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10 Best Inexpensive Record Players 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
9.9
Chosen by1,130
Turntable Type
Portability

Most important from
3148 reviews

Turntable Type
Smooth and steady turntable that's very easy to use, even for beginners.
Portability
Stylishly understated classic vibe that’s unobtrusive and portable.

The 1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable offers a combination of stylish design and versatile functionality. Constructed from wood and metal, it features a sleek, streamlined appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any space. This turntable supports both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, catering to a variety of vinyl records. The built-in speakers are a convenient all-in-one solution, and the Bluetooth functionality allows for wireless music playback from various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the Aux-in port provides an option for wired connections, ensuring compatibility with multiple audio sources.

The inclusion of a magnet-type cartridge and adjustable counterweight is a significant highlight, contributing to rich and warm audio quality with minimal distortion. The Audio-Technica stylus enhances this further by delivering precise tracking and high-definition sound. On the downside, the turntable's weight of 6 kilograms may impact portability, making it less suitable for users who need to frequently move it. The detachable dust cover and replaceable stylus are practical features, but users should be aware of the additional maintenance they might entail.

The built-in preamp simplifies the setup, but those seeking higher fidelity audio may prefer connecting external speakers. This record player is ideal for users looking for an elegant, versatile, and feature-packed turntable without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,130
Turntable Type
Portability

Most important from
3148 reviews

Turntable Type
Smooth and steady turntable that's very easy to use, even for beginners.
Portability
Stylishly understated classic vibe that’s unobtrusive and portable.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Record Players

When choosing an inexpensive record player, it's important to consider a few key specifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. A good record player will not only play your vinyl records but also preserve their quality and provide a pleasant listening experience. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Turntable TypeTurntable type refers to whether the record player is manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. Manual turntables require you to place the needle on the record and lift it off when the record is finished. Semi-automatic turntables will lift the needle off the record at the end of play, while fully automatic turntables will both start and stop the record for you. If you enjoy the hands-on experience and don't mind a bit of manual work, a manual turntable might be for you. If you prefer convenience, a semi-automatic or fully automatic turntable would be a better choice.
Drive TypeDrive type refers to how the turntable's platter is powered. There are two main types: belt drive and direct drive. Belt drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the platter, which can help reduce vibrations and provide better sound quality. Direct drive turntables have the motor directly attached to the platter, which can offer more consistent speed and is often preferred by DJs. For casual listening, a belt drive turntable is usually sufficient and can provide excellent sound quality. If you plan to use the turntable for DJing or need precise speed control, a direct drive turntable might be more suitable.
Cartridge and StylusThe cartridge and stylus are the components that read the grooves on your records and convert them into sound. The quality of these components can greatly affect the sound quality. Inexpensive record players often come with a basic cartridge and stylus, but some allow for upgrades. If you're just starting out, the included cartridge and stylus should be fine. However, if you want to improve sound quality later on, look for a turntable that allows you to upgrade these components.
Built-in PreampA preamp boosts the signal from the turntable to a level that can be played through speakers. Some record players come with a built-in preamp, while others require an external one. If you don't already have a preamp or an amplifier with a phono input, a turntable with a built-in preamp can be more convenient and cost-effective. If you already have a preamp or plan to invest in a high-quality external one, you might not need a built-in preamp.
Speed SettingsRecord players typically support different speed settings to play various types of records. The most common speeds are 33 1/3 RPM for LPs and 45 RPM for singles. Some turntables also support 78 RPM for older records. Make sure the record player you choose supports the speeds you need. If you only plan to play 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, look for a turntable that supports this speed as well.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the record player around. Some inexpensive record players are designed to be portable, with built-in speakers and a compact, lightweight design. If you plan to take your record player to different locations or have limited space, a portable model might be a good choice. However, keep in mind that portable models may sacrifice some sound quality and durability compared to more stationary models.

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