Like so many trends that come in and out of fashion, the vinyl records of yesteryear are becoming increasingly popular. Long considered the best way to listen to music, modern artists have started releasing their newest music on vinyl along with digital. For those looking to get started with this tried and true method of listening to music, however, what are the best turntables to invest in without breaking the bank?
The best turntable under $200 is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK. It’s extremely easy to set up and use, offers exceptional audio quality, can play a wide range of records and singles, and is easy to customize when you’re ready to upgrade your sound system.
This article will take a closer look at some of the best affordable turntables on the market, as well as what you should consider before investing in one of these pieces to ensure that you get the best listening experience for years to come.
Things To Consider When Buying a Turntable
Turntables, which many people threw out during the CD era, have re-emerged in popular culture largely because they are universally considered the best way to listen to music. Audiophiles across the world argue that vinyl is the superior listening medium, with artists showing they agree by releasing their music via record even in this age of iPhones and Spotify. At this point, you’re as likely to find a turntable in your little cousin’s house as your grandma’s.
Many generations that didn’t use turntables growing up are now in the market to purchase one for themselves. Accordingly, there are tons of options available – but not all are created equal. You should keep in mind a few factors when making this purchase, especially if you’re not looking to spend thousands of dollars. You can still get a great record player while staying on budget, but knowing what to look for is crucial.
Audio Clarity
Understandably, affordable turntables do not offer audio clarity like a thousand dollars versions do. This does not mean that affordable record players cannot offer excellent sound quality, however, depending on the model you buy and what sort of clarity you’re looking for, you might want to also invest in separate speakers. This is important to keep in mind when budgeting for your record player but may still come out cheaper than buying a luxury turntable.
Preamp
This turntable feature amplifies music to a volume appropriate for listening to out loud. Some turntables come with these, while others will need to be connected to external speakers. Having this feature built-in is super convenient, but external speakers are purpose-built and can easily be replaced when you want to upgrade. Both options are fine, but you’ll want to decide which is best for you before purchasing.
Portability
Do you plan to leave your record player in your home or bring it to picnics and parties? If you plan to travel a lot, you may want to consider a suitcase-style record player. This list does not feature any of these turntables, as they often don’t offer good sound quality, but they’re a great option if you’re moving around a lot. The cases are also stylish and great for decorating a room. If you’re not an audio snob, suitcase-style turntables might be the right fit for you.
If you’re not interested in a suitcase-style turntable, you can refine your search to include turntables with built-in carrying handles. You can also look for record players made out of lightweight material without too many moving or delicate parts.
Durability
Regardless of how much money you spend on your turntable, you definitely don’t want it to break within a week of bringing it home. Keep in mind how much wear and tear you think you’ll subject your record player to before purchasing and what base material is right for you. Plastic is popular in cheaper models, but it might not survive hard falls or bumps.
You’ll also want to keep in mind the ability to upgrade or replace broken parts. Many affordable record players are all one piece, so if you damage just the needle, you’ll need to replace the whole thing. Modular turntables, however, allow you to replace individual pieces. If you’re able to get your hands on a turntable like this, it’s always a good investment.
RPM
The best record player in the world won’t be very useful if it cannot play the records you like to listen to on a regular basis. RPM, which stands for rotations per minute, refers to playback speed. While most turntables that give you 33-⅓ and 45 RPM capabilities will work for most records you want to play, it may not be able to handle older vintage recordings. This is especially true for old school singles with wider grooves.
If you plan on listening to a lot of old, rare recordings on your turntable, you’ll want to make sure it’s capable of playing them. Luckily, you can also purchase specialized cartridges equipped to handle these obscure records and simply replace the standard cartridge on your turntable. Most record players you buy today will be able to play the standard vinyl being released by modern artists.
Connectability
Even though record players are a fun throwback, we still live in the modern world and will eventually want to play music that’s not only vinyl. Luckily, many modern turntables come with built-in USB ports or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to connect your record player to your computer, turn your vinyl music into digital files and upload it to your phone. Since record players aren’t great to bring on planes or cars, this is a great feature.
