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Best turntables under $200: Top 10 Reviewed

Best turntable or record player under $200.
  • May 17, 2023

I regularly get asked by friends who know that I’m into vinyl – “What is the best turntable under $200?”. I started keeping notes early on, knowing this question would come back often, but it turned out to be one of the reasons I started VinyliQ.

I’ve come up with a proper guide that compares a range of affordable turntables (also in other budget ranges, by the way).

For $200, you can get a decent turntable to start your vinyl collection.

Here are my top 3 turntables to begin with. Are you looking for an all-in-one record player? Skip to the “best record players under $200” section.

Fluance RT80 Classic

The RT80 is a fantastic turntable for the price. Great build quality, good sound reproduction and great value.

Click for best price
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Build quality
Sound quality
Features
5/5
5/5
4.5/5

Audio Technica AT-LP60X

The AT-LP60 is another excellent low-cost turntable. This unit from Audio Technica is a solid option from a reputable brand.

Click for best price
RUNNER UP
Build quality
Sound quality
Features
4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Crosley C6B-WA

Using Bluetooth and a high-quality wooden plinth, this belt-driven turntable has a sleek retro appearance with modern features

Click for best price
CONTENDER
Build quality
Sound quality
Features
4.5/5
4/5
4/5

Buyer’s guide: The 6 best turntables under $200

This selection of budget turntables under $200 includes the best from across the industry. They all have a good set of features and sound quality for the price.

I’ve used most of these models myself at some point, so they all come highly recommended for listeners on a budget. This is a mix of entry-level to mid-range turntables, so there should be something for everyone

What to look for in a sub-$200 Turntable?

Turntables in this price range should have several features:

  • Sound Quality: The first thing you should look for is a relatively high-quality sound. Budget turntables in this range won’t quite be audiophile-grade, but a lot of them still offer decent audio quality.
  • Connectivity: A great budget turntable will have at least an RCA output, but you will see some models with Bluetooth and a USB port in this price range. Many also offer Bluetooth connections, which aren’t essential but make it easier to get them set up (if you have Bluetooth speakers/headphones). Many of these have a built-in phono preamp, so they can be plugged directly into powered speakers or a phono equalizer.
  • Build quality: Some turntables in this range use quality materials, although not all. You often find corners have been cut in some design areas. All the products on this list still have good quality construction. You should expect a decent amount of isolation in models between $100 and $200.
  • Features:
    There are several other features to expect in an entry-level turntable.

    • Multiple RPM (rotations per minute) speeds, at least 33 and 45, maybe 78.
    • Tonearm support and lever. This helps to prevent scratches and chipping of the needle. Most here have them.
    • Calibration controls: At this level, you should expect a counterweight and anti-skating. Some on this list lack these features, although these models are mostly pre-balanced.
    • Motor Type: There are no direct drive turntables on this list, as this feature is mostly reserved for more expensive DJ turntables. The listed models all use a belt-driven motor, which has its own advantages.

Upgradable Components: Some upgrade options are always nice to have because they allow you to customize your turntables according to your needs and preferences. Most turntables in this price range have a replaceable headshell and cartridge, although not always. Vinyl enthusiasts will often upgrade the stock cartridge for better performance.

Glossary of terminology

If you’re new to collecting, you might not understand all the technical terms. Here are some important definitions:

  • Plinth: the main base/body of the turntable.
  • Platter: The rotating surface of a turntable that holds the record.
  • Tonearm: The long, thin, armlike mechanism that holds the cartridge & headshell array.
  • Cartridge: The small device at the end of the tonearm that contains the needle. Usually attached to a headshell, sometimes directly to the tonearm.
  • Tracking force: The downward weight (in grams) applied by the tonearm to the record.
  • Wow and flutter: Subtle inconsistencies in motor speed that results in pitch wobbles.
  • Belt / Direct Drive: The two types of motors used in turntables. Either one or the other. Direct performs better for DJs, belts are better for listening.
  • Phono preamp: An electronic circuit that boosts the level of the quiet audio signal generated by the turntable.
  • Switchable preamp: The turntable can be used at phono (un-amplified) or line (amplified) level.
  • RCA Output: An audio connection that uses two wires (the red and white pairs).

The Best Turntable under $200 – Editor’s Choice

Here’s my top pick under $200 (which I’ve also included in my overview of best turntables across budget ranges)

1. Fluance RT80 Classic

Fluance RT80 Classic: The best turntable under $200.
Click for best price

The RT80 is a fantastic turntable for the price. I rated this as the best budget turntable for many reasons.

A step above the beginner models, it has a solid build quality and will play records well on any home sound system. If you’re looking for a great vinyl sound from a classy-looking turntable, this is a great choice.

