10 bestTurntablesof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
18% off
1

Audio-Technica LP120XUSBBK Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Analogue & USB) Black
Audio-Technica

9.9
2

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSBGM Fully Automatic Belt-Drive USB Turntable Gunmetal
Audio-Technica

9.8
16% off
3

Audio-Technica LP60XBTBK Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable Black
Audio-Technica

9.8
10% off
4

Audio-Technica LP60XBTW Full Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable White
Audio-Technica

9.6
17% off
5

Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable with built-in Phono Pre-Amp, 2 speeds and 3 gain modes, Black
Sony

9.4
Other
18% off
6

1 BY ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Bluetooth Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Wireless Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off
1 BY ONE

9.2
12% off
7

Audio-Technica LP140XPBKEUK Professional Direct Drive Manual Turntable Black
Audio-Technica

8.9
8

Audio-Technica LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-drive Stereo Turntable Black
Audio-Technica

8.7
9

Audio-Technica LPW50BTRW Manual Belt-Drive Turntable (Wireless & Analogue) Rosewood
Audio-Technica

8.4
10% off
10

Pioneer DJ PLX-500-W Direct Drive DJ Turntable, White
Pioneer DJ

8.1
A Guide to Selecting the Best Turntables
Choosing the right turntable can greatly enhance your vinyl listening experience. It's important to consider various specifications that affect sound quality, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing audio setup. Understanding these key features will help you select a turntable that meets your needs and preferences, ensuring you enjoy your music collection to the fullest.
Drive Type
The drive type of a turntable refers to how the platter is powered. There are two main types: belt drive and direct drive. Belt drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the platter, which can reduce motor noise and vibration, making them ideal for audiophiles seeking high sound quality. Direct drive turntables have the motor directly attached to the platter, offering quicker start-up times and more consistent speed, which is preferred by DJs for scratching and mixing. If you're focused on sound quality for home listening, a belt drive might be best. If you're interested in DJing or need quick response times, consider a direct drive.
Cartridge Type
The cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the grooves on a record into an audio signal. There are two main types: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are more common, easier to replace, and generally more affordable, making them suitable for most users. MC cartridges can offer superior sound quality but are typically more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. If you're new to vinyl or have a standard audio setup, an MM cartridge is a practical choice. If you're an audiophile seeking the best sound and have the necessary equipment, consider an MC cartridge.
Platter Material
The platter is the rotating surface on which the record sits. Common materials include plastic, aluminum, and acrylic. Plastic platters are lightweight and affordable but may not provide the best sound quality. Aluminum platters are more durable and offer better sound isolation, reducing vibrations. Acrylic platters are often found on higher-end models and can further enhance sound quality by reducing resonance. If you're looking for a basic setup, a plastic or aluminum platter will suffice. For improved sound quality, especially if you have a high-quality audio system, consider a turntable with an acrylic platter.
Speed Settings
Turntables typically offer speed settings of 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, which correspond to the most common types of vinyl records. Some models also support 78 RPM for older records. It's important to choose a turntable that supports the speeds of the records you own. If you primarily listen to modern LPs and singles, a turntable with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings will be sufficient. If you have a collection of older 78 RPM records, ensure the turntable can accommodate this speed.
Built-in Preamp
A preamp boosts the audio signal from the turntable to a level that can be processed by speakers or an amplifier. Some turntables come with a built-in preamp, which simplifies setup and is convenient for connecting directly to powered speakers or a standard audio system. If your audio setup already includes a phono preamp or if you plan to upgrade to a high-quality external preamp, you might not need a built-in option. For ease of use and flexibility, especially if you're new to vinyl, a turntable with a built-in preamp is a good choice.
Tonearm Type
The tonearm holds the cartridge and stylus and guides them across the record. There are straight and S-shaped tonearms, each affecting tracking and sound quality. Straight tonearms are often lighter and can provide better tracking, which is beneficial for sound quality. S-shaped tonearms are more common in DJ turntables and can offer better stability for scratching. If you're focused on home listening and sound quality, a straight tonearm might be preferable. If you're interested in DJing, an S-shaped tonearm could be more suitable.

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