10 Best Budget Turntables 2025 in the United States

The 1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable is a solid choice for those entering the world of vinyl at a budget-friendly price. It features a stylish design, combining wood and metal materials, which gives it an appealing look that can complement your home decor. The turntable supports both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, making it versatile for different vinyl records. Additionally, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and an Aux-in port, allowing you to stream music from other devices, which adds to its convenience for casual listeners.

One of the standout features is its magnetic cartridge and adjustable counterweight, which work together to enhance audio quality. The included Audio-Technica stylus is a plus, as it helps ensure clear and rich sound reproduction, ideal for enjoying your music without unwanted noise.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the built-in speakers offer the convenience of an all-in-one design, they may not deliver the same audio depth and richness as high-quality external speakers. If you're a serious audiophile, you might find the sound quality lacking compared to more advanced, separate setups. Furthermore, the turntable’s weight might be another concern for those looking for portability, as it weighs around 13.2 pounds. Lastly, the operation might require a little getting used to, especially the power button functionality, which involves a long press to turn on and then another press to start the playback. For those who are less tech-savvy, this could be a minor inconvenience.

The Sony PS-LX310BT is a budget-friendly belt-drive turntable that’s designed for ease of use and versatility. Its fully automatic operation simplifies playing records with one-step auto start, stop, and return functions, making it very user-friendly. This turntable supports two speeds, 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, making it suitable for most vinyl collections. The built-in phono preamp with switchable output and three gain settings enhances audio quality, offering flexibility in how you connect to speakers or amplifiers.

Additionally, the option to rip vinyl to MP3 via USB is a great feature for those wanting to digitize their music collection. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless play, so you can enjoy your records through Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones, adding modern convenience to a classic format. The stable aluminum die-cast platter minimizes vibrations, contributing to clear, hi-fi sound quality. The newly designed straight tonearm also aids in precise tracking, ensuring your records play smoothly.

However, the turntable's primarily plastic construction might not appeal to those looking for a more premium build. At 7.9 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, which may affect its stability compared to heavier, more robust models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony PS-LX310BT stands out for its user-friendly features and excellent connectivity options, making it an ideal choice for beginners or casual vinyl enthusiasts looking to combine classic vinyl playback with modern technology.

The Fluance RT85 Turntable stands out in the budget turntable category, offering a range of features that enhance the vinyl listening experience. One of its key strengths is the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which is known for its accuracy and clarity. This cartridge provides detailed high-resolution sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who appreciate musical accuracy. The high-density acrylic platter further enhances audio quality by dampening unwanted vibrations, resulting in a richer sound profile with improved bass and midrange clarity.

The turntable also boasts a well-designed construction with a high mass MDF wood plinth, which provides stability and isolation from external vibrations. This feature is important for high-quality playback. Additionally, the speed control functionality ensures consistent playback speed, which is crucial for maintaining audio fidelity.

The RT85 does not come with a built-in phono preamp, which means you will need to invest in one separately if your audio system lacks this feature. For those unfamiliar with turntables, this may add an extra layer of complexity and cost. The Fluance RT85 is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy high-quality vinyl playback without breaking the bank. Its strengths lie in its superior audio components and solid build quality, making it ideal for both beginners and more experienced users.