-in speakers and a jack you can use to connect additional speakers. Thanks to the product dimensions and weight (only             2.69 pounds)  and the carry handle featured, you can easily carry it from one place to another.

 

Pros

Stylishly designed and easy to use, this portable turntable is an option you might want to consider whether you want to play old vinyl records or digital music.

Thanks to the 3 listening speeds offered, you can rest assured that you will cover your various needs and play all the records in your collection.

The Bluetooth technology will make it easy to play the digital music you like from various devices; however, the 3.5mm aux-in jack will enable you to play audio files from non-Bluetooth devices as well.

The unit is loaded with built-in speakers, which means that you can play your favorite songs wherever you use it and without connecting extra speakers.

The portable and lightweight design and the carry handle featured ensure easy transportation.

 

Cons

This unit might be a more satisfying choice for beginners or amateurs and not for audiophiles.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($78)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you love the uplifting feeling you get when listening to your favorite music and your interest in high-quality sounds calls for the best value turntable, a new DJ turntable, or the best portable turntable, this buying guide might be of help.

Turntables come with various features and considering the ones mentioned below might help you get the best beginner turntable or even the best audiophile turntable.

Sound quality

The first thing most buyers have in mind when it comes to turntables is the quality of the sound delivered. Whether you’re an audiophile or an amateur, it is best to try out the product before you buy it. Playing some vinyl records and trying digital music, if the unit allows for such options, should be the starting point.

Some of the features mentioned in this buying guide have a word to say when it comes to the quality of the sound delivered; therefore, if you can’t reach a music store to get a turntable, you might want to pay even greater attention to the following characteristics.

 

Automated vs. manual design

When looking for a new turntable to help you rediscover the vinyl record experience, you will see that such units are divided into automated and manual models. If you don’t want to interact too much with the item, a fully-automatic turntable is an inspired choice as all you have to do is to push the start button.

Once you do that, the tonearm will automatically get into the playing position and return to the resting position when the record ends. With manual turntables, you have to do all that yourself.

The market also offers semi-automated models. In such cases, you will have to manually lower the tonearm to get it started. When the record ends, though, the turntable will automatically return the tonearm and shut off the motor.

 

Belt drive or direct drive

If you’re a professional DJ, a direct-drive turntable might be a more suitable choice as such units get up to speed immediately when you turn the motor on. Plus, the platter featured by such models spins without any resistance when you turn off the motor.

However, if you’re looking for the best entry level turntable to use when you want to relax, a belt-driven model is an option you might want to take into account. Such items are appreciated for rendering the nuances of vinyl records better and eliminating motor noise. All this is ensured by the elastic band that is connected to the turntable motor and that turns the platter.

Materials used

The sound delivered is affected not only by the motor used and the way you get the turntable started but also by the quality of the various materials employed. Even if you get the best turntable under 500, it will still differ from the best turntable under 1000.

Models priced $800 or above usually come with high-quality materials used for their bearings, platter, and other parts, superior engineering of the plinth and various sections, and so on. All this results in superior sound quality. If you’re not an audiophile, though, the best cheap turntable might do.

 

FAQ

 

Q: What should I look for in a turntable?

The answer depends on your particular interests and needs. If you’re a professional DJ or an audiophile, then you need to pay great attention to the quality of the sound delivered. If you’re an amateur and can’t tell the minute differences between various models, you might want to consider the ease of use, connectivity options, and durability.

No matter your experience in this field, it is always best to keep an eye on a silent motor and consider the quality of the platter, tonearm, and other parts of the model you want to buy. A good turntable should minimize vibration, unwanted resonance, and noise and thus deliver the pure, natural sound of the vinyl record you play.

Q: What are turntables used for?

A turntable is a musical device that plays records. Such units are sometimes called record players. However, there is still much debate regarding the difference between the two categories. While some people think of the part of a record player that spins the record when it comes to a turntable, others think of the whole unit of a record player.

Some turntables are built to play digital music besides playing old vinyl records and even digitize them. Newer models can be connected to computers to convert old records into MP3 files; therefore, a turntable can be used to play records while other such items can help you digitize, archive, and store audio from vinyl records to your PC.

 

Q: What is an audiophile turntable?

Whether you’re in the market for the best turntable with speakers or the best vintage turntable, you’ll see that some models are described as audiophile turntables. A dictionary search for this term will tell you that the word audiophile refers to a person interested in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

An audiophile turntable can thus be described as a musical device that is built to optimize the sound quality and character of the vinyl records that are being played. Such units usually have a minimalistic design and only feature characteristics that help in rendering vinyl records in high audio quality.

 

Q: What is the difference between turntables and record players?

The two terms are often used to refer to the same thing yet audiophiles and professionals set turntables apart from record players. While some would say that a turntable is the part of a record player that holds and spins the record, others use this term to refer to the standalone units you can buy these days.

Although similar to record players, these standalone units don’t feature an amplifier or built-in speakers. Record players are audio system setups that include such extra features, which makes them larger and heavier. Many record players allow you to play other file formats such as MP3s.

 

Q: How does a turntable work?

A turntable is a device built to play records and thus comes with the turntable itself or that circular part that holds and spins the record, a motor, a platter, a tonearm, a stylus, and a cartridge. Some models also come with a pre-amp so you can connect them to external components that will enable you to actually listen to a vinyl record.

The stylus featured will run into the groove of your record and will transmit vibrations to the cartridge through the tonearm. The cartridge will further transmit the information to the pre-amp that, with the help of an external amp and speaker, will turn it into sounds.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) How does a turntable work?

2) What’s the difference between a turntable and record player?

3) Turntable construction – wikipedia.org

4) How a turntable is made