The Ten Best Turntables Under $200 (and How To Pick The Best)

Turntables have had a new lease of life. They are no longer a product from the past. You might be trying to bring back the ‘good old days. Music lovers like yourself might collect old vinyl records to preserve the past. 

Thankfully there are plenty of turntables you can get that sound fantastic and won’t break the bank. So, here is a list of a few of the best turntables under $200. 

Best Turntables

Audio-Technica Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

This popular budget Technica turntable benefits from being entirely automatic and operates through a belt drive. It has two speeds –  33 ⅓ and 45 RPM for greater audio control. If you want something stylish and minimalistic, the Audio-Technica has you covered. It’s great if you need a neat little option because of limited space. 

This budget Technica also contains anti-resonance technology, which helps reduce vibrations. It also has an aluminum platter for durability, which is excellent if you expect to use this for a long time. The headshell offers improved tracking, and resonance is minimal. 

The turntable also offers an AC  adapter that can handle  AC/DC conversion outside the chassis. You’ll find this helps reduce overall noise. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Reduced resonance 
• Two speeds

Cons

• Very basic 

Victrola 8-In-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

The Victrola 8-in-1 is a beautiful turntable that would be an elegant addition to your home. With vintage looks, it’s stylish but with the benefit of modern features. 

It offers a speed belt with three speeds; 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. You’ll find minimum sound vibrations due to its high sound quality. 

It offers a selection of controls that are easy to use, such as the usual play/pause and a shuffle option, all fully remote controlled.

It also benefits from extra connection options that allow you to connect external speakers for a better sound experience. There is also a connection for headphones if needed. With Bluetooth, you can join it to most modern speakers.

The turntable is made with a natural wood case, solid fixtures, and high-quality materials. So if you want a turntable that looks and feels quality, Victrola won’t let you down.

Pros

• Stylish vintage look 
• Remote control 
• Strong materials

Cons

• Often out of stock 

Crosley T150B-WH Modern 2-Speed Bluetooth Turntable System

This modern-looking white Crosley turntable is super easy to set up and offers two speeds. It mentions an “Audio Grade Plinth,” improving sound quality for audiophiles. Also, you’ll find it works alongside powerful stereo speakers with this recent upgrade from the previous model. 

You’ll find a modern touch with a Bluetooth receiver so you can stream music when you want. It also has an integrated preamp enabling you to pair it with any stereo component you need. 

The cartridge is pre-mounted and uses a 1/2″ mount enabling you to swap cartridges. It comes with all the usual components and an easy-to-follow user manual. 

Pros

• Modern design 
• Bluetooth technology
• Integrated preamp

Cons

• No vintage look

Voksun 3-Speed Turntable With 15 Watt Speakers

The Voksun three-speed turntable is a pretty wood effect turntable that benefits from an iron belt that sits in the groove at the back of the turntable. The belt is extra sturdy for long-term use, preventing you from needing to replace this within a year. You’ll also find that the turntable is Bluetooth enabled and has three speeds. So, it has about everything you need to get started. 

The included speakers are 15 watts of power, creating powerful audio. Given that this is a complete package, you can save quite a bit.

The Voksun also has the unique feature of a metal tonearm and a stylus that enhances the authentic sound of a vinyl record. You’ll appreciate the minimal design with three switches allowing a quick change between functions. It’s also super easy to set up, great for those who aren’t looking for something too complex.

Pros

• Attractive 
• Good functionality 
• Easy setup 

Cons

• It comes with speakers (not great for people who already have speakers)

DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player Turntable With Stereo Speaker

The DIGITNOW Bluetooth Record Player is an all-in-one solution turntable, perfect if you have records, cassettes, and CDs. It’s available with three speeds. You’ll also find a built-in speaker, making this a standalone product with no additional accessories. You can even play your external devices here with an aux-in port.

The backlit LCD screen makes it pretty easy to see what’s playing. While the bulky design is a bit hard to fit, the integrated system will save you space overall. If you want a turntable that plays everything you own, DIGITNOW offers a nifty product.

Pros

• Good value for money
• All in one option 
• Multiple connection ports 

Cons

• Sometimes unavailable

Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center

This Victrola vintage 50s style turntable would make a lovely addition to your vintage appreciation collection. You’ll find a great old-fashioned style with modern features making it the perfect combo of old and new.

