Once I wanted to enjoy my favorite vinyl records on a turntable. Unfortunately, the device was of inferior quality and it was a disaster. The sound was terrible, the needle kept skipping, and the overall experience was frustrating. I almost gave up on my vinyl collection until I decided to do some research and find a good turntable.
Finding a high-quality device doesn’t have to be expensive. If your budget is limited, you will get a belt-drive device with up to 78 RPM speed. In this guide, we reviewed more than 30 models and selected 5 best turntables under $200. Our top pick is the LP&No.1 LPSC-008. We considered the type of drive (direct, belt) and included mostly belt-drive models that are durable and require low maintenance. The speed is also an important factor, as you want a model that can play all types of vinyl records. Bluetooth and USB compatibility is also important, as you want a model that can be easily connected to your speakers or computer.
More features: natural wood craft design; supports any size of vinyl records; diamond stylus; auto-stop; dual external speakers; 10m Bluetooth range
Ever wanted a mix of the oldies and modern touch in your apartment? Are you music lover too? You should try out this LP&No.1 LPSC-008 record player. In the twinkle of an eye, this record player can play all 78, 45 and 33 1/2 RPM records.
The record player can serve both it’s function as a record player and a Bluetooth player. It has a super fast and sensitive easy connectivity to any Bluetooth device and plays whatever music you want with a great sound.
While playing records, you can put on the auto stop setting that makes the record player to automatically stop playing the record once it gets to the end. An innovation with this LP&No.1 LPSC-008 player is that you experience no vibrations while sounds are playing on it because the speaker is separate from the record player.
You don’t have to be an expert with handling appliances before you can set up this record player, just by attaching the red and white cable to the speaker, you’re ready to start jamming!
Asides the incredible sound produced by this player, it’s finishing is also something to definitely write home about! It is finished in MDF fine wood suitable for most living rooms. The player also comes with a dust cover that can be removed or closed while music is playing.
More features: has a built-in CD Player, Cassette Player, USB Player, AM/FM Radio, a 3.5mm aux-in for music from any Non-Bluetooth device (included cable) and a headphone jack
The Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Turntable looks like an old-fashioned wooden radio on the outside but has all the modern functions you could possibly want, without having to pay a fortune for them.
First, there’s the record player itself, which is belt-driven and has three speeds to play all your records, old and new. There are also the built-in CD player, cassette player, and AM/FM radio, so you can listen to your music any way you like. This turntable is Bluetooth compatible as well, making it easy to stream your music from your phone, iPod, or another device, as long as you’re within the range.
On the front of the cabinet is a USB slot, where you can insert a flash drive to record songs from your vinyl, CDs, and tapes. Then you can transfer the music onto your computer or keep it on the USB to take with you anywhere you need to go. Best of all, you don’t need a computer or any special programs to record all your favorite hits. And once the music is on the USB, you can play it on the turntable as well.
One thing this turntable lacks is an output jack to hook up some external speakers. Though there are built-in ones, they may not be loud enough for some people, so the missing output is a bit troubling. But it is possible to use the headphone jack for speaker hookup if necessary.
Like the idea of classic-looking record players? Be sure to see the best vintage turntables on the market.
More features: also includes a CD player, a cassette player, an FM Radio
The D&L Vintage Record Player is more than just a turntable. It combines every type of musical function you can imagine all in one handy package that cost less than you could imagine. The turntable itself is belt-driven, with 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPMs. It comes with a replacement stylus needle in case the one in the cartridge is damaged in some way.
A CD player, cassette player, and FM radio are all built into the turntable design. Bluetooth compatibility allows you to play your music through the turntable’s built-in speakers from any Bluetooth device, including your phone, tablet, or iPod.
Another handy feature is the USB/SD function. This allows you to not only play music from your USB or SD card, but you can also record songs directly from your records, cassettes, or CDs onto either your flash drive or SD card. Then you can take your music with you anywhere you go.
Other handy features include a 3.5 mm aux-in jack, which you can use to hook your turntable up to any non-Bluetooth device, and a headphone jack when you want to enjoy your music but the rest of the household does not.
