Are you looking for the best turntables under $200? The market for turntables has grown once again as more and more people go back to vinyl for their listening pleasure. In this article, we’re looking at the best options which fit within a 200 dollar budget.
As there’s such a competitive market, there are a lot of companies trying to outdo one another and give better value. This means that $200 is a decent budget for a record player. You don’t have to part with a huge amount of cash for a good set of features and audio quality.
Top 9 Best Turntables (Record Players) Under $200
Here are the best under $200 turntables 2020:
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
- Sony PS-LX310BT
- 1byone 471NA-0010
- Numark PT01 USB
- TEAC TN-300
- Rcm Vintage MC-255BT
- Victrola VTA-600B
- Fluance RT80
- LUKER AT-2
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is a very simple but reliable turntable. It’s the sort of model you might see used by a DJ on either side of a mixer. However, it doesn’t have to be used like this and the turntable can just as easily be used to spin vinyl at home.
It’s well-built, but doesn’t have all of the consumer audio features some of the other turntables on this list can boast.
- Bluetooth connectivity to easily connect to speakers for listening wirelessly. Not all turntables with Bluetooth output are reliable.
- Fairly impressive audio fidelity. Sturdy build quality and good components including an Integral Dual Moving Magnet cartridge and diamond stylus.
- Functions at 2 speeds.
- Sleek design. Available in multiple different designs if you’d rather go for a different option to suit your decor.
- No Bluetooth input, just output.
- Needs to be hooked up to speakers in order to function as none are inbuilt.
If you are looking for an option with a lot of consumer features such as Bluetooth inputs then this might not be for you, but for reliability and sound quality it is hard to argue with the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT.
2. Sony PS-LX310BT
A similarly minimalist turntable with some modern features is the Sony PS-LX310BT. This turntable is part of a comeback range from Sony who spent decades without manufacturing any turntables or record players. This is one of the best record players under $200 due to its stable design and super easy use.
- Totally automatic operation with auto start, auto stop and return.
- Works at two different speeds due to 45rpm adapter.
- USB ripping. Easily turn your favorite records into digital files.
- Wireless connection to external devices to listen via Bluetooth Speakers or headphones.
- A stable die-cast platter which stops unwanted vibrations and flutter.
- Can be used wired and comes with high-quality phono RCA cables.
- Not amazing sound in the low-end frequencies.
- No Bluetooth input, just output to speakers or headphones.
If you are looking for a turntable which is easy and can play records with minimal fuss, the automatic start and stop of this model stand out. Though the bass frequencies could be better, the Sony PS-LX310BT is a good turntable for an easy experience.
3. 1byone 471NA-0010
The 1byone wireless turntable hi-fi system is the only option we’ve listed as one of the best $200 turntables which comes with speakers included, but not inbuilt.
Often, the speakers are either a part of the actual turntable itself, or they need to be bought separately and connected either wirelessly or the ‘old fashioned’ way.
Though 1byone isn’t as big a brand as some of the others included on this list, this hi-fi record player system is versatile and there is a lot to like about it. It can replace a lot of other audio devices in your home.
- Made from solid iron which is designed to be stable and avoid any unwanted vibration or flutter.
- An adjustable counterweight lets you ensure smooth movement of the stylus and no skipping along the track.
- Bluetooth input means you can connect devices such as iPod and phones.
- Turn you vinyl into digital files with the USB output. Create MP3 files of your records with ease.
- Assembly is a little bit tricky and the instructions could be better.
- Connection isn’t the most reliable to Bluetooth devices.
- Speakers are decent but not ultra hi-fi.
If you’re happy with good quality from the speakers and don’t mind putting some time in to ensure you’ve set up your turntable correctly then the 1byone wireless turntable hi-fi system is an option. You don’t need to worry about finding speakers separately to install with your turntable.
