We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Cheap Record Players 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

1 by ONE Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System with 36 Watt Bookshelf Speakers, Patend Designed Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Auto Off

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,440
Cartridge Type
Platter Material
Tonearm Type

Most important from
3312 reviews

Cartridge Type
The Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge is a budget stylus but performs well, providing clear sound and reliable tracking.
Platter Material
For the price, this turntable system offers surprisingly good sound, with a sturdy iron platter that minimizes noise and vibrations.
Tonearm Type
Balancing the tonearm properly results in virtually zero skips, even on older records, making for a smooth listening experience.
Built-in Preamp
The built-in preamp does a pretty nice job, offering multiple output options that cater to different setups, including phono, line, and USB.

The 1 by ONE Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System offers a solid choice for those seeking an affordable record player with modern features. One of its key strengths is the high-quality moving magnet cartridge, which provides rich and clear audio, ideal for enjoying vinyl records. The universal headshell also allows easy cartridge replacement, adding to its convenience. The Bluetooth connectivity is a standout feature, letting users stream music from various devices, enhancing versatility.

The built-in preamp and switchable phono line further add to its connectivity options, making it easy to connect to either the included speakers or external speakers via RCA output cables. Additionally, the iron platter minimizes vibrations, ensuring stable playback, while the adjustable counterweight helps reduce skipping and distortion, contributing to a smoother listening experience. The built-in USB digital output is useful for converting vinyl records into MP3s, making it great for those who want to preserve their collections digitally.

However, a potential drawback is the maximum rotational speed of 45 RPM, which may not cater to those who have records that require 78 RPM. The unit is somewhat bulky, weighing 20.9 pounds, which might be a consideration for users with limited space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 1 by ONE Bluetooth Turntable HiFi System is well-suited for vinyl enthusiasts looking for a versatile, feature-rich, and affordable record player.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,440
Cartridge Type
Platter Material
Tonearm Type

Most important from
3312 reviews

Cartridge Type
The Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge is a budget stylus but performs well, providing clear sound and reliable tracking.
Platter Material
For the price, this turntable system offers surprisingly good sound, with a sturdy iron platter that minimizes noise and vibrations.
Tonearm Type
Balancing the tonearm properly results in virtually zero skips, even on older records, making for a smooth listening experience.
Built-in Preamp
The built-in preamp does a pretty nice job, offering multiple output options that cater to different setups, including phono, line, and USB.
#2

1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off

Rating
10.0
Speed Settings

Most important from
3510 reviews

Speed Settings
The turntable has an 'Auto-Off' feature that turns off the platter and power after 3 minutes of silence.

The 1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers offers a stylish and functional option for those looking for an affordable record player. Its belt drive system ensures smooth operation, and the magnetic cartridge paired with an Audio-Technica stylus provides good sound quality, reducing noise and distortion.

It supports both 33 and 45 RPM speed settings, catering to most vinyl records. The turntable is built from wood and metal materials, giving it a premium feel despite its budget-friendly price. With Bluetooth and Aux-in functionality, it can stream music from various devices, making it versatile beyond just playing records.

Additionally, the built-in preamp allows connection to external speakers for enhanced audio output. Its weight might be a drawback for some users, as it is relatively heavy at 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds). The detachable dust cover is a practical feature, but some might find it less convenient compared to a hinged cover. Despite these minor drawbacks, this turntable is a solid choice for casual listeners and those new to vinyl, offering a blend of classic design and modern convenience.

Rating
10.0
Speed Settings

Most important from
3510 reviews

Speed Settings
The turntable has an 'Auto-Off' feature that turns off the platter and power after 3 minutes of silence.
#3

Victrola Journey Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player – with Built-in Speakers, 3 Speed Vinyl Record Player, RCA Out, Headphone Jack (Lavender/Silver)

Rating
9.1
Speed Settings

Most important from
51443 reviews

Speed Settings
The three-speed settings provide versatility to play a wide range of vinyl records effortlessly.