It has CD, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and an aux port. Once again, you’ll find that this is an integrated system with built-in speakers and numerous connection types. It is super easy to use, requiring no unnecessary connections.  

It has a high-quality finish, a sturdy case, and a gentle lifting mechanism. So if you want a turntable to become part of your classic hits collection, you should consider this one.

Pros

• 50s style 
• Modern technology
• Sturdy 

Cons

• Occasionally the CDs get stuck 

DIGITNOW High Fidelity Belt-Drive Bluetooth Turntable

The DIGITNOW lightweight retro turntable is elegant and produces a great sound. The platter is designed to remain stable during frequent use and help reduce vibration. The focus on quality ensures you find something that produces a clearer sound.

The diamond stylus known with DIGITNOW products helps create audio quality. With that, you’ll find it handles all popular record sizes, making quality audio throughout.

It has flexible vibrant anti-skid control, well-balanced flexible handles, and hydraulic damping lifting control. You can lock the bracket for flawless use and easy control. Given its another all-in-one product, you can be sure this will cover everything you need in one package.

Pros

• Lightweight 
• Anti-skid control
• Elegant 

Cons

• Built-in speaker not great with bass

LoopTone Vinyl Player Bluetooth Vintage Cassette Player

The LoopTone Vinyl Player benefits from an adapter that will enable you to play 7″ LPs. The turntable will stop automatically when the music ends, which helps protect the vinyl. It gets further protection from the dust cover, helping preserve the vinyl’s life over longer periods. 

The LoopTone is Bluetooth enabled, meaning you can connect any device to it. It also has a wired option if needed. The built-in speakers help this turntable produce high-quality audio output. Furthermore, you can also record vinyl music to cassette or Mp3. It also has a remote control and LED lighting. 

Pros

• Specialized adapter 
• Dust protection
• Built-in speakers 

Cons

• No external speaker connection 

Boytone 8-In-1 Classic Turntable Stereo System 

This rustic mahogany-style turntable has a classic look and would look elegant if you are into that old-fashioned style. The knobs and switches also have a rotary tuner. 

It benefits from Bluetooth, enabling you to connect your smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, it has the usual features for this list, such as CD, Cassette player, and radio. The player can play records at three speeds. A remote is included for controlling from a distance. It also has good quality, internal speakers. 

Pros

• Classic style
• Good speakers 
• Modern features 

Cons

• Occasional Bluetooth issues 

Crosley Haydn Turntable 3 speed With Bluetooth

The Crosley Haydn Turntable is in an attractive modern natural color. It has three speeds and is belt-driven. The Bluetooth built into the unit means you can stream your favorite song and play old records. You’ll find a nice combination of classic and modern applications.

It also benefits from stereo full-range speakers. It has all the usual features for playing CDs, cassettes or simply listening to the radio. Inputs available for headphones

Pros

• Minimal design 
• Full-range speakers 
• Digital options

Cons

• Quite bulky 

Victrola 6-In-1 Wood Mid-Century Record Player With Bluetooth

The Victrola 6-in-1 Wood Mid-Century Record Player is an attractive turntable that looks sleek and classic. It has a three-speed turntable, cassette, CD and radio. 

The turntable also has unique pretty LED lighting around the dials making it look attractive in low light. Perfect for a romantic night in. Built-in high-quality speakers mean no extra hardware required. Just switch it on and enjoy. 

Pros

• Classic style
• Led lighting 
• Excellent speakers 

Cons

• No ‘anti-skate’ 

Buyer’s Guide for Turntables

It’s true to say there are lots of turntables available. So how can you choose the best one? Let’s have a look at some features that will help you decide.

A contemporary record player might not require as much configuration as an older model. However, the vintage sound is unique, and it’s an essential piece of equipment for many music collectors.

What to look for in a good turntable design

The typical design of a turntable consists of a plinth, a small hidden box that contains all the electronic parts. A platter is a round part that plays the records with a pin in the center. A tonearm holds the cartridge and then the attached needle cartridge. Most turntables have a hard lid or cover to protect records from dust. 

When the turntable needle is on the plate during rotation, it fits into a groove on the vinyl, and it’s the wall irregularities that create vibrations and sound. The characteristics are referred to as anti-skating and downforce. 

