8 Best Turntables for Beginners (August 2026) Professional reviews
Vinyl is back in a big way, and picking up your first record player should feel exciting, not intimidating. If you are searching for the best turntables for beginners in 2026, you have landed in the right place. Our team spent weeks comparing eight of the most recommended starter decks on the market, ranging from $170 plug-and-play units to $650 audiophile-grade models.
The biggest trap new collectors fall into is buying a cheap suitcase player that scratches records within months. That is why every model on this list has a real tonearm, replaceable stylus, and proper tracking force. We leaned heavily on what the r/turntables and r/BudgetAudiophile communities have validated over thousands of real-world setups, then tested for ourselves.
Before we get into the individual reviews, here are our three quick picks. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is the gold standard plug-and-play turntable for absolute beginners. The 1 BY ONE High Fidelity with Built-in Speakers is the best all-in-one value under $170. And the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is the premium pick you can grow into for years.
Looking for current savings before you commit? Check our running list of current turntable deals to see if your favorite model just dropped in price.
Top 3 Picks for Beginner Turntables in 2026
If you want to skip straight to a decision, these three models cover the three ways most people enter vinyl. One is fully automatic, one has speakers built in, and one is the audiophile upgrade path.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60…
- Fully automatic belt-drive
- Switchable phono preamp
- Replaceable stylus
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
- Carbon fiber tonearm
- Sumiko Rainier cartridge
- 33/45/78 RPM speeds
The AT-LP60X is the deck most Reddit communities point to when someone asks what to buy first. The 1 BY ONE is the easiest all-in-one option for someone with no speakers yet. The Pro-Ject is what you move up to once vinyl becomes a serious hobby.
Best Turntables for Beginners in 2026: Quick Overview
Here is the full side-by-side comparison of all eight models we tested. Each one earned a spot on this list for a specific reason, which we break down in the individual reviews below.
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1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK – The Plug-and-Play Standard
- Fully automatic operation
- no tonearm balancing needed
- Built-in switchable phono preamp
- Anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter
- Replaceable Dual Magnet stylus
- Two speed operation for all modern records
- Plastic chassis feels less premium
- No anti-skate adjustment
- Cartridge is not upgradeable
Fully automatic belt-drive
Switchable phono preamp
33 1/3 and 45 RPM
Replaceable diamond stylus
This is the deck I point every first-time vinyl buyer to, and for good reason. The AT-LP60X is the model r/turntables calls the gold standard plug-and-play beginner turntable. You press one button, the tonearm lifts, moves to the record, lowers itself, and starts playing. When the side ends, it lifts and returns automatically.
I set one up for a friend in under five minutes, RCA cable into powered speakers, switch the preamp to line, plug in power, done. No tonearm balancing, no anti-skate dial to fiddle with, no tracking force gauge to buy separately. That simplicity is why it has racked up over 13,000 reviews and still holds a 4.6-star average.
The die-cast aluminum platter is a real upgrade over the plastic platters on cheap suitcase players. It adds rotational mass, which means steadier speed and less wow and flutter. The belt-drive design also isolates motor vibration from the stylus, so you hear more music and less mechanical noise.
The Dual Magnet cartridge is integrated into the headshell, but the stylus itself is replaceable. When it wears out after roughly 500 hours of play, you swap a new needle in for around $30 instead of replacing the whole cartridge.
How Easy Is It Really for a First-Time Owner
On a scale of one to ten for beginner-friendliness, the AT-LP60X is a ten. The only setup decisions are which output mode to use and which speakers to pair with it. If your speakers are powered (have their own amplifier built in), flip the switch to line. If you are connecting to a separate amplifier with a phono input, switch it to phono.
The automatic mechanism also protects your records. There is no risk of dropping the tonearm too hard or letting it skate across the run-out groove, which is one of the most common ways beginners damage vinyl on manual decks.
What You Should Know About Upgrades Down the Line
The AT-LP60X is a closed-loop design, meaning the cartridge cannot be swapped and the tonearm cannot be upgraded. If you decide in two years that you want a moving coil cartridge or an adjustable counterweight, you will need a new turntable entirely.
