Vinyl can be an intimidating and expensive hobby to get into, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Though there are many pricey turntables on the market, newbies can still find several affordable options with worthwhile performance. To help you get started, I’ve rounded up the best budget record players you can buy.
I’ve been reviewing audio gear for over a decade, so I’ve tested my share of turntables along the way. For these budget picks, I tried to stick to ones under $200. My top recommendation overall is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. This affordable record player features solid components and simple automatic operation, offering great value for those new to vinyl. However, if you want something even cheaper, the Victrola Eastwood II is one of the few record players under $150 that’s actually worth buying.
The best budget turntables are ideal for those just getting started with records, offering a user-friendly entry point for new listeners. However, if you’re seeking something a bit more advanced, check out my guide to the best record players across all price points, which includes a few pricier options with higher-end performance.
Our top picks for the best budget record players
Best overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK – See at Amazon
Best all-in-one: House of Marley Rise Up – See at House of Marley
Best entry-level: Victrola Eastwood II – See at Amazon
Best overall
Audio Technica AT-LP60X
The Audio Technica AT-LP60X is an excellent record player for buyers who want an affordable starter turntable. Its plastic parts aren’t the best, but it delivers great overall performance for the money.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is the best budget record player for most people. It’s both easy to operate and capable of lasting for years as your vinyl collection grows.
This belt-drive turntable is fully automatic, so it doesn’t require close monitoring. It features a built-in preamp and includes a respectable cartridge that’s full-bodied yet not too sharp in high-end frequencies. And if you ever decide to upgrade, the cartridge can be replaced with a higher-end one.
This model supports wired playback with any pair of typical stereo speakers, but you will need an amplifier if the speakers don’t have their own built-in power. There’s also a more expensive model that adds Bluetooth connectivity for an extra $50 to $100. However, I recommend sticking with this wired-only player and putting that extra money toward quality speakers.
In terms of value, all the essential pieces are here, but there are a few trade-offs to achieve such a low $200 price. One of which is that the LP60X doesn’t feel as sturdy as other, higher-end Audio Technica models. It features an aluminum platter, but other parts are made of plastic. To that point, some buyers have reported damage upon arrival. I didn’t see anything like that when I reviewed the unit, but it’s worth noting.
If you’re looking to get started with listening to vinyl as a hobby, this is a great, budget-friendly player to consider.
Best all-in-one
House of Marley Rise Up Turntable
The Rise Up is one of the few all-in-one record players that actually sounds good. It’s built-in speakers offer added convenience and deliver rich audio quality.
House of Marley’s Rise Up Turntable is the best budget record player for listeners who want a great all-in-one experience without needing to buy a separate pair of speakers. It also gets bonus points for its environmentally friendly design.
For those unfamiliar, House of Marley is an audio brand that’s partnered with the Marley family, continuing Bob Marley’s legacy of championing music and sustainability. Its products are responsibly sourced, from their packaging to their use of bamboo and unique materials that are not often found in electronic devices. To that point, the Rise Up turntable has a bamboo finish and a recycled slipmat.
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Of course, the benefits of this all-in-one turntable go far beyond appearance. The biggest one of which is the built-in stereo speakers. The Rise Up comes ready to use out of the box, pre-calibrated, and only requires plugging into an AC outlet for power.
It features an AT3600L cartridge and stylus, which are replaceable if you want to swap them out for something else later on. This is a time-tested piece of hardware that offers detailed and lively performance. However, it doesn’t sound quite as full as some pricier cartridge options, but it’s hard to tell without direct, back-to-back comparisons.
I’ve tried several all-in-one record players with built-in speakers, and I’ve never been impressed by the sound quality until this one. The speakers sound rich and full, and are capable of getting quite loud. This record player isn’t automatic, but it will stop spinning when it gets to the end — a nice touch for newcomers to analog listening.
Although the built-in speakers will likely satisfy most budget shoppers, you can connect a different set of external speakers via RCA or Bluetooth. In fact, the wireless connectivity works both ways. You can stream a record to a wireless speaker, or stream music from your phone to the Rise Up’s speakers.
