The Best 3 Turntables for Beginners in 2025
Starting your journey into the world of vinyl is an exciting experience, and selecting the right turntable is essential for making the most of it. For beginners, finding a balance between quality, ease of use, and affordability is key. The price of a beginner turntable can vary widely based on features, brand, and quality. Generally, you can expect to spend between $130 and $350 for a decent entry-level turntable, with some options even reaching around $500 for models that offer better sound quality and additional features.
In this article, we’ll explore the best 3 turntables for beginners in three price categories that are perfect for those just starting their vinyl collection. Each of these models offers unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs.
Budget Turntable ($130 – $200)
Audio-Technica is a well-known name in the audio world, particularly for their cartridges and headphones. Our choice for a great budget level beginner turntable is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. It’s their entry-level turntable, designed to offer an accessible and convenient intro to vinyl playback.
Design and Build Quality
The AT-LP60X features a modern, sleek design that’s available in black, white, or gunmetal finishes. While it doesn’t have the premium look of our mid-range or higher-end choice, its compact and clean design will fit well in most home environments.
The plinth is made of anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum, which helps to reduce unwanted vibrations. The platter is also aluminum, which is typical for turntables in this price range. The tonearm is a straight design and comes pre-fitted with Audio-Technica’s own ATN3600L cartridge.
Ease of Use
Where the AT-LP60XB really shines is in its ease of use. It’s a fully automatic turntable, which means that at the press of a button, the tonearm will move into position, lower onto the record, and return to its rest at the end of playback. For absolute beginners or those who prioritize convenience, this can be a game changer.
Like the other turntables we’ve discussed, the AT-LP60X operates at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Changing speeds is as simple as pressing a button, making it the most convenient of the three in this regard.
Sound Quality
While the AT-LP60X may not match the sound quality of the others in this article, it still delivers respectable performance for its price point. The sound is generally warm and pleasant, with a good balance across the frequency spectrum.
Bass response is adequate, though it may lack the depth and definition of more expensive turntables. The midrange is clear, making vocals and lead instruments easy to follow. High frequencies are well-represented without being harsh, though they may lack some of the detail and airiness you’d find in more expensive models.
The included ATN3600L cartridge is a decent performer for an entry-level cartridge. It’s known for its tracking ability and resistance to wear, making it a good choice for beginners who are still learning how to handle records.
Additional Features
The AT-LP60X comes with several features that set it apart from the other turntables we’ve discussed. First, it includes a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to connect it directly to powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono input. This preamp can also be bypassed if you want to use an external one.
For those who wish to wirelessly stream your vinyl to Bluetooth speakers or headphones, they also sell an identical, higher-priced version: the Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT. Its Bluetooth capability, as indicated by the ‘BT’ in its name, has a level of convenience and flexibility for streaming that’s rare in turntables, especially at this price point.
Who It’s For
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is ideal for absolute beginners or those who prioritize convenience and modern features over audiophile-grade sound quality. It’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into vinyl without the learning curve associated with manual turntables. I have one of these turntables in our AirBnB because I wanted a good sounding, low maintenance player that’s easy to use for all our guests.
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Mid-Range Beginner Turntable ($200-$350)
Fluance has made a name for itself by offering high-quality audio equipment at competitive prices, and the Fluance RT81 is yet another example of their commitment to excellence. This turntable offers a blend of classic design and modern features, making it an attractive option for vinyl newcomers.
Design and Build Quality
The Fluance RT81 impresses right out of the box with its classic, elegant design. The plinth is made of MDF and comes in a beautiful walnut finish, giving it a premium look that will complement any home decor. The attention to detail is evident in features like the aluminum platter and rubber slip mat, both of which contribute to improved sound quality.
The tonearm is an S-shaped design, which is less common in this price range and can potentially offer better tracking. It comes pre-fitted with an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, a well-regarded entry-level cartridge known for its good sound quality and tracking ability.
Ease of Use
The RT81 is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It’s a semi-automatic turntable, which means that while you’ll need to place the stylus on the record manually, the tonearm will automatically return to its rest at the end of the record. This feature can be particularly helpful for those new to vinyl, as it prevents the stylus from continuing to track in the run-out groove, potentially causing unnecessary wear.
Like the other turntables in this article, the RT81 operates at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Speed change is convenient on the RT81, with a simple switch on the plinth allowing you to change between speeds.
Sound Quality
The Fluance RT81 delivers impressive sound quality for its price point. It offers a warm, full-bodied sound that many associate with the classic vinyl experience. The bass is rich and well-defined, while the midrange is clear and detailed. High frequencies are well-represented without being overly bright or harsh.
The included Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge is a good match for the turntable, offering a balanced sound with good detail. It’s particularly good at reproducing vocals and acoustic instruments, making it a great choice for fans of folk, jazz, and classical music.
