The Best Turntables To Get Started With Vinyl Records In 2024

The Best Turntables To Get Started With Vinyl Records In 2024

Craig Walker |

IN THIS ARTICLE: We'll cover the best turntables for various scenarios including...

  1. Best Turntable For Beginners
  2. Best Wireless Turntable
  3. Most Stylish Turntable
  4. Best Turntable Under £150
  5. Best Automatic Turntable
  6. Best Direct Drive Turntable
  7. Best Manual Turntable
  8. Best Turntable For Sonos

… I'll also provide an overview and some key features of each speaker and link out to the relevant products.

Choosing a turntable may seem like a bit of a minefield as there’s lots of different brands, models and options out there.

You can read our record player buying guide for more information but this article will go into some of our “customer favourites” based on different requirements to help you narrow down the best turntable for you.

 

Best Turntable For Beginners

Best Turntable For Beginners - Audio-Technica LP60X Series

Audio-Technica LP60X

Overview:

The Audio-Technica LP60X is our most popular turntable and connects nicely with wireless HiFi speakers.

It’s available in standard, USB or Bluetooth and is fully automatic.

It’s super easy to use, has a great sound quality and not only is it the best option for beginners but it’s also great value for money.

If you’re getting into vinyl for the first time or want to revive an old collection without breaking the bank then you won’t get much better than this.

Key Details:

  • Fully Automatic - Press A Button To Start / Stop
  • Replaceable Stylus
  • Plug & Play - Built In Pre-Amplifier
  • Easy To Use

Price: From £139.99 - £199.99

View It Here - Standard | USB | Bluetooth


Best Wireless Turntable

Best Wireless Turntable - TEAC TN-180BT

TEAC TN-180BT

Overview:

If you want to enjoy your vinyl records from Bluetooth headphones, or if you want to connect the turntable to your speakers wirelessly then you’ll need a Bluetooth turntable.

There are a few great options but the TEAC TN-180BT is one of the best.

It’s a great looking, well made record player with an MDF plinth and has a built-in Bluetooth transmitter.

It uses an Audio-Technica stylus, which can easily be replaced and features auto-return so you’ll never leave a record spinning aimlessly. 

There’s also a built-in preamplifier so you can plug it into your speakers / HiFi setup and use the Bluetooth for headphones.

Key Details:

  • Built-In Bluetooth Transmitter - Easy To Pair
  • Auto-Return - Stops When Record Ends
  • Three Speed - Plays All Records
  • High Quality
  • Stylish Looks

Price: £199.99

View It Here


Most Stylish Turntable

Most Stylish Turntable - Mitchell Acoustics TT1

Mitchell Acoustics TT1

Overview:

Turntables obviously need to perform well and sound great, but they should also look the part.

If you’re looking for something with the style to match the sound-quality then the Mitchell Acoustics TT1 is the place to look.

It’s high-quality, uses Audio-Technica components in a very stylish black finish with rose gold accents.

You get a built-in preamplifier and built-in Bluetooth transmitter for wireless use so not only is it stylish but it’s practical and sounds as good as it looks.

Key Details:

  • Beautiful Rose Gold Accents
  • Auto Return
  • Bluetooth Transmitter
  • Built-In Preamplifier
  • Tinted Dust Cover

Price: £199.99

View It Here

 

PRO TIP: Don't forget that turntables will need speakers. Most of our customers are using active bookshelf speakers so here's five of the most popular active speakers for use with your turntable. 

  1. Edifier R1280DB
  2. Edifier R1700BT
  3. Q Acoustics M20
  4. Kanto YU4
  5. Airpulse A80

Read More: You can also find a number of hand selected turntable & speaker bundles here as well as a more detailed guide to the 10 best active bookshelf speakers.

 

Best Turntable For Under £150

Best Turntable Under £150 - Audio-Technica LP60X

Audio-Technica LP60X

Overview:

Second time on this list must be saying something, but the Audio-Technica LP60X is really hard to beat.

