Best record player & turntable under $100 Reviewed

My selection of best record players under $100

This list starts with the least recommended models and ends with the better models, finishing with my top picks.

Note: A few of these models are sold under different brand names, with the actual device manufactured by the same factory. That’s why this isn’t a “top 10” or “top 20” – there just aren’t that many distinctive models under $100.

Below are the best brands that offer the best combination of build quality, features, sound quality, and moreover – customer support.

How I tested these record players

While you wouldn’t buy any of the below models expecting audiophile quality, I used the selection of records to test sonic performance with different styles of music.

• The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out (Jazz)
• Pearl Jam – MTV Unplugged (Live performances)
• João Gilberto and Stan Getz – Getz/Gilberto (Latin-tinted instrumental + vocal)
• Bonobo – Fragments (EDM)
• Foo Fighters – In Your Honor (Rock/pop)
• The Beatles – The Beatles (Original pressing with fairly flat mastering).

The best record player under $100

What to expect from a record player under $100

There can be a fair amount of range within this pricing. The differences between a $40 and a $100 record can be very noticeable. Even more so when you look above $100.

Generally, cheap record players in this price range will be pretty limited – you won’t find exceptional sound quality. Often they have a bunch of additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in radios, or fold-up bodies to become portable.

Players at this price tend to be quite fixed and have little or no room for upgrades. If you have more than a basic interest in vinyl and quality audio, then you might want to look at a more expensive turntable that has room for expansion. (Check out my guide to the best record players and turntables under $200, for example.)

If you wanted to improve your setup later, you could buy better amplification, upgrade the cartridge, and look into better speakers.

In general, from turntables under $100, you should expect the following key features:

• Built-in speakers
• Pre-amp
• Two speeds (33 and 45)
• Wired speaker outputs
• Headphone jack
• Tonearm lifter / auto-stop mechanism.

The best affordable record players

These are a little bit over $100, but if you can spare the extra cash, these are definitely worth the upgrade over the above selection.

Record player vs turntable: Differences Explained

Record players and turntables are different, although people often use the terms interchangeably.

A turntable is usually an independent unit as part of an audio equipment chain, including a receiver and speakers or headphones. However, it also refers to the part of a record player that’s responsible for spinning and ‘reading’ the vinyl; the basic rotating platter, and the tonearm.

A record player is a larger unit that contains a turntable, amplifiers, and speakers. They are sold as ‘all-in-one’ packages with everything you need to listen to vinyl straight from the box.

With a turntable, you will need to buy or have additional audio equipment. For total beginners, this may be a bit confusing, but for people who care about sound, external audio equipment is often a large part of the audiophile experience.

If you want something quick and easy to listen to records on, then a record player is fine. But if you want something with a bit more depth and customization, you might be better off looking for a budget turntable instead.

To fully understand these differences, see my guide → Record Players vs Turntables.

Which should you choose?

This depends on your budget, preferences, and level of interest in vinyl and sound quality. If you just want something basic to listen to records on, then you can look at cheaper players and turntables under $100.

These basic models are good enough for simple listening, although don’t have the quality or key features offered by better models. If you care more about sound and would be looking to upgrade parts of your setup later, then I’d suggest saving for a slightly better model.

You will outgrow the basic models pretty quickly. If you care about quality, then it is worth investing in a superior turntable with more to offer.

If I had to recommend just one from this list, I would suggest the Audio-Technica AT-LP60, even though it is above the $100 price. Although you will need a set of speakers to use it with. This may be too complicated for some users too, who would be better off going for a simple all-in-one device.

What makes turntables better vs a $100 record player?

Turntables can be more suitable than record players in this price range in a few different ways. It depends on how you plan on using it, as some vinyl enthusiasts would prefer the convenience of a record player over the flexibility of a turntable.

The main advantage of a turntable over a record player is the upgradeability and sound quality of a turntable.

In record players, a lot of the production budget is spent building the extra components, such as the amp, preamp, and speakers. In turntables, this money can be spent purely on the core mechanism.

