▷ Best Turntables 2020: The Best Turntables for All Budgets

The best turntables you can buy in 2020 come from worlds far removed from the basic old sound systems you might find in your fan or buried in an attic.. We've reviewed many of the best turntables you can own these days and we're happy to report that these are truly modern devices that come in a variety of styles, whether you like the classic look record players from the past where you're only interested in aesthetics more modern.

Many of the best turntables you can buy today have great features like built-in Bluetooth connectivity as well as USB outputs.. With a USB output, you can record your LP directly to your computer, giving you the added bonus of letting you listen to your vinyl anywhere.

With updated designs, smart features, and a host of new additions, the best turntables on the market today are, without a doubt, modern devices through and through. If you're a music lover and just can't get enough of warm vinyl sound, pick one of the best turntables on this list as it's a must-have for your home audio setup..

If you're new to the world of record collection, be sure to check out our guide on how to set up a turntable to get started.

Dust off your old record collection and get ready to record your favorite songs on the best turntables of 2020.

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What is the best deck?

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB

The best starter plate with all the features you will ever need

Dimensiones: 450.0 mm (17.72 «) W x 352.0 mm (13.86») D x 157.0 mm (6.1 «) H
Engine: Direct Drive
Plate: die-cast aluminum
Phono Preamp: Yes
USB: Yes
Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78 rpm
Stylus: AT95E
Great sound quality for the price.
Ideal for beginners and professionals.
Plastic construction
Bad USB outlet.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is a great introductory turntable for any aspiring vinyl lover, with an easy setup that won't take away from all the fun of spinning your records.

Ready to go, it offers the ability to play at 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 rpm, which means there will never be an album you can't play. There's also a built-in phono preamp so you never have to worry about finding one on your own.

New record collectors will love the easy setup and functionality, while more seasoned users will love the ability to dial in the vertical tracking angle, tracking force, and easily replaceable cell holder. Sure, it sounds like a Technics SL-1200 scam but at a fraction of the price, it's worth it.

The AT-LP120-USB also comes with a USB output that allows you to record your collection of recordings if you wish. Simply put, this platform offers the perfect balance of ease of use for beginners and includes more advanced features to keep you growing.

2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60

Automatic turntable for beginners on a budget

Fully automatic

Excellent value

The cartridge cannot be replaced.

Is passable

If you don't want to spend a fortune on the best turntable in the world and aren't worried about getting the slightest drop in fidelity from your LPs, Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a perfect starting point.

It's portable, can read most vinyl, and is by far the cheapest vinyl record player we have on this list. It is also fully automatic, which means it will queue up a recording and return the arm to the home position without the need for a manual lever.

The only caveat with such a cheap hub is that it won't grow with you as your vinyl collection grows. The built-in phono preamp means you're stuck with it, but you can replace the stylus once it's worn out.

Although there are cheaper and poorly designed turntables on the market, it's not worth it as you risk damaging your precious records with misaligned tone arms and light weight. Vinyl is expensive, so we recommend the AT-LP60 for beginners who just want to get started.

Also, be sure to check out our Audio-Technica AT-LP5x turntable practice test - it's another great starter record player from the Japanese company.

3. Denon DP-300F

A superb fully automatic turntable that doesn't break the bank

Fully automatic

Excellent sound for the price.

Plastic construction

Buttons are cheap

The Denon DP-300F is a beautiful turntable that sounds as good as it sounds. The included DSN-85 cartridge isn't the most accurate, but it still makes your music playful and reasonably detailed, especially for the price - you'll have to spend a lot more money to hear more details.

Although the DP-300F does not have the USB outputs of some of the decks listed here, it is still a great starting platform for anyone who doesn't want to manually queue their albums or get used to falling asleep while listening to music. Denon's auto start / stop feature means your stylus won't wear out at the end of recording because the arm returns immediately when an album ends.

Build quality is decent for an all-plastic turntable, but its buttons look cheap, a minor issue, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you. If the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB doesn't match your aesthetics, consider the Denon DP-300F.

Read the full review: Denon DP-300F review

4.Fluance RT81

An alternative to the AT-LP120-USB for those who don't need USB

Excellent sound for the price.

Correct sounding phono preamplifier

Poor vibration damping

Without automatic return arm

The Fluance RT81 is an excellent starting plate for enthusiasts. It's easy for beginners to set up and use, but you can turn the cartridge off for more performance later. Beginners won't have to worry about getting a separate phono preamp either, as one is built in. However, you can disable it if you want to use a better external preamp.

