Music streaming services might be convenient by offering a world of music at your fingertips, but listening to your favourite artists and albums on vinyl simply offers an altogether different audio experience. The demand for vinyl is growing, with more and more artists re-visiting the format to launch box sets, remastered classics and more - but if you're new to vinyl and want to pick up one of the best budget turntables on the market, I've come up with a selection of my favourites that won't break the bank.
The Louder team have reviewed all six of the products I've picked out below and evaluated them in key areas including sound, build quality, ease of use and bang for your buck.
In my guide, I've chosen basic plug and play models, plus decks that offer Bluetooth streaming to headphones or speakers, and USB connectivity for converting vinyl records into digital files to play on your phone, tablet or laptop.
And if you need more guidance on the best budget turntable to buy, head to our how to choose advice and FAQ sections.
The quick list
After full testing, the Sony PS-LX310BT leads the pack as this year's best budget turntable overall. This automatic, belt-driven record player has two speed settings, a built-in phono stage, plus Bluetooth tech for connecting to wireless speakers or headphones. I think the sound quality is awesome for the price - something you would expect from Sony - and the classic stealth styling looks great.
If you're just getting started on your vinyl journey, the Lenco L-85 turntable is a fantastic record player for beginners. It might look a little basic, but it's belt-driven, offers two speeds and has a moving magnet cartridge which is more than enough to get you started. The L-85 also boasts a built-in phono stage. Overall I can't fault the sound for the price and it's easy to get up and running too.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 is fitted with an AT91R cartridge featuring an aluminium cantilever designed to pick up subtle details in your wax, making it a great choice for musos on a budget. This fully automatic, belt-driven turntable operates at two speeds and also has a built-in phono stage. There's no Bluetooth though, so you'll need to connect speakers the old-fashioned way. If you want a wireless option, pick the Sony PS-LX310BT.
House Of Marley's Stir It Up budget Bluetooth turntable is a great-looking unit made from bamboo and recycled materials. It also has a phono stage built-in and converts vinyl to digital. Louder scored it highly for sound quality during testing, though some distortion was detected at higher volumes. Overall, this is a great cheap record player for Bob Marley fans, but keep a duster handy as there's no hard cover. If that's a no-no for you, try the Audio-Technica AT-LP3 instead.
If you like big bass, the Pro-Ject T1 is the best budget turntable for you. Our reviewer loved the weighty sound during testing, but also noted that the sound isn't exactly neutral, so you may lose some detail. The T1 is belt-driven, operates at two speeds and in my opinion is one of the sleekest looking decks in this guide. Although there's no USB recording, Bluetooth connectivity or phono pre-amp, if bass is your jam and you have a small budget, then the Pro-Ject T1 is ideal.
When Louder tested this belt-driven, two-speed turntable, we found that it offered a rounded, well-balanced sound. However, it doesn't feature a phono pre-amp and you can't rip your vinyl to digital – you'll find those elsewhere, but be prepared to spend a little more if that's the case. Otherwise, the Pro-Ject Primary E is a great no-nonsense budget turntable from a well trusted audio brand.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want quality at a great price: If you’re after a fully automatic turntable from one of the big brands at an affordable price, look no further.
❌ Avoid if you’re after a more detailed unit: The Sony PS-LX310BT is a top choice for those on a budget, but you’ll find better if your budget stretches a little further.
Sound ★★★★½
Design ★★★★★
Features ★★★★★
Overall ★★★★★
If you’re looking to marry old-school hi-fi with new-school cool, the Sony PS-LX310BT is the turntable for you and is my top choice when it comes to the best budget turntables. The big draw here is Bluetooth support, which you can use to send that rich, analogue audio via the digital, wireless domain to a pair of Bluetooth headphones or a wireless speaker. No wires required, so less clutter around your living room.
On top of that the tonearm action on this Sony turntable is automatic, so the needle will find your record’s groove via a button-press and will extricate itself at the end with no intervention necessary.
Crucially, the Sony PS-LX310BT also sounds fantastic. I found it to be detailed, punchy and direct. This is a deck that reveals the details lurking in the depths of those black disks and brings them to the surface in fun, bubbly fashion.
Read our full Sony PS-LX310BT review
Best for beginners
✅ Buy if you’re buying your first turntable: The Lenco L-85 is perfect if you want a no-nonsense, plug-and-play turntable.