That trade-off is what keeps the price low. For most casual listeners, the AT-LP60X stays satisfying for years. If you suspect you will get serious fast, jump straight to the AT-LP70X or Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO below.
2. 1 BY ONE High Fidelity Turntable – Best All-in-One Value
- Built-in speakers mean no extra purchase needed
- Bluetooth streaming from phone
- Audio-Technica diamond-tipped stylus
- Wood and metal construction
- Adjustable counterweight for tracking
- Built-in speakers are basic
- no audiophile sound
- No 78 RPM option
- Plastic dust cover feels flimsy
Belt-drive with built-in speakers
Bluetooth streaming
Audio-Technica stylus
Magnetic cartridge,2 speeds
Not every beginner wants to research speakers, amplifiers, and cabling before they hear a single record. That is exactly the gap the 1 BY ONE High Fidelity Turntable fills. It has built-in speakers, a real magnetic cartridge, and Bluetooth streaming in one box, all for under $170.
I tested one over a weekend and was genuinely surprised at how listenable the built-in speakers are for casual kitchen or bedroom use. They will not replace a real hi-fi setup, but they are a world away from the tinny sound of Crosley and Victrola suitcase players that get roasted online for damaging records.
The AT3600-style magnetic cartridge with an Audio-Technica diamond stylus tracks at a proper weight, not the heavy five-gram tracking force that ruins records on cheap suitcase decks. The belt-drive platter runs quietly, and the adjustable counterweight means you can fine-tune tracking force if you upgrade the stylus later.
Bluetooth is the secret weapon here. When you are not spinning vinyl, you can stream from your phone through the same speakers. That makes it a genuine multi-purpose unit for a small apartment.
Best Use Case for the Built-in Speakers
The included speakers are perfect for nearfield listening at desk distance or for casual background music in a bedroom. They start to fall apart at party volume and lack the bass response you would want for a living room setup.
If you want better sound later, the turntable has a switchable phono preamp and RCA output. You can add powered bookshelf speakers at any point without replacing the deck.
What the Bluetooth Actually Does
Important clarification: this is Bluetooth input, not output. It lets you stream music from your phone into the turntable’s speakers. It does not transmit your vinyl wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. If wireless vinyl is your goal, browse our roundup of Bluetooth record players with built-in speakers for models that transmit out.
Also worth knowing: the 1 BY ONE only plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. If you collect vintage 78s, you need a different deck.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP70X – The Smarter Step-Up Auto Deck
- Fully automatic protects records
- Integrated AT-VM95C cartridge accepts four stylus upgrades
- J-shaped tonearm reduces tracking error
- Three-piece resonance-damped chassis
- Tonearm lock prevents stylus damage
- Higher price than LP60X for similar automatic operation
- Lower signal-to-noise ratio than premium decks
- Cartridge body fixed
- stylus-only upgrades
Fully automatic belt-drive
AT-VM95C cartridge with VM95 stylus options
Switchable phono preamp
J-shaped tonearm,2 speeds
The AT-LP70X sits in a sweet spot that a lot of beginners overlook. It gives you the same push-button automatic operation as the LP60X, but with a noticeably better cartridge and tonearm engineering that justifies the extra cost.
What sold me on the LP70X is the AT-VM95C cartridge. Audio-Technica’s VM95 line has four different stylus upgrades that all drop into the same cartridge body. You can start with the conical stylus it ships with, then move up to an elliptical, microlinear, or Shibata stylus as your ear and budget grow.
The J-shaped tonearm is modeled on the geometry that audiophile turntables use to minimize tracking error across the record. Combined with the three-piece chassis that dampens resonance, you get cleaner sound than the LP60X without giving up the automatic convenience beginners love.
The tonearm lock is a small detail that matters more than you might think. It holds the arm in place during transport and storage, so you do not arrive at your new apartment with a snapped stylus cantilever.
Who Should Skip the LP60X and Buy This Instead
If you know vinyl is going to become a real hobby, the LP70X is the smarter buy over the LP60X. The upgrade path alone is worth the price difference, since you can grow into a $150 stylus on a $250 deck instead of replacing the whole turntable.
If you just want to play the occasional record at a party, stick with the LP60X. The LP70X is wasted on someone who will never upgrade the stylus.
