Streaming services like Spotify make listening to music convenient, but there’s still something special about dropping the needle on a vinyl record. Pulling an album from its sleeve, placing it on the platter, and hearing that first note creates a physical connection you just don’t get from a digital playlist. The best record players transform listening into a hands-on, deliberate experience, and many people prefer the warm, full sound of vinyl over compressed streaming.
But with so many turntables out there, getting into vinyl can feel overwhelming. After more than a decade of testing audio gear, I’ve spent plenty of time with record players at all price points. To help you find the best turntable for your needs, I reviewed a range of models from beginner-friendly options to more refined setups. My top pick is the U-Turn Orbit Special, which offers exceptional sound and a beautifully crafted design. Meanwhile, if you’re new to vinyl, the Victrola Automatic is a fantastic starter option that’s simple to use, Bluetooth-compatible, and budget-friendly.
For this guide, I focused on the best record players under $1,000. Dedicated audiophiles can certainly spend more, but there are excellent choices well within this range. If you love the idea of holding your music in your hands and building a physical collection, a quality turntable is the perfect place to start.
Our top picks for the best record players
Best overall: U-Turn Orbit Special – See at Amazon
Best for beginners: Victrola Automatic – See at Amazon
Best midrange: Fluance RT81+ – See at Amazon
Best all-in-one solution: Qlearsoul One-Q – See at Amazon
Best for enthusiasts: Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 – See at Amazon
Best overall
U-Turn Orbit Special (Gen 2)
This U-Turn record player does an excellent job of balancing price, performance, and style. The brand allows you to customize certain features for various upcharges.
The U-Turn Orbit Special is a sleek, modern turntable that strikes an impressive balance between performance and price. At around $549, it offers excellent sound and craftsmanship, thanks to premium components like an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, an acrylic platter, a one-piece magnesium gimbal tonearm, and smooth electronic speed control.
In testing, the Orbit Special delivered full, rich, natural audio with clarity and texture you won’t get from cheaper players. It’s a mostly manual turntable, but the built-in 33 1/3 and 45 RPM electronic speed control makes switching record speeds quick and convenient.
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Though sold as a preset configuration, U-Turn also lets you customize your Orbit build — from swapping cartridges to adjusting features like speed control. A built-in preamp isn’t included by default, but you can add one at checkout for $80. However, Bluetooth connectivity isn’t available as an option, so this is strictly a wired experience aimed at listeners who prefer the purest signal path.
Beyond its audio performance, the Orbit Special is also a design statement. Its minimalist look and seven color options make it easy to fit into any room, whether you’re curating a listening space or adding a stylish centerpiece to your living area. It looks as good as it sounds — and that’s saying something.
Best for beginners
Victrola Automatic
This entry-level player has Bluetooth support and a fully automatic design, which makes it a perfect fit for beginners who want a simple and affordable turntable that still delivers solid quality.
The Victrola Automatic is a great starter option for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of vinyl. It’s perfect for people who are tempted by the idea of listening to records but are put off by some of the hobby’s manual controls and complicated technical aspects.
Victrola offers a range of models, but the Automatic’s budget-friendly price, ease of use, and decent overall sound quality make it the brand’s best record player for beginners.
Tyler Hayes/Business Insider
I spent several weeks comparing different entry-level turntables, and the Victrola Automatic stood out above the rest. Its compact size means it can fit in most locations, and it also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily stream to any wireless Bluetooth speaker without worrying about cables, an AV receiver, or an amplifier.
It’s also fully automatic, with controls to play, repeat, lift the tonearm, and switch between speeds. This minimalist design allows you to simply place a record down, press a few buttons, and enjoy your music. There’s even an automatic repeat function, allowing you to keep your music playing indefinitely — a rare feature on competing entry-level models I’ve tested. I also appreciate the built-in, selectable preamp.
However, there are a few trade-offs with the Automatic that you should keep in mind. The unit is entirely made of plastic, including the tonearm. Due to the construction, the buttons feel a bit cheap and produce a loud, clicky sound when pressed. The player’s Audio-Technica AT-3600LA cartridge is solid but not as high-end as those found on pricier players, so this isn’t the best turntable for discerning audiophiles. That said, it still sounds respectable for this class and is perfect for more casual listeners.