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10 Best Budget Turntables 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

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.

#2

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

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.

#3

Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation - Walnut

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Cartridge Type
The Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge delivers beautiful sound reproduction with clear separation and punchy low end.
Platter Material
The high-density acrylic platter adds heft and sturdiness, enhancing overall sound quality.
Tonearm Type
The design details, such as the adjustable rubber isolation feet and the lockable 'S' shaped tone arm, are well-appreciated.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Turntables

Choosing the right turntable can greatly enhance your vinyl listening experience. When selecting a turntable, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact the sound quality, ease of use, and overall enjoyment. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Drive TypeThe drive type refers to how the turntable's 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 helps reduce motor noise and vibration, making them ideal for home listening. Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, providing more consistent speed and torque, which is preferred by DJs for scratching and mixing. If you are a casual listener, a belt-drive turntable is likely the best choice. If you plan to use the turntable for DJing, a direct-drive model may be more suitable.
Cartridge TypeThe cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the grooves in the vinyl 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 a good choice for beginners. MC cartridges can offer higher fidelity and detail but are typically more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. For most users, an MM cartridge will provide excellent sound quality and ease of use.
Platter MaterialThe platter is the part of the turntable that the record sits on. Platter materials can vary, with common options including 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 considered high-end and provide excellent sound quality by minimizing resonance. If you are looking for a balance between cost and performance, an aluminum platter is a good choice. For audiophiles seeking the best sound quality, an acrylic platter may be worth the investment.
Tonearm TypeThe tonearm is the part of the turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus. There are two main types: straight and S-shaped. Straight tonearms are simpler and often found on entry-level turntables, providing reliable performance for casual listening. S-shaped tonearms are designed to reduce tracking error and can offer better sound quality, making them popular among audiophiles. If you are new to vinyl or looking for a straightforward setup, a straight tonearm will suffice. If you are more experienced or seeking higher fidelity, an S-shaped tonearm may be preferable.
Speed SettingsTurntables typically offer different speed settings to accommodate various types of records. The most common speeds are 33 1/3 RPM (revolutions per minute) for LPs and 45 RPM for singles. Some turntables also support 78 RPM for older shellac records. It's important to choose a turntable that supports the speeds of the records you own or plan to purchase. For most users, a turntable with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings will cover the majority of modern vinyl collections. If you have or plan to collect older 78 RPM records, ensure the turntable supports this speed as well.
Built-in PreampA preamp amplifies the 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 allows you to connect directly to powered speakers or a standard audio system. If your audio system does not have a phono input, a built-in preamp can be very convenient. However, if you already have a high-quality external preamp or plan to upgrade in the future, you may prefer a turntable without a built-in preamp for more flexibility.

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