Your first turntable sets the tone for your entire vinyl journey. Choose well and you'll fall in love with the format. Choose poorly and you might blame vinyl for problems caused by bad equipment. We've tested every major entry-level turntable to find the ones that deliver the best combination of sound quality, build quality, and upgrade potential.
Every turntable on this list meets our baseline requirements: adjustable tracking force (to protect your records), a replaceable cartridge/stylus, and the ability to connect to external speakers. No suitcase players, no toy turntables — just real equipment for real music lovers.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
$249–$299The gold standard for entry-level turntables. Direct-drive motor, built-in phono preamp, and USB output for digitizing your collection. Borrowed heavily from the legendary Technics SL-1200 design at a fraction of the price.
Why We Recommend It
- Direct-drive motor with consistent speed accuracy
- Built-in switchable phono preamp — works with any speakers
- S-shaped tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate
- USB output for ripping vinyl to digital
- Ships with Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge (excellent starter)
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
$129–$149The simplest path from zero to vinyl. Fully automatic operation — press play and the tonearm does the rest. No setup, no calibration, just music. Built-in phono preamp means it works with any powered speakers.
Why We Recommend It
- Fully automatic — press play to start, auto-return at end of record
- Built-in phono preamp for plug-and-play simplicity
- Belt-drive motor with low-vibration design
- Gentle 3.5g tracking force — safe for your records
- Available in multiple colors (black, white, red, blue)
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
$499–$549An audiophile-grade turntable at an entry-level price point. The carbon fiber tonearm, precision motor, and Sumiko Rainier cartridge deliver sound quality that competes with turntables costing twice as much. This is the one to buy if sound quality is your top priority.
Why We Recommend It
- Carbon fiber tonearm — lightweight and resonance-free
- Electronic speed switching (33/45 RPM) for convenience
- Precision belt-drive motor with speed stability
- Ships with Sumiko Rainier cartridge (a significant upgrade over most stock cartridges)
- Available in 7 colors to match any setup
Fluance RT82
$299–$329Exceptional value — the RT82 punches well above its weight class. The speed sensor-controlled servo motor eliminates wow and flutter, the solid MDF plinth dampens vibration, and the Ortofon OM10 cartridge is a proven performer. Hard to beat at this price.
Why We Recommend It
- Speed sensor motor for precise, consistent playback
- Solid MDF plinth with vibration-dampening rubber feet
- S-shaped aluminum tonearm with adjustable counterweight
- Ortofon OM10 cartridge included
- Isolation feet reduce environmental vibration interference
Rega Planar 1
$475–$525Rega has been building turntables in England since 1973. The Planar 1 distills their decades of engineering into an affordable, no-compromise package. The RB110 tonearm is derived from Rega's higher-end models, and the overall build quality is a step above most entry-level competition.
Why We Recommend It
- Rega RB110 tonearm — derived from their acclaimed higher-end designs
- Phenolic resin platter for excellent resonance control
- Hand-assembled in Southend-on-Sea, England
- Rega Carbon cartridge included (upgradeable to Rega Exact or Bias 2)
- Clean, minimalist design that looks as good as it sounds
What to Look For in a First Turntable
The single most important feature is an adjustable counterweight on the tonearm. This lets you set the correct tracking force for your cartridge — too heavy damages records, too light causes skipping and distortion. Every turntable on our list has this.
A built-in phono preamp simplifies your setup — you can connect directly to powered speakers or a receiver without buying additional equipment. If the turntable doesn't have one, you'll need either a standalone phono preamp ($30–$100) or a receiver with a phono input.
Belt-Drive vs Direct-Drive
Belt-drive turntables use an elastic belt to connect the motor to the platter. The belt absorbs motor vibration, resulting in quieter playback. Most audiophile turntables are belt-drive. The downside: belts wear out over time ($15–$25 replacement every 3–5 years).
Direct-drive turntables connect the motor directly to the platter. They offer faster start-up speed, more consistent speed accuracy, and are preferred by DJs. The AT-LP120X on our list is direct-drive. For home listening, both types perform excellently.
Our Verdict
For most beginners, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is our top pick — it's versatile, well-built, and sounds great with the included cartridge. If budget is tight, the AT-LP60X gets you spinning records today for under $150. If sound quality is your priority and you can stretch the budget, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is remarkably good.
Whichever turntable you choose, the most important step is the next one: buying records. Use GoOffline to convert your Spotify playlists into a vinyl shopping list and start building your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cheap turntables damage vinyl records?
Very cheap turntables (under $60, especially suitcase types) can accelerate groove wear due to heavy, non-adjustable tracking forces and low-quality styli. Every turntable on our list uses proper tracking force and quality cartridges that are safe for your records.
Do I need separate speakers?
Yes — turntables don't have built-in speakers (and that's a good thing — built-in speakers cause vibration that degrades sound). You need powered speakers ($80–$200) or a receiver/amplifier with passive speakers. All-in-one record players with speakers exist but sacrifice sound quality.
What's the minimum I should spend?
Around $130 for the turntable (AT-LP60X) plus $80–$100 for powered speakers. Total starting setup: $210–$250. This gets you genuinely good sound that will make you fall in love with vinyl.