This belt-driven turntable features a removable cartridge, allowing you to upgrade with better cartridges at a later date.

The sound of the stock Audio-Technica AT-91 cartridge is a solid performer for the average listener.

The wooden chassis and solid aluminum platter rest on adjustable isolation feet, preventing feedback and interference, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted listening experience. It has a hydraulically damped lift control for safely raising and lowering the tonearm.

With its built-in phono preamp, the RT80 is easily connected to modern speaker setups, even a simple set of powered speakers. It plays records at both 33⅓ and 45 playback speeds, with a simple rotary switch to swap modes.

Using an s-shaped tonearm with an adjustable counterweight, you can set the tracking force to the perfect weight. This helps to achieve better audio reproduction, protects your records, and means you can calibrate the tonearm for alternative cartridges.

I chose this as the best in the range because it has all the features you need for a good listening experience. It sounds great, it’s reliable, and comes at a fair price.

Strengths

  • Solid value offering in terms of components
  • Offers superior sound quality for the price
  • Includes calibration settings, including counterweight, anti-skate and adjustable isolation feet.

Weaknesses

  • Auto-stop feature is an uncommon bonus, but isn’t very reliable
  • Felt platter mat is an obvious cost cutter.

Verdict

The RT80 comes close in quality to several more expensive turntables. It has a simplistic, sleek design, but is a great device for listening to your favorite vinyl records.

The core components are well designed, and nothing has been wasted on gimmicks. Overall it provides great value for money in terms of audio quality and lifespan. You won’t need much more gear to start listening to a record collection with this, it even includes a removable dust cover for protection. Pair this with a set of powered speakers and you’re good to go.

Turntables: My Runner Up

2. Audio Technica AT-LP60X

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK turntable.
Click for best price

The AT-LP60 is another excellent low-cost turntable. With a different set of features to the Fluance RT80 Classic above, this unit from Audio Technica is a solid option from a reputable brand.

This fully automatic turntable uses an aluminum platter and an anti-resonant body design.

These have a decent sound with a low noise output. They are an upgrade over older Audio-Technica models and have several redesigned and improved components.

These turntables have controls for start and stop, and for raising and lowering the tonearm.

The straight tonearm is a little more basic than the above, without a counterweight or removable cartridge. Their cartridge cannot be upgraded, although you can replace the stylus, so you can repair any damage. This integrated cartridge means there isn’t as much need for a counterweight, as the unit should be designed to balance the tonearm for the cartridge.

This turntable also includes a switchable phono preamp for connecting at either phono or line level. You can easily play music through active speakers or a Hi-FI setup.

Strengths

  • Affordable but reliable
  • Switchable built-in preamp
  • Decent connectivity
  • Bluetooth option available.

Weaknesses

  • Known to have a higher RPM (playing speed) than it’s meant to. Can be fixed but should be set correctly out of the box.

Verdict

This basic turntable provides an accessible entry into the world of vinyl. This is a great starting point for those who need a simple but reliable turntable to listen to records. All you need to complete your setup is some headphones or speakers. If you just need a basic turntable and wouldn’t be interested in upgrading components later, this is a great choice.

Other Top Turntable Picks

3. Crosley C6B-WA

Crosley C6B-WA turntable.
Click for best price

Using Bluetooth and a high-quality wooden plinth, this belt-driven turntable has a sleek retro appearance with modern features. It offers both 33 and 45 motor speeds, however, the way you change speeds is a little awkward. You have to lift the platter off and adjust the belt, a button would be easier.

Featuring a standard headshell mount, you can replace the stock cartridge with better components from many other brands. Although it sounds pretty good from the start.

Strengths

  • Upgradeable Audio-Technica cartridge
  • Decent sound
  • Removable dust cover
  • Switchable preamp.

Weaknesses

  • Changing speeds is awkward
  • A bit bulky
  • No adjustable feet.

4. Crosley C100A-SI

Crosley C100A-SI turntable.
Click for best price

Direct Drive version: Crosley C200A-BK – $229

This DJ-style turntable from Crosley comes with all the features you need for a mix-worthy vinyl deck. Features like the pitch control slider and stop/start button make it ideal for mixing and blending.

This deck features a calibratable s-shaped tonearm with counterweight and anti-skate adjustment, so you can get the perfect setup on your deck. These calibration controls are a nice touch for a turntable at this price.

Another nifty feature is the strobe-lit platter. The strobe light helps you set the pitch to the perfect RPM, ensuring you can hear the music exactly the way it was intended to sound.

Strengths

  • Standard mount headshell (upgradeable cartridge)
  • Good calibration settings
  • Strobe lit platter
  • Bluetooth enabled with preamp.