One minor flaw is that though CDs, tapes, and the radio play fine through the speakers, for some reason, vinyl sounds softer and a bit tinny. To remedy this, you could plug extra speakers into the headphone jack to get the sound quality you want.
More features: auto-stop tonearm; classical wood design; Bluetooth-out is not available
This Hofeinz turntable has a sleek and simple design that is as attractive as it is functional. For the base, there is a Siberian ash finish that is polished to a high-gloss shine that catches the eye. This gives the appearance of a retro turntable, though it has some more modern capabilities.
This turntable is belt-driven, with three speeds, so you can play every record in your collection with just a flick of a switch to change the RPMs. There are two-way stereo speakers built-in to the turntable, plus it has an RCA line output jack and cables to hook up other speakers for bigger sound. The tonearm has a ceramic cartridge on the end with a diamond stylus. There is also an auto-stop feature that can be turned on or left off for manual use.
Another handy feature is the Bluetooth compatibility, which allows you to sync your devices to the turntable and play your music through its speakers, though the Bluetooth is only in and not out for Bluetooth speaker linking.
If you want to record your vinyl, there is a USB slot for this purpose. This way, you can plug in a flash drive and start recording directly through the turntable, rather than plugging it into your computer. This also means you don’t need any extra software for this process, making it even easier.
More features: anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter; removable hinged dust cover; inbuilt pre-amplifier
The Audio Technica AT-LP60BK has a great low price that can fit into pretty much any budget. Though this turntable doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it has everything you need to listen to your favorite albums.
The belt-drive system is fully automatic, with an anti-resonance platter made of die-cast aluminum. This helps to reduce vibrations, which keeps skipping and record-scratching to a minimum.
Another great feature is the Integral Dual Magnet Audio-Technica phono cartridge on the end of the tonearm, which has a diamond stylus that is replaceable, so you can swap it out if you feel an upgrade is in order.
There is a built-in phono pre-amplifier, which can be switched from phono to line as needed, plus it has RCA output cables attached to make it easy to connect to speakers and other audio systems. The downside to this is that those attached cables are a bit short, so you need to organize your whole system carefully to make sure everything reaches appropriately.
All of the controls are on the front panel for easy access. To keep your turntable and all its components clean, there is a removable dust cover that you can put on or take off as needed. Though it lacks the 78 RPM speed, this turntable is perfect for the rest of your vinyl collection.
Interested in more budget models? Check out our buying guide on the best record players under 100 dollars.
If you’re looking to buy a new turntable, regardless of the price, you will want to look for specific features so you can enjoy it as much as possible. The following buying guide will help you do just that.
There are some ways a turntable can be adapted to increase your enjoyment when using it. Some models have output jacks, which will allow you to hook up extra speakers. Even though they may have built-in speakers, these are usually a bit limited, so extra ones can increase the sound quality and volume. A headphone jack is also a handy addition, especially if you want to listen to music that not everyone appreciates.
Though most albums produced today are either 33-1/3 or 45 RPM, the oldest vinyl will need 78 RPM. If your collection includes some of these types of records, you need a turntable that has the right speed.
Another thing about vinyl is that it has a warmth to its sound that is unmatchable with other mediums. The right setting can create the mood to go with it, so be sure your turntable is somewhere relaxing and maybe a bit nostalgic to really match the quality. And if you’d like to take that sound with you, USB capability with a recording function can do just that.
There are a number of features to look for in a decent turntable, but those who have never bought one may not know what they are and how they work. To help, we’ve broken down those features to help you understand just why they are essential.
There are two main types of drives when it comes to turntables. These are direct drives and belt drives. Though they both do the same job, they do so in different ways. There are also some pros and cons for each type.
The direct-drive turntables have a platter that is attached to the motor, which is what makes it spin. They generally start up faster, have a stronger torque, and offer more consistency and accuracy in speed. But the motor may cause vibrations that could affect the quality of sound.
