Record players have come a long way from being called Phonograph in the 1940s. Today, record players are equipped with wireless connectivity and other automated features that make record playing more straightforward and convenient. Whether you are a vinyl enthusiast, a recording artist, or a professional DJ, finding the best record player for you is essential.
Not only do turntables have varying features, but other factors such as weight, connectivity, design, and audio output are also different for every brand. If you are on a budget and still want to find a high-quality turntable with excellent features, check out our list below of turntables that definitely won’t hit the $300 mark.
Top 10 Best Turntable Under $200
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Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT
This high-fidelity turntable has Bluetooth wireless technology, which allows you to connect to wireless speakers and other devices with ease. Hi-Fi audio means it has increased clarity and reduced background noise in the signal chain.
Because of its wireless connectivity, you can set up your record player in one room and listen to your favorite songs in another room without dealing with all the messy cables. It also has a USB port to allow you to connect it to your laptop. For its price, the Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT is already a great deal because of its excellent sound output.
Features:
- Hi-Fi Audio for high-quality music reproduction
- Easy operation with its two speeds: 33 and 45 revolutions/min (RPM)
- Die-cast aluminum platter to minimize vibrations
- Sleek and elegant design with multiple options for color
- Redesigned tonearm base for reducing surround resonance
- High-quality Audio-Technica cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 19 x 17 x 7 inches |
| Item model number | ATLP60XBTBK |
| Item Weight | 1 lb |
| Manufacturer | Audio-Technica |
| Date First Available | January 22, 2019 |
Product Review:
The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating and offers decent internals for a reasonable price. If you are looking for a reliable but straightforward turntable that combines solid audio with flashy features like a wireless audio pairing, you might want to invest in this item. It also comes with supplied accessories, including a detachable RCA output cable (3.5 mm male to dual RCA male), a 45 RPM adapter, and a removable hinged dust cover.
Stanton T62
The Stanton T62 is a Direct-Drive DJ Turntable pre-mounted with the Stanton 300 cartridge, making it suitable for home use and professional DJs. An affordable turntable with a direct driven platter is rare, making this record player one of the best choices in the market.
The direct-drive capabilities can endure wear and tear better than a belt-drive, and if you pair this record player with a quality preamp, you can get the best sound quality for an affordable price. Although it is heavier than most turntables in the market, the Stanton T62 is still one of the most compact models with a superb and durable build.
Features:
- Pitch Control to let you adjust the tempo and pitch with a range of plus or minus 10%
- Straight tonearm for improved tracking and easier scratching
- Professional-quality turntable with a high-torque and adjustable playback speeds
- Stop Switches for mix or battle orientation
Product Details:
| Item model number | STA T62B |
| Manufacturer | Stanton |
| Item Weight | 16.5 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 20.47 x 7.28 x 17.36 inches |
| Date First Available | June 12, 2007 |
Product Review:
With a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating, the Stanton T62 is definitely one of the best turntables under the price of $200. If you are a professional DJ looking for a setup that allows more effortless tracking performance, this equipment is perfect for you. It also comes with a stylus attached to it, a slipmat, and RCA cables for better connectivity.
House of Marley, Stir It Up Turntable
This turntable has a unique design with its solid bamboo plinth that sets it apart from all the other turntables in the market. The House of Marley Turntable is a belt-driven machine with an auto-start and auto-pitch feature, making it easier for beginners to control the sound output. Its Regrind Silicon Slipmat also protects your records from scratching on the platter.
Another great thing about this record player is its power down function that automatically turns itself off when it has been inactive for a long time. It also comes with a removable fabric dust cover to keep your turntable free from debris when not in use.
Features:
- Two Speeds (33 and 45 RPM)
- Bamboo Plinth, solid aluminum alloy platter, and a metal tonearm
- USB Port for Converting Music to Digital Format
- Replaceable Audio-Technica Cartridge
- Pitch Control and Auto-start keys
- Belt-drive for rotational stability to produce high sound quality
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | House of Marley |
| Item model number | EM-JT000-SBA |
| Product Dimensions | 13.78 x 16.54 x 4.33 inches |
| Batteries | Requires 1 Lithium-ion battery |
| Item Weight | 9.02 pounds |
| Date First Available | August 5, 2016 |
Product Review:
With its classic and rich bamboo material, the House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from its users. Even if it’s on the pricier side, this equipment makes your investment worthwhile because of its easily accessible power cables and convenient key functions, making it ideal if you are a beginner vinyl enthusiast.
Music Hall USB-1 Record Turntable
The Music Hall USB-1 Record Turntable has an adjustable turntable speed for tracking, pitch, anti-skating to produce a clean and clear sound quality from your records. Their S-shaped tonearm has a classic static balance for better control and efficiency, which can be found in most turntables with more significant price tags.
