Joy Okumoko
On our list of the best turntables, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re on a budget or want to go all out. So, if your old vinyl collection is sitting somewhere collecting dust, it’s time to wipe it off because we’re going shopping for turntables.
Update, 3/17/23: Article verified, updated, and expanded for 2023.
Best Overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Turntable
Pros
- ✓ Three-speed direct drive manual turntable
- ✓ Sleek, designed by a reputable world-renowned brand
- ✓ Full-feature modern turntable
Cons
- ✗ Set up slightly technical
- ✗ Tonearm not height adjustable
- ✗ Plastic 45 RPM adaptor
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK is a three-speed direct-drive fully analog and USB Hi-Fi turntable that tops our list of the best turntables. This portable music machine from the world-renowned Audio-Technica allows you to enjoy the undiluted high-fidelity audio of vinyl. It has a hint of retro-ness that fills you with nostalgic memories. It’s also modern and allows you to digitize your vinyl records.
It features a balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest, an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, and variable pitch control with quartz speed lock. It supports 33/45/78 RPM speeds and has a die-cast aluminum platter with a built-in cartridge as well as a built-in switchable phono preamp. To top it off, it comes with a removable hinged dust cover and is reasonably priced.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Turntable
Audio-Technica makes some of the best turntables on the market. Pull out your vinyl records and plug into Hi-Fi stereo par excellence.
$349.00 
Best Premium: Rega Planar 1
Pros
- ✓ 24v low-noise motor
- ✓ Brass bearing minimizes energy transfer
- ✓ Beautiful, elegant design
Cons
- ✗ Pricey
The Rega Planar 1 turntable is designed for audiophiles and those looking for the best sound quality. It features an RB110 tonearm built with bespoke, zero-play bearings for ultra-low friction performance and a 24v low-noise motor to reduce vibration transfer. The main brass bearing has been re-designed to improve fit and minimize energy transfer, while the phenolic platter, with an improved flywheel effect, ensures improved speed stability. The thermoset, gloss laminated plinth offers a stunning appearance, and the ergonomically positioned on/off switch is conveniently located on the underside.
Although it is more expensive than most turntables, the Rega Planar 1 is a solid investment that pays off in sound quality and performance. The combination of the RB110 tonearm and the 24v low noise motor ensures unparalleled performance in the industry, making it worth every penny for those serious about getting the best sound quality. For those willing to invest in an audio experience that matches their love for music, the Rega Planar 1 is an ideal choice.
Best Entry-Level: Crosley C100BT-BK Turntable
Pros
- ✓ Beginner-friendly entry-level turntable
- ✓ Easy to set up
- ✓ S-shaped tonearm with adjustable counterweight and diamond stylus
Cons
- ✗ Balancing the tonearm may take some doing
- ✗ Anti-skate function not reliable
If you’re new to turntables, the Crosley Turntable C100BT-BK is a good place to start. This robust, feature-rich music player is both beginner-friendly and pocket friendly. It is belt-driven and supports two speeds of 33 and 45 RPMs. It weighs only 8.8 pounds, comes with an S-shaped tonearm, and supports Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to connect your favorite Bluetooth-supported speakers.
This Crosley turntable features a built-in preamp, Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, adjustable strobe pitch, adjustable tonearm counterweight, low-vibration synchronous motor, and vibration control feet. It also comes with a transparent removable hinged dust cover to protect your device, a warranty card, a user manual, and a host of other cool features that are guaranteed to make you fall in love with turntables.
Crosley C100BT-BK Turntable
Explore the world of vinyl records and turntables with this beginner-friendly yet feature-rich turntable.
$229.95
Best Vintage-Styled: Fluance RT81 Turntable
Pros
- ✓ Vintage-themed with high mass MDF wood plinth
- ✓ Features an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge
- ✓ Belt-driven, fully analog, two-speed with diamond stylus and two-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- ✗ Semi-automatic, doesn't return tonearm at end of record
- ✗ Entry-level Fluance turntable
Once upon a time, turntables were a staple in well-off homes, then in nearly every other home. Your uncles, aunties, cousins, parents, or grandparents can serenade you for hours about their turntables and vinyl collections. If you come from that era or want to go back in time, the Fluance RT81 Turntable can be your classic time machine. This vintage-themed head-turner of a turntable has a high mass MDF wood plinth and features an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge.