The entry-level model features a built-in preamplifier so you can plug it straight into your active bookshelf speakers or HiFi system.

It’s fully-automatic which means it’s easy to use, just press start and your record will play.

You really will struggle to find anything of decent quality at a lower price point without putting your vinyl records at risk.

Key Details:

  • Plug & Play -  Built In Preamplifier
  • Dust Cover
  • Fully Automatic - Start & Stop At Touch Of A Button

Price: £139.99

View It Here



Best Automatic Turntable

Best Automatic Turntable - Audio-Technica LP3XBT

Audio-Technica LP3XBT

Overview:

If you want to keep the ease of use that a fully automatic turntable brings, but want to combine it with higher-quality components then the Audio-Technica LP3XBT is the one to go for.

It’s a beautiful turntable that combines all of the most convenient features into a higher-end package.

It’s got Bluetooth for wireless operation, it’s got a counterweight and anti-skating control for full optimisation and higher end Audio-Technica replaceable cartridge & stylus.

So if you want the fully-automatic ease of use, but with more sound quality then this is the turntable to go for.

Key Details:

  • Replaceable Audio-Technica HS3 headshell & VM95 Cartridge
  • Fully-Automatic
  • Bluetooth Transmitter
  • Counterweight & Anti-Skating Control

Price: £279.99

View It Here


Best Direct Drive Turntable

Best Direct Drive Turntable - Audio-Technica LP120XUSB

Audio-Technica LP120X-USB

Overview:

If you fancy your hand at being a DJ then you’ll be needing a direct-drive turntable.

The Audio-Technica LP120X-USB is a great option.

It’s got a DC servo direct-drive motor along with adjustable anti-skate control and a selectable preamplifier built in.

The USB port allows you to record your vinyl to computers with free software such as Audacity.

It’s professional grade, available in black or silver and comes in at a great price.

Key Details:

  • Direct Drive DC Servo Motor
  • USB Output For Recording To PC/Mac
  • Fully Adjustable - Skate Control, Counter-Balance etc.
  • Professional Grade Die Cast Platter

Price: £319.99

View It Here



Best Manual Turntable

Best Manual Turntable - TEAC TN-4D

TEAC TN-4D

Overview:

Is outright sound quality the most important factor for you?

If so then the TEAC TN-4D is an excellent choice.

It’s fully manual and is one of the highest quality turntables we offer with a built-in preamplifier.

It’s direct-drive powered by an innovative brushless DC servo motor with an elegant, low profile design.

There’s an audiophile grade NJM8080 Phono EQ stage built-in for high-quality sound, it’s got two speeds (33/45rpm) and a USB output for recording vinyl to your PC or Mac.

Key Details:

  • Audiophile Quality Preamplifier
  • Fully Manual
  • Direct Drive
  • Oyster MM cartridge by Sumiko

Price: £569.99

View It Here


Best Turntable For Sonos

Best Turntable For Sonos - Victrola Stream Carbon

Victrola Stream Carbon

Overview:

Whilst you can use any turntable with Sonos via the AUX Input (on compatible Sonos products) there’s a much better option…

Introducing the Victrola Stream Carbon.

It’s certified to work with Sonos and integrates over WiFi, allowing you to enjoy your vinyl records easily within your Sonos ecosystem.

You also get high-end components such as the carbon fibre tonearm, the premium Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and a sleek, modern design with premium materials.

It’s two speed, fully adjustable and also includes an RCA output for use with non-Sonos products.

Key Details:

  • Certified “Works With Sonos”
  • High-Quality Components
  • Carbon Fibre Tonearm
  • Stylish Modern Design
  • Can Be Used With Non-Sonos Products Via RCA Output

Price: £899


Conclusion

Hopefully we’ve covered the most common scenarios, including yours, and have helped you come to a decision.

Our expert team is on hand to offer further advice and guidance if you’re not sure or want to ask more specific questions.