Also, the components used in a record player will be inferior compared to external devices. The internal elements are often compromised to be small (and cheap) enough to fit in the record player. Most record players include built-in speakers, which are often low quality compared to an external pair.

In a $100 turntable, you’re getting $100 worth of turntable. But In a $100 record player, you’re probably getting $50 worth of turntable and $25 each worth of amplification and speakers.

Turntables also generally include more calibration controls compared to record players. This lets you get the perfect settings on your deck for optimal performance and means you can change the weight to compensate for a cartridge upgrade or replacement.

Also, in some cheaper record players, the tonearm’s design can be poor and lack calibration settings. They often cause the needle to apply excessive pressure to the vinyl, which causes records to wear more quickly.

Wondering what turntable prices are like and what value you can get from buying one? Check out my guide here → Best turntables for different budget ranges.

9 Handy Features to look for in a record player

When choosing a record player, here are some key features to consider. The following elements may or may not be on your list of requirements.

Auto Stop

This is a useful feature that protects your records and needle by automatically stopping playback when the record reaches the end. Some automatically move the tonearm to the resting position too. Manual turntables don’t have this feature, so you will need to reset the tonearm yourself.

Portability

Some record players are designed to be portable. These often include a folding, lockable lid and a carrying handle. For some people, the portability of a record player would be a nice touch. There are a few suitcase-style players which are a great choice for anyone looking for something easy to transport.

At the same time, generally, portability comes at the expense of other design areas. High-end turntables avoid the portable design for a heavier and sturdier construction.

Multiple Speeds

All players come with at least two speeds – 33⅓ and 45 rpm, which is enough for most types of records. However, many older records run at 78 rpm, which you won’t always find on a deck. Whether you need all three speeds depends on the type of records you own. If you mostly collect new records, you can probably get away without a 78 rpm setting.

External Speakers

Record players usually come with speakers – some use a built-in style, and others use external pairs. External speakers tend to offer much better sound quality in comparison to internal ones. Speakers built into record players are often tiny, but external ones come with a broader range. If you already have a decent pair of speakers, the quality here isn’t too important.

Headphone Output

Many record players include a headphone jack, which is useful when you want to listen to your records using headphones! Most use a ¼” output, so you may need to buy an adapter for some headphones. Bear in mind that not all record players come with a headphone connection!

Dust Cover

A dust cover will keep your player and vinyl collection clean and dust-free. Some are removable; others are part of the housing itself. They are quite a handy feature that most of the better models include.

Switchable Preamp

The preamp is often part of standalone turntables. It boosts the electronic signal to a louder “line” level that allows you to connect it to an amplifier at the correct signal strength. With all-in-one record players, this isn’t something you need to worry about.

If you want to go for a turntable to connect with a bigger sound system, switchable preamps are helpful because the deck will work with a wider variety of setups.

Extra sources

Some record players can play audio from other locations – some have built-in radios, and Bluetooth input, while others have wired “aux” inputs that let you plug in other music players to listen through the speakers. Extra input sources can be useful if you don’t already have other speakers because you can plug anything in and listen to it.

If you want a compact setup that can play more than records, keep an eye out for some ‘all-in-one’ record players on this list. You can find some other Hi-Fi style models that include many sources, even a CD player.

USB Recording

Some Record Players (and turntables) feature a USB port. This is useful if you want to record your vinyl to MP3 or another digital format.

That being said, you don’t need a USB port if you already have some kind of audio interface that can record digital audio files – an alternative method for converting vinyl records to digital computer recordings.

Durability and longevity

Many cheaper decks are made from weak materials that can break easily. If you want something that will last a long time, then you may have to spend a bit more. Turntables under $100 tend to be made from cheaper materials. Above $100, you start to get into tougher decks with sturdier materials. Not only do they feel better, but they also improve the sound by minimizing vibration and interference.

Resources

• Victrola All In One VTA-65-MAH
• Victrola Vintage Suitcase
• Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-USB