Best Turntables & Record Players Under $200 – 2024 Guide

Best & Most Affordable Turntables Under $200

Struggling with finding a turntable that combines affordability with good quality?

In this blog, we showcase the top turntables under $200, perfect for those new to vinyl or anyone seeking a budget-friendly yet reliable record player. We cover models ranging from simple, user-friendly designs for beginners to slightly more advanced options with additional features, all within an accessible price range.

Drawing on our 15 years of experience in the world of vinyl and audio equipment, we’ve assisted numerous music enthusiasts, from those just starting their vinyl journey to seasoned collectors looking for a secondary player. Our thorough testing process has identified the best turntables in this budget-friendly category. These turntables are more than just cost-effective; they offer a solid entry into the vinyl experience, balancing sound quality, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal. We’ve evaluated their performance, durability, and feature set, finding them highly suitable for delivering enjoyable vinyl playback without a substantial investment, making them ideal for anyone wanting to explore the world of records without a high cost.

Best TT Under $200: Buying Guide 2024

1. Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player

Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player with Audio Technica AT91 Cartridge

The Fluance RT80 is fully automatic and requires no manual operation. It’s highly sensitive and resistant to resonance, which aids in tracking records better.

It comes with a built-in phono equalizer and also includes a moving magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus. It has a belt-drive design and you will not find any fault in this turntable. Why?

Because it’s a Pioneer product. The great feature of this record player is that it’s fully automatic so you can just sit back and enjoy your records.

What We Like

  • Fully automatic
  • Easy setup
  • Great sound quality

What We Don’t Like

  • Non-switchable preamp

MY REVIEW:

This is a great choice for those who want an automatic turntable that plays their records without any trouble and costs very little.

2. Sony PS-LX310BT

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable

It operates on a belt-driven system and has two playback speeds (33/45). This turntable also has a fully automatic operation and a static balance tonearm.

It comes with a USB output so you can connect it to your devices. You can also convert your records to MP3 files.

The belt-drive system is completely noiseless, which provides a much better listening experience. All you need to do is set up this turntable, which takes around 5 minutes and enjoy the music.

What We Like

  • Inexpensive
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Automatic start/stop
  • Built-in stylus protector

What We Don’t Like

  • No tonearm lock

MY REVIEW:

It is a good choice for you if you want a turntable that is operated automatically and provides good sound quality.

3. Numark PT01 Scratch

Numark PT01 Scratch DJ Turntable for Portablists With User Replaceable Scratch Switch, Built In Speaker

This turntable has somewhat similar looks to the Stanton T62. It has some really cool features like adjustable pitch control, adjustable anti-skate control, and 1/8” stereo line input.

It comes with Audacity software that is compatible with both Mac and PC so you can digitize your records hassle-free.

Something great about this turntable is that it has a replaceable cartridge, unlike other brands.

What We Like

  • Replaceable cartridge
  • Good quality sound
  • USB support
  • No hum

What We Don’t Like

  • No-cue lever
  • No dust cover
  • No auto-lifting

MY REVIEW:

Despite its flaws, it is a good turntable and you get what you buy. It’s affordable and has some really great features.

4. Boytone BT-28MB

Boytone BT-28MB Bluetooth Classic Style Record Player Turntable with AM FM Radio CD Cassette Player

This vintage natural wood stereo system has some awesome features. It has an AM/FM radio, a CD player, and an AUX input for connecting your smartphones and other devices.

It has built-in speakers, which sound great. This turntable is belt-driven and fully automatic, and it can play 3 speeds so you can enjoy all your vinyl.

What We Like

  • Vintage design
  • Great sound quality

What We Don’t Like

  • No Cons

MY REVIEW:

This is a 3-in-1 turntable, as it has a CD player and AM/FM radio included. So I would highly recommend this product.

5. Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Vintage Vinyl Record Player

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Vintage Vinyl Record Player Stereo System with 3-Speed Turntable

This is another great Electrohome turntable with so many different features. It can play vinyl records, AM/FM radio, CD players, and MP3s through USB.

The authentic wood cabinet gives this turntable a vintage look. Its looks can attract anyone and will look great in your room.

The sound quality is excellent, with no distortion. The only problem you may face with this record player is that there is no output jack for connecting speakers.

What We Like

  • Vintage design
  • Excellent sound quality
  • No distortion
  • No frequency drift

What We Don’t Like

  • No output jack for speakers

MY REVIEW:

The only con of this turntable may be that it may stop you from buying it because you may want to connect it to your home stereo. I would recommend that you look for other options mentioned in this list.

6. Crosley C200 Direct-Drive Turntable with S-Shaped Tone Arm, Black

Crosley C200A-BK Direct-Drive Turntable Record Player with S-Shaped Tone Arm

So if you want a turntable for scratching, the Stanton T62 is the perfect choice for you. It’s a direct-drive turntable with a straight tonearm that improves tracking for scratching.

It includes a pre-mounted Stanton 300 cartridge on a headshell. It can play at two speeds (33/45) and it also has two start/stop switches for mixing. RCA outputs are also provided to connect this to your speakers.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60 comes with no pitch control, while this one comes with pitch control that allows you to change tempo and pitch.

The sound quality is very good. Better than your expectations. If you are starting as a DJ, this turntable is a perfect match for you.

You can get better turntables but they will cost you more than $200. And I don’t recommend you spend a lot if you’re just starting out.

What We Like

  • Pitch control
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Straight tonearm

What We Don’t Like

  • No Cons

MY REVIEW:

It’s simple and elegant. Nothing so fancy and it sounds great. This is the best direct-drive turntable under $200.

List of the Best Turntables Under $200

Product Name Price Reviews
Fluance RT80 $$$ (4.1 / 5)
Sony PS-LX310BT $$$ (4 / 5)
Numark PT01 Scratch $$$ (3.8 / 5)
Boytone BT-28MB $$$ (4.3 / 5)
Electrohome Kingston $$$ (4.1 / 5)
Crosley C200 Direct-Drive $$$ (4.6 / 5)

FAQs on Best Turntables under $200

Should I spend more on a turntable or speakers?

Both are important. But good speakers often make a more noticeable difference. Quality speakers can make an average turntable sound better.

Does a turntable sound better than a CD?

It depends. Some people like the warm, natural sound of vinyl. Others prefer the clear, clean sound of a CD. It’s a matter of personal taste.

Do turntables sound better than digital?

Vinyl records can offer rich, warm sounds. Yet, digital music can provide clear, precise sounds. Your preference will determine which sounds better.

Do I want a record player or a turntable?

If you want a standalone device, choose a record player. It has built-in speakers. If you want to connect to external speakers, choose a turntable.

Should the genre of music I like impact my turntable choice?

Yes. Different turntables perform differently with various music genres. Some are better for classical music; others are for rock or jazz.

How do I responsibly dispose of my old turntable?

Don’t just throw it away. Donate it if it’s working. If it is broken, look for an electronics recycling center.

How often should I clean my turntable’s needle?

Clean it every time you play a new record. This will keep your records and needles in good shape.

How do I make sure my turntable’s needle doesn’t pick up static?

Use an anti-static brush. Brush it gently over the record and needle before playing. This removes static.

Conclusion

So this was a review of the best turntables under $200. You can pick your turntable from this list because I’ve researched many turntables in this range and these are the best ones. And if you want a turntable in the $100 range, you can check this list.

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David Grik, a celebrated turntable expert and audio reviewer, brings over 15 years of experience in sound engineering and vinyl technology. An MIT alum, his insights and reviews guide enthusiasts in the world of high-quality audio. You can learn more on the About Us page.

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