The Best Record Players combine cutting-edge turntable technology with a timeless music format: vinyl. Despite having originally gained popularity in the 1940s, vinyl had remained steadfastly popular, and in recent years has even seen a renaissance as music fans seek out its rich, tactile features. To put it another way, the type you don’t get through music streaming.
True, the greatest Bluetooth speakers are more practical, but they can’t play vinyl. You’ll need one of the greatest record players for this, which we’ve listed below for your convenience. It’s not like these are antiques, either: updated hardware is used throughout, including turntables that can scan your existing vinyl collection.
Best Record Players you can choose from:
What you will see here?
Which record players and turntables are the best?
We’ve determined that the Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 is the greatest record player one can buy for the money. It’s the absolute sweet spot of the whole (and amazing) Rega range: a fantastic cartridge on a fantastic tonearm mounted to a superbly specified and manufactured plinth for a fantastic turntable overall. It has a lovely tone to it.
However, if you’re simply looking to dip your feet in the water, we recommend Pro-excellent Ject’s Primary E. The Austrian turntable expert is known for producing high-performing turntables at low rates, and this might be the company’s most remarkable entry-level deck to date.
Of course, if you want the best of all worlds, this is the way to go. You can look into the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO record player. It’s not only a great-sounding turntable in and of itself, but it also has wireless Bluetooth broadcasting at a high-resolution standard of 24bit/48kHz. As a result, it’s the most up-to-date version of this age-old technology available.
Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 Record Player
The Planar 3/Elys 2 combo has everything that has made Rega one of the most popular turntable brands, even though the format’s worst years.
Every critical component is described to the nth degree. The hand-assembled RB330 tonearm, the cleaned glass disc, the bearings system and 24v engine, the high-gloss acrylic base with the double bracing… they’re all overspecified and engineered to help the Planar 3 record player operate to its full potential. Rega has produced and installed a cartridge for the Elys 2 that does full credit to this engineering expenditure.
As a consequence, you get a turntable that looks attractive and is made that will last, a turntable that effectively rejects external disturbance and is perfectly stable. When plugged into the right system, it produces a sound that’s rich in detail, immediacy, weight, and dynamism. That’s why it’s our top recommendation for the best record players.
Pro-Ject Primary E
When it comes to the greatest turntables, Pro-Ject has long been a real entry-level hero, and with the Primary E, it’s developed a record player that truly masters the fundamentals. Look no further if you’re seeking a low-cost entry into the world of vinyl.
No, it’s not attractive, and the plinth and plate finishes could be more opulent. The Primary E, on the other hand, is entirely fit for purpose, thanks to the high tonearm, very decent Ortofon cartridge, and overall durability of build and specification. All you have to do is slip the belt all around the platter and the pulley; it’s practically plug-and-play thanks to its hard-wired RCA interconnects, which was before track and anti-skate weight, and pre-fitted cartridge.
The sound produced by the Pro-Ject is as simple to hear as it is to operate. All of the vinyl attributes are present and proper, including rhythmic expression, lightweight and vitality, and overall presentation unity. The Primary E proved to be a really tasty gateway drug.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Record Player
Turn your ears in the direction of Pro-Ject if you like being amused in the unique vinyl fashion while also ensuring you don’t miss a single nugget of information.
Pro-Ject introduced its first record player around the beginning of the century, but it has since been updated, improved, and become more expensive. This Debut Carbon Evo is by far the most refined and updated model yet, yet it’s also the priciest.
But don’t be turned off by this. These are without a doubt the best turntables available today. With the capacity, to provide a deep and illuminating listening experience. To focus on the details while still describing the big picture convincingly.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
At first look, the AT-LP120XBT-USB record player looks the part, with aesthetics that are reminiscent of the iconic Technics SL1200/SL1210.
This Audio-Technica turntable boasts an inbuilt, switchable phono stage, a USB output, plus wireless aptX Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to all the DJ bells and whistles (including pitch control and a super-responsive direct drive motor). As a consequence, it’s far more adaptable than a standard record player.
It’s almost a plug-and-play setup, making it ideal for beginners. When it initially comes out of the box, all you have to do is attach the aluminum platter, the cartridges to the tonearm, and the connectors to the dust cover, and you’re ready to go.