The built-in phono preamp and 3.5mm RCA stereo output allow you to get the amplifier response. Another great thing about this turntable is its internal analog systems and the Audacity software. If you want to make digital copies of your vinyl recordings, this is the record player for you.
Features:
- Two-Speed Player (33 1/3 and 45RPM)
- MP3 Encoder to Transfer Songs to a Computer or Music Player
- Aluminum Die-Cast Platter
- Adjustable Pitch Control
- Built-in Preamp
- S-Shaped Tonearm with Detachable Headshell
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Music Hall |
| Item model number | USB-1 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.72 x 13.78 x 5.71 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.68 pounds |
| Date First Available | October 9, 2010 |
Product Review:
Gaining a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, the Music Hall USB-1 Record Turntable is perfect for those looking for decent tone and excellent USB capabilities. Overall, it has lots of control over its performance and is built from quality materials, making it one of the best affordable turntables in the market today.
Numark PT01 Scratch
For vinyl enthusiasts out there looking for a turntable that can archive old recordings and turn your music collection into a digital collection, the Numark PT01 Scratch might be just for you. Whether for personal or music production needs, this record player can get the job done efficiently.
Numark has been specializing in producing high-quality turntables for DJs all over the world. For over 40 years, their innovations still catch the attention of DJs and beginner vinyl enthusiasts alike. The design of Numark PT01 Scratch is eye-catching, and the turntable itself is placed inside a tough hardened plastic casing to make sure that all the important parts are well-protected.
Features:
- Belt-driven three-speed turntable (33,45, and 78 with a 45 RPM adapter)
Built-in speakers
- Scratch Slide Switch for both right and left-handed turntablists
- Built-in USB interface to record your vinyl digitally via USB to your computer
- Hard Case to protect your turntable when you’re traveling
- Tone and Audio knobs to adjust low and high frequencies
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Numark |
| Item Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Item model number | PT01 Scratch |
| Product Dimensions | 11.8 x 11.8 x 4 inches |
| Date First Available | August 26, 2016 |
Product Review:
Packed with many great features, the Numark PT01 Scratch has 4.7 out of 5 stars from its buyers, making it one of the favorites for turntables below $200. Whether you like sampling old tracks to repurpose or mix new ones, this turntable is easy enough to navigate and learn for almost anyone. Overall, it is an excellent value for a unique and efficient product.
Gemini TT1100- USB
Giving you that blast from the past vibes, the Gemini TT1100 uses a classic style manual belt-drive, at the same time, features a USB port that allows connectivity to PC and Mac systems for a modern twist. The advanced manual adjustments also provide you with the ability to produce top-quality audio outputs from your favorite records.
The added pitch control switch and dual start and stop switches also make this ideal for professional DJs and recording artists. Its aluminum platter and compact design may look old and dated, but all the features are up-to-date and come at a very competitive price.
Features:
- Supported by a solid Aluminum platter for durability
- Aluminum ToneArm for superior tracking and skip resistance
- Soft-touch motor on/off button with an LED indicator to instantly respond to your command
- Simple One-Touch Variable 33, 45, and 78 RPM speed buttons
- +/-10% Variable Pitch Slider for a more personalized playback
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Gemini |
| Item model number | TT-1100USB |
| Item Weight | 7.66 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 19.5 x 5.5 x 15 inches |
| Signal Format | Digital |
| Date First Available | September 1, 2003 |
Product Review:
The Gemini TT-1100 maximizes its belt-driven platter in reducing excess vibrations from its system. It is a great starting point for DJs and enthusiasts to start learning all about record players and get used to its easy-to-use commands and features. Overall, it has a 3.9 out of 5 stars rating, which is not half bad for an affordable and entry-level record player.
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable
This minimalist and modern turntable is perfect for those looking to add a touch of class to vinyl record playing. The built-in switchable phono output produces high-quality audio, while the one-step auto start, stop, and return features allow for easy operation.
The Sony PS-LX310BT also allows USB ripping so you can easily turn your favorite records into a digital file. The setup is easy enough because there is no need to fit and align a cartridge. You can just place the belt around the motor pulley, and you’re all set to spin.
Features:
- Aluminum tonearm for superior sound
- Aluminum platter for stability in motion
- Thick dust cover for pitch-perfect playback
- USB ripping feature makes it possible to rip your favorite vinyl records to digital file
- One-step auto playback to automatically lower the tonearm, find the groove and get the music flowing.
- Stable die-cast platter that stops unwanted vibrations and flutter.
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Item model number | PSLX310BT |
| Product Dimensions | 14.5 x 17 x 4.3 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| Date First Available | March 17, 2019 |
Product Review:
Because of its sturdy design and super easy use, the Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable is one of the best turntables under $200. It has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating because of its convenient wireless technology that allows you to connect via Bluetooth, speakers, and headphones. Overall, it is a fun and feature-packed turntable in the world of entry-level vinyl and record-playing.
Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
Formed in 1938, this Tokyo-based brand is one of the world’s largest home audio equipment manufacturers. The PL-990 is an entry-level turntable with 33 and 45 rpm capability. It is an automatic record player that will start with a push of a button and will automatically shut itself off when not in use for a while.
This turntable has a straightforward, classic design that calls back to the 60s vinyl era. Its automatic tonearm mechanism works very well and can produce a balanced, clear, and high-quality audio output. It also comes with an arm elevator that can be used manually if you so choose.
Features:
- Precision DC servo motor for a more accurate platter rotation
- Universal-type cartridge connector
- Vibration-absorbing feet
- Two speeds so you can play LPs and 45s
- Built-in phono Equalizer
- Low-vibration, belt-drive design
- Low-mass straight tonearm, which makes it resistant to resonance
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Pioneer |
| Item model number | PL-990 |
| Product Dimensions | 13.9 x 16.5 x 3.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.06 pounds |
| Date First Available | May 14, 2003 |
Product Review:
With a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating, the Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable is a decent turntable at an affordable price by an established manufacturer. Pioneer has captured the golden age of record players, and this product’s design shows just that. On top of that, its simple control for speed adjustment and playback also makes it beginner-friendly.
Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
Based in Canada, Fluance manufactures most audio types, ranging from high-quality home turntables to home theatre systems. The Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is cost-effective without the quality of its system being compromised. This high-fidelity belt-driven turntable also produces authentic record sounds intended by the music artist.
Its quality materials and craftsmanship will suit most home interiors. The exterior shows off a glossy black or walnut finish, giving this turntable a classy and retro feel. The aluminum platter also helps in superior isolation and reduces unwanted vibrations from your record player.
Features:
- High-performance Audio Technica cartridge produces outstanding audio clarity.
- Perfect playback using the balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm
- RCA line outputs that ensure warm and authentic sounds
- Grounding terminal that provides high fidelity sound
- It comes with a crafted wood cabinet that reduces vibrations
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Fluance |
| Item model number | RT80 |
| Item Weight | 9.9 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 13.75 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Date First Available | May 2, 2016 |
Product Review
With a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, the Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable lets you play vinyl records with stunning quality that achieves the purest sound reproduction. Its crisp and smooth sounds will remind you of a freshly pressed album. All in all, it is a beautifully-made turntable that you can own for a reasonable price.
1byone Wireless Turntable HiFi System
The 1byone Wireless Turntable HiFi System is one of the few record players that come with speakers that are not built-in. Most modern turntables now have built-in speakers, while the classic ones have to be connected to speakers the old-fashioned way. However, what the 1byone lacks in speaker convenience makes up for its versatility.
It is a High Fidelity record player system that produces authentic sound output from your vinyl. It also has an adjustable counterweight that lets you ensure smooth movement of the stylus and no skipping along the track. If you don’t mind setting up speakers every once in a while, this turntable might be a great deal, especially if you only plan to have it as a home record player.
Features
- Solid iron platter for perfect stability and rotation
- Digital USB output to save your analog record collection digitally in CD quality
- Adjustable Counterweight and Anti-Skating Weight
- Includes high-quality Audio-Technica Moving Magnet-type cartridge for an outstanding sound clarity
- Built-in Phono Preamp and Analog Phono/Line Output for great connectivity
- Wireless streaming from almost any device and platform
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | 1byone |
| Item model number | Wireless Turntable Hi-Fi System |
| Product Dimensions | 16.5 x 13.6 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds |
| Date First Available | October 30, 2017 |
Product Review:
With a 36 Watt bookshelf speakers, magnetic cartridge, and wireless playback for automatic on/off, no wonder the 1byone Wireless Turntable HiFi System is one of the best turntables under $200 out there. It has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating and features a patented design for record players, making this a unique addition to your studio or home audio system.
What to expect with a $200 turntable
For turntables that cost around only $200, you can’t expect the best quality and build in the market. Some will have a great design and a mediocre sound output, while others will have a decent tone but will be lacking in style. However, entry-level record players aren’t bad at all if you just want to enjoy playing your vinyl records or you want to practice to become a professional DJ and artist. Just don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping, so you might need to give an allowance space for your budget.
Conclusion
The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT comes first among all the record players we listed because it is an almost complete package with its sleek design and Hi-Fi audio output. It has a balance between modern and efficient features without losing the retro vibes of turntables and record-playing. At the end of the day, whether you prefer aesthetics over sound or sound over aesthetics, you can always find budget turntables that are suitable for your taste.
Click on these links to purchase the Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT, Stanton T62, House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable, Music Hall USB-1 Record Turntable, Numark PT01 Scratch, Gemini TT-1100, Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable, Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable, Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable, 1byone Wireless Turntable HiFi System and Ultimate Ears Boom 3 on Amazon.
