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 Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is a solid choice for those stepping into the world of turntables, especially if you're keen on DJing or just want high-quality playback. One of its standout features is the high-torque direct-drive system, which ensures quick start-up times and consistent speed, making it great for mixing tracks. The low-noise operation also makes it appealing for audiophiles who want to enjoy their music without unwanted background sounds.

The construction quality is impressive too, with a high-stability design that minimizes vibrations, contributing to clearer sound reproduction. The ability to select from three tempo ranges adds versatility, allowing you to adjust the playback speed as needed.

However, at 38 pounds, this turntable is on the heavier side, which might not be ideal for those wanting a portable solution. Additionally, while the PLX-1000 does include a built-in preamp, some users may prefer to use their own external preamp for better sound quality, which adds to the cost. The materials used, including zinc for the body, provide durability, but they may not appeal to everyone who prefers a more classic wooden finish. While it’s designed for professional use, the price point may still be a bit high for casual listeners or those strictly on a budget looking for entry-level models.