ConsFirst / Turntables
Turntables: the downsides, first
Cheap isn't always gentle: Wirecutter found heavy tracking forces on a classic Crosley suitcase player and on Sony's popular PS-LX310BT and says they cause more record wear. Thin sound and skipping come up for several budget players. Here are the most popular turntables in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared13 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 turntables, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Fluance
$$$ManualScore 4.3/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (389 ratings); the listing may pool finish variants.Both Wirecutter and Engadget name it the best turntable overall. In Wirecutter's tests it had the most accurate sound and the lowest distortion, plus a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge, an acrylic platter and a heavy plinth. You'll need a separate phono preamp, it can't play 78s, and the glossy finish shows fingerprints.
Top complaints
- No built-in preampVery common
Wirecutter and Engadget both note that you'll need a separate phono preamp if your receiver or speakers lack one. Wirecutter says Fluance offers its PA10 for about $100.
- Glossy finish shows fingerprintsMentioned often
Wirecutter says all the finishes are glossy and quickly collect fingerprints, and Engadget says the glossy finish isn't for everyone.
- No 78s; limited upgradesOccasional
Wirecutter notes there's no 78 RPM setting and that you can't easily upgrade it beyond the cartridge, though it already has the cartridge and acrylic platter you might upgrade to.
What owners love
- Most accurate sound tested
Wirecutter measured the lowest distortion, under 0.07% wow and flutter (the least of any belt-drive model) and the most accurate stereo balance. Engadget calls the sound warm and expressive. Amazon owners praise the detail.
- Premium parts
It has a 16 mm acrylic platter, a 16.7 lb plinth, spiked isolation feet, servo-regulated belt drive and the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge (Wirecutter). Engadget praises the isolated motor.
- Easy for a manual deck
Wirecutter says the setup guide is simple and praises the cue lever, speed knob, auto stop and anti-skate dial. Amazon owners say it's easy to set up.
Skip it if…- Your amp or speakers have no phono input and you don't want to buy a preamp
- You own 78 RPM records
- You want Bluetooth or push-button play
Good for- Building a real hi-fi system around vinyl
- Accurate sound across every genre
- Buyers who don't want to upgrade parts later
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality5.0
Why 5.0?
Most accurate frequency response and lowest distortion in Wirecutter's measurements; top pick at Engadget too. - Gentle on records4.5
Why 4.5?
It has a Nagaoka MP-110 elliptical stylus, an adjustable counterweight, an anti-skate dial and a cue lever (Wirecutter, Engadget). Engadget says auto stop prevents unnecessary wear. - Easy setup4.0
Why 4.0?
Simple setup guide with a bubble level (Wirecutter), but you may need to buy and connect a separate preamp. - Upgradability3.0
Why 3.0?
Only the cartridge is easy to upgrade, but it already ships with parts most people upgrade to (Wirecutter). - Build & reliability5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter calls it exceptionally well built for the price, with the heaviest non-DJ plinth tested. Amazon owners report few construction issues.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick, the best turntable under $600 (updated 2026-08-28). The most accurate sound and best build tested; flaws are no preamp, no 78s and a glossy finish.
- Engadget: Best record player overall (updated 2026-03-04): warm, expressive sound and a robust plinth, but it needs a separate preamp.
#2
Audio-Technica
$$ManualScore 3.7/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)9,050 ratings; the listing pools color variants.A popular direct-drive deck with USB output: Wirecutter recommends it for starting to DJ, and it has the lowest share of 1-2 star Amazon ratings in this group. Its built-in preamp added the most distortion of any turntable Wirecutter tested, and it's a big, plastic, fully manual machine.
Top complaints
- Built-in preamp adds distortionMentioned often
Wirecutter says the built-in preamp added the most distortion by far of any turntable it tested, though it's the loudest and fine for DJ use. Using an external preamp avoids the problem.
- Big, heavy and plasticMentioned often
Wirecutter calls it a plastic turntable that is larger and heavier than its picks.
- Fully manualOccasional
Audio-Technica's listing describes it as fully manual, so you place and lift the tonearm yourself.
