The Best Beginner Turntables Reviews – Starting Your Vinyl Journey

Are you excited about listening to music on a vinyl player but don’t want to invest thousands of dollars in it? Or perhaps you’re worried that vinyl might just be a fling, and you don’t want to bet your budget on it? The market has a lot to offer you.

In this article, I will introduce you to the best record players for beginners. They’re user-friendly, won’t break the bank, and pack quite decent performance for their segment.

Our pick

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Best record player for beginners

The AT-LP60XBT gives you all the great features of the redesigned AT-LP60X fully automatic belt-drive stereo turntable with the added convenience of Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Read the full review.

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Record players for beginners comparison table

Types of record players available for beginners

I guess you are in search of your first record player. If you’re already intimidated by dozens of technical specs, I’m here to make things easier. First, let’s examine what the market offers for beginners:

• All-in-one systems: Ideal for those seeking simplicity as these systems often come with built-in speakers and phono preamps. I often recommend them for first-time users because they don’t require additional components.
• Portable options: Often, people struggle with having limited space or are constantly on the go but want to enjoy vinyl even under these circumstances. In this case, I recommend paying attention to portable turntables. These are compact and often feature built-in speakers.
• Stand-alone turntables: If customization is your game, stand-alone turntables are a great pick. They allow you to choose your speakers and amplifiers separately. So, you get a more personalized beginner record player setup as you evolve in your vinyl experience. This option is the most appropriate for those who believe vinyl is not temporary fun.

Best beginner record player reviews

Now, let’s get to the fun part – the reviews of vinyl players for beginners that I’ve selected for you. Each of them unequivocally deserves your attention.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT – best overall

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT seamlessly combines simplicity with modern features. I have often recommended it to my friends and acquaintances who, infected by my passion for vinyl, were choosing their first turntable. The reason is that I personally consider it an ideal choice for beginners.

The turntable is quite sturdy. You will get a stable rotation thanks to the die-cast aluminum platter. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the economy of quality in some materials keeps this model affordable. There’s a notable amount of plastic, and the platter lacks the heft found in higher-end models. This makes the turntable sensitive to vibrations. The listener will especially notice this in rooms with possible disturbances.

Setting up the AT-LP60XBT is a breeze, especially for those new to vinyl. The preset tone arm settings provide a hassle-free initiation. The process is straightforward – attach the platter drive belt, power it up, and you’re ready to listen to your favorite LPs. Rotation speeds of 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm allow you to use vinyl records of various formats.

The inclusion of a built-in phono preamp is a practical touch. The switchable RCA jacks offer flexibility for various setups. If you choose a conventional input in your configuration, utilizing the player’s built-in preamplifier, you’ll end up with a satisfying sound that complements a casual listening atmosphere. But the AT-LP60XBT goes beyond sound, creating a roomy vibe. It feels like the music breathes. The bass is agile and weighty, which I consider to be a solid foundation for the entire sonic spectrum. It’s the thump of a kick drum or the rumble of a bass guitar – rendered with decent balance.

The integration of Bluetooth technology also adds a modern touch. While purists may debate the audiophile merits, for many, the convenience of wireless connection is a must-have.

But it’s worth noting that audiophiles are picky about personalized sound and prefer turntables with a wide range of customizable parameters. In this case, you won’t be able to adjust elements such as downforce, anti-skate, and cartridge centering. But I do want to point out that the AT-LP60XBT is intentionally designed for ease of use, targeting an audience that values simplicity over a plethora of customizable parameters.

In actual use, the AT-LP60XBT lives up to its promise of simplicity. The automatic start and stop functionality safeguards your vinyl from accidental scratches and generally makes the entire process more accessible for newcomers.

Victrola VTA-600B – all-in-one solution

The Victrola VTA-600B, presented in a rich and very attractive mahogany finish, is an 8-in-1 solution for beginners. It looks chic but also offers quite decent performance.

The VTA-600B exhibits a blend of sturdy materials in its construction. The classic style is complemented by real wood elements. So, the design is durable and aesthetically pleasing. While some components incorporate plastic, the overall build quality is adequate for a consumer device. The turntable platter, stylus, and tonearm ensure the unit’s functionality.

The interface features all the essential controls: a volume knob, FM tuner, and intuitive click buttons for various functions. A full-function remote control complements the manual operation. The absence of an On/Off button on the remote requires users to initiate power manually. But this is a minor inconvenience considering the overall functionality.

