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10 Best 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 offers a mix of modern features and classic turntable essentials. Its belt drive system is known for reducing vibrations, which can enhance sound quality. The turntable has a stylish appearance, crafted from wood and metal, giving it a sophisticated look that could complement any room decor. It supports both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, making it versatile for different types of vinyl records. The inclusion of a built-in preamp is convenient for users who do not want to invest in additional audio equipment.

Additionally, the turntable comes with built-in speakers, making it a great all-in-one solution for those starting their vinyl journey or looking for a space-saving setup. The magnetic cartridge and adjustable counterweight help produce rich and warm audio, assisted by the Audio-Technica stylus, known for its precision and clarity. This turntable also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from various devices, adding to its versatility.

However, the built-in speakers might not satisfy audiophiles looking for high-end sound quality, and users may eventually want to connect external speakers for a better audio experience. Weighing 13.2 pounds, it is relatively portable but not the lightest option available. The auto-off feature is a handy addition, ensuring the turntable doesn't run needlessly. This turntable is ideal for beginners and casual listeners who appreciate a blend of classic and modern functionalities, but it might not fully satisfy seasoned audiophiles seeking premium sound quality.

#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 belt-drive turntable that offers a blend of modern features and classic vinyl playback. Its fully automatic operation makes it very user-friendly, with one-step auto start, stop, and return functions. This model supports two speeds, 33⅓ and 45 RPM, accommodating most vinyl records. The aluminum die-cast platter helps in reducing vibrations, enhancing audio clarity. Additionally, the newly designed straight tonearm ensures better tracking and playback quality.

This turntable includes a built-in, switchable phono preamp with three gain settings, allowing it to connect to any audio system, and offers both phono and line outputs. For digital enthusiasts, the USB ripping feature enables vinyl to MP3 conversion, while Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless streaming to speakers or headphones, making it very versatile. However, the platter is made of aluminum, while the build material is plastic, which might not be as durable as some higher-end models.

Weighing 7.9 pounds, it is relatively portable, but the plastic construction might not feel as robust. The turntable comes with various accessories, including a dust cover, RCA cables, and a USB B cable, making it ready to use out of the box. Ideal for both beginners and casual listeners who appreciate convenience and modern features, the Sony PS-LX310BT provides a good balance of quality and functionality.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Cartridge and Stylus
Upgrading the platter mat and stylus can significantly enhance the audio experience.
#3

Technics Turntable, Premium Class HiFi Record Player with Coreless Direct, Stable Playback, Audiophile-Grade Cartridge and Auto-Lift Tonearm, Dustcover Included – SL-100C, Black (SL-100C-K)

The Technics SL-100C Turntable is designed for those who appreciate high-fidelity vinyl listening. Its coreless direct drive motor ensures smooth and stable playback, which is a significant strength for audiophiles looking for quality sound. The aluminum S-shape tonearm enhances tracking accuracy, allowing for a rich sound experience by capturing every nuance in the grooves of your records. Plus, the included Audio-Technica cartridge delivers excellent sound without needing extensive setup, making it convenient for both new and experienced users.

One standout feature is the Auto-Lifter, which raises the cartridge at the end of a record to reduce wear on both your vinyl and the stylus—a thoughtful inclusion for long-term preservation of your collection. The turntable's minimalist design adds an aesthetic appeal, fitting seamlessly into any modern setup.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. At 21.8 pounds, it may be heavier than some budget models, which could affect portability if you need to move it around frequently. Additionally, while it does come with a built-in preamp, users looking for advanced connectivity options may find this model somewhat limited, as it primarily focuses on traditional vinyl playback without extensive digital features like USB connectivity.

The Technics SL-100C is an excellent choice for serious vinyl lovers who prioritize sound quality and design. It's best suited for those who want a reliable, beautiful turntable without the hassle of complicated setup processes, though it may not cater to every digital requirement.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Drive Type
The turntable's coreless direct drive motor ensures rock-solid speed stability at both 33 and 45 rpm, enhancing the listening experience.
Cartridge and Stylus
While the included Audio-Technica cartridge is good, upgrading to a higher-end cartridge significantly improves the overall sound quality.
Tonearm
With its lightweight and stable tonearm, the SL-100C delivers precise tracking and outstanding sound clarity.

Buying Guide for the Best Turntables

Choosing the right turntable can greatly enhance your music listening experience. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, understanding the key specifications of turntables will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a turntable that best fits 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. Choose a belt-drive if you prioritize sound quality and a direct-drive if you need durability and precision for DJing.
Platter MaterialThe platter is the part of the turntable that the record sits on. Common materials include 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. Acrylic platters are considered high-end, providing excellent sound quality and reducing vibrations. If you're a casual listener, a plastic or aluminum platter may suffice, but for audiophiles seeking the best sound, an acrylic platter is recommended.
Cartridge TypeThe cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the grooves in the record 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 suitable for most users. MC cartridges offer superior sound quality but are more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. If you're new to vinyl or on a budget, an MM cartridge is a good choice. For audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity, an MC cartridge is worth considering.
TonearmThe tonearm is the part of the turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus. It plays a crucial role in tracking the grooves of the record accurately. Tonearms can be straight or S-shaped, with straight tonearms generally providing better tracking accuracy and S-shaped tonearms offering better balance and reduced wear on records. Additionally, some tonearms have adjustable counterweights and anti-skate mechanisms to fine-tune performance. If you want ease of use, a straight tonearm with basic adjustments is sufficient. For those who want to optimize sound quality, look for a tonearm with more advanced adjustment features.
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 plan to play. If you mainly listen to modern LPs and singles, a turntable with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings will suffice. If you have a collection of vintage 78 RPM records, ensure the turntable can accommodate that speed as well.
Built-in PreampA preamp amplifies the signal from the turntable to a level that can be processed by your speakers or 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 input. If your audio system already has a phono input or you prefer using an external preamp for better sound quality, you can opt for a turntable without a built-in preamp. For beginners or those looking for convenience, a built-in preamp is a great feature. Audiophiles might prefer an external preamp for more control over sound quality.

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