4. Numark PT01 USB
Well, we promised to provide turntables for a variety of different needs. A lot of people out there are looking for turntables that can turn records into digital files. This can be useful for archiving old recordings, turning your music collection into a digital collection or even for music production needs.
‘Sampling’ is the art of taking small chunks of music from old tracks and repurposing them. This turntable is made by audio tech giants Numark, so we’d say it’s made with producers in mind.
While the Numark PT01 USB has some very cool features, it’s not really built to be the center of a home audio setup. Instead, it is made for ripping vinyl and turning it into files you can use. Keep this in mind when deciding if this could be the top-rated turntable for your needs.
- Has a small inbuilt speaker and the option to output to speakers or headphones.
- Totally portable.
- Comes with a USB connection and cable that can allow you to connect to your computer.
- Converts three speeds – 45s, 78s and 12-inch LP records.
- Can be powered by 6 D batteries if needed.
- Not the most reliable and stable turntable for listening back to records.
- Inbuilt speaker is pretty tinny and poor quality.
This is not really built for listening to music at home. If you are looking for something you can listen to when out and about or you want to be able to rip vinyl to your laptop ready for beat-making or just archiving, it’s hard to fault the Numark PT01 USB.
5. TEAC TN-300
This is another relatively simple design of turntable. One thing we really like about it is the excellent inbuilt preamp which can give a clearer sound when you plug in speakers. You don’t need to buy a separate preamp and you might even choose to use passive speakers with the turntable and not have to worry about the amplification.
A lot of people swear by the TEAC audio tech. They have excellent build quality.
- Belt-drive operation which works at two speeds.
- USB out to easily rip your vinyl records to your computer.
- Built-in EQ.
- Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, known for being an excellent cartridge on a budget.
- Gold plated connectors are resistant to rusting.
- Preamp is decent, but not amazing quality.
- Only a 90-day warranty when a lot of the products have one or two years.
- No Bluetooth capabilities.
If you want a turntable that you can simply and easily plug in some passive speakers, it is worth considering the TEAC TN-300 analog turntable. It’s well made, with a solid plinth and decent features.
6. Rcm Vintage MC-255BT
This is not the type of record player that audiophiles will go mad for. It has not been made for this market so much as for the home audio market.
The 6-in-1 design means that the manufacturers have focused on giving as much functionality as possible. There are even speakers built in.
This is great for those looking to listen in many different ways and who don’t want to mess around with connecting external speakers.
- Loads of connectivity. This features an inbuilt CD player, USB connection, FM radio, Aux in and even inbuilt Bluetooth.
- USB out option allows you to rip vinyl to MP3 files.
- A very cool retro design.
- Automatic stop feature for when the album finishes, this can help to prevent damage.
- Comes with inbuilt speakers.
- Audio fidelity is good, but not amazingly clear. The speakers don’t have a brilliant frequency response. The sound can be a bit ‘tinny’ and the low frequencies not so good.
- Bulky and heavy, needs a lot of space in your home.
This is one of the best vintage turntables under $200. As well as being good value, it has lots of additional features included and the ability to listen to music from multiple sources.
It’s not necessarily going to be the choice of audiophiles, but it may well be a good option for listening at home. If you want a top-rated, affordable turntable with inbuilt speakers, consider the Rcm MC-255BT 6-in-1 wireless vinyl record player.
7. Victrola VTA-600B
Not to be outdone by a 6-in-1 model, Victrola has created an 8-in-1 record player featuring radio, CD and a host of other listening options. It has inbuilt speakers and like a lot of other Victrola models it’s aimed at the consumer electronics market rather than audiophiles.
This product is something of a full-blown entertainment unit. While it doesn’t have the quality of components of the Sony or Audio-Technica options above, it does offer some very fun extra features.
- Works at three different speeds.
- Includes Bluetooth connectivity, a USB player to play from a memory stick, even a cassette player.
- Aux in for connecting other devices through a cable.
- Has built-in speakers, but also a headphone output and RCA output to connect other speakers.