What owners love
- DJ-friendly direct drive
Wirecutter says it has a wider range of variable speed control and a direct-drive motor that gets to full speed quickly, with minimal noise when you touch it while it's spinning.
- Owners rate it highly
Amazon shoppers find it well built and easy to set up in about ten minutes, and say it handles even old warped records. They praise its sound and value.
- USB for digitizing
It has analog and USB outputs for converting vinyl to digital, three speeds and anti-skate (Amazon listing).
Skip it if…- You want automatic play
- You'll rely on the built-in preamp for the cleanest sound
- You have limited shelf space
Good for- Beginner DJs (quick start-up, wide pitch control)
- Digitizing records over USB
- Owners who'll add an external preamp later
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Hi-fi enough for DJ use, but its built-in preamp had the most distortion Wirecutter measured; an external preamp avoids that. Amazon owners praise the sound. - Easy setup4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy to set up and use (Wirecutter); about ten minutes per Amazon owners. Operation is fully manual. - Build & reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazon owners call it well built, with a very low 1-2 star share; Wirecutter notes the plastic body.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering if you want to start DJing (updated 2026-08-28): easy to set up and use, but large and plastic, with the most distortion from its built-in preamp.
#3
Audio-Technica
$$BluetoothScore 3.4/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (717 ratings); the listing may pool color variants.Engadget's best record player for beginners: fully automatic, no tonearm calibration, and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth to send music to wireless speakers. Its sound is crisp but not as full as some rivals, and some Amazon owners report skipping or units that quit after a month.
Top complaints
- Sound isn't as full as rivalsMentioned often
Engadget says it's crisp and clear but not as full and immersive as some other turntables in its price range, and lists 'better sound is available for less money' as a con.
- Skipping and reliability reportsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting it stopped working after a month and several mentioning skipping.
- Stylus upgrade and looksOccasional
Engadget expects you'll probably want to upgrade the stylus quickly, and lists a less-than-premium look as a con.
What owners love
- Effortless for beginners
Engadget praises the fully automatic operation, simple controls and no tonearm calibration during setup. Amazon owners also say it's easy to set up.
- Good Bluetooth
It supports aptX Adaptive and has a built-in preamp (Engadget). Amazon owners say Bluetooth works well with a range of devices.
- Real upgrade over the LP60X series
Engadget, which started on an AT-LP60XBT, says the AT-VM95C cartridge, stylus and tonearm are a clear step up.
Skip it if…- Sound quality is your top priority at this price
- You don't need Bluetooth (the plain AT-LP70X costs less)
- You want a premium look
Good for- Beginners who want push-button play
- Streaming records to Bluetooth speakers or headphones
- A step up from the AT-LP60X
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Crisp and clear but not as full as some rivals at this price (Engadget). Amazon owners praise the sound. - Gentle on records3.0
Why 3.0?
Fully automatic; Engadget says auto stop can prevent unnecessary stylus and record wear. No tracking-force measurement was found, and some owners report skipping. - Easy setup5.0
Why 5.0?
No tonearm calibration, built-in preamp and Bluetooth (Engadget); easy setup per Amazon owners. - Upgradability3.0
Why 3.0?
Better AT-VM95C cartridge than the LP60X series, and Engadget expects you'll upgrade the stylus. - Build & reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Engadget calls the look less than premium; Amazon owners are mixed on reliability.
What experts say
- Engadget: Best record player for beginners (updated 2026-03-04). Crisp and clear but not as full as some rivals; you'll likely want a better stylus soon.
#4
Angels Horn
$$Suitcase / all-in-oneScore 3.1/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,223 ratings); the listing appears to pool several Angels Horn models (H019, H002, H005) and is shared with ASIN B0BZ3PGWT3.Wirecutter's best all-in-one record player: built-in two-way speakers that sound much fuller than most, a real moving-magnet cartridge and an adjustable tonearm. It's light on bass, and some Amazon owners struggle to balance the tonearm or report skipping.
Top complaints
- Light bassMentioned often
Wirecutter says it doesn't have as much bass as its testers would like, and that Andover Audio's SpinPlay all-in-one plays about 10 dB louder.