How the Phono Preamp Decision Works Here
The LP70X has a built-in switchable phono preamp, just like the LP60X. Set it to line for powered speakers, soundbars, or any modern input. Set it to phono if you are feeding a vintage receiver with a dedicated phono stage.
The internal preamp is good but not great. If you later add an external phono stage like the Schiit Mani or ART DJPRE II, you bypass it and unlock more detail from the VM95 cartridge.
4. 1 BY ONE Bluetooth HiFi System with 36W Bookshelf Speakers
- Two 36 watt bookshelf speakers included in the box
- USB output for digitizing vinyl to computer
- Adjustable counterweight and anti-skate force
- Solid iron platter for stable rotation
- Best seller in DJ belt-drive category
- Heavy at 20.9 pounds
- Digital signal format less appealing to analog purists
- Speakers not separated for true stereo imaging
Belt-drive with included 36W bookshelf speakers
USB vinyl recording to PC
Bluetooth streaming
Adjustable counterweight and anti-skate
This is the 1 BY ONE to buy if you actually care about sound. Instead of tiny built-in drivers, it ships with a pair of dedicated 36-watt bookshelf speakers that sit on either side of the deck for real stereo separation.
Our team set this up in a medium living room and the speakers filled the space cleanly at conversation volume. Bass was present without booming, vocals sat forward, and acoustic guitar had real texture. It is the first model on this list that sounds good enough to make a non-audiophile say, oh, that is why people like vinyl.
The solid iron platter is a notable upgrade over the aluminum platters on cheaper models. It has more rotational inertia, so speed stays steadier through warps and off-center pressings. The belt-drive system keeps motor noise out of the signal path.
The USB output is a real bonus if you have rare records that never got a digital release. Plug it into a computer, run free Audacity software, and rip your vinyl to lossless files for your phone.
What Separates This From the Cheaper 1 BY ONE
The cheaper 1 BY ONE on this list has speakers bolted into the deck itself, which is convenient but limits stereo imaging. This model uses two separate speakers you place apart, which is how you actually get the wide soundstage vinyl is famous for.
You also get anti-skate adjustment, which the cheaper version lacks. Anti-skate keeps the stylus pressure balanced across both groove walls, reducing distortion on the inner grooves where a lot of records get muddy.
The USB Recording Workflow Explained Simply
Connect the included USB cable to your computer, install Audacity (it is free), set the input to USB Audio Codec, hit record, then drop the needle on your record. After the side plays through, you can split tracks, remove clicks, and export as FLAC or MP3.
The learning curve is about an hour the first time. After that, you can rip a full album in roughly the time it takes to play it.
5. ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player – Budget All-in-One
- Four built-in speakers for fuller sound than two-driver models
- AT-3600L magnetic cartridge tracks at safe weight
- Bluetooth 5.0 for stable streaming
- Universal headshell accepts cartridge upgrades
- 3 year warranty is unusually generous
- Bluetooth pairing complaints from some users
- Built-in speakers still limited for serious listening
- Single output mode can confuse beginners
Belt-drive with DC servo motor
Four built-in speakers
AT-3600L magnetic cartridge
Bluetooth 5.0,2 speeds,3 year warranty
ANGELS HORN is one of those brands that quietly built a loyal following by giving beginners more for less. This model packs four speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, an AT-3600L cartridge, and a three-year warranty into a sub-$200 package.
I tested the four-speaker array against the two-speaker 1 BY ONE and the difference is real but modest. You get slightly wider dispersion and a touch more low-end presence, but neither replaces a proper pair of bookshelf speakers. The AT-3600L cartridge is the same proven design used on far more expensive decks, and it tracks at a record-safe 2 grams.
The belt-drive system with DC servo motor runs at steady speed and stays quiet. The die-cast aluminum platter is the same upgrade you get on the Audio-Technica decks, and it makes a real difference versus plastic platters on suitcase players.
The universal headshell is the standout feature here. You can swap in a higher-end cartridge later without replacing the tonearm, which most all-in-one units do not allow.
How Reliable Is the Bluetooth 5.0 Connection
Most users report stable streaming, but a minority have hit pairing dropouts, especially with older phones. If you plan to stream from your phone constantly, factor that in. If you mostly play vinyl, it is a non-issue.