Weaknesses

  • Needs upgrading for best sound
  • No automatic stop.

5. Victrola Pro 2000

Victrola Pro 2000 turntable.
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Another DJ-style turntable, this Victrola offers great quality at an affordable price.
It features a Bluetooth output, although the connection does occasionally cut out which can be frustrating.

 

For all the aspiring DJs out there this also has an adjustable pitch control with a quartz lock.

This also has a strobing platter to get an accurate pitch setting.

 

A great component of this model is a USB connection, so you can easily record audio to digital files. No other models on this list have a USB output, which lets you record tracks to MP3, WAV, and other digital formats. This can be great for some people who want to record their vinyl to their phone and enjoy their vinyl music collection wherever they go.

Strengths

  • USB Connection
  • Bluetooth output
  • DJ friendly features.

Weaknesses

  • Fixed cartridge, no upgrading, replaceable diamond stylus
  • Slow belt-driven motor, takes a while to get to full speed.

6. Denon DP-29F

Denon DP-29F turntable.
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A decent yet relatively overpriced belt-drive budget turntable from familiar audio brand Denon. It includes an “equalized” phono preamp, although it’s not exactly clear what the equalization does. It includes some basic controls and has an automatic tonearm to prevent accidental scratching.

There is no counterweight, no anti-skate function, and the cartridge is fixed, which means you won’t be able to upgrade it. This unit is relatively good but lacks some important details you would expect for this price. It’s missing a turntable support clip, so the tonearm bounces out of place if the unit gets bumped.

The audio quality isn’t fantastic but will be enough for most. Whilst it does feel like a cheap turntable, it’s good enough for starters.

Strengths

  • Simple
  • Rubber damping mat to protect your vinyl records.

Weaknesses

  • No calibration
  • Lacks basic features
  • Noticable wow and flutter
  • Relatively overpriced.

Turntable or Record player? What’s the difference?

Whilst often used interchangeably, “turntables” and “record players” are not actually the same thing.

A record player:

  • contains all the basic turntable components and additional electronics to amplify and project the sound. Including a built-in phono preamp and often speakers, they are made for convenience first and foremost

provides everything you need to listen to records in a single package but offers limited sound quality and no options to upgrade components.

A turntable:

  • is a device that contains a rotating platter, tonearm, and output connectors
  • is capable of creating a superior listening experience but requires additional equipment to work – like amps and speakers – making setups more expensive. Turntables usually allow you to upgrade components to improve sound quality further.

To get up and spinning with a turntable, this is the bare minimum equipment you need for a listenable setup.

Estimated Total Cost: $350 / £285

For more info on these differences, see my guide → Turntables vs record players.

My advice: If you think vinyl might become more than just a casual thing, invest in a turntable. An all-in-one record player will limit you and doesn’t give you as much value for money.

The 4 Best Record Players Under $200

What to look for in a good record Player?

  • Volume controls, to set the speaker level.
  • Switchable speeds, 33 ⅓, and 45 RP.
  • A built-in amp with speakers. Speakers are either built-in or external.
  • At this price, the speakers won’t be fantastic, but they should be good enough for a casual listening situation. The quality of the stylus itself may be mediocre, so having a unit with a replaceable cartridge can allow improvements.
  • Some kind of output connection. This means you can rig the record player to an external speaker set up to increase the volume.

The Best Record Player under $200 – Top pick

1. Crosley T150B-BK

Crosley T150B-BK: The best record player under $200.
Click for best price

This decent mid-range record player comes with built-in stereo speakers and is quick and easy to get set up.

You can send audio to other Bluetooth speakers or can receive audio from a phone. It’s quite useful having Bluetooth so you can play other digital formats through the player.

The built-in switchable preamp lets you connect to any kind of stereo setup or speakers if you are looking for more volume. It offers an RCA Output at either phono or line-level and includes terminals for powering passive speakers too. The stock speakers are ok, but you can easily plug in larger passive speakers provided they match the wattage.

It uses a decent-sounding AT3600LD cartridge which can be replaced or upgraded. You can also modify playback with a pitch control knob. It offers 2 speeds and a volume control

Strengths

  • High-quality, upgradeable tonearm
  • Adjustable counterweight
  • Easy all-in-one package.
  • Great connectivity: Bluetooth receiver and transmitter.

Weaknesses

  • Average sound
  • Lacks other features like EQ/Tone
  • No auto stop
  • Tinny sound.

Record players: My Runner Up

2. LP No.1 LPSC-008

LP No.1 LPSC-008 record player with speakers.
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The LP No. 1 LPSC-008 provides 3 speeds (33, 45, and 78) and is belt-driven with a smooth motor. It has Bluetooth, so you can send audio to wireless speakers or headphones, although there is no USB port. Can be plugged into many systems with RCA outputs.

