8 Best Record Players of 2025, Vetted by Vinyl Experts

When it comes to how we consume music in 2025, our elders were half-right. The best record players are a retro novelty. Yes, we carry entire discographies in our pockets and stream with a swipe, but vinyl is a booming ritual with real staying power.

In fact, vinyl sales have surged over the past few years, with listening habits shaped by tactile pleasure as much as by sonic needs. For some, the appeal is aesthetic. For others, it’s about building a more intentional relationship with music. As a collector myself, I’ve seen how records foster community—and how a good turntable can quickly become the centerpiece of a room.

But buying your first (or next) record player isn’t always simple. Between belt-driven and direct-drive models, built-in preamps, cartridge types, and platter weights, the process can feel more overwhelming than immersive. The wrong setup might cost you hundreds up front—or thousands down the line if you chase audio upgrades without a clear foundation.

To cut through the noise, I visited two of Atlanta’s trusted vinyl institutions: Wax n Facts, a Little Five Points mainstay open since 1976, and Disorder Vinyl, a newer but equally respected shop catering to grave diggers and high-fidelity heads. Both offered a wealth of firsthand expertise, less from a sales angle and more from years of lived experience behind the counter and the decks.

“Most people don’t need a museum piece,” says Sean Vourneen, store manager at Wax n Facts. “You just need something with a solid platter and a reliable cartridge. The rest depends on what kind of listener you are.”

At Disorder Vinyl, the advice echoed that sentiment but with a cautionary tone: “All-in-one players might be convenient, but they’ll eat your records alive,” says Yoonsang Doo, founder of Disorder Vinyl. “You’re better off investing in something that treats the vinyl with care, especially with how expensive records are getting.”

With their guidance, we’ve outlined not only which models to look for, but also which technical components matter—and why. Whether you’re buying your very first turntable or looking to level up, consider this your grounded, expert-backed guide to shopping for the best record players and best turntables now.

Best Overall

For those who want a basic, strong contender that won’t cost an arm and a leg, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120X is a solid choice. This turntable has three RPM speeds and can convert your vinyl collection to digital through Audacity recording software. Also, it has a built-in switchable phono preamplifier for phono- or line-level output for optimal playback quality. “The Audio-Technica LP120 is a direct copy of the Technics 1200; it has all the candy that you need,” says Vourneen. “It also has a strobe monitor for correcting your speed or adjusting the pitch, which is a convenient invention.” And Doo mentioned how it’s an excellent option for his store, “What we use for the store is an Audio-Technica. It’s not even anything super fancy. It’s a solid middle-road, intermediate turntable, just based on the Technics 1200, but way cheaper and super accessible.” Known for its ease and sturdiness, this record player makes for a great addition.

Best for Audiophiles

“There are some turntables that are just regarded by the vinyl community as the greatest of all time—like the Technics SL-1200,” says Doo. “Once you’re taking it seriously, get the Technics SL-1200. Now you’re a DJ.” The Technics SL-1200 is highly regarded in the vinyl community for its high-quality sound capabilities. Moreover, it has a direct-drive design and comes in a silver styling that feels cutting-edge and sleek. The player’s redesigned coreless motor helps with stabilization, and it has a reverse play function for those moments when DJ’ing or listening to music needs a little customization.

For Small, Stylish Spaces

Although our experts didn’t mention Orbit Plus by name, it fits the bill for the qualities the pros discussed as necessary. “All-in-one players that aren’t solid platter builds just eat your records up,” Doo says. “Investing a little bit in a record player with a solid platter and belt drive makes a huge difference.” The Orbit Plus turntable comes with a built-in preamp, a solid engineered wood plinth with a durable black finish, a grooved acrylic platter with a frosted finish, and a precision gimbal tonearm with a magnesium armtube. To complete this set of invaluable characteristics, this player also has an internal anti-skate and an adjustable counterweight.

A DJ-Friendly Direct Drive Turntable

Denon is a highly regarded brand due to its semiautomatic analog turntables, and the DP-400 is up to snuff. Doo recommends this turntable because it is an “entry-level turntable for its price.” It has a designed, horizontal tracking, angled tonearm with auto-lift and playback stop to help preserve your records without damaging them by reducing distortion. Additionally, it has a built-in photo equalizer, which creates an open, enveloping sound quality for your vinyl records. Of course, it’s easy to set up and install to help reduce the drama.

Best Plug-and-Play System

For those looking to elevate their vinyl setup, the Debut EVO 2 strikes a smart balance between performance and design. Its carbon-fiber tonearm and damped aluminum platter reduce resonance for clearer, more dynamic sound, while the pre-mounted cartridge keeps setup refreshingly straightforward. Speed control is fully electronic, and the range of finishes—from forest green to steel blue—makes it easy to find one that complements your space as much as your sound.

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More Record Players We’re Browsing

I have the Crosley C62C Turntable HiFi System Record Player and, honestly, it is a godsend. The music quality is clean and crisp, and the speakers get extremely loud. Also, it comes with the ability to play at 33 rpm and 45 rpm, and it also has a Bluetooth setting that allows you to use it as a speaker. Everything you need comes in the box. All you’ll have to know how to do is balance the tone arm and clean your vinyl between usages. All in all, this record player is a succinct option for the beginner or intermediate vinyl collector who doesn’t want to spend a fortune.