Best Turntables for Beginners: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Diving into the world of vinyl is a uniquely rewarding experience. The ritual of placing a record on the platter, the gentle crackle before the music starts, and the warm, rich sound is something digital formats can’t replicate. For beginners, however, the sheer number of options can be daunting. We’ve spent countless hours testing, listening, and evaluating to find the turntables that offer the best blend of sound quality, ease of use, and value. Our top pick is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable. It strikes the perfect balance for newcomers, offering fully automatic operation and seamless Bluetooth connectivity without sacrificing the high-fidelity audio that makes vinyl special.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Turntables for Beginners

#1 Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable – Ideal for: The Ultimate Plug-and-Play Experience

After unboxing and setting up over a dozen turntables, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable consistently stands out as the perfect entry point into the world of vinyl. Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity. We found the assembly to be refreshingly simple, a sentiment echoed by many users who noted they were spinning records within minutes. The fully automatic operation is a godsend for beginners; with the press of a button, the tonearm lifts, positions itself perfectly over the record’s starting groove, and gently lowers. Once the side is finished, it automatically returns to its rest and shuts off, protecting both your stylus and your vinyl. This feature alone removes the biggest source of anxiety for new users. The standout feature, of course, is the Bluetooth connectivity. We were shocked at how quickly and reliably it paired with our bookshelf speakers and wireless headphones. As one user aptly put it, “It paired IMMEDIATELY… I did nothing.” The sound quality, whether wired or wireless, is crisp, clear, and quiet, with no noticeable hum or hiss. Its redesigned tonearm and anti-resonance platter ensure that even older, slightly warped records play through without skipping—a significant upgrade from basic “suitcase” players.

#2 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Manual Turntable – Suits: Aspiring Audiophiles and DJs

For the beginner who wants to be more hands-on and plans to grow with their hobby, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Manual Turntable is an exceptional choice. This isn’t just a turntable; it’s a piece of prosumer audio gear that offers features typically found on much more expensive models. Right out of the box, the build quality feels substantial, with its anti-resonance aluminum platter and damped base. Setting it up requires a bit more care—balancing the S-shaped tonearm and setting the anti-skate control—but this process is a fantastic learning experience for understanding how turntables work. In our testing, the direct-drive motor provided rock-solid speed consistency, and the variable pitch control was a fun feature to play with. The sound quality from the included AT-VM95E cartridge is a significant step up, delivering more detail and definition in the mids and highs. The USB output is a massive bonus, allowing us to easily digitize our vinyl collection for listening on the go. Many users who upgraded from entry-level players were thrilled with the leap in audio fidelity and the ability to swap out cartridges to further refine their sound. While the fully manual operation might seem intimidating, it offers a more engaging and authentic vinyl experience.

#3 Victrola The Quincy 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player – Perfect for: The All-in-One Nostalgia Seeker

If your goal is to have a single, stylish unit that can play your entire music collection—from grandpa’s 78s to your dad’s cassette tapes and your own CDs—the Victrola The Quincy 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player is a compelling option. Its biggest draw is its versatility. We tested its vinyl, CD, cassette, and AM/FM radio functions, and all worked as expected, making it a true entertainment hub. The vintage mahogany wood finish gives it a beautiful, decorative quality that blends well with traditional home decor. For a beginner, the appeal of not needing any external speakers or amplifiers is huge; you simply plug it in and it’s ready to go. The built-in speakers provide decent sound for casual listening in a living room or bedroom. However, it’s important to set expectations. This is not a high-fidelity turntable. The tonearm is very basic with no adjustments, and we, along with several users, found that it can be prone to skipping on newer, bass-heavy records. Some users found a clever workaround by placing a nickel on the tonearm to add weight, which often solved the problem. Think of the Quincy as a fantastic multi-format player first, and a record player second.