Range is solid within about 30 feet line-of-sight, which covers most rooms.
What the Three-Year Warranty Actually Covers
ANGELS HORN covers manufacturing defects for three years, which is longer than Audio-Technica’s standard one-year warranty on the LP60X and LP70X. Stylus wear is not covered since it is a consumable, but motor, electronics, and tonearm issues are.
That extra coverage is reassuring for a first-time buyer who is not sure how long the hobby will last.
6. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB – The Direct-Drive Workhorse
- Direct-drive motor with strong torque and quick startup
- Three speeds including 78 RPM for vintage records
- Adjustable anti-skate and variable pitch control
- S-shaped tonearm with hydraulic cueing
- USB output for vinyl ripping
- 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Fully manual operation requires practice
- Heavier and larger than automatic models
- Higher price point
Direct-drive DC servo motor
3 speeds 33/45/78 RPM
USB digitizing output
S-shaped tonearm with anti-skate and pitch control
The AT-LP120XUSB is the deck beginners buy when they already know they want to scratch, sample, or just have a serious piece of gear that will last decades. It is the most feature-rich model on this list by a wide margin.
Direct-drive means the platter is connected directly to the motor, no belt. That gives you instant torque, stable speed, and the ability to handle DJ techniques like scratching. If you want to explore that world, our guide to direct-drive DJ turntables for scratching goes deeper on the category.
I love the S-shaped tonearm with hydraulic lift. The cueing lever lowers the stylus gently every time, so even though this is a manual deck, you are not dropping the needle by hand. Anti-skate and pitch control let you dial in tracking perfectly.
The 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio is genuinely impressive at this price. Background noise is essentially silent between tracks, which is something you notice immediately if you are coming from a cheaper turntable.
Is Direct-Drive Better Than Belt-Drive for a Beginner
Not necessarily. Direct-drive gives you faster startup, more torque, and easier speed changes, which matters for DJing. Belt-drive isolates motor vibration better, which can mean slightly cleaner sound on high-end systems. For most listeners, the difference is subtle.
Pick direct-drive if you want to DJ, sample, or play 78 RPM records. Pick belt-drive if you want maximum sound purity on a budget.
The 78 RPM Capability and What It Means
The AT-LP120XUSB is the only model on this list that plays 78 RPM records, which were pressed from roughly 1898 to the late 1950s. You will also need a dedicated 78 RPM stylus, since the groove width is wider than modern microgroove records.
If you inherited a stack of grandma’s shellac 78s, this is the deck that can play them safely without modification.
7. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO – The Audiophile Entry Point
- Carbon fiber tonearm tracks beautifully and is lightweight
- Sumiko Rainier cartridge included is a $150 value alone
- 68 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clean background
- Available in eight finish colors
- Heavy resonance-damped plinth
- Manual speed change switch instead of moving the belt
- Requires more setup knowledge than automatic decks
- No built-in phono preamp on this configuration
- Significant price jump from automatic models
Carbon fiber tonearm 8.6 inch
Sumiko Rainier cartridge
3 speeds 33/45/78 RPM
68 dB signal to noise,DC motor
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is where vinyl stops being casual and starts being a real hobby. This is the deck I would buy if I knew I was going to keep collecting for the next decade.
The carbon fiber tonearm is the headline feature. Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer than aluminum, which means it tracks the groove with less mass and resonates less. You hear this as tighter bass, cleaner highs, and more separation between instruments. The included Sumiko Rainier cartridge alone retails for around $150 and is a genuine audiophile component.
The EVO revision added heavier feet with damped suspension, a metal platter with more rotational mass, and an electronic speed switch so you change between 33, 45, and 78 RPM with a button press instead of moving the belt manually.
This configuration does not include a built-in phono preamp, so you need either a receiver with a phono input or an external phono stage. If you want an all-in-one version, look at the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB instead.
Who Should Pay This Much for a First Turntable
Honestly, not everyone. If you are unsure whether vinyl will stick as a hobby, the AT-LP60X or AT-LP70X is the safer call. The Pro-Ject earns its premium price for someone who already knows they love vinyl and wants to skip an upgrade cycle.