Upgradability
Even if you’re just getting started on your vinyl journey, it’s possible that you’ll soon become really invested in and want some more high-end equipment. Unfortunately, a lot of affordable turntables can’t be easily modified, so you’ll need to invest in entirely new pieces of equipment. This can also become frustrating if a small part of the turntable gets damaged and you cannot just replace the damaged part.
To avoid this problem and save money, you might want to consider purchasing a turntable that is modular. This means that the pieces are separate as opposed to one big unit, so you can replace or upgrade parts as needed. This is great if the needle on your turntable gets bent or if you just want to upgrade to a more powerful external preamp without spending hundreds on a new turntable. Thinking ahead will save you money in the long run.
Now that we’ve covered some of the basic things to look for in a turntable, let’s take a deeper dive into some of the best options available for under $200.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK
Highly recommended by Rolling Stone, this turntable offers a great overall experience for those just getting into vinyl. This is because, for the most part, the record player offers a plug-and-play experience. There are no complicated instructions to set it up, so you should be able to have a great experience listening to your favorite music straight from the box.
Beginners enjoy how easy this turntable is to operate, especially the needle and tonearm. For those who didn’t grow up with records, the thought of successfully placing the needle on the record to play a specific song seems somewhat daunting. With this model, however, you can use buttons on the front of the turntable to lower the tonearm into place. You can also drop the needle at the starting point of a song using a switch at the top of the machine.
Especially important for the classic music lover is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK’s ability to play both older singles and more modern records. A button on the front of the record player allows you to switch between different RPMs to accommodate older types of vinyl. You can also order a 7” adaptor that allows you to easily place old singles with larger holes onto the turntable’s spindle. Overall, there shouldn’t be too many records you can’t play on this machine.
You’ll be able to keep your favorite music with you even when you’re not near your record player, as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK features a USB port, allowing you to easily connect to your computer and upload your records to your phone or tablet. This turntable also comes with a built-in preamp. The sound quality is pretty good, but if you’re unhappy, you can easily hook it up to external speakers with RCA cables.
The frame of this record player is plastic, making it relatively lightweight but not invincible. Even though it’s inexpensive, it’s simple design makes it look more sophisticated. Fortunately, it’s also modular, so you can replace parts as needed, like the ATN3600 cartridge it comes with. With its ease of use and affordable price point, this is a great starter record player for anyone.
Sony PS-LX310BT
This turntable is a great option for those looking to mix old-school hi-fi with modern technology, explains Louder Sound. The built-in Bluetooth is probably this record player’s most desirable feature, as it allows you to pair your record player with not only headphones but any speaker throughout your home. You can also use Bluetooth to connect to your computer to convert your vinyl to digital files. Even better, you won’t need wires for any of this!
In addition to Bluetooth, the Sony PS-LX310BT offers a warm, vintage sound. Especially for its price point, you’ll get to enjoy crisp highs and deep basses. It can give nuance and depth to records, ensuring that you hear every level of the sound. While it does come with a built-in preamp, a switch on the back of the device allows you to switch to an external speaker. You can also easily control the volume of the standard preamp with the turntable’s settings.
Other settings include an RPM switch, which allows for older singles, as well as a size setting that allows the needle to drop when you hit start. There are also buttons to lower the needle and stop playback, making it pretty much impossible to drop the needle on the wrong spot. The aluminum tonearm offers improved tracking and stable playback, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the record skipping if you walk near the turntable.
The all-black design is minimalistic, but the device is mainly plastic. However, the tonearm and stable platter are aluminum, which contributes to the device’s stability and hi-fi sound. While it may not be the most high-end turntable, it also comes with a thick tinted dust cover to keep your records safe, and a vibration dampening slip mat. For the price, this record player is an overall great buy.
ION Audio Max LP
The ION Audio Max LP is one of the most affordable options on this list, which is why its built-in USB drive and warm sound are so remarkable. You can easily plug this turntable into your computer to digitize your records and even mix and edit tracks yourself. Internal speakers provide good sound, although this is probably not the turntable’s greatest strength. For the average listener, however, the audio quality offered should be fine.
