Top turntables to spin your vinyl collection

The turntable scene has never been in better shape this side of the millennium. Vinyl and everything surrounding it is currently one of the healthiest industries on the market, and selecting the best record player has never been more exciting. There are a multitude of turntable brands for you to consider, ranging from industry stalwarts like Sony to DJ-friendly options from Technics.

Whether you’re discovering the enhanced sound quality of vinyl, looking to dust off your old records or are on the market to upgrade your existing setup, the best turntables will suit a variety of different people. With a myriad of options on the market and an abundance of audio terminology, navigating the features and understanding the terms can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

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Relying on over six years of experience in the music equipment industry and as a proud owner of not one, but two record players, I’m very well situated to take you through what the turntable market has to offer. I’ve made sure to cover a wide range of features, price points and quality levels. If I’ve had hands-on experience with a particular turntable, it has been included, as there is nothing quite like first-hand experience. Putting aside any self-aggrandizement, let’s dive into the top picks.

Our top picks: Best record player

Rega Planar 2 Turntable with RB220 tonearm

1. Best record player overall

Rega providing a plan for fantastic audio

The Rega Planar 2 is a mid-priced record player with a top-end performance. The MM Carbon cartridge has been paired excellently with every other component of this turntable and produces audio well above its price range. Also, the brand-new walnut aesthetic will please those with a stylish eye. 
 

Pros

• Super simple setup
• MM Carbon cartridge is paired brilliantly
• Brand new walnut aesthetic

Cons

• Manual belt changes for different RPMs

Rega’s Planar range is one of the most popular in the world of record players. The Planar 1 is a fantastic entry level model, but the Planar 2 is by far worth that extra bit of cash. To start with, the Planar 2 offers a super simple setup and the anti-skate/bias will just need a bit of tweaking on the tonearm to be perfect.

As for the tonearm, the RB220 has been packed with features to supply the best audio possible. Rega’s patent pending ultra-low friction bearings are present and are housed in a new and improved stiffer yet lightweight bearing house. It truly helps supply a smooth function with no tracking errors.

The Planar 2’s 24V low noise, low vibration motor provides a reliable consistency, and you will barely notice its spinning, the motor is that quiet. The Optiwhite 10mm float glass platter looks fantastic and is an upgrade over the Planar 1. You can also feel the difference in weight this platter brings, and it’s roughly 2lbs heavier than the P1, so there shouldn’t be any problems with flutter here.

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Moreover, the Planar 2 now comes with a fantastic, aesthetically pleasing, walnut-effect finished plinth. This option includes a smoked dust cover, offering a unique touch compared to the other variants with clear covers. Although the MM Carbon cartridge isn’t the most expensive on the market, it’s perfectly balanced with every other feature of the record player. Marrying style, audio and function, the Planar 2 truly is the best record player overall.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK

2. Best budget record player

Budget does not mean bogus

If you have a smaller budget or are perhaps looking to dip your toes in the world of record players, check out the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK. With built-in Bluetooth, an easy setup and a well performing stylus, there aren’t many better options out there for those looking to save some money.

Pros

• Fantastic value for money
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Setting up is a breeze

Audio-Technica has you covered if you want to save a penny or two on your record player purchase. Even compared with expensive options, there is a generous number of connectivity options with the AT-LP60XBK.

With built-in Bluetooth, you can easily connect to your wireless headphones or speakers, adding a modern touch to your listening experience. However, there’s also a good old-fashioned phono preamp allowing you to connect to more traditional Hi-Fi speakers. The ATN3600L conical stylus performs tremendously well and sits snugly into your records’ groove, this helps eliminate frustrating track skipping.

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For the price, the audio playback is commendable and the combination of the stylus, cartridge and durable tonearm provides a pleasingly rich sonic profile. When cycling through different records, the automatic RPM selection is a real lifesaver and the start/stop button will avoid any unsettling needle scratches when you need to stop the music.

Of course, vinyl snobs will want something more Hi-Fi, but for those not wanting to break the bank, there are plenty of features and good-quality audio response and components to make the AT-LP60X-BK a serious contender.

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2

3. Best big budget record player

An Ivy League record player

If you’re looking for a feature-packed, high-end record player to splash some cash on, there aren’t many better options than the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2. With its aptX HD Bluetooth capability, switchable phono stage, and premium audio performance, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth.