If you are pairing it with quality bookshelf speakers and a real amplifier, the Debut Carbon EVO will out-resolve any automatic deck on this list. Pair it with our recommendations in the best speakers for vinyl guide to hear what it can really do.
Why the Carbon Tonearm Matters More Than Specs Suggest
Tonearm mass has to match cartridge compliance for proper tracking. The carbon arm’s low 6-gram effective mass pairs well with the included Sumiko Rainier and most popular MM cartridges, which means you do not have to do cartridge math to get great sound.
This is the kind of engineering detail that lets beginners get audiophile results without becoming tonearm experts.
8. Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic – Slim Design, Trusted Brand
- Fully automatic protects vinyl and simplifies operation
- Built-in phono equalizer for direct connection to any amp
- Diecast aluminum platter for stable rotation
- Heavier base reduces vibration transfer
- Slim design fits in tight setups
- Stock MM cartridge is mediocre
- replace it for better sound
- No 78 RPM support
- Older design with limited availability
Fully automatic analog turntable
Built-in phono equalizer
Diecast aluminum platter
MM cartridge,33 1/3 and 45 RPM
The Denon DP-300F has been a quiet workhorse in the entry-level turntable space for years. It pairs fully automatic operation with a built-in phono equalizer, which means you can connect it to almost any amplifier or powered speaker system without extra gear.
I like the DP-300F for buyers who want automatic convenience but find the Audio-Technica aesthetic too plasticky. The heavier base and diecast aluminum platter give it a more substantial feel, and the slim profile fits into tight entertainment centers where bulkier decks do not.
The automatic startup is genuinely useful. Press play, the tonearm lifts, moves into position, and lowers itself gently onto the lead-in groove. At the end of the record, it lifts and returns automatically. There is no risk of the stylus sitting in the run-out groove for hours if you fall asleep listening.
The stock MM cartridge is the weakest link. Most owners report a noticeable improvement by swapping in an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C or Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge, both of which fit the standard headshell.
How It Compares to the Audio-Technica Automatics
The DP-300F feels more solidly built than the AT-LP60X, but the Audio-Technica AT-LP70X beats it on cartridge quality out of the box. The Denon has a slight edge on build heft and the slim design, while the AT-LP70X wins on sound quality without an upgrade.
If you plan to upgrade the cartridge anyway, the Denon is a great chassis to build on.
Why This Older Design Still Earns a Spot
The DP-300F has been around long enough to build a track record for reliability, with many units still running after a decade of regular use. Denon’s build quality is well regarded, and parts are easy to source.
The trade-off is limited stock and a design that has not been refreshed in years. If you find one in stock, it is still a solid automatic option for a beginner who values long-term reliability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your First Turntable?
Choosing the best turntable for beginners comes down to six decisions. Get these right and you will have a setup that protects your records and sounds great for years.
Drive Type: Belt-Drive vs Direct-Drive
Belt-drive turntables use a rubber belt to connect the motor to the platter. The belt absorbs motor vibration, which keeps the stylus reading only the music in the groove. Most beginner and audiophile decks are belt-drive.
Direct-drive turntables mount the platter directly on the motor shaft. You get instant torque, rock-steady speed, and the durability needed for DJ scratching. The trade-off is potentially more motor noise reaching the stylus on cheaper designs.
For casual home listening, belt-drive is the safer pick. For DJing, sampling, or playing 78 RPM records, go direct-drive.
Why a Built-in Preamp Matters
A phono preamp boosts the tiny signal from the cartridge up to line level so your speakers or amplifier can use it. Vintage receivers had phono stages built in, but most modern amplifiers, soundbars, and powered speakers do not.
If your turntable has a built-in switchable preamp, you can plug straight into anything. If it does not, you need a separate phono stage (around $50 to $200) between the turntable and your speakers.
Every model on this list except the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO has a built-in preamp.
Automatic vs Manual Operation
Fully automatic decks handle tonearm lift, placement, and return on their own. You press a button and the record plays. This is by far the easiest format for a true beginner, and it protects records from accidental drops.
Manual decks require you to lift the cueing lever, position the tonearm over the record, and lower it yourself. You also have to lift the arm at the end of the side. It takes about a week to get comfortable, and most enthusiasts prefer it for the mechanical involvement.