This record player’s best feature is definitely its user-friendliness. It’s very approachable for those who have never used a record player before, making it easy for them to start playing music quickly. There is no on-off switch; once you move the tonearm, the music will begin automatically – no positioning required. Putting the tonearm back in its resting position stops the music automatically as well, meaning you won’t have to remember what dozens of buttons do.
While not necessarily an important part of the musical experience, the ION Audio Max LP’s design is especially desirable. It’s different from many plastic turntables at this price point, with a polished natural wood finish. This gives it the mid-century modern look that has become popular lately and will fit in with most home decorating styles. While it’s cheaper than many of the other options on this list, its wood finish makes it look much more expensive than it actually is.
Other features offered with this turntable include a headphone jack, 3.5 mm aux output, and RCA jacks. With all the convertibility features of more expensive models, decent sound, and a stylish body, this is a great option for anyone looking for a record player that looks as good as it sounds.
Audio-Technica AT-LP3
It’s clear that Audio-Technica excels at making high-quality, affordable turntables, as this is the second model featured on this list. As Record Sound Pro explains, the Audio-Technica AT-LP3 is not only extremely user-friendly but also has a premium build and high-quality materials. What Hi-Fi furthers this sentiment, positioning this turntable as one of the best they’ve ever used and a great middle-ground for vinyl newbies and serious audiophiles.
This record player is fully automatic, which means no fumbling around with the needle to get the record to start playing. With only the press of a button, you can stop and start the record and change record sizes and rotation speeds to play full albums and singles. There is very little set-up involved, so you’ll be able to essentially plug and play. It’s less weighty than comparable record players as well, so moving it around your home shouldn’t be a problem.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 offers consistently great audio quality that captures the full-bodied musicality of everything from Beethoven to Arcade Fire. Additionally, the turn table’s platter is made of aluminum and comes with a thick rubber mat to counter vibrations, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience. It comes with a decent preamp but can also be connected to external speakers.
What most turntable enthusiasts like the most about the Audio-Technica AT-LP3, however, is how easy it is to upgrade, making it perfect for a beginner looking to invest more in their audio setup down the line. It’s easy-to-remove cartridges can be swapped for moving-coil or moving-magnet alternatives when you’re ready to start experimenting with sound. This also provides a great learning opportunity that more expensive turntables can’t offer.
House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable
With a name like Marley attached to it, you know this turntable has to be good. Developed by famous Reggae musician Bob Marley’s son Rohan over nearly five years, the Stir It Up Turntable offers great audio quality for an affordable price. Fitting with Marley’s Rastafarian beliefs, House of Marley is committed to eco-consciousness, explains Sound Manual, and uses mindfully sourced and recycled materials to create beautiful products.
This design is what truly sets this record player apart from all the others on this list. It is made of eco-friendly bamboo and organic cotton, and hemp cloth. It even has a recycled aluminum platter and recycled rubber and plastic slip mat. Since plastic is incredibly harmful to the environment, the turntable does not come with a plastic dust cover. It does, however, include thoughtful touches like rasta stripes on the headshell and an etched logo.
Being eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing definitely doesn’t mean the Stir It Up Turntable sacrifice sound quality. Digital Trends states that it holds up against other similarly-priced record players and can handle bass-heavy songs without throwing the needle. It’s also easy to upgrade for budding audiophiles, with an easily-removable stylus, preamp, and cartridge. This belt-driven turntable is manual, however, so you will have to lower the tonearm yourself.
Other features include an analog RCA output, a built-in headphone jack for solo listening, and a USB outlet. This allows you to connect the turntable to your computer and create digital files from your vinyl collection. Whether you’re a huge Bob Marley fan or just looking for a beautiful, eco-friendly record player, the House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable is a great choice.