The only downside is that the Fluance advertised 'auto stop' feature simply turns the tray off, preventing excessive wear on the needles, but you will always have to return your arm to its resting place. You will also have to manually queue the recordings, which is by no means a breach of contract, but something to keep in mind for those looking for a fully automatic turntable. The Denon DP-300F is a great option for those looking for a fully automated recording experience.

Read the full review: Fluance RT81 review

5. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

An excellent entry-level turntable for vinyl lovers.

Excellent value for money for a hi-fi turntable

Easy to install

Manual gear change

Requires a phono preamp

From there, things start to get a little more "real" - the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is on its way to becoming the best entry-level hi-fi turntable you can buy.

While vinyl newcomers may shrink in price, the Debut Carbon is truly an incredible bargain. For the price, you get a very well made turntable that is adequately damped for fantastic sound quality. The carbon fiber arm is light and stiff, and is generally reserved for tires that cost much more.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is intended for aspiring enthusiasts who are into the hobby of record collecting, and because of this commitment, it features no niceties like an auto-return arm, buttons for changing speed, or an included phono preamp. Beginners can be disabled by manually changing the belt position to change gears and the absence of an included preamp. However, if you want to extract more detail and resolution from your recordings than the cheaper options on this list, or if you want to start out on the path of a true vinyl collector, the Debut Carbon is probably your best option.

Like the Pro-Ject Debut III, but want a more subtle look? Discover the Crosley C10, which has an elegant wooden base combined with a Pro-Ject arm.

Read the full review: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Review

6. Planar Rega 1

One of the best entry-level Hi-Fi turntables for DIY enthusiasts

Excellent sound quality

Easy to install, even for beginners.

Manual gear change

Does not include phono preamplifier

There is much debate as to whether the Rega Planar 1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is the best entry-level turntable. It's a close match and there are no clear winners, each of which provides a great starting point for budget audiophiles.

While the Rega may not have the sleek carbon arm of the Pro-Ject, the Planar 1 still sounds great and is well damped with its phenolic resin platter. And for beginners, the Rega Planar 1 is still easy to set up, although you do need to provide your own phono preamp.

In the end, the Rega Planar 1 sounds so good that it's hard to blame it too much. The voices are revealing and you can hear the texture of instruments like the violin. The included Rega Carbon cartridge is nothing special, but it does manage to work perfectly with the turntable. It's a tough choice between Planar 1 and Debut Carbon, but you can't go wrong either.

7. Marantz TT-15S1

Go pro with this high-end turntable

Excellent design

Excellent attention to detail.

Price is an investment.

The Marantz TT-15S1 costs a bit of change, but you actually get a good deal. The Clearaudio Virtuoso included with the turntable costs € 1,000 when purchased separately. Plus, you get a killer sounding weapon and a gorgeous turntable at a price that's certainly an investment, but not an unreasonable one.

So what does the Marantz TT-15S1 allow you to compete against? Pay attention to the details. Almost every part of the deck has been poured to be the best possible for the price. The fit and finish are excellent and the high-quality components are a pleasure to handle. It is a center, you will find yourself admiring its visual and sound qualities.

Beginners shouldn't get this deck as it requires more knowledge for proper setup than the entry-level decks on this list. But if you're ready to take your record collection and listen to the next level, the Marantz TT-15S1 is the place to start.

Read the full review: Marantz TT-15S1 review

8. Clearaudio concept

An incredibly beautiful mid-range turntable

Excellent build quality

It is rich and detailed

Expensive (but still a good deal)

If the Clearaudio concept and the Marantz TT-15S1 seem familiar, it's because the Marantz was built by Clearaudio to Marantz specifications. This means that everything about the Marantz's excellent build quality is found in the Clearaudio concept (that is, it's a turntable that's as magnificent as it sounds).

A small but notable difference between the Marantz and the Clearaudio is the ability to play discs at 78 rpm. Although most people will never come across the 78, it is good to know that the Clearaudio concept is capable of reproducing them. The Concept also has a handy quick dial on the base, which means you don't have to change the position of the belt manually.

As for the negatives, the Clearaudio concept has no notable flaws. Yes, it is expensive, but you still get a good deal in this price range. The included Clearaudio Concept voice coil cartridge costs just € 1,000. Yes!

Read the Review: The Clearaudio Concept Review

9. Sony PS-HX500

A well rounded beginner center with some lingering flaws.

Hi-res USB audio recording.

Good sound quality for the price.