The Fluance RT81 turntable is belt-driven, fully analog, supports speeds of 33 and 45 RPM, and sports a static balanced aluminum S-type tonearm. It also comes with a removable hinged dust cover, 45 RPM adaptor, rubber slip mat, 3 feet RCA with ground wire, 100 – 240 Volts (50/60 Hertz) AC power adaptor, quick start guide, lifetime customer support, and two-year manufacturer’s warranty to boot.
Fluance RT81 Turntable
Travel back in time to the golden era of vinyl records and turntables with this vintage-styled turntable.
$249.99
Best Budget: House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable
Pros
- ✓ Pocket-friendly, two-speed, belt driven
- ✓ Backed by the rich musical history of the Marley's
- ✓ Built with eco-friendly sustainable materials
Cons
- ✗ No dust cove
Get the House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable if price is a factor for you. This nine-pound vintage-styled turntable comes from the stables of House of Marley, founded by Rohan Marley, son of iconic Reggae musician Bob Nester Marley. Coming from such a rich musical tradition as the Marley’s, this budget turntable can stir up your love and passion for this thing called music.
This dual-speed (33-45RPM) eco-friendly turntable has a belt drive, built-in preamp, modular Audio Technica cartridge, supports Bluetooth, and analog to PC recording. Its aluminum platter has regrind silicone slipmat, and it also has anti-skate controls. It is made of 100 percent recyclable material such as natural bamboo plinth, recycled plastics, and silicone, as well as recyclable aluminum. With this, not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be saving the environment.
House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable
Draw from the rich musical tradition of the Marley's while saving money and saving the planet.
$199.99
Best Bluetooth: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD
Pros
- ✓ Dual speed and fully automatic with Bluetooth and the ATN3600L conical stylus
- ✓ Easy to set up and operate with front-panel controls
- ✓ Built-in phono preamp, aluminum platter, and dust cover
Cons
- ✗ Bluetooth reset may be required while pairing new devices
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD is yet another Audio-Technica product on our list of the best turntables. This powerful dual-speed Bluetooth Hi-Fi stereo turntable is fully automatic and easy to operate with a front-panel start, stop, and tonearm lift buttons. It has a built-in phono preamp, an anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter, a redesigned tonearm, and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance.
This sleek turntable uses the CSR BT chipset, which allows you to connect to devices that support the aptX codec for better sound quality than the standard SBC codec. With its Bluetooth functionality, you can also cut the cord and enjoy wireless Hi-Fi stereo audio anywhere. It comes with a removable hinged dust cover, power supply peripherals, a 45 RPM adaptor, and a USB-B cable. It is lightweight, portable, and can be safely mounted on different surfaces.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD
Go cordless with the amazing Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD Bluetooth turntable.
$219.00
Best for Home Use: Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable
Pros
- ✓ Fully automatic with Bluetooth and USB support
- ✓ Made by Sony, easily pairs with other Sony products at home
- ✓ Built-in phono preamp, aluminum tonearm, die-cast platter, and dust cover
Cons
- ✗ Start, stop, and lower/raise tone arm functions are mechanical
- ✗ Overall build quality can be improved upon
One of the best places to enjoy and indulge in distraction-free music is at home, and one of the best turntables for this is the Sony Turntable PS-LX310BT. It is our top pick for the best turntable for home use. Made by music-giant Sony, this highly-rated high-quality sound box has a belt drive and is 100 percent automatic. It also has wireless Bluetooth functionality for everywhere connectivity as well as a USB output.
With its built-in phono preamp, aluminum tonearm, and die-cast platter, this 7.9-pound dual-speed turntable supports 33 and 45 RPM speeds. It also allows you to digitize your favorite vinyl records by ripping them to digital MP3 format on your PC. It comes with a newly designed aluminum pipe tonearm, a removable hinged dust cover, a vibration dampening slip mat, a 45 RPM adaptor, and a USB cable.
Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable
Enjoy unparalleled Hi-Fi stereo audio from your vinyl collection at home with the Sony PS-LX310BT turntable.
$248.00