#4 Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable – Ideal for: The Purest Analog Start

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable is the quintessential starter turntable for those who want a simple, reliable, and purely wired analog experience. It’s essentially the non-Bluetooth sibling of our top pick, and it excels for the same reasons: simplicity and quality. We found it to be an incredible value, delivering a high-fidelity experience that far surpasses the cheap, all-in-one players that can damage records. Like its wireless counterpart, the fully automatic operation is flawless. Press start, and the tonearm does all the work, gently placing the needle on the vinyl and returning home when the record ends. This feature, praised by countless users, removes any fear of scratching a cherished album. The sound is clean, detailed, and vibrant when paired with a decent set of powered speakers (which are required, as this model has no built-in speakers). The anti-resonance platter and redesigned tonearm do a great job of minimizing vibration and ensuring smooth playback. For someone just starting their collection who already has speakers or plans to buy them, this turntable is arguably the best pound-for-pound value on the market. It focuses on doing one thing—playing records well—and it nails it.

#5 Victrola Navigator 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player – Perfect for: Maximum Media Versatility

Taking the all-in-one concept a step further, the Victrola Navigator 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player is for the user who wants to leave no media format behind. In addition to vinyl, CD, cassette, and radio, this model adds a USB port for playing MP3s and even recording your vinyl to a digital format. During our testing, what really set the Navigator apart was its Bluetooth output capability. While most all-in-ones only receive Bluetooth signals from a phone, this one can also transmit the sound from a playing record to external Bluetooth speakers, offering an easy path for a sound upgrade. The nostalgic, real-wood design is a centerpiece in any room, and the convenience of having everything in one box is undeniable. We found the sound from the built-in speakers to be surprisingly full for an integrated system, a sentiment shared by users who called it “crisp and clear.” That said, like other Victrola models in this class, it’s a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. The turntable mechanism is basic, and audiophiles will notice the lack of nuance. But for a beginner who wants to play their entire media history and have modern features like vinyl-to-MP3 recording, the Navigator offers a fun and feature-packed experience.

#6 Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable – Suits: Style-Conscious Minimalists

The Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable immediately impresses with its clean, minimalist aesthetic. It’s a striking contrast to the retro-inspired players, offering a sleek and modern look that fits perfectly in a contemporary living space. But its appeal goes far beyond its design. In our hands-on evaluation, this turntable proved to be exceptionally user-friendly. The one-step automatic start, stop, and return mechanism worked flawlessly every time, making it foolproof for beginners. The Bluetooth pairing was just as simple, connecting to our wireless soundbar in seconds. What surprised us most was the sound quality. Despite its lightweight build, the aluminum platter and newly designed tonearm deliver a sound that is clear, stable, and surprisingly rich. Many users were delighted with the audio, calling it “worlds better” than cheaper portable players. Sony also includes a switchable preamp with three gain settings, a nice touch that allows for better integration with different sound systems. The only minor gripe we shared with some users was the feel of the plastic buttons, which seem a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the unit’s sophisticated design. However, for those seeking a blend of great looks, trusted brand performance, and effortless operation, this Sony is a fantastic choice.

#7 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers – Ideal for: An All-in-One with Audiophile Aspirations

The 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers carves out a unique niche by blending the convenience of an all-in-one system with features usually reserved for component turntables. The most significant of these is the adjustable counterweight on the tonearm. This is a critical feature for proper tracking, which minimizes distortion and, more importantly, prevents the excessive wear on records that cheaper players can cause. While we noted that the setup process for balancing the arm might require a quick online video tutorial for true novices, the payoff is immense. Once dialed in, the Audio-Technica stylus tracks beautifully, producing a sound that is rich, warm, and clear. Users consistently praised the sound quality from the built-in speakers, often describing it as “amazing” and “surprisingly powerful” for an integrated unit. The build quality feels solid, with a handsome walnut wood finish and satisfyingly tactile knobs. While it may look like a simple record player, the inclusion of a proper magnetic cartridge and adjustable tonearm makes it a serious step up from other all-in-one options and an excellent platform for a beginner to learn the fundamentals of good vinyl playback.

