The best budget record players: Cheap turntables that are still worth it

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There are plenty of cheap turntables on the market, but affordable doesn't automatically equal great value. Though it might be tempting for vinyl newbies to pick up the first low-cost player they come across, many inexpensive players cut too many corners in quality and design. That's why I tested a wide range of models to find the best budget record players that are actually worth the money. For this guide, I focused on turntables under $200 that strike a good balance between price and performance.

My top overall pick is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. It pairs reliable components with simple, fully automatic operation, making it an excellent choice for people new to vinyl. If you're shopping on an even tighter budget and want something with built-in speakers, the Victrola Eastwood II is one of the few players under $150 that I still recommend.

My picks for the best budget turntables offer an easy way to start building your record collection without sacrificing too much in sound quality. But if you decide you're ready to upgrade down the line, you can check out my guide to the best record players across all price points, which includes more advanced options with higher-end performance.

Our top picks for the best budget record players

Best overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK - See at Amazon

Best all-in-one: House of Marley Rise Up - See at House of Marley

Best entry-level: Victrola Eastwood II - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is the best budget record player for most people. It's both easy to operate and capable of lasting for years as your vinyl collection grows.

This belt-drive turntable is fully automatic, so it doesn't require close monitoring. It features a built-in preamp and includes a respectable cartridge that's full-bodied yet not too sharp in high-end frequencies. And if you ever decide to upgrade, the cartridge can be replaced with a higher-end one.

This model supports wired playback with any pair of typical stereo speakers, but you will need an amplifier if the speakers don't have their own built-in power. There's also a more expensive model that adds Bluetooth connectivity for an extra $50 to $100. However, I recommend sticking with this wired-only player and putting that extra money toward quality speakers.

In terms of value, all the essential pieces are here, but there are a few trade-offs to achieve such a low $200 price. One is that the LP60X doesn't feel as sturdy as other, higher-end Audio-Technica models. It features an aluminum platter, but other parts are made of plastic. To that point, some buyers have reported damage upon arrival. I didn't see anything like that when I reviewed the unit, but it's worth noting.

If you're looking to get started with vinyl listening as a hobby, this is a great, budget-friendly player to consider.

Best all-in-one

House of Marley's Rise Up Turntable is the best budget record player for listeners who want a great all-in-one experience without buying a separate pair of speakers. It also gets bonus points for its environmentally friendly design.

For those unfamiliar, House of Marley is an audio brand that's partnered with the Marley family, continuing Bob Marley's legacy of championing music and sustainability. Its products are responsibly sourced, from their packaging to their use of bamboo and unique materials that are not often found in electronic devices. To that point, the Rise Up turntable has a bamboo finish and a recycled slipmat.

Of course, the benefits of this all-in-one turntable go far beyond appearance. The biggest one of which is the built-in stereo speakers. The Rise Up comes ready to use out of the box, pre-calibrated, and only requires plugging into an AC outlet for power.

It features an AT3600L cartridge and stylus, which are replaceable if you want to swap them out later. This is a time-tested piece of hardware that delivers detailed, lively performance. However, it doesn't sound quite as full as some pricier cartridge options, but it's hard to tell without direct, back-to-back comparisons.

I've tried several all-in-one record players with built-in speakers, and I've never been impressed by the sound quality until this one. The speakers sound rich and full and can get quite loud. This record player isn't automatic, but it will stop spinning at the end — a nice touch for newcomers to analog listening.

Although the built-in speakers will likely satisfy most budget shoppers, you can connect a different set of external speakers via RCA or Bluetooth. In fact, the wireless connectivity works both ways. You can stream a record to a wireless speaker, or stream music from your phone to the Rise Up's speakers.

Best entry-level

The Victrola Eastwood II makes sacrifices to hit its low price point, but if you want one of the most affordable record players that's actually still worth buying, then this all-in-one unit is a worthy choice. But just remember to keep your expectations in check.

While there are plenty of cheaper suitcase-style record players available, they just aren't very good. After using the Eastwood II, I feel confident that it's the best cheap turntable for its price range. Its cost fluctuates slightly depending on sales, but it often sells for just $99.

Beyond its low price, the Eastwood II is a convenient space-saver. If your room needs a compact solution, this is a great option. It's small enough that a full-sized vinyl record will stick off the side, which is why there's a cutout in the dust cover to accommodate that.