- Choose from multiple wood finishes.
- Comes with a remote control, you don’t even have to get up to change settings on this turntable.
- The speakers aren’t the best. This is to be expected with what is a relatively affordable model of turntable.
- Buttons and controls feel a little bit cheap and flimsy. Again, this is not unexpected at this price point.
This is one of the most popular $200 turntables among people who want loads of features and the ability to play music from pretty much any format imaginable. There’s even a cassette player.
The audio fidelity could be higher, and the frequency response of the inbuilt speakers is lacking a little, but for most home audio enthusiasts it is a decent enough sound. If you do want to upgrade, the RCA output allows you to do so. Just make sure you know what are the best speakers for your record player.
8. Fluance RT80
Lots of the turntables on this list try to outdo each other with fancy features and connectivity. The Fluance RT80 keeps it simple. What this turntable offers is an excellent build quality and brilliant components which means a great level of audio fidelity. For the audiophile on a budget, we recommend this as the top choice under $200.
- High-quality AT91 stylus by Audio-Technica. This gives just 2 grams of tracking force and has a conical stylus to use it with which gives virtually no noise or distortion.
- Made with premium components for a quality sound. No cheap parts to degrade the audio.
- Includes quality Texas Instruments preamp which provides clarity to the speakers. Gold plated outputs also increase signal quality and help with high-fidelity audio.
- Excellent quality plinth stays sturdy and avoids unwanted vibrations during playback. Counter-weighted for adjustable levels, too.
- No Bluetooth capabilities as either inputs or outputs.
- No USB capabilities. You can’t rip audio from vinyl and turn it into an MP3, for instance.
If you’re not too worried about connectivity, and you don’t want your turntable to also be a vessel for your phone or to connect to wireless speakers, this could be your best option for getting clear sound on a budget. You’ll struggle to find a better made record player under $200 than the Fluance RT80.
9. LUKER AT-2
You might be looking to spend as little as possible and to still get a good quality turntable for your home, or even for portable use.
While we’ll say from the outset that our budget pick isn’t about to receive any awards for audio fidelity, it’s a good choice for people who are just happy to hear their old records again. The LUKER turntable is also portable, and has the bonus of being compatible with lots of other devices.
The LUKER AT-2 is the only model on this list with a suitcase design. This basically means what you probably think it means. It can be folded up and carried like a suitcase, and this is one of the reasons why it is portable.
- Trendy retro design with a throwback feel to the 60s or 70s.
- Totally portable, this supports charging and can even be used with a power bank.
- Belt-driven technology and designed to avoid resonance. Inbuilt speakers give decent audio for a suitcase turntable.
- 4.1 Bluetooth support for input and output of audio.
- Multiple inputs including SD cards and USB flash memory.
- USB output for ripping vinyl and turning it into MP3 files or WAV files.
- Supports three playing speeds.
- Not the highest audio fidelity, as you would expect for a cheap turntable well under $200.
- Has some annoying beeps when changing modes and at the start of the record.
- Sound distorts at higher volumes.
For this price, you’re not likely to find a perfect turntable. If you are just getting started listening to vinyl records and want a good quality budget turntable which is portable and can play audio to a decent level, the LUKER AT-2 is a good choice.
Conclusion
Buying a record player isn’t easy. You need to decide whether you want a modern option or the best vintage turntable under $200. You should consider whether you want features like Bluetooth, whether you need to be portable and even whether you need inbuilt speakers.
We’ve got the best record players under $200 in a variety of categories and designs listed in this article to help you to make the right decision, but you need to consider your own unique needs before making any purchase.
While we recommend all of the turntables on this list in certain scenarios, audiophiles and purists who just want the very best sound quality will find the Fluance RT80 record player very agreeable. The high build quality is a huge plus point. If you need decent fidelity but also USB ripping and Bluetooth, consider a model like the Sony PS-LX310BT turntable.