❌ Avoid if you want a sleek-looking bit of kit: This model doesn’t exactly scream premium-level tech, so check out other options if you’re in the market for a more designer look.
Sound ★★★★☆
Design ★★★★☆
Features ★★★☆☆
Overall ★★★★☆
It might look a little like a children's toy – and let's be honest, it's almost as cheap – but the Lenco L-85 is actually a semi-automatic, brilliant belt-driven turntable with a built-in phono stage. And as if that wasn't enough, it also has the ability to record via USB. It really is as plug-and-play as a record player gets.
It carries some old school aesthetic – it comes with a pair of RCA cables so you can plug the L-85 turntable into your stereo amplifier and get started straight away – but its also has more modern touches too, with the USB port allowing to convert your vinyl into MP3 files for your personal archive.
I really do think this is a great starting point for anyone who's just getting into vinyl or those who have discovered their old record stash while clearing out their attic or garage.
Read our full Lenco L-85 turntable review
Best automatic
✅ Buy if you want a fully automatic unit: A fully automatic record player means no fuss or messing around - and the AT-LP3 fits the bill.
❌ Avoid if you’re after Bluetooth functionality: The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 has no Bluetooth or recording abilities, so look elsewhere if these are on your wish list.
Sound ★★★★★
Design ★★★★★
Features ★★★★☆
Overall ★★★★½
Those suitcase turntables you see all over Amazon, Argos and even Urban Outfitters are designed to bridge the gap between vinyl enthusiasm and analogue actuality by building everything in and making it as hands-off as possible.
While there's nothing wrong with those models if you just want something easy and convenient to play your vinyl on, a better all-round option in my opinion is the Audio-Technica AT-LP3.
This great-looking turntable has a completely automatic action, so you can start the record with the touch of a button and finish it without lifting so much as a finger. However, what's even better is that the Audio-Technica AT-LP3 sounds downright excellent for the money in my view, thanks to its balanced, natural sound that won't mask your tune of choice.
Read our full Audio Technica AT-LP3 turntable review
Best eco-friendly budget turntable
✅ Buy if you want a greener turntable: All House Of Marley’s products are made with reclaimed and recycled materials and finished with sustainable bamboo.
❌ Avoid if you’re after a hard cover: We like protecting our vinyl when they’re spinning, but unfortunately, the Stir It Up has no hard-shell cover.
Sound ★★★★½
Design ★★★★★
Features ★★★★☆
Overall ★★★★½
House Of Marley’s distinctive audio gear comprises speakers, headphones and, of course, turntables - all finished with sustainably crafted bamboo. Not only that, but their products also utilise reclaimed organic cotton, reclaimed hemp and recycled plastic. This is great to see, and fortunately, their Stir It Up turntable is a great-sounding product too and available for a really good price.
This double-speed turntable has a built-in pre-amp which can be switched on and off - and it can connect wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers, so you won’t have to shell out more money if you already have one or two in your home. There’s also a headphone jack which is something I thought was a great idea in a record player.
Another plus is the fact you can rip your vinyl to digital using your PC or Mac, adding another positive for the House Of Marley Stir It Up turntable.
Read our full House Of Marley Stir it Up review
Best for deep bass
✅ Buy if you want deep bass: Big bass isn’t for everyone, but for those who can’t get enough, the Project T1 has a weighty bass that’s hard to ignore.
❌ Avoid if you want a more neutral sound: The bass on this thing is hard to ignore, so look elsewhere if you’re after more balance.
Sound ★★★★½
Design ★★★★★
Features ★★★★☆
Overall ★★★★½
If you’re keen that your affordable turntable has a premium look and feel, the excellent Pro-ject T1 could be the one for you. This entirely plastic-free deck is brilliantly solid and weighty, and it comes more or less ready to rock – you need only place the platter and belt yourself and you're away.
The Pro-ject T1 record player is light on fancy features – there’s no Bluetooth or USB recording, and you’ll need to add a phono preamp, but that’s because sound quality has been prioritised.
While there are other turntables are more suited to clarity and detail, don't forget about the Pro-ject T1 counters with a smoother, weightier, bass-heavy sound that'll suit a lot of the rock and metal vinyl you’ll be spinning.
Read our full Pro-Ject T1 review
Best sound balance
✅ Buy if you’re want a rugged record player: There’s no bells and whistles here, but what you do get is a well-built turntable with decent sound and performance.
