10 Best Turntable Under 100 2025 in the United States

The Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable is a high-quality option that stands out with its direct-drive system and professional playback quality, making it a strong candidate for serious DJs or audiophiles. Its high-torque direct-drive motor ensures quick start-up times and stable rotation, minimizing noise and vibration for a smooth listening experience. Additionally, it offers a high-stability design, which is crucial for maintaining performance during use. With three tempo ranges, it provides flexibility for different playback speeds, which can be essential for DJs.

The built-in preamp adds convenience, allowing it to be connected directly to speakers without the need for an external preamp. The turntable's construction, primarily using zinc, suggests durability, although its significant weight of 38 pounds may make it less portable. The modern black style and analog signal format cater to traditional DJ setups and those who appreciate a classic look. However, the turntable is wired, so it lacks wireless connectivity options. Moreover, the PLX-1000 excels in many areas, but its price point might be a stretch for casual listeners or those new to turntables.

The included components, such as the slip mat, dust cover, and audio cables, provide good initial value. In summary, the Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 is best suited for professional DJs and serious music enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-performance turntable, though its higher price and heavy build may be drawbacks for some users.

The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable offers several notable strengths, particularly for those who value sound quality and durability. Its direct-drive motor is a key feature, providing stable rotation and consistent speed, which is crucial for accurate playback. The headshell with cartridge and stylus is included, making it ready to use out of the box without needing additional purchases. The built-in preamp is a convenient feature, allowing you to connect the turntable directly to speakers or an amplifier without needing an external preamp.

Additionally, the USB output is a modern touch, enabling you to digitize your vinyl collection easily by connecting the turntable to a computer. The turntable's build quality is robust, though it is made primarily of plastic, which, while sturdy, may not appeal to those seeking a more premium feel. With a weight of 29.5 pounds, it is quite heavy, which can be both an advantage for stability and a drawback for portability.

In summary, the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is a great choice for those looking for a solid, feature-rich turntable with both modern and traditional functionalities, though the price and plastic build might be points to consider.

The 1 by ONE Belt Drive Turntable offers several notable features for its price range. Its belt drive mechanism helps reduce vibrations for better sound quality. The magnetic cartridge with a diamond-tipped stylus is designed to produce clear and rich audio, making it a good choice for audiophiles on a budget. The adjustable counterweight and anti-skating system provide stable playback and protect records from damage.

With speed settings of 33 and 45 RPM, it caters to different vinyl types. The built-in phono preamp allows for easy connection to amplifiers, and the USB digital output feature is great for digitizing your vinyl collection into MP3s. Bluetooth connectivity adds convenience, although some users might face compatibility issues with certain Bluetooth speakers.

A notable drawback is the absence of built-in speakers, meaning external speakers are necessary for use. The build quality, primarily plastic, might not be the most durable, but it is acceptable for the price point. This turntable is ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly option with modern connectivity features and decent sound quality.