- Tonearm balance and skippingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says balance gets mixed feedback, with several owners finding the tonearm impossible to balance, and that it has skipping issues, especially on new records.
- Missing featuresOccasional
Wirecutter notes it can't stream your vinyl to Bluetooth devices and has no radio or CD player. It also doesn't play 78s, and it needs a small amount of setup.
What owners love
- Fullest sound of the all-in-ones
In Wirecutter's brand-concealed panels, it sounded much more balanced and full than most all-in-one players. Amazon owners say the speakers exceed expectations.
- Real turntable parts
It has an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, a tonearm with adjustable tracking force, a fairly heavy aluminum platter and a floating mechanism that doesn't skip when people walk past (Wirecutter).
- Bluetooth in and a line out
You can stream from a phone to its speakers or connect a separate stereo through its line output (Wirecutter). Amazon owners like the value and the easy setup.
Skip it if…- You want deep bass or room-filling volume
- You want to stream your records to Bluetooth headphones
- You don't want to adjust a tonearm at all
Good for- One box with speakers and no separate stereo
- A gift for a kid or a new vinyl fan
- Streaming from your phone to its speakers
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality3.0
Why 3.0?
The best all-in-one sound Wirecutter's panels heard, though light on bass. Wirecutter says any of its turntable picks paired with a SpinBase 2 will sound much better. - Gentle on records3.5
Why 3.5?
It has a moving-magnet AT3600L cartridge with adjustable tracking force (Wirecutter). Wirecutter's dealer source says that's what you need to avoid wearing out records. Some owners report skipping. - Easy setup3.5
Why 3.5?
Needs a small amount of setup with clear instructions (Wirecutter); some Amazon owners can't balance the tonearm. - Upgradability2.0
Why 2.0?
A line output lets you add a separate stereo later (Wirecutter); no source covers swapping the cartridge. - Build & reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter praises the construction and trusts the established brand; some Amazon owners report skipping.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for best all-in-one record player (updated 2026-08-28). Surprisingly good and well built, but light on bass. The similar Syitren Paron II sounded marginally better.
#5
Audio-Technica
$$AutomaticScore 3.0/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)13,356 ratings; the listing pools color variants and possibly the Bluetooth style option.Amazon's go-to starter turntable: fully automatic, with a built-in phono preamp, and owners find it easy to set up. Engadget calls it about as basic as it gets and says you'll want to upgrade sooner than with the AT-LP70X. Amazon owners are mixed on reliability.
Top complaints
- Basic; outgrown quicklyMentioned often
Engadget calls the LP60XBT, the Bluetooth version of this player, about as basic as it gets. It says spending a little more on the AT-LP70X means you won't be in as big a hurry to upgrade, because the LP70X has a better cartridge, stylus and tonearm.
- Some units stop working; feels cheap to someMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says functionality gets mixed reviews, with some owners reporting that it stops working. Build quality is also mixed, with some calling it cheaply made.
- Only the stylus can be upgradedOccasional
The cartridge is integral to the tonearm, according to the Amazon listing. Audio-Technica's upgrade path is limited to two replacement styli, the ATN3600LC and ATN3600LE.
What owners love
- Easy for beginners
Amazon shoppers find it easy to set up and connect to speakers, and call it a great beginner option. It's fully automatic and plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records (Audio-Technica).
- Works with almost any speakers
A built-in switchable phono preamp lets it connect to a stereo, powered speakers or a computer whether or not they have a phono input (Audio-Technica).
- Owners like the sound and looks
Amazon shoppers appreciate its sound quality, value and streamlined look.
Skip it if…- You expect to upgrade the cartridge later
- You want the best sound under $300
- You want Bluetooth (that's the LP60XBT)
Good for- First turntable with push-button play
- Hooking up to powered speakers with no extra preamp
- Shoppers who want a well-known brand at the low end
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality2.5
Why 2.5?
Engadget treats it as the basic model that the LP70X improves on. Amazon owners are happy with the sound for the money. - Gentle on records3.0
Why 3.0?