Pros

• Fantastic build quality
• Superb features
• Detailed, precise sound

Cons

• Wireless not quite as Hi-Fi as wired
• Extremely expensive

If you’re on the market to finally upgrade your first record player, are looking to treat yourself or are hankering after a true Hi-Fi audio experience, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 should be the first record player you consider. The Alva TT V2 offers a super high-end performance but has the benefit of being incredibly convenient.

Its connectivity options are where its convenience truly shines. The built-in switchable integrated phono stage allows you to hook the Alva TT V2 to any amp or active speaker system that you may already have. It can be switched off if you prefer to use something else such as Bluetooth. Capable of aptX HD Bluetooth, you can stream in high-res to any compatible Bluetooth device, including headphones. Although this is a fantastic feature, nothing quite beats the vinyl richness granted by premium wired components.

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Equipped with a bespoke MC cartridge that is preinstalled for a super simple setup, the Alva TT V2 is a music lover’s dream. Its resolution and tonal quality are a pleasure, one that’s refined and full of great bass extension. As for looks, the Alva TT V2 isn’t the flashiest, but the understated opulence is a minimalist’s ideal. So, if you’ve got the budget to spend, it will tick all of your boxes.

Sony PS-LX310BT

4. Best record player for features

Packed with extras and free of hassle

For the price, this Sony PS-LX310BT record player is a fantastic option for those looking for plenty of features. With built-in Bluetooth and USB ripping available, this is a very attractive option. It also performs very well sonically, offering enjoyable and articulate audio.

Pros

• Built-in Bluetooth
• USB output for downloading vinyl
• Simple to use

Sony needs no introduction. If you’ve never encountered one of their products, you might be living under a rock. Assuming you’re familiar with and seeking the best featured packed record player, look no further than the Sony PS-LX310BT.

This turntable is a gem, especially if you love the idea of playing your vinyl wirelessly through your favorite speakers. Its Bluetooth feature makes it super easy to enjoy your music without any hassle. Although USB ripping is a feature that vinyl purists will balk at, you unfortunately can’t listen to your records on the train or at the office. Having an MP3 version of your records allows for listening on the go, and is particularly great if you have a rare gem that isn’t on the usual streaming services.

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And let’s talk about its sleek design — it blends a modern, minimalist vibe with its aluminum accents, giving it a robust construction that feels pretty durable. Aluminum is also used for the platter, and powered by a belt drive mechanism, the PS-LX310BT delivers a steady and precise playback of your record. Plus, the straight-tone arm and lightweight aluminum platter ensure your records sound as clear and crisp as possible.

It’s fair to say that, at $250, this is a fairly entry-level record player. However, with plenty of fantastic features, a sturdy aluminum construction, enjoyable audio playback, and an ease-of-use that will appeal to casual vinyl fans, there’s plenty to like here.

Technics SL-1500C

5. Best premium record player

Technics proving their illustrious history

The legacy of the Technics brand is alive and well in this superb premium turntable. Boasting a big, dynamic sound with crystal clear, articulate clarity if you have the money, this isn’t going to let you down. It is slightly on the larger side, but the build quality is indestructible.

Pros

• Big, dynamic sound
• Indestructible build quality
• Articulate clarity

Everything about this deck is premium — from its build quality and specifications to its performance. It actually takes a few of the technologies acquired in the development of its pricier turntables like the SL-1200, including the core-less direct drive motor for top-notch speed management, and, of course, the S-shaped arm that you’d expect from a Technics deck.

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An Ortofon 2M Red cartridge fits as standard here, and there’s a built-in phono stage and electric speed control for ease, so you can get up and running with about as much plug and play convenience as you’d want from a turntable at this price. It looks the part too, and is available in black or silver.

The big, dynamic sound you’ll get from the SL-1500C might not be the most neutral presentation you can find at this price, but it’s a lot of fun to listen to- and we are certainly not mad at that. Also, it’s not the daintiest record player on the market, so if you’re adhering to tight spacing requirements, it may be a bit too bulky for you.

Fluance RT85

6. Best cartridge on a record player

Fluence flaunting a fantastic Ortofon cartridge

The Fluance RT85: a turntable that redefines value in the audiophile realm. Featuring an Ortofon Nude elliptical 2M Blue cartridge and a high-density acrylic platter, it delivers rich, warm sound with minimal vibrations, ensuring a captivating listening experience.