Plastic construction looks cheap

Unforgettable conception

The Sony PS-HX500 is a great entry-level rig for those just starting to collect recordings. Its outstanding feature is its ability to record high-resolution audio from its USB output in 96 kHz / 24-bit resolution. This is an excellent feature for those who want to digitize their recordings.

In terms of sound quality, the Sony PS-HX500 sound is spacious and offers good details. However, the included stylus sometimes seems a bit stiff and hissy and doesn't have the resolution of more expensive cartridges.

While some may like Sony's minimalist design, it's completely forgettable, and its plastic construction leaves a lot to be desired. The daily handling of the turntable makes us want more premium materials that do not vibrate.

(Image credit: Cambridge Audio)

10. Cambridge Audio Alva TT turntable

Old meets new in this high-resolution wireless turntable

AptX HD high resolution wireless streaming

Simple to install

Built to last

It is not the last word of dynamism.

€ 1,700 / € 1,500 (about AU € 2,750) for an expensive turntable regardless of brand, and it's the most expensive turntable in Cambridge by a mile. But it is uniquely specified and is intended to provide all of vinyl's many diverse benefits with very little compromise.

The fact that it is capable of wirelessly streaming to a 24-bit / 48kHz aptX HD standard makes it number one in a field of one. No other turntable from a more established brand in this type of market, Rega, for example, or Clearaudio, can come close to this level of comfort.

Read the review: Cambridge Audio Alva TT review

(Image credit: Audio-Technica)

11. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

A Bluetooth vinyl turntable perfect for beginners

Excellent value

Easy installation

The audio could be more detailed.

Materials seem a bit cheap

With an affordable price tag, easy setup, and the convenience of wireless playback, the AT-LP60XBT could be a fantastic first vinyl turntable for any beginner vinyl lover.

Although the support seems somewhat insignificant and the sound is not detailed enough for some, its brilliant price more than makes up for it, and the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity makes the AT-LP6XBT very good value for money. Prize.

Audio-Technica is known for producing high-quality cartridges, and the one used in this turntable is no exception; the ATN3600L tapered stylus fits snugly into the disc grooves and reveals details in songs you may never have noticed before; In short, it makes your music an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Read the review: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable review

(Image credit: Technics)

12.Technics SL1500c

Bombproof construction and great clarity.

Bomb proof build quality

Simple to set up and use

Exceptional clarity

Expensive

Not so subtle

Discover the Technics SL-1500C, an affordable budget that will set you back just € 899 / € 999 / AU € 2499. It is still not the most affordable turntable on the market, but first and foremost, the Technics rebirth thus far has really brought to mind. listeners what they liked about the brand in the first place.

The staging of the sound is impressive, with recordings offering plenty of space for individual instruments to make their presence felt. There is depth and height to the Technics stage, as well as width, but despite all this breathing room, the sound of the SL-1500C is not lacking in unity.

Read the review: Technics SL-1500C turntable review

What makes a good turntable?

What else do I need?

In addition to your new turntable, there are other kit pieces you can invest in.

First, you will want to discover the best stereo speakers; after all, a turntable is only as good as the speakers you connect it to.

If you go for a fancy wireless turntable, you may want to invest in a Bluetooth speaker or connect it to your existing smart speaker.

If your turntable of choice does not have a built-in amplifier, you will need to purchase one; check out our amp reviews for more information.

One downside of the renewed interest in turntables with all their modern attributes and delicate naming conventions is that scouring the market for the best turntables can be quite confusing, but stick with us and we'll help you find the best. Platinum for you.

To get started, we'll walk you through all the little details that it takes to choose the best turntable for your listening needs and budget. Want to go to the top with a belt drive? Or how about an easier-to-use direct disk hub or Bluetooth-enabled model? What about phono preamps? You need it?

All of these questions will be answered here, so before you know it, these old dusty records will be spinning again on your new turntable.

One of the most important things to look for when looking for the best turntable for you is its payback.

Damping is essentially the method by which manufacturers combat vibration, be it internal or external. They do this by using different engine configurations and using various components.

Most of the time, belt-driven turntables will be much quieter and offer higher fidelity than their direct-drive siblings, since direct-drive turntables have a motor that is directly connected to the turntable. There are some great direct drive platforms out there though, so don't rule them out just yet.

Your personal needs are important too, so don't forget them. If you're just starting out, you probably don't need to have fun with a complex turntable with an adjustable vertical tracking angle, non-slip and azimuth. You might even want a turntable that connects wirelessly to your speaker via Bluetooth. Do you want to rip your vinyl in your digital library? If so, find a turntable with a USB output and reliable software to get the job done.