It's fully automatic; Engadget says auto stop can prevent unnecessary stylus and record wear. No tracking-force measurement was found. - Easy setup5.0
Why 5.0?
Fully automatic with a built-in preamp; Amazon owners say it's easy to set up. - Upgradability1.5
Why 1.5?
Integral cartridge; upgrades are limited to two replacement styli (Audio-Technica). Engadget says buyers outgrow it sooner. - Build & reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are mixed on functionality and build quality, with some saying it stopped working.
What experts say
- Engadget: Other models tested (LP60XBT, updated 2026-03-04): a perfectly decent option for someone new to vinyl, but the AT-LP70X is worth the step up.
#6
U-Turn Audio
$$ManualScore 3.5/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Wirecutter's budget pick, and Engadget found it the best-sounding turntable it tested at this price. The catch is convenience: you change speed by moving the belt by hand, there's no cue lever or auto stop, and swapping the cartridge later is fiddly.
Top complaints
- Manual speed changeVery common
Both Wirecutter and Engadget note that you have to move the belt by hand to change speeds. Wirecutter says this makes the belt more prone to overstretching, and you have to buy a new one if that happens.
- No cue lever or auto stopVery common
Engadget lists no cue arm and a free-swinging tonearm that needs care when you place it, which may be a learning curve for beginners. Wirecutter notes it lacks a cue lever and auto stop, though a cue lever can be added later.
- Cartridge swaps are fiddlyMentioned often
Wirecutter says the tonearm counterweight lacks adjustment markings, so fitting a new cartridge takes a scale and a lot of trial and error.
What owners love
- Best sound at its price
Wirecutter says it sounds much better than similarly priced turntables, especially with the new magnesium tonearm. Engadget says its sound was the best of any turntable it tested at this price.
- Quick to set up
Wirecutter says even first-timers can be listening in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable
You can order a built-in preamp (an $80 option per Engadget), choose colors, cartridges and an acrylic platter, and add a cue lever later (Wirecutter). The Gen 2 grooved platter keeps the belt from falling off. U-Turn offers a 3-year warranty.
Skip it if…- You switch between 33 and 45 RPM often
- You want automatic or push-button play
- You plan to swap cartridges a lot
Good for- The best sound for the money
- A minimalist look in many colors
- Adding upgrades over time (acrylic platter, cue lever)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Best at its price in both Wirecutter's and Engadget's tests. - Easy setup3.0
Why 3.0?
Sets up in under 10 minutes (Wirecutter), but fully manual use and belt speed changes are a learning curve (Engadget). - Upgradability3.5
Why 3.5?
Many factory and later upgrades are available, but cartridge swaps are hard without counterweight markings (Wirecutter). - Build & reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
The Gen 2 grooved platter stops the belt from slipping (Wirecutter), and U-Turn gives a 3-year warranty. The belt can still overstretch.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick (updated 2026-08-28): great sound and easy setup. Speed changes are manual and cartridge upgrades are hard.
- Engadget: Runner-up for beginners (updated 2026-03-04): best audio at this price, but manual speed control, no cue arm and a free-swinging tonearm.
#7
Sony
$$$BluetoothScore 3.0/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)4,025 ratings.Fully automatic with Bluetooth, and Amazon owners love how easy it is. But in Wirecutter's tests it had the worst speed accuracy of anything tested, and its 3.5-gram tracking force (vs 1.8-2.0 g on others) will wear records more over time.
Top complaints
- Heavy tracking force wears recordsMentioned often
Wirecutter says its tracking force of 3.5 grams, versus 1.8 to 2.0 grams for other turntables, will cause more wear to your records over time.
- Poor speed accuracyMentioned often
It had the worst speed accuracy of anything Wirecutter tested.
What owners love
- Very easy to use
Wirecutter found it easy to set up and use. Amazon shoppers say it takes just minutes to assemble and like the auto start/stop.
- Effortless Bluetooth
Amazon owners say Bluetooth pairing works effortlessly; one says it pairs instantly with their receiver.
- Owners see good value
Amazon shoppers call it an excellent value, especially for playing old LPs.