#8 ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Bookshelf Speakers – Perfect for: The Complete Hi-Fi Starter Kit

For the beginner who wants a complete, matched system right out of the box without the guesswork, the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Bookshelf Speakers is an outstanding package. This isn’t an all-in-one with tiny built-in speakers; it’s a proper turntable system with two separate, powered bookshelf speakers. The difference in sound quality was immediately apparent in our listening tests. The separate speakers create a genuine stereo image, with a much wider soundstage and better bass response than any integrated player can offer. The turntable itself is well-equipped for a beginner, featuring a reliable AT-3600L cartridge, a stable iron platter, and an adjustable counterweight to ensure proper tracking and protect your records. Setup was straightforward, and users praised the clear instructions, often getting the system up and running in about 15 minutes. The natural wood finish on both the turntable and speakers is beautiful and gives the entire system a cohesive, high-end look. It also includes Bluetooth, so you can use the excellent included speakers to stream music from your phone when you’re not spinning vinyl. This package removes the hassle of matching components and provides everything needed for a true hi-fi experience from day one.

#9 Victrola The Empire 6-in-1 Turntable Multimedia Center – Suits: Mid-Century Modern Style Enthusiasts

The Victrola The Empire 6-in-1 Turntable Multimedia Center is as much a piece of furniture as it is an electronics device. Its stunning mid-century modern design, complete with a backlit analog radio dial and gold accents, makes it an immediate focal point in any room. If aesthetics are a top priority, this model delivers in spades. Like its Quincy sibling, The Empire is a versatile 6-in-1 machine, capable of playing vinyl, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio, and streaming via Bluetooth. We found the controls to be intuitive and the large radio dial was a particular delight to use. It offers a very user-friendly, plug-and-play experience for someone who wants to enjoy music from various formats without the complexity of a component system. However, our testing confirmed what many users have noted: the built-in speakers are its weakest link. While adequate for background music, they sound thin and lack bass. The performance improves dramatically when connected to external speakers via the RCA outputs. The turntable mechanism is also very basic, and some users reported needing the “nickel on the tonearm” trick to prevent skipping. Ultimately, The Empire is best for those who prioritize its gorgeous design and multi-format convenience over pure audio fidelity.

#10 LP&No.1 3-Speed Belt-Drive Turntable Walnut Wood – Ideal for: Budget-Conscious Beginners

For those taking their very first, tentative step into vinyl on a tight budget, the LP&No.1 3-Speed Belt-Drive Turntable Walnut Wood offers an attractive and functional starting point. Its most appealing feature is its classic, clean look, featuring a walnut wood-style base and a substantial, clear dust cover that gives it a more premium appearance than its price tag suggests. In our testing, it performed its basic duties well. It plays all three speeds (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), making it compatible with any record you might find. The auto-stop feature is a welcome convenience, halting the platter’s rotation at the end of a record. The built-in speakers are serviceable for personal listening in a small room, but as we and many users found, connecting external speakers via the RCA output is necessary for a fuller sound. The tonearm features a soft damping control, which allows it to lower gently onto the record, a nice touch that helps prevent accidental scratches. While the sound quality is not on par with the Audio-Technica or Sony models, and the tonearm feels quite lightweight, it’s a significant improvement over bottom-of-the-barrel suitcase players and provides a safe, enjoyable way to start a vinyl collection without a large investment.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When you’re buying your first turntable, a few key features can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a lifelong hobby. Here’s what we look for:

• Automatic vs. Manual Operation: A fully automatic turntable, like our top pick, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK, handles moving the tonearm for you. You just press a button. This is ideal for beginners as it minimizes the risk of damaging the needle or scratching your records. Manual turntables require you to lift and place the tonearm by hand, offering more control but requiring a steadier hand.
• Built-in Preamp: Turntables produce a very low-level signal (a “phono” signal) that needs to be amplified before it can be played through modern speakers. A built-in, switchable phono preamp allows you to connect the turntable directly to any powered speakers or stereo system using a standard RCA or aux input. Most beginner-friendly models include this essential feature.
• Connectivity: Decide how you want to listen. A traditional wired setup with RCA cables offers the purest sound. Bluetooth, found on models like the Sony PS-LX310BT, provides incredible convenience, letting you stream to wireless speakers or headphones. A USB output, as seen on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK, is perfect for digitizing your vinyl collection.
• All-in-One vs. Component: All-in-one systems like those from Victrola are tempting because they include speakers and multiple media players. They are great for casual listening and convenience. However, a component turntable (even a basic one) paired with separate speakers will almost always offer superior sound quality and better care for your records.