❌ Avoid if you want extra features: Look elsewhere for Bluetooth & automatic functionality - and there’s no preamp.
Sound ★★★★½
Design ★★★★★
Features ★★★★☆
Overall ★★★★½
While the Pro-Ject Primary E is pretty much a basic deck at heart, don't dismiss it out of hand, as I think this belt-driven turntable does the job incredibly well.
The initial set-up is a breeze, and I found everything I played on it - from Led Zeppelin to Rush - sounded well-balanced and crystal clear with enough body to do the bottom end justice.
If you’re looking for your first turntable, not only would this look great as part of your setup, but it sounds well above average. It's also rugged and built to last, won’t cost you the earth. It comes highly recommended if you're looking for a quality record player on a budget.
Read our full Pro-Ject Primary E review
How to choose the best budget turntable
When shopping for a budget turntable, there are a few criteria you should keep in mind before parting with your cash. These are the key elements I considered in my testing:
Build quality: Is the deck you're considering well built, using materials that not only ensure it lasts - wood and metal are more preferable than too much plastic - but also helps improve the overall sound.
Sound: Sound can be subjective, but overall you're looking for a turntable that delivers a balance between lows, mids and highs, without being overly prominent in any one area. Detail is also welcome, but not something you can expect too much of n the budget category. Some cheaper decks can add too much of one frequency, or introduce unwanted noise or distortion to your favourite records. If you're able to try before you buy, listen out for this and avoid at all costs.
Drive type: Do you prefer belt-drive or direct drive? Belt-driven decks are typically less noisy and produce a cleaner sound overall, while direct drive (ie. motorised) decks are more durable, but can introduce a little extra noise to the operation. You'll typically find the latter option on more budget-friendly decks.
Tonearm & cartridge: Is the tonearm adjustable and does it feature a counterweight and anti-skate mechanism? This will help you dial in your tracking and place less undue wear and tear on your records. Cartridges at this level are usually functional but no frills, so it's a bonus if your budget turntable features a replaceable/upgradeable cartridge so you can boost performance down the line.
Does it have a built-in preamp: Most budget record players have a phono pre-amp built-in, saving you extra outlay before you can start listening to your music. A preamp enables you to connect directly to speakers without needing to invest in an additional amplifier.
What extra features does it have: First you must decide whether you want or need extra functionality like Bluetooth-connectivity or USB recording. Are you paying more for tech that you potentially don't need, or has it been added to the detriment of the deck's sound? From our experience we'd say that a dust cover is a non-negotiable. You won't believe how much dust a deck can gather over time, and that can prove troublesome down the line if it contaminates your vinyl. Louder has some record player care and maintenance tips right here. We've also compiled this guide to cleaning your records in case the dust takes over.
Value for money: Does the deck represent a worthwhile investment whilst ticking all your boxes. Go too cheap and you'll be upgrading sooner than later, but spend too much on unnecessary features and you may regret not saving that extra outlay and spending it on vinyl instead. For us, the primary focus is always on how good a deck sounds, and this is where we would focus our budget.
Warranty: Does your deck come with fair warranty cover and does the brand offer decent customer service? If your turntable breaks, or you need to troubleshoot an issue, you'll regret not having adequate cover.
How we test budget turntables
Budget turntables are subjected to no less rigorous testing by our team than their pricier counterparts. In fact, if a record player can truly claim to be budget, we need to make sure that it passes muster. So, our tests cover the following categories:
- Sound - the most important one for us. At Louder we’re music fans first and foremost, so budget decks need to scratch that itch. If it takes too much away from the classic albums we know and love inside and out, then it doesn’t make the list. We test each deck with a range of records, many of which feature in our best classic rock vinyl guide, alongside contemporary artists from a range of genres.
- Set up - how quickly can we get the deck up and running? We prefer plug and play decks in this sector, but if there’s any set up of manual mechanisms, we’re looking for an easy ride and as much fit and forget functionality as possible.
- Build quality - we expect to find shortcomings in budgets decks - such as more plastic components, or a flimsy dust cover - but if the important components such as the tonearm, cartridge or platter don’t measure up, then we don’t include the product in the guide.
- Performance: How well does everything work? Is the tracking up to scratch, did we detect any vibrations or hear any distortion in the sound?