U-Turn Orbit Basic
The U-Turn Orbit Basic may be one of the most fun, colorful options on this list. This turntable comes in fun colors like coral, purple, green, and blue and features a minimalist, streamlined design. You’re even able to customize the design on your site, allowing you to really personalize your record player. These products are all hand-made in America with high-quality materials and signed by the employee responsible for the construction before they’re shipped out.
While these turntables offer incredible sound quality in addition to their striking minimalist design, this aesthetic does mean some features are not included. There is only one button on the entire device – a power switch. This means you’ll need to lift and lower the stylus yourself and find the correct spot to drop it. This can actually be sort of fun, but it requires a lot of practice and may potentially lead to a damaged needle or record.
The U-Turn Orbit Basic also does not include a USB port or Bluetooth. This is truly a record player designed for one purpose – to play music extremely well. It is definitely for purists and audiophiles okay with putting in a little more work for a quality listening experience. Since the standard option does not come with a preamp, you’re able to really research what external option you’d like. Overall, this turntable is a great intro for anyone looking to get serious.
Numark PT-01
While the rest of the turntables on the list are designed for just listening to music, it seemed important to add another option on here for those looking to use their turntable for some amateur DJing. Believe it or not, it is possible to get a decent beginner turntable for DJing without breaking the bank. The Numark PT-01 provides everything you need for learning to scratch and create your very own beats.
As Audio Rumble details, this turntable is a great option for any aspiring DJ. Perhaps most important for anyone learning a new instrument, the Numark PT-01 comes with a built-in headphone jack that allows you to practice privately. Conveniently located RCA outputs mean you can connect to external speakers, too. The turntable also has an adjustable scratch slide switch that allows the turntable to be customized for both right and left-handed turntablists.
Since the turntable is designed for beginners, the adjustable scratch dial is easy-to-use and great to learn with. Aux outputs let you scratch along with backing tracks, and the onboard interface allows you to record your tracks easily. When you want to take a break from scratching, it also offers good sound quality just for listening to your favorite records.
As is crucial with all turntables for DJs, the Numark PT-01 is incredibly portable, even coming with a built-in carrying handle. The trade-off for ease of transport is robust, however, as this turntable isn’t made of the strongest materials to keep in light. With careful handling, however, it should hold up over time. It also features somewhat “flashy” red accents that may not appeal to everyone but will be perfect for getting noticed during a performance.
Crosley C6
While Crosley turntables have received less-than-positive reviews at times, they remain so popular for a reason – they’re great options for the price point. Crosley’s C6 Turntable filled a gap for audiophiles looking for a decent turntable without spending too much (source). Crosley echoed the sentiment, stating in a press release that the C6 is the perfect option for vinyl enthusiasts looking to advance from portable units.
This turntable is made of audio-grade MDF plinth and is available in walnut, red, and black. The plinth is relatively heavy, giving the turntable a sturdy feel that belies its budget-friendly price tag. With vibration control feet, a steel platter, and sturdy tonearm, the Crosley C6 not only looks like a serious piece of equipment but has also been engineered to perform like one.
The record player comes with a preamp, which, while not up to the standard of a thousand-dollar model, offers relatively good sound even without external speakers. Audio quality is overall crisp and offers the trademark vinyl warmth you’d expect from any decent turntable. Since this is a modular turntable, you can easily replace the cartridge or needle to upgrade the audio quality as you get more comfortable with vinyl in general.
Keep in mind that with its relatively low price tag, you’ll miss out on a few extra features. The Crosley C6 does not include Bluetooth or USB ports, and the tonearm is manual. You’ll probably have to practice dropping the needle down onto a record a couple of times before you get it right. Even so, this turntable is a great overall option for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not looking to spend thousands of dollars on a turntable, you can still get a high-quality model that offers great audio and modern features. Whether you’re looking for something simplistic and modern-looking to complement a room or a turntable you can learn to DJ on, there is a wide range of options available online.
Make sure to look for a modular unit that can be easily customized and upgraded, as well as high-quality body materials, user-friendliness, a good preamp, and Bluetooth or USB ports to digitize your records.