A belt-drive turntable, which is what most of the products we reviewed here have, uses an elastic belt connected to the motor to spin the platter. The belt helps absorb shock, which prevents vibrations from the motor. This lack of interference produces a higher sound quality, but these turntables also have lower torque and less accurate speed. The belt can even wear out over time, which will require a replacement.
Records come in three different formats, all of which rotate at different speeds. These speeds are measured in RPMs, or revolutions per minute. The 33 RPM records are 12 inches and store up to 22 minutes of music per side. These are the most common records available.
The 45 RPM records are 7 inches, storing about 5 minutes of music per side, which is why they are commonly used for singles.
The rarest and oldest is the 78 RPM records, which are 10 inches. These records have much wider grooves, which could require a different stylus than the other two. They also rotate much faster, so can’t hold as much music as the 33-1/3 RPM albums, though they have a similar playtime as the 45s.
If you want some modern features added to your new turntable, Bluetooth is a great option. This feature, found on almost every turntable reviewed here, allows you to stream music from a Bluetooth enabled device so that you can listen to your whole playlist. But a rarity on a turntable of this price is the ability to link the turntable to Bluetooth speakers, so you likely won`t find this feature on most models in this price range.
USB compatibility is also handy. The LP&No.1 LPSC-008 has a feature that lets you insert a flash drive and play the music stored on it through your turntable. Other models, like the Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 Turntable allow you to record your vinyl, plus CDs or cassettes if these features are also added to the turntable. And if you can find one with both options, you`re set.
Many turntables, like the D&L Vintage Record Player, come with built-in speakers. These can be an extra convenient addition because the system comes all in one piece. This means no hooking up to additional speakers, giving your sound system a cleaner look. But sometimes, the built-in speakers don`t have the same sound quality or volume as larger speakers for vinyl.
Some models add RCA output cables, in case you want to hook up to an extra set of speakers, but this isn`t a guarantee, so you may need to make sure the built-in ones are decent quality before you buy it.
The dimensions of a turntable matter for those with limited space to fit their new model. For instance, the LP&No.1 LPSC-008 is only about 14 inches wide and just over 8 inches deep, but it is also almost 15 inches tall. This means you can fit it on slimmer shelves, as long as you have the vertical room for it.
The HOFEINZ Vintage Style Natural Wood Belt Driven Turntable, on the other hand, is wider and deeper, but less than 6 inches high, so you`ll need more room for the base but less for the height. Of course, you`ll still need some space to raise the lid.
When you start looking for a turntable, measure the area you want to place it first, then buy one that will fit in that space.
A turntable is an excellent addition to any home, but some of them come with a few additional features that make them even better. Some turntables have CD players, cassette players, and even radios built right into the system. This turns a turntable into a home stereo that plays any format you have on hand.
A protective cover on your turntable is also a good idea. This not only protects the components when you`re not using it but keeps the dust off the records you are playing right now. Many of them are even removable, so you don`t have to keep lifting them up every time you want to switch albums. Some turntables, like the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK, also have a built-in pre-amplifier.
Since turntables produce a phono output signal, it needs to be converted to a line level, or auxiliary, signal. A built-in preamp does this, so you don`t need to buy an external one or have an extra set of cables to connect it to the turntable. This cleans up your turntable area, plus is much more convenient.
Though any of the five turntables we`ve reviewed would make a great addition to your home, there are a few that had a bit more to offer.
First is the LP&No.1 LPSC-008, which has a unique upright design. It adds in adjustable counterweight, height, and anti-skate features to the tonearm, which the others lack. Besides, it boasts Bluetooth compatibility and the USB input to listen to your favourite MP3 recordings.
The Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Wood 8-in-1 Turntable is a close second. It has a similar nostalgic design but adds modern features like the CD player, cassette player, and radio. It also has Bluetooth and the USB function. Also, it adds in a remote for a bit of extra convenience.
In third place is the D&L Vintage Record Player. It has tremendous features, including three speeds, a headphone jack, and a replacement needle included. Built in are a CD player, cassette player, and radio. It also has Bluetooth capability and uses its USB/SD function to both record and play your music, all in a stylish, vintage package.