- Other features - does the deck offer additional features such as computer connectivity, automatic tonearm or Bluetooth? If so, how well do these features work, or are they simply set-dressing for a mediocre product that takes budget away from more important components?
Review samples are sent to Louder either directly from the brands, from their distributor, or through PRs who represent the brands and organise their reviews. On the odd occasion if we can't get hold of a sample, we will pay for one ourselves.
We integrate these decks into our own home sets ups and test them just as you would - by playing music and absorbing the sound in the comfort of our own home. We have sessions where we really focus on the sound - just as vinyl should be enjoyed - in addition to going about our daily lives with vinyl as the background soundtrack.
We'll go through all the criteria above in great detail to leave no stone unturned when coming to our conclusions for our reviews.
Why trust us
⚡ Louder was established in 2017 and founded on long-running brands including Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog (launched in 1986, 1998 and 2009 respectively)
⚡ Over 80,000 products reviewed on site, from music listening tech to albums and box sets
⚡ Our reviewers are all passionate music fans who draw on decades of testing experience
Louder’s reviewing team consists of music fans, musicians and professional product testers, who between them have accumulated decades of product reviewing experience, writing thousands of words on music listening gear across thousands of reviews on Louder. Our tests also inform our buyer's guide - just like this one.
As lifelong music fans, we're serious about the tech we listen to our favourite artists on. We want them to sound incredible, giving us all the detail those bands intended us to hear, and deliver the perfect balance of bass, mids and highs. We're looking for pure immersion in our chosen sounds, whether it's a classic '70s rock album, or a cutting-edge noise band.
And we test turntables with albums we know inside and out, and that we've listened to on a variety of systems already, so we know exactly what we should be hearing and when we're being short-changed by lackluster audio.
FAQs
How important is sound quality on a budget turntable?
What should you be looking for when shopping for one of the best budget turntables? It might sound like an obvious thing to say, but sound quality should be your biggest priority when shopping for any new turntable. If you don’t care about sound quality, then a record player probably isn’t for you and you should stick to basic streaming.
Should I go with the big turntable brands?
While no company has a perfect record in this area, going with the established and well-respected brands, is a good place to start – a turntable is a very specialised, delicate bit of kit, after all, so you want to go with a brand you know you can trust and that has previous form.
Austrian brand Pro-Ject offers a fantastic range, while more mainstream brands like Sony and Audio-Technica are good at marrying true hi-fi audio quality with more modern features such as Bluetooth and USB recording. If it's tech you want, these brands should be top of your list. These well-established brands also have decades of experience creating - and refining - music listening gear.
At the budget end of the spectrum we've also had great experiences with the like of Lenco and House Of Marley.
What are essential record player features?
It really comes down to what you want to do with your record player. For example, will you need Bluetooth functionality to stream your sounds to a speaker or headphones? Or is the ability to record via USB a non-negotiable?
On paper, these features are great to have but there's no point wasting your budget on bells and whistles you are unlikely to use and, truthfully, the tech-iest turntable is almost never the one that sounds the best.
We have options to suit all tastes in this guide.
What is a phono preamp and do I need one?
If you’re boarding the vinyl train for the first time, you'll need to familiarise yourself with some key components, and in particular the phono stage. This is essentially a step-up amplifier - often referred to as phono preamp - that increases the record player’s tiny output to a level that a standard stereo amplifier can work with.
Many turntables - even those in our best budget turntables list - come already packing a built-in phono stage, as do some stereo amplifiers. For some however, a phono stage will be an additional cost, but one I reckon is definitely worth the investment.
Generally speaking, a phono-less turntable that goes through an external phono stage before getting to the amplifier will sound best, so consider going down that route if you’re serious about audio quality.
How easy is it to set up a budget turntable?
Setting up a turntable can be a fiddly operation, with components that need fitting and careful adjustment, but some are much simpler than others. Some also have automatic functionality to make things even easier so you can start spinning your collection faster. If you want a straightforward plug and play experience, there are certainly options out there for you.
The above means that you only have to press a button for the tonearm to move into place and drop the needle into the groove at the start of the record. Fully automatic and semi-automatic turntables will lift the needle from the groove at the end, too.
For many people, a little initial tweaking and manual operation are keys to the charm of turntable ownership, and the simplest decks are often the best-sounding.
Read more:
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
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