Best entry-level
Victrola Eastwood II
Victrola’s Eastwood II is the most affordable record player that we recommend. Its compact size and built-in speakers make playback simple, which is great for beginners. However, its construction is cheap, and the sound quality of its speakers is lacking.
The Victrola Eastwood II makes sacrifices to hit its low price point, but if you want one of the most affordable record players that’s actually still worth buying, then this all-in-one unit is a worthy choice. But just remember to keep your expectations in check.
While there are plenty of cheaper suitcase-style record players available, they just aren’t very good. After using the Eastwood II, I feel confident that it’s the best cheap turntable for its price range. Its cost fluctuates slightly depending on sales, but it often sells for just $99.
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Beyond its low price, the Eastwood II is a convenient space-saver. If your room needs a compact solution, this is a great option. It’s small enough that a full-sized vinyl record will stick off the side, which is why there’s a cutout in the dust cover to accommodate that.
On the downside, the built-in speakers on the Eastwood II are lacking and noticeably inferior to those used on the pricier House of Marley Rise Up. Thankfully, this unit features RCA and 3.5mm outputs for connecting external speakers or headphones. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity on board, so you can stream music wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker. The Eastwood II uses the popular AT-3600LA cartridge and stylus. It’s a good base level, but again, the speakers don’t do it justice — another reason I recommend using external ones.
How we test budget record players
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To find the best budget record players, I spent time with each one listening to dozens of records, just as most people would at home. For consistency, I connected every turntable to the same three speakers: a Sonos Era 100 stereo pair, a Marshall Stanmore III, and the Edifier R1280T. I kept the speaker volume fixed at 50% throughout testing to make fair comparisons.
Although I rotated through numerous records, I also consistently played the same two albums on every turntable. “Bond 25” by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra helped evaluate instrument detail and dynamics, while Georgia’s “Euphoric” — with its electronic production — highlighted how each player handled modern sounds.
For models that support Bluetooth, I also tested wireless playback. I evaluated the ease of pairing each turntable and then assessed the sound quality over Bluetooth. While a wired connection is generally preferred, wireless listening can be a real convenience, especially for budget setups.
Across multiple listening sessions, I focused on clarity, depth, and overall balance. I also paid close attention to mechanical noise —things like motor hum, clicks, or distracting vibrations — and noted how smoothly each turntable’s parts operated.
Budget record player FAQs
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What’s the difference between a turntable and a record player?
Technically speaking, a turntable is a component of a record player. Traditionally, the term record player refers to an all-in-one device that features a turntable (spinning deck and tonearm), speakers, and an amplifier built in. However, the terminology has evolved to the point where each of those words is essentially now interchangeable.
How much money should you spend on a budget record player?
Most decent budget record players cost between $100 and $200. Cheaper options exist, but spending a little more usually gets you better sound quality and a design that’s gentler on your records. If you’re unsure about how much you’ll actually use a record player, then I would recommend starting modestly. Some turntables, like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, can be upgraded later.
Do budget record players sound good?
The best budget record players can deliver enjoyable sound quality, especially for casual listening. You won’t get audiophile-level detail, but many affordable models offer warm, clear audio that’s good enough for everyday use. However, options in the entry-level $100 to $150 price range often use a lot of plastic components, which can introduce vibrations or noise through rattling. As you reach the $350 price point and beyond, build quality improves, and higher-end components are used to deliver a superior experience.
What is a built-in preamp, and do I need one?
A built-in preamp amplifies the audio signal from a record, allowing it to be heard through speakers. If you’re buying a budget record player, having a built-in preamp makes setup much easier and eliminates the need for a separate one.
Do budget record players need external speakers and an amplifier?
Many budget record players come with built-in speakers, allowing you to start listening right away. Others require external speakers, but often still have a built-in preamp. If you’re connecting passive speakers (ones that don’t require a wall outlet for power or have a built-in battery), you will need a dedicated amplifier to power them. For wireless speaker recommendations, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.