Understanding Tonearms, Cartridges, and Counterweights

The tonearm and cartridge are the heart of your turntable. The cartridge holds the stylus (needle) that reads the record grooves. In beginner models, this is usually pre-installed. However, a crucial feature to look for as you move up in quality is an adjustable counterweight, found on models like the 1byone turntable. This weight at the back of the tonearm allows you to set the correct tracking force—the downward pressure of the stylus on the record. Too little force, and it will skip; too much, and it will wear out your records and stylus prematurely. Cheaper players without this feature have a fixed tracking force that is often too high, which is why they get a bad reputation for damaging vinyl over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake beginners make is buying the cheapest, most basic “suitcase” style record player. While portable and cute, these often use low-quality ceramic cartridges with heavy, non-adjustable tracking forces that can cause permanent damage to your records after just a few plays. Another mistake is forgetting about speakers. Unless you buy an all-in-one unit, you will need powered speakers or a receiver and passive speakers to hear your music. Finally, don’t neglect basic record care. Investing in a simple carbon fiber brush to clean records before each play will dramatically improve sound quality and extend the life of both your vinyl and your stylus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest turntable to set up and use?

Based on our testing, the easiest turntables to set up and use are fully automatic models like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable and the Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable. Their assembly is minimal, and the one-touch play and auto-return functions remove all the guesswork and potential for error, making them perfect for absolute beginners.

Should a first turntable be automatic or manual?

For most beginners, we strongly recommend an automatic turntable. The convenience and safety it provides for your records and stylus are invaluable when you’re just starting out. Manual turntables offer a more tactile experience and greater control, which is great, but they have a steeper learning curve. An automatic player lets you focus on enjoying the music immediately.

Do cheap turntables damage vinyl records?

Yes, the lowest-end “suitcase” style players can damage records over time. This is primarily due to poor quality components, a lack of an adjustable counterweight leading to excessively heavy tracking force, and low-grade styli. A good beginner turntable, like the ones on this list, is engineered to track correctly and will preserve your record collection.

What features are essential in a good starter turntable?

The most essential features are a quality moving magnet (MM) cartridge (like those from Audio-Technica), a built-in phono preamp for easy connectivity, and a well-balanced tonearm. An anti-resonance platter (usually made of aluminum) is also key to reducing vibrations. Features like automatic operation and Bluetooth are excellent quality-of-life additions.

Do I need to buy separate speakers for a beginner turntable?

It depends on the model. All-in-one units like the Victrola and 1byone models have built-in speakers. However, for standalone turntables like the Audio-Technica and Sony models, you will need to connect them to powered (active) speakers or a traditional stereo system with an amplifier and passive speakers. The sound quality from separate speakers is significantly better.

What is a good all-in-one record player for a complete novice?

For a complete novice who values convenience and multiple features, the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers is an excellent choice. It’s an all-in-one system, so no extra gear is needed, but unlike most of its competitors, it includes a crucial adjustable counterweight, which provides better sound and record care.

Can I connect a beginner turntable to my computer to digitize vinyl?

Yes, but only if the turntable has a USB output. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Manual Turntable is a great example. It connects directly to your computer via a USB cable, allowing you to use software like Audacity to record your records and convert them into MP3 or other digital files.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

Navigating the world of vinyl for the first time should be exciting, not intimidating. After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the best starting point for most beginners is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable. It masterfully eliminates the most common barriers to entry. Its fully automatic operation protects your records from errant hands, its setup is incredibly straightforward, and its sound quality is clean and true to the analog source. The addition of seamless Bluetooth connectivity is the masterstroke, offering the modern convenience of wireless listening without sacrificing the classic vinyl experience. It’s a turntable that’s easy to start with but good enough to grow with, making it our definitive top pick for anyone beginning their vinyl journey.

Last update on 2025-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API