The Victrola Journey is a portable, belt-driven turntable that offers three-speed settings (33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm), making it versatile enough to play most types of vinyl records. Its plastic platter and tonearm reflect its budget-friendly nature, typical for entry-level players. It includes a built-in preamp and speakers, so you don’t need extra equipment to start listening right away. This makes it especially convenient for beginners or casual users who want a simple, all-in-one solution.

The suitcase design with a handle adds portability, allowing you to take your music anywhere easily. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth streaming to play audio from your smartphone, RCA output to connect to external speakers, and a headphone jack for private listening. Due to its plastic construction and built-in speakers, the sound quality may not satisfy audiophiles or those seeking a richer, more detailed listening experience. It lacks a high-end cartridge, which limits sound precision and tracking quality.

Featuring an auto-stop switch to prevent record wear, the build and components prioritize convenience and style over professional performance. This turntable is ideal for vinyl newcomers and those looking for a stylish, portable, and user-friendly record player at an affordable price.

Rating
9.1
Speed Settings

Most important from
51443 reviews

Speed Settings
The three-speed settings provide versatility to play a wide range of vinyl records effortlessly.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Record Players

Choosing the right record player can be a delightful experience, especially if you're new to the world of vinyl. Record players come in various styles and with different features, so it's important to understand what you need and what each specification means. This guide will help you navigate through the key specs and make an informed decision that suits your preferences and needs.
Drive TypeThe drive type refers to how the platter (the part that holds the record) is powered. There are two main types: belt drive and direct drive. Belt drive turntables use a belt to spin the platter, which can reduce vibrations and provide better sound quality. Direct drive turntables have the motor directly under the platter, offering more consistent speed and are often preferred by DJs for their quick start and stop capabilities. If you're looking for high-fidelity sound for home listening, a belt drive might be better. If you plan to use the turntable for DJing or need robust performance, a direct drive could be the right choice.
Cartridge TypeThe cartridge is the part of the record player that holds the stylus (needle) and reads the grooves of the record. There are two main types: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are more common and generally less expensive, offering good sound quality and easy replacement. MC cartridges can provide higher fidelity but are usually more expensive and require more specialized equipment. For most casual listeners, an MM cartridge will be sufficient and easier to manage. If you're an audiophile looking for the best possible sound, you might consider an MC cartridge.
Platter MaterialThe platter material can affect the sound quality and stability of the record player. Common materials include plastic, aluminum, and acrylic. Plastic platters are lightweight and affordable but may not provide the best sound quality. Aluminum platters are more durable and can offer better sound stability. Acrylic platters are often considered the best for sound quality as they reduce vibrations and provide a more stable surface for the record. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, plastic might be fine, but for better sound quality, consider aluminum or acrylic.
Tonearm TypeThe tonearm is the part of the record player that holds the cartridge and stylus and moves across the record. There are straight and S-shaped tonearms. Straight tonearms are simpler and often found on entry-level turntables, providing adequate performance for casual listening. S-shaped tonearms are designed to reduce tracking errors and can offer better sound quality, often found on higher-end models. If you're just starting out, a straight tonearm will be sufficient. If you're looking for better sound quality and precision, an S-shaped tonearm might be worth considering.
Built-in PreampA built-in preamp amplifies the signal from the cartridge to a level that can be used by speakers or other audio equipment. Some record players come with a built-in preamp, while others require an external preamp. Built-in preamps are convenient and can save you money and space, making setup easier. If you already have an external preamp or prefer to customize your audio setup, you might opt for a turntable without a built-in preamp. For simplicity and ease of use, a built-in preamp is a good choice.
Speed SettingsRecord players typically offer different speed settings to accommodate various types of records. The most common speeds are 33 1/3 RPM (for LPs) and 45 RPM (for singles). Some turntables also offer 78 RPM for older records. It's important to choose a record player that supports the speeds of the records you plan to play. If you mainly listen to modern LPs and singles, a turntable with 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings will suffice. If you have a collection of older 78 RPM records, make sure your turntable can accommodate that speed.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now