Fluance RT81 Record Players
The Fluance RT81 is indeed a fantastic entry-level turntable. For newcomers, it is indeed simple to set up and use, but you can change out the cartridge later to get additional performance. Newcomers won’t need to buy an additional phono preamp because one is already included. If you wish to utilize a better external preamp, you can turn it off.
The main drawback is that Fluance’s stated “auto-off” feature simply shuts off the platter, which prevents excessive needle wear, but you’ll still have to manually return the arm to its resting spot. You’ll also have to actively queue records, which isn’t a deal-breaker but should consider by those seeking a completely automated record player. The Denon DP-300F is a good alternative for anyone looking for a fully automated disc sound quality.
Victrola Innovative Technology VTA-200B MH
The lack of a USB connector and the ability to watch the record directly to the laptop as an audio recording are the main differences between this choice and the more expensive one above. This reviewer, though, doesn’t seem to mind, saying, “This versatile player is fantastic.” This gadget even has a built-in tape player. The only thing it lacks is an 8-track player. Lol. “I’m joking,” she says. Another claims that during a Christmas party, he had his turntable on for nearly ten hours and had no problems with audio quality or skipping.
Denon DP-300F Record Player
While the DP-300F lacks additional USB outputs found on some of the top turntables featured here, it’s still an excellent place to start for anyone who doesn’t want to manually list their records or falls asleep when listening to music. The Denon’s automatic start/stop feature prevents your needle from wearing down at the end of a record because the arm returns to its original position when finishing the album.
For the all record player, the build quality is adequate, but the buttons seem cheap — a small flaw that would not be a deal-breaker for you. The Denon DP-300F is a great option is if Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is not your thing.
Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT
The AT-LP60XBT might be a terrific first turntable for just any novice vinyl enthusiast. Because of its low cost, straightforward assembly, and wireless playback.
While the plinth is somewhat inconsequential, the sound detail may not be enough for some. The AT-LP6XBT record player’s fantastic pricing more than compensates – and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity makes it feel like extremely good value for money.
The ATN3600L conical stylus fits exactly into the tracks of the record and reveals intricacies in songs. You may not have noticed previously, making your song an absolute joy to listen to.
Rega Planar 1 Record Player
The best entry-level thanks turntable is a toss-up between the Rega Planar 1 and the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. This contest has no apparent winner, as both give fantastic beginning grounds for music fans on a budget.
The Rega lacks the carbon tonearm found on the more expensive Ject Pro. The Planar 1 still sounds fantastic and has a well-damped phenolic resin platter. The Rega Planar 1 is very simple to set up for newcomers, albeit you will provide your phono preamp.
Finally, the Rega Planar 1 record player sounds so amazing that it’s difficult to find any flaws with it. The texture of sounds hears like the violin through the vocals. The Rega Carbon cartridge that comes with the turntable isn’t very amazing, but it works nicely with the turntable. The Planar 1 and the Debut Carbon are both excellent choices, but you can’t go wrong with either.
ION Audio Max LP Vinyl Record Players
Pick up one college student this all-in-one turntable after discovering nearly 100 classics. As well as iconic records (Led Zeppelin, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and others). “Amazingly kept in my parents’ cellar,” says the author, and he immediately impresses. “The sound quality is outstanding for the price, and the wood shell looks wonderful on my table.” I’m not blasting music all through the home, but it’s quite loud.”
Many other reviews praised its compact shape and elegant finish. Particularly given that it offers many of the same characteristics as all suitcase-style vinyl records above. Such as three-speed capability and constructed speakers — but a far more sophisticated appearance.
Which record players and turntables are the best?
We’ve determined that the Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 is the greatest record player one can buy for the money. It’s the absolute sweet spot of the whole (and amazing) Rega range: a fantastic cartridge on a fantastic tonearm mounted to a superbly specified and manufactured plinth for a fantastic turntable overall. It has a lovely tone to it.
However, if you’re simply looking to dip your feet in the water, we recommend Pro-excellent Ject’s Primary E. The Austrian turntable expert is known for producing high-performing turntables at low rates, and this might be the company’s most remarkable entry-level deck to date.
Of course, if you want the best of all worlds, this is the way to go. You can look into the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO record player. It’s not only a great-sounding turntable in and of itself, but it also has wireless Bluetooth broadcasting at a high-resolution standard of 24bit/48kHz. As a result, it’s the most up-to-date version of this age-old technology available.