Additional Features
One of the standout features of the RT81 is its built-in phono preamp. This allows you to connect the turntable directly to powered speakers or an amplifier without a dedicated phono input. For beginners, this can simplify setup and reduce initial costs. However, the preamp can also be bypassed, allowing you to use an external phono preamp if you choose to upgrade in the future.
The RT81 also includes an auto-stop feature, which stops the platter from spinning at the end of a record. This can be particularly useful if you tend to fall asleep while listening to records or if you’re prone to forgetting to lift the tonearm at the end of playback.
Who It’s For
The Fluance RT81 is an excellent choice for beginners who want a turntable that offers a blend of classic design, modern features, and good sound quality. It’s particularly well-suited to those who appreciate a warmer, more traditional vinyl sound and those who value convenience features like the built-in phono preamp and auto-stop function. If you’re looking for a turntable that’s easy to set up and use right out of the box, the RT81 is a great option.
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Higher-End Beginner Turntable ($350-$530)
Pro-Ject is a well-respected name in the turntable world, known for producing high-quality audio equipment. The Pro-Ject T1 is their entry-level model, designed to provide an excellent introduction to vinyl playback without overwhelming beginners. The Pro-Ject T1 is also an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from their current turntable.
Design and Build Quality
The Pro-Ject T1 has a sleek, minimalist design that will complement any home audio setup. Available in walnut, black, or white finishes, it offers a premium look that exceeds its entry-level status. The plinth is made of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which helps dampen unwanted vibrations, contributing to cleaner sound reproduction.
One of the standout features of the T1 is its glass platter. Unlike many turntables in this price range that use aluminum or plastic platters, the glass platter of the T1 adds a touch of elegance and contributes to improved sound quality by providing better speed stability and reducing resonance.
The tonearm is a straight 8.6″ aluminum design, which is impressive for a turntable in this price range. It comes pre-fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge, a respected entry-level moving magnet cartridge known for its balanced sound.
Ease of Use
For beginners, the Pro-Ject T1 strikes a good balance between simplicity and manual control. It’s a fully manual turntable, which means you’ll need to place the stylus on the record and lift it off at the end of playback. While this might seem inconvenient at first, I think it helps you develop a deeper connection with your vinyl and the playback process.
The T1 operates at two speeds – 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Changing speeds is a manual process, requiring you to move the belt on the motor pulley, which is typical for turntables at this price point.
Sound Quality
Where the Pro-Ject T1 really shines is in its sound quality. It delivers a well-balanced, detailed sound that’s impressive for its price point. The glass platter and quality tonearm contribute to a stable, accurate playback that allows you to hear the nuances in your records.
Bass response is tight and controlled, while the midrange is clear and articulate. The high frequencies are well-defined without being harsh, providing a pleasant listening experience across various genres of music.
The included Ortofon OM 5E cartridge is a good match for the turntable, offering a neutral sound that allows the character of your records to shine through. As you become more experienced, you have the option to upgrade the cartridge to further improve sound quality.
Additional Features
The Pro-Ject T1 is a purist’s turntable, focusing on the essentials of good vinyl playback rather than additional features. It doesn’t include a built-in phono preamp, which means you’ll need to either use an amplifier with a phono input or purchase a separate phono preamp. While this might seem like an inconvenience, it actually allows for greater flexibility and potential for future upgrades.
Who It’s For
An argument can be made that the Pro-Ject T1 borders on audiophile territory (spoiler alert: it does). This turntable is ideal for beginners who are serious about getting into vinyl and want a turntable that can grow with them. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist design and are willing to invest a bit more for high build quality and sound performance. If you’re looking for a turntable that offers a true hi-fi experience without breaking the bank, the T1 is an excellent choice.
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Conclusion
Choosing your first turntable is an important decision that can significantly impact your vinyl experience. Each of the turntables we’ve discussed offers unique strengths:
- The Pro-Ject T1 provides superior build quality and sound performance for those willing to invest a bit more and appreciate a more hands-on approach.
- The Fluance RT81 offers a great balance of classic design, modern features, and warm, full-bodied sound.
- The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT prioritizes convenience and ease of use, making it ideal for absolute beginners.
When making your choice, consider your budget, the features that matter most to you, and your long-term goals as a vinyl enthusiast. Keep in mind that the best turntable for you is the one that meets your specific needs and inspires you to explore and enjoy your record collection. A higher-priced turntable doesn’t always guarantee a better experience.
Choosing from the best 3 turntables for beginners requires a number of personal considerations. But whichever turntable you choose, make sure you get the most out of it by keeping your vinyl clean. You’ll appreciate the sonic details as you’re taking your first steps into the world of vinyl playback. Each of these turntables provides an excellent starting point (and possibly an upgrade), allowing you to experience the warm, rich sound that has kept vinyl a favorite among music fans. Happy listening!