The VTA-600B turntable has a 3-speed belt-driven setup—33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm. The sound quality is not bad. No annoying vibrations, just a solid listening experience for all your vinyl records. They threw in some built-in stereo speakers that give you a clear audio output, which is nice. But there are no bass or treble control knobs, so you can’t tweak the sound exactly how you want it. Still, if you’re craving more bass, you can hook up some external speakers to pump up the volume.

Besides being a killer turntable, the VTA-600B comes loaded with some extras. This is why it is often considered the best beginner turntable because it offers many features in one unit. First off, there’s a CD player with a sturdy tray and FM radio, which is a nice bonus. Plus, Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, so your gadgets can stay connected to the player within that range, allowing for flexibility in their placement. Moreover, if you ever wish to preserve your vinyl record collection in a digital format and listen to melodies on various devices, you have the cool option of converting vinyl records to MP3 format.

Getting the hang of the VTA-600B’s features calls for a quick breather after turning it on before switching between different modes. Operating the tonearm manually needs a bit of focus, but they’ve thrown in a grip to help you place it securely.

1 BY ONE H005 – fully manual

The 1 BY ONE H005 is another stylish and pretty performance-oriented turntable that deserves your attention. The striking red finish is eye-catching and brings that vintage vibe into the picture. On top of that, this model is fully manual, giving you the opportunity to really “touch” the world of vinyl.

The H005’s decent sound quality is ensured by its diamond stylus cartridge, setting it apart from the rest of the lineup. This is an excellent bonus, particularly because the record remains undamaged for an extended period. An adjustable counterweight and anti-slip system are also included. So, the tunes will be played without annoying skips or distortion.

Setting up the H005 is a breeze. You just need to tweak the counterweight and handle the belt with a bit of care. There’s no automatic stop/start/return feature, so you’ve got to give the tonearm some manual love. It adds a bit of nostalgia and hands-on action to the whole vinyl-listening ritual.

The H005 turntable is designed for various audio systems. This is possible thanks to the built-in magnetic-type preamplifier. It has both phono and line outputs. It provides flexibility when connecting the turntable to amplifiers, speakers, and other audio devices. The ability to switch between phono and line outputs allows you to use them in a variety of playback scenarios.

I do realize that Bluetooth makes wireless connectivity more convenient, and you’ll probably be glad to have this feature. However, you may encounter compatibility issues with some Bluetooth speakers due to specific protocol requirements.

Victrola VSC-550BT – with built-in speakers

Looking for the best beginner record player that not only excels in its primary task but also boasts visual appeal? What attracted me to the Victrola VSC-550BT was its undeniable charm. It’s marketed as a portable suitcase-style record player, and indeed, the easy-carry handle and compact design make it a great addition to any space.

This turntable is a jack-of-all-trades with its 3-speed, belt-driven setup, handling 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. But the lightweight tonearm might lead to some occasional skipping. Luckily, there’s a DIY fix. You can toss on a clay poker chip for a bit of extra weight and smooth out the playback.

The stereo speakers that come with it pump out clear sound, but there’s a slight tinny vibe to it. It’s got that retro charm, no doubt, but of course, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for the richer audio you might be aiming for. The Victrola faces a bit of a challenge with dynamic range. Quieter moments miss some of the subtlety. High frequencies come through clearly, but every now and then, they can edge toward sharpness. On the flip side, the bass is nimble but lacks that heft.

LP&No.1 LPSC026

LP&No.1 LPSC026 Retro Bluetooth Turntable is another interesting turntable in this price segment. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of its features, performance, and quirks.

The LPSC026 is a real gem with its vintage wood design. I like how the manufacturers combined old-school vibes with modern flair. It’s not stuck in your living room. This thing is lightweight and portable. Plus, it’s got wireless capabilities, so you can bring your favorite tunes along wherever life takes you. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just kicking back at home.

But it’s not just about the looks. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s a versatile music hub. It supports different speeds (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) and works with 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch records. What is more, the Auto Stop function is a thoughtful addition that serves as a protective measure, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your records.

This turntable can not only play back but also record sound. Just pop in a USB drive while playing a record. No need for a computer or any complicated setups.

The LPSC026 speakers are located on both sides. Having built-in speakers makes it easy to set up. I have personally put this turntable to the test, and I must say that it has quite a nice sound for its segment. When the needle hits the grooves, every note feels spacious. The vinyl features a lively crackle. I enjoy this, as it gives a feeling beyond the clean but cold digital sound. The bass is brisk and punchy.

However, there’s a notable drawback. The platter might show a bit of wobbling, and unfortunately, the feet aren’t adjustable to accommodate uneven surfaces. In short, if your system is not installed on a perfectly flat surface, you will likely have stability problems.