Pros

• Ortofon nude elliptical 2M Blue cartridge preinstalled
• Acrylic platter is a nice addition
• Great value for money
• Good choice of finish options

Cons

• Tonearm locking mechanism will be divisive

While some record players boast cartridges reaching into four-figure price tags, the Fluance RT85, priced around $500, comes equipped with an Ortofon Nude elliptical 2M Blue cartridge right out of the box. This inclusion is not only impressive but also speaks volumes about the RT85’s exceptional value proposition. Sonically, it sounds very rich and adds a lovely warmth to your records.

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The high-density acrylic platter deserves attention as well, offering exceptional stability and consistent speed. Its density also plays a role in minimizing vibrations, contributing to a smoother listening experience. Fluance’s choice of acrylic is deliberate, as it aligns with the turntable’s resonant frequency to help mitigate unwanted reverberations. While it’s challenging to quantify its effectiveness, the RT85 delivers remarkable clarity across the entire frequency spectrum.

Although the setup is fairly easy, do take your time balancing the tonearm and setting the anti-skating weight correctly. The last thing you’ll want to do is destroy the fantastic Ortofon Nude elliptical 2M Blue cartridge. Lastly, the RT85 is offered in piano white, lucky bamboo, piano black and natural walnut, so it will slot into most living rooms without sticking out like a sore thumb.

The best record player: The bottom line

Rega’s Planar 2 stands out as our top pick in the world of record players, offering exceptional value for its price. With features like the RB220 tonearm, ultra-low friction bearings, and a 24V low noise motor, it ensures smooth and consistent performance. The addition of a walnut-effect finish plinth and smoked dust cover adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it a standout choice. With a balanced MM Carbon cartridge and upgrades over the Planar 1, the Planar 2 combines style, audio quality, and functionality, earning it the title of the best overall record player.

Rega Planar 2 Turntable with RB220 tonearm

Editor’s Choice

On the other hand, if you’re after a solid, affordable option, then check out Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60X-BK. It stands out as the best budget option in today’s record player market, offering an array of features at an affordable price point. With built-in Bluetooth and a traditional phono preamp, it provides versatile connectivity options for both modern and traditional setups.

The ATN3600L conical stylus ensures reliable playback without track skipping, while the automatic RPM selection and start/stop button enhance user convenience. While it may not satisfy audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound, its combination of features, audio quality, and affordability makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

How did we choose the best record player?

When creating a list of the best record players, of course, the price tag was the first factor we considered when selecting the products. Also, when we’ve had first-hand experience with the turntable, we included it on our list. Otherwise, specifications were a key factor in our selections. We took into account built-in amplifiers, connectivity options, Bluetooth, selectable RPMs, quality of cartridge, number of outputs, motor type, platter type and any additional features.

What should I consider when buying a record player?

To choose the right record player for you, you’ll first want to consider your budget. Bear in mind, the general advice is that it should be no more than a quarter of the cost of your speakers and amplifier combined to ensure your system can do the best with it.

Next, consider the system it’s going into, and any audio characteristics. You’ll usually want to match any turntable you buy to the overall character of your system. Other questions to consider are whether you want a belt drive or direct drive turntable, whether you need a phono stage or not (see more below), and any further features like additional connectivity.

What is a phono stage on a record player?

A stereo amplifier is not able to retrieve the intricacies of the audio information stored in the grooves of a vinyl record, so a phono stage — or phono preamp — is needed to give it a hand. This can be built into your amplifier, built into your record player or even be a standalone device. As its name suggests, it amplifies the signal enough, so the stereo amplifier can take over and do the rest.

However, it also helps to return the audio signal to its original state, after it is altered in order to be stored on vinyl successfully. If you are hooking up a standalone record player to your system, you will need a phono stage at some point in the set-up.

Do I need to buy an amplifier or preamp for my record player?

Whether you need to purchase an additional amplifier or preamp when selecting your record player will depend on what equipment you choose. Generally speaking, most affordable record players will have a built-in phono preamp and can directly connect to active/powered speakers without the need for a separate amplifier. More expensive record players tend to need a separate preamp and amplifier, as audiophiles like mixing and matching equipment, so they can create the best set up possible.

So, if your chosen record player doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp, you’ll probably need to invest in a separate preamp. This helps boost your record player’s signal to line level, which is essential for speaker connections. Moreover, if you have passive speakers (non-powered), an additional amplifier featuring a phono input becomes necessary to correctly amplify your record player’s signal to the speakers.