10 Best Budget Turntables 2025 in the United States

The 1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable is a solid choice for those entering the world of vinyl at a budget-friendly price. It features a stylish design, combining wood and metal materials, which gives it an appealing look that can complement your home decor. The turntable supports both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, making it versatile for different vinyl records. Additionally, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and an Aux-in port, allowing you to stream music from other devices, which adds to its convenience for casual listeners.

One of the standout features is its magnetic cartridge and adjustable counterweight, which work together to enhance audio quality. The included Audio-Technica stylus is a plus, as it helps ensure clear and rich sound reproduction, ideal for enjoying your music without unwanted noise.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the built-in speakers offer the convenience of an all-in-one design, they may not deliver the same audio depth and richness as high-quality external speakers. If you're a serious audiophile, you might find the sound quality lacking compared to more advanced, separate setups. Furthermore, the turntable’s weight might be another concern for those looking for portability, as it weighs around 13.2 pounds. Lastly, the operation might require a little getting used to, especially the power button functionality, which involves a long press to turn on and then another press to start the playback. For those who are less tech-savvy, this could be a minor inconvenience.

The Fluance RT85 Turntable stands out in the budget turntable category, offering a range of features that enhance the vinyl listening experience. One of its key strengths is the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which is known for its accuracy and clarity. This cartridge provides detailed high-resolution sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who appreciate musical accuracy. The high-density acrylic platter further enhances audio quality by dampening unwanted vibrations, resulting in a richer sound profile with improved bass and midrange clarity.

The turntable also boasts a well-designed construction with a high mass MDF wood plinth, which provides stability and isolation from external vibrations. This feature is important for high-quality playback. Additionally, the speed control functionality ensures consistent playback speed, which is crucial for maintaining audio fidelity.

The RT85 does not come with a built-in phono preamp, which means you will need to invest in one separately if your audio system lacks this feature. For those unfamiliar with turntables, this may add an extra layer of complexity and cost. The Fluance RT85 is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy high-quality vinyl playback without breaking the bank. Its strengths lie in its superior audio components and solid build quality, making it ideal for both beginners and more experienced users.

The Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is a solid choice for those stepping into the world of turntables, especially if you're keen on DJing or just want high-quality playback. One of its standout features is the high-torque direct-drive system, which ensures quick start-up times and consistent speed, making it great for mixing tracks. The low-noise operation also makes it appealing for audiophiles who want to enjoy their music without unwanted background sounds.

The construction quality is impressive too, with a high-stability design that minimizes vibrations, contributing to clearer sound reproduction. The ability to select from three tempo ranges adds versatility, allowing you to adjust the playback speed as needed.

However, at 38 pounds, this turntable is on the heavier side, which might not be ideal for those wanting a portable solution. Additionally, while the PLX-1000 does include a built-in preamp, some users may prefer to use their own external preamp for better sound quality, which adds to the cost. The materials used, including zinc for the body, provide durability, but they may not appeal to everyone who prefers a more classic wooden finish. While it’s designed for professional use, the price point may still be a bit high for casual listeners or those strictly on a budget looking for entry-level models.