On the downside, the Eastwood II's built-in speakers are lacking and noticeably inferior to those on the pricier House of Marley Rise Up. Thankfully, this unit features RCA and 3.5mm outputs for connecting external speakers or headphones. There's also Bluetooth connectivity on board, so you can stream music wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker. The Eastwood II uses the popular AT-3600LA cartridge and stylus. It's a good base level, but again, the speakers don't do it justice — another reason I recommend using external ones.

Check out our guide to the best Bluetooth record players.

What else we considered

Qlearsoul One-Q - See at Amazon
The One-Q is a decent all-in-one record player, sitting between the House of Marley Rise Up and the Victrola Eastwood II in terms of price and performance. However, its built-in speaker drivers are mediocre and easily beaten by the Rise Up. Since House of Marley's player only costs a bit more, it's a better option overall.

Victrola Automatic - See at Amazon
The Victrola Automatic is very similar to the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X recommended in this guide. It's also a stand-alone automatic record player, but this option adds Bluetooth support. However, recent price changes have pushed it beyond the $200 limit I've set for my picks. If you're on a strict budget, you're better off skipping Bluetooth and getting the cheaper LP60X or opting for one of the more affordable all-in-one options in this guide.

How we test budget record players

To find the best budget record players, I spent time with each one listening to dozens of records, just as most people would at home. For consistency, I connected every turntable to the same three speakers: a Sonos Era 100 stereo pair, a Marshall Stanmore III, and the Edifier R1280T. I kept the speaker volume fixed at 50% throughout testing to make fair comparisons.

Although I rotated through numerous records, I also consistently played the same two albums on every turntable. "Bond 25" by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra helped evaluate instrument detail and dynamics, while Georgia's "Euphoric" — with its electronic production — highlighted how each player handled modern sounds.

For models that support Bluetooth, I also tested wireless playback. I evaluated the ease of pairing each turntable and then assessed the sound quality over Bluetooth. While a wired connection is generally preferred, wireless listening can be a real convenience, especially for budget setups.

Across multiple listening sessions, I focused on clarity, depth, and overall balance. I also paid close attention to mechanical noise —things like motor hum, clicks, or distracting vibrations — and noted how smoothly each turntable's parts operated.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Tyler Hayes, contributing reporter: I've been covering consumer tech since 2013, including record players across budgets. I know not everyone wants to drop a fortune just to spin a few records, so I set out to test a bunch of turntables under $200 to see which ones are genuinely worth your money and which ones just look good on a shelf. I personally put every model in this guide through real-world listening tests, focusing on sound quality, build, ease of setup, and durability. My goal wasn't just to find the cheapest option, but to find the ones that stand out from rivals in this price range.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Budget record player FAQs

What's the difference between a turntable and a record player?

Technically speaking, a turntable is a component of a record player. Traditionally, the term record player refers to an all-in-one device that features a turntable (spinning deck and tonearm), speakers, and an amplifier built in. However, the terminology has evolved to the point where those words are essentially interchangeable.

How much money should you spend on a budget record player?

Most decent budget record players cost between $100 and $200. Cheaper options exist, but spending a little more usually gets you better sound quality and a design that's gentler on your records. If you're unsure about how much you'll actually use a record player, then I would recommend starting modestly. Some turntables, like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, can be upgraded later.

Do budget record players sound good?

The best budget record players can deliver enjoyable sound quality, especially for casual listening. You won't get audiophile-level detail, but many affordable models offer warm, clear audio that's good enough for everyday use. However, options in the entry-level $100 to $150 price range often use a lot of plastic components, which can introduce vibrations or rattling noise. As you reach the $350 price point and beyond, build quality improves, and higher-end components are used to deliver a superior experience.

What is a built-in preamp, and do I need one?

A built-in preamp amplifies the audio signal from a record, allowing it to be heard through speakers. If you're buying a budget record player, having a built-in preamp makes setup much easier and eliminates the need for a separate one.

Do budget record players need external speakers and an amplifier?

Many budget record players come with built-in speakers, allowing you to start listening right away. Others require external speakers but still often have a built-in preamp. If you're connecting passive speakers (ones that don't require a wall outlet for power or have a built-in battery), you will need a dedicated amplifier to power them. For wireless speaker recommendations, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.