If absolute ease is the priority, pick automatic. If you want to feel like a hi-fi purist, manual is more rewarding.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, RCA
RCA output is standard on every turntable. Bluetooth is useful if you want to stream from your phone into the turntable’s speakers, or transmit vinyl to wireless headphones. USB lets you digitize records into a computer.
Decide which of these you actually need before you pay for features you will not use.
Build Quality and Platter Material
Look for an aluminum or heavier platter, not plastic. Look for a real tonearm with adjustable counterweight, not a fixed arm. Look for a magnetic cartridge with replaceable stylus, not a ceramic cartridge.
These three things are what separate a real turntable from a record-damaging toy.
Upgradability Path
The most future-proof beginner decks let you upgrade the stylus, cartridge, and even the platter mat over time. The Audio-Technica AT-LP70X, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, and AT-LP120XUSB are the best choices if you want a deck that grows with you.
The AT-LP60X is closed-loop and cannot be upgraded, which is the price you pay for its simplicity.
What to Avoid When Buying a Beginner Turntable
Stay away from ultra-cheap suitcase players in the $50 to $80 range. These typically have heavy tracking force (5 grams or more), no counterweight, no anti-skate, and ceramic cartridges that ride hard on the groove. Over months of regular play, they can wear records prematurely.
Avoid any deck that does not list its tracking force, has a non-replaceable stylus, or uses a plastic platter. These are the three red flags that separate toys from real turntables.
Speaker Pairing Tips for Beginners
Powered bookshelf speakers are the easiest pairing because they have an amplifier built in. The Edifier R1280T is the classic Reddit-recommended match for any turntable with a built-in preamp. Plug RCA to RCA, switch the preamp to line, and you are playing records.
For deeper recommendations across price tiers, our best speakers for vinyl guide has you covered.
You can also explore more from all our turntable guides or browse the broader home audio equipment guides on the site.
FAQs
What is the best turntable to start with?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is the best turntable to start with for most beginners. It is fully automatic, has a built-in switchable phono preamp, uses a replaceable diamond stylus, and costs around $179. It requires no tonearm balancing, no separate preamp, and works directly with powered speakers, making it the easiest path from unboxing to playing records.
What’s the difference between a turntable and a vinyl player?
A turntable is the component that spins the record and reads the groove, and it requires external speakers and usually a phono preamp. A record player is an all-in-one unit that includes the turntable, amplifier, and speakers in one chassis. Turntables generally deliver better sound and are upgradable, while record players are more convenient and compact.
What to avoid when buying a record player?
Avoid suitcase-style players in the $50 to $80 range, models with plastic platters, decks with no replaceable stylus, units with no counterweight or anti-skate adjustment, and any turntable that does not list its tracking force. These typically track at 5 grams or more, which can wear vinyl prematurely compared to the 1.5 to 2 gram tracking force of a proper beginner turntable.
How much should I spend on my first turntable?
Plan to spend $170 to $300 on a quality first turntable. The $170 to $200 range covers capable automatic decks like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X and all-in-one units with built-in speakers. The $250 to $300 range adds better cartridges, adjustable tonearms, and upgrade paths. Spending more than $500 makes sense only if you already own quality speakers and an amplifier.
What is a good inexpensive turntable?
The 1 BY ONE High Fidelity Turntable at around $170 is the best inexpensive turntable for beginners. It includes built-in speakers, Bluetooth streaming, an Audio-Technica stylus, and an adjustable counterweight, all for under $170. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X at $179 is the best inexpensive option if you already have speakers.
Final Verdict: Best Turntables for Beginners in 2026
After testing all eight decks, our recommendation for the best turntable for beginners in 2026 comes down to where you are starting. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X remains the smartest first turntable for the largest number of buyers because it is fully automatic, has a built-in preamp, protects records, and works with virtually any speaker setup.
If you want speakers included, the 1 BY ONE High Fidelity Turntable is the best all-in-one value under $170. If you already know vinyl will be a long-term hobby, skip a step and buy the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO or the AT-LP70X for the upgrade path.
Whatever you choose, buy from a brand with replaceable styli and a real tonearm. Your records will thank you for the next decade. For more on getting started, explore our full library of turntable guides and tips.