This unit comes with external stereo speakers, so you can place these at a fair distance from the deck itself. The speakers can be laid out in a few different ways. Some people use the speakers as a stand for the turntable, although this can produce some feedback issues.

 

It only has a simple tonearm with no calibration, which is also non-upgradable, so you’re locked to this cartridge. It’s good for those with a new interest in vinyl who just want an affordable listening setup. Not for audiophiles or those who want to fuss over the small details of their setup.

Strengths

  • Bluetooth enabled
  • Auto-stop mechanism
  • Includes wireless speakers.

Weaknesses

  • Fixed cartridge, non-upgradeable
  • Limited sound quality.

3. Victrola Vintage Portable Suitcase Record Player

Victrola Vintage Portable Suitcase Record Player.
Click for best price

A fun and portable record player. It’s basic, but very low cost. This is a good first player for a brand new collector. Get a taste of the vinyl life without risking too much cash on a high-cost turntable.

It has built-in speakers, and an RCA output so you can connect it to a better speaker system. It has 3 speeds, and Bluetooth connectivity, which is a nice feature at this super low cost. It also has a headphone jack so you can enjoy music in private.

This basic unit is suitable for beginners or use as a backup turntable. These offer good connectivity and convenience, although have a mediocre sound with no option for improvement. It’s a simple, cheap choice, but if you just want to play music from vinyl then this will do.

Strengths

  • Portable and compact
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Bluetooth.

Weaknesses

  • Below-average sound
  • No room for upgrades.

4. Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player & Multimedia Center

Victrola 8-in-1 Record Player & Multimedia Center.
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This retro-looking unit from Victrola can play most music formats – vinyl, cassette, CD, FM Radio, aux, Bluetooth, all in one. It’s a nifty all-in-one music system. These can save a lot of space over having all the devices as separate units. It can be plugged into external speakers with RCA out and has a headphone jack and remote control.

These are good if you want something basic that can play all kinds of music formats. Great for casual vinyl listeners, although if you are only interested in vinyl this won’t be right for you.

Strengths

  • Plays most audio formats
  • Fully automatic.

Weaknesses

  • Weak speakers, although can be plugged into others
  • Unnecessary if you just want to listen to records.

How I tested these turntables

As with every test I do on VinyliQ, I use my trusty home setup combo of preamp, amplifier and passive speakers, together with a selection of records that help me to test sonic performance with different styles of music.

Equipment used for testing:

Records used for testing:

  • 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).

FAQs

These are the parts you can upgrade on a $200 turntable for better sound:

Often the main area for improvement is the cartridge. The quality of a turntable cartridge and its needle has a huge impact on its sound quality. As this is the first component in the signal chain, any weaknesses here are amplified and exaggerated throughout a setup. Even the best turntables under $200 come with fairly basic stock cartridges. They aren’t terrible, like sub-$100 record players, but they aren’t anything to write home about.

Upgrading a cartridge can be a great way to make a noticeable improvement to the audio quality of your deck. For more info on upgrading your cartridge, check out this guide → How to Replace a Record Player Needle or Turntable Cartridge.

Other key areas to improve are your amplifier and speakers; these have just as much effect as the turntable. In rare cases, you can also upgrade the platter to a heavier type like acrylic or glass, but in most cases, you can change the platter mat from standard rubber or felt to cork or acrylic, for example.

The difference between belt-drive and direct-drive is the type of motor used to spin the platter. Belt-drive models have a motor offset from the center spindle and connect both using a rubber belt. Direct-drive motors sit right underneath the center spindle and directly rotate the platter.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, the key ones being:

  1. Belt-drives tend to produce less “motor rumble” (which can be audible during playback of quieter parts of a record) because the belt removes most of that noise
  2. Direct-drive turntables are a lot quicker to spin up and tend to be more consistent when it comes to rotation speed (a measurement expressed through “wow and flutter”).

Learn more here → Direct-drive vs Belt-drive turntables.

The best mid-range turntable right now is the Fluance RT85, closely followed by the Pro-Ject T1 and Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

When it comes to audiophile turntables, the sky’s the limit, but if you want to stick within a realistic budget in this segment, these are my best recommendations:

If you’re looking for a rare, vintage turntable, there’s a lot to choose from, although they’re not always easy to find in good condition and usually need refurbishment. Here are a couple of recommendations:

Have any questions or feedback?

Leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to you!

Picture of Ed Lansink
Ed Lansink

I'm a passionate vinyl collector, analog fan, and lifetime enthusiast of most things audio.

On VinyliQ I help fellow vinyl collectors enjoy their hobby to the max, sharing my knowledge about and passion for vinyl.

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