What is anti-skating?

Anti-skating prevents the turntable needle from rolling either to the edge of the record or moving towards the center. It controls the pressure of the needle through the use of the groove. The anti-skating precision is crucial to your records’ long-term use. It prevents unwanted scratching. 

Along with every one of the above, you need to recognize that the electromagnetic pulses created by the needle aren’t strong enough to be fed straight to the amplifier input. A phono preamp manages this issue. Players are readily available with and also without integrated phono preamps.

Furthermore, the sound is affected by the quality of the bases, platter, tonearms, the electric motor’s area, and the stylus pen and cartridge itself. Entry-level turntables use more inexpensive materials than top-level ones.

What is downforce?

Downforce refers to how hard the stylus pushes down against the record during play. If it isn’t strong enough, then if there are shallow parts, it will move the needle sharply and jump to another track. So the listener won’t hear the whole song, just mixed-up pieces. 

Conversely, if the needle is too strong, it will likely cut through the plate and destroy the grooves responsible for making the sound. 

How amplifiers help your turntable system

If you have powered or active speakers, they might have integrated amps and need power externally. You might have to purchase separate amps. You could choose an inline preamp with an active speaker as a solution. Then, you won’t need an external amp. 

Passive and active audio speakers both have benefits. Quality relies on the makeup of the audio speakers and your overall configuration. If you need more parts for your setup, you should do some research and invest in the right components to receive the best sound. 

Looking for connectivity and portability in your speakers 

Are you likely to be changing the location of your turntable? If you are, then choose one that is lightweight and portable. Many turntables have foldable features and handle. These turntables can easily be moved around and fit into carrying cases. 

Some turntables allow you to use batteries, increasing portability. Others might rely on direct connections through wall outlets.

What about Bluetooth? Thanks to technology, Bluetooth provides us with many more options for enjoying music. Bluetooth works in two ways with a turntable. Below is a breakdown

If you select “Bluetooth in,” the signal is sent into the turntable. This feature enables you to connect to a smartphone or device. You are also able to play music via an MP3 this way. If the turntable offers “Bluetooth out,” the signal goes outside the player. Tou can connect external speakers to enhance your audio experience further. 

Turntables with USB connections enable you to create digital audio files. Depending on the turntable’s specifications,  you can use a USB cable and connect the player to a PC. Otherwise, you can play audio from USB-enabled devices.

What is a good price for a turntable?

When deciding how much to spend on a turntable, you must decide on a budget. Music quality is crucial for serious music lovers, so you must consider this before buying your turntable. 

It’s possible to buy a turntable that is high quality for under $200. You probably wouldn’t want to go too low (below $75). Buying something cheap may have a negative effect and cause issues such as:

• Damaged records
• Break quickly due to low-quality materials 
• unreliable part
• low-grade or tinny noise. 

For these reasons, it’s good to spend a little more time researching and money to ensure better quality and prevent damage to precious vinyl collections. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Difference Between A Cartridge, Stylus, And Needle?

The tonearm holds the headshell, which helps the stylus and needle to have a correct position. This feature enables the record to play effectively. The cartridge is a tiny piece that keeps the stylus steady. 

If you start to hear skips or jumps when playing records, it’s likely your stylus needs replacing. 

How Long Does The Needle Last?

Generally, needles will last for a couple of years, but it’s crucial to replace them earlier if there is any evidence of wear and tear, as it will damage records if not. 

There are ways to prolong the life of your needle by taking proper care of it. Clean it regularly and continually correct the tracking force if you discover you are misusing it. Apply the same attention to cartridges. 

How Do I Decide What Cartridge I Need?

There are many aspects that you need to take into consideration when picking the ideal cartridge. Initially, it would be best if you made sure that your cartridge matches the mount of your record player’s tonearm.

Next, you need to take into account the mass of the tonearm. It needs to match the chosen cartridge, or it will be unbalanced. The information that is included with your initial purchase should tell you this. 

Remember to check the primary device of your cartridge. Is it a moving coil or magnet? Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Lastly, remember that some cartridges have a stylus you can replace while others do not. This suggests you need to replace the whole cartridge if the stylus gets broken or worn.