Skip it if…- You want to protect a valuable record collection
- You're sensitive to pitch or speed drift
- You want to upgrade the cartridge
Good for- Push-button play with Bluetooth to wireless speakers
- Casual listening to old LPs
- Owners who value convenience over fidelity
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality2.5
Why 2.5?
Worst speed accuracy in Wirecutter's tests. Amazon owners are happy with it for casual listening. - Gentle on records1.5
Why 1.5?
A 3.5 g tracking force (vs 1.8-2.0 g on others) will cause more record wear over time (Wirecutter). - Easy setup5.0
Why 5.0?
Easy to set up and use (Wirecutter); assembles in minutes per Amazon owners.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick (competition, updated 2026-08-28): easy to set up and use, but the worst speed accuracy tested and a 3.5 g tracking force that wears records.
- Engadget: Notes that Sony has relied on the PS-LX310BT as its lone turntable for years. It tested the pricier PS-LX3BT instead, not this model.
#8
Crosley
$Suitcase / all-in-oneScore 2.0/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,318 ratings) on the Slate color listing; other colors have separate listings.The classic suitcase record player: no setup, Bluetooth in and out, and lots of colors. When Wirecutter tested the earlier Cruiser, it sounded thin and blaring, and its tracking force was too heavy for the reviewer's 5-gram gauge, which he says wears records faster. Crosley says the Plus isolates its speakers, but no expert has re-tested it.
Top complaints
- Thin, blaring soundVery common
In Wirecutter's 2020 test of the earlier Cruiser, the sound was thin and blaring, the bass was hard to hear, and motor noise leaked through the speakers. Wirecutter didn't recommend it. Amazon's review summary says opinions on its sound are split between good and poor.
- Heavy tracking force wears recordsMentioned often
Wirecutter couldn't measure the tracking force of the Cruiser or Victrola Plaza because it was above its 5-gram gauge's limit. The reviewer guessed it was fixed at about 7-8 grams, compared with about 2 grams for a typical audiophile cartridge, and concluded that the warnings about record wear appear to be right. A vintage-audio dealer told Wirecutter these cheap players mostly use primitive ceramic cartridges.
- Wobble and out-of-box defectsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says stability is mixed, with several owners reporting that the record wobbles during playback, and opinions on value are split. A dealer quoted by Wirecutter said an unusually large share of cheap all-in-one players are defective right out of the box.
What owners love
- No setup at all
Wirecutter says setting up these players was a welcome relief: you remove a twist tie and some foam, then plug it in. Amazon shoppers find it easy to use, with simple controls.
- Lots of features for the price
Crosley lists three speeds, adjustable pitch, an aux input, a cueing lever, and Bluetooth in and out. Amazon owners like streaming through it to other speakers.
- Fun looks
Amazon shoppers like the color options, and Crosley sells it in many finishes.
Skip it if…- You care about keeping your records in good shape
- You want full sound with real bass
- You plan to upgrade the needle or cartridge later
Good for- A cheap, colorful gift for casual listening
- Playing records with no setup at all
- Old 78s and occasional spins
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound quality1.0
Why 1.0?
The earlier Cruiser sounded thin and blaring, with motor noise, in Wirecutter's test. Amazon owners are split on sound. - Gentle on records1.0
Why 1.0?
Wirecutter estimated a fixed tracking force of about 7-8 g on the earlier Cruiser, versus about 2 g typical, and says this wears records faster. - Easy setup5.0
Why 5.0?
Remove packing and plug in (Wirecutter). Amazon owners call it easy to use. - Upgradability1.0
Why 1.0?
Wirecutter guessed the tracking force is fixed. Its dealer source says you need interchangeable cartridges and adjustable tracking force to avoid record wear, which cheap players like this lack. - Build & reliability2.0
Why 2.0?
Amazon owners report wobbling records; a dealer told Wirecutter many cheap all-in-ones are defective out of the box.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended (2020 test of the earlier Cruiser): thin sound, motor noise, distorted line output, and tracking force too heavy to measure. The pre-Plus model was tested.