In an age dominated by digital audio, you might expect record players to have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Yet with so many hardcore music enthusiasts embracing the format, it’s time we stepped in to make the lifestyle more welcoming with our guide to the best record players for beginners.

Vinyl is one of the best ways to connect with music. The tactile nature of handling records, the warm analogue sound, and the artwork that makes each album cover a statement piece are all part of the hi-fi experience.

With so many options though – turntables, amps, speakers, cartridges, and accessories – choosing an all-in-one record player can make things easier. Whether you’re curious about vinyl or shopping for someone ready to reconnect with their collection, we’ve got you covered.

We’re about to answer the questions you’ve been asking, like how to choose the right record player, what sets low-end models apart from high-end ones, and whether the extra investment is truly worth it.

2. Lenco LS-440 Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers – The best all-in-one record player

Key features

• Comes with an Audio Technica AT3600L Cartridge
• 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback with pitch control
• Bluetooth 5.0, AUX in, and RCA output

Pros

• RCA output allows optional speaker connection to enhance sound quality
• Bluetooth streaming from phone/tablet and headphone output
• Pitch and tone controls for sound adjustment

Cons

• The proximity of the speakers results in less stereo depth

If you’re looking for a record player, the Lenco LS-440 fits the bill perfectly. It’s exactly what you’d expect from an all-in-one system – with added features.

Ready to go straight out of the box with an amplifier and built-in speakers, it delivers surprisingly good sound for an enclosed system like this. You can play your records at 33 1/3 or 45 RPM, and the pitch and tone controls allow you to fine-tune playback to your liking.

For more flexibility, the switchable RCA phono/line output lets you connect the LS-440 to an external amplifier or a pair of active speakers. This allows you to bypass the built-in speakers whenever you’re ready to upgrade your setup.

You can also use the LS-440 as your main pair of speakers if you don’t have space for multiple audio hubs. Simply connect via the 3.5mm aux input or stream over Bluetooth from your phone or tablet. While it lacks features like auto-stop or anti-skate adjustment, it comes with a pre-attached Audio-Technica cartridge, maintaining playback quality without causing wear to your records.

Whether you’re playing records to unwind or setting the mood for a gathering, the sound is well-suited for everyday listening.

3. Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 Turntable – The best integrated hi-fi turntable

Key features

• Comes with an Ortofon OM5E Cartridge
• 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speed switch
• Bluetooth connectivity with line input and phono preamp

Pros

• High-quality turntable with built-in amplifier
• Simple setup with pre-adjusted cartridge and tonearm
• Can be paired with the Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5, designed for this turntable

Cons

• Slightly high price for a beginner-friendly setup

The Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 isn’t quite your typical all-in-one system, but it does bring together a turntable, amp, phono stage, and Bluetooth receiver. With a 50W output, it’s a fantastic “just-add-speakers” solution, also available in the Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 Hi-Fi Set and paired with the Speaker Box 5 for a complete hi-fi system.

So, what sets the Juke Box E1 apart from a standard record player? It’s the build quality. When it comes to playing records, precision is key. The stylus has to trace tiny grooves in the vinyl, picking up microscopic details that are then converted into the sound you hear. Even the slightest vibrations can interfere with that process.

The Juke Box E1 addresses this with a CNC-machined composite fibre plinth that reduces resonance, ensuring more accurate audio. This attention to detail is especially important for a turntable that also houses an amplifier a common source of noise.

Plus, the re-engineered tonearm, damped DC motor, and anti-resonant ABS polymer platter all work together to keep vibrations to a minimum so the stylus can follow the record’s grooves with impressive precision.

But the Juke Box E1 isn’t just for vinyl. It doubles as an amplifier for other audio sources too. With a built-in Bluetooth receiver and RCA input, you can stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet, or connect devices like a CD player or network streamer. This flexibility makes the Juke Box E1 a true all-in-one solution, seamlessly handling digital and analogue audio.

4. Majority Moto Vinyl Turntable with Bluetooth – The best for those on a low budget 

Key features

• Bluetooth and analogue connection options
• USB recording for digitising vinyl
• Plays all record speeds

Pros

• Crisp sound with AT3600L cartridge
• Built-in speakers for immediate playback
• Dampening platter reduces playback distortion

Cons

• Sound quality isn’t as great as higher-end options

The Majority Moto Vinyl Turntable is both retro and modern – it includes some of that old-school classic vinyl charm balanced with modern features. Firstly, there’s Bluetooth 5.3 capability – this is great for a tidy setup. You can either stream wirelessly to compatible speakers or opt for the analogue output to connect directly to your sound system. The built-in speakers are particularly convenient if you don’t have any additional equipment, allowing you to enjoy your records straight out of the box.

At the heart of the turntable is the Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge, delivering impressive clarity and precision across all record speeds: 33, 45, and 78 RPM. USB recording function is an added bonus as it enables you to digitise your collection directly to a pen drive, with automatic track separation simplifying the process.

The dampening platter, coupled with stabilising feet, effectively minimises vibrations, ensuring smooth, distortion-free playback. These seem like small design features – but they play a huge role in the overall quality of the sound. The Majority Moto is a great turntable if you want something sleek, vintage-inspired yet with modern appointments, and extremely affordable. It’s a great all-rounder! 

5. Pro-Ject E1 BT Turntable – The best budget-friendly Bluetooth turntable

Key features

• Pre-installed Audio Technica AT3600L Cartridge
• Supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback
• Bluetooth 5.0 and switchable phono preamp

Pros

• Belt drive and low-vibration motor design for smooth, consistent playback
• Option to pair with wired systems via RCA output for added versatility
• Easy setup with pre-installed cartridge and tonearm adjustments

Cons

• Not all-in-one, but integrates easily with speakers and headphones via Bluetooth

The Pro-Ject E1 BT Turntable is the high point of budget-friendly hi-fi before you venture into the mid-range. As its name suggests, it comes with a Bluetooth transmitter, allowing you to stream your records directly to compatible speakers or headphones.

This is perfect for casual listeners who want the warmth of vinyl while connecting to modern wireless systems – now a common feature in many homes. It eliminates the need for complex setups or extra components, making it a simple, hassle-free option.

To understand where the Pro-Ject E1 BT fits, it’s helpful to see its place in the series upgrade path. It sits above the base E1 and E1 Phono models, adding Bluetooth 5.0 to the built-in phono preamp of the latter. It’s also a more affordable option compared to the higher E1 Juke Box, especially if you already have an amp, active speakers, or wireless headphones to hand.

So while it might not have an amplifier integrated into its design, the E1 BT is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a streamlined setup without the extra cost.

In terms of design, it keeps Pro-Ject’s minimalist aesthetic intact. The sleek plinth (available in multiple finishes), clean lines, and compact size all reflect the brand’s high build quality. The simple controls make it easy to switch between 33⅓ and 45 RPM speeds or toggle between Bluetooth and wired connections.

Whether you’re streaming wirelessly or enjoying your records the traditional way, the E1 BT offers effortless control, making it a versatile choice for any listener.

6. Technics SL-1500C Hi-Fi Turntable – The best high-end turntable for beginners

Key features

• Comes with an Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
• Supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds
• Built-in phono stage for easy system integration

Pros

• High torque direct-drive motor for consistent rotation
• Aluminium top plate and rubberised feet for isolation​
• Beginner-friendly features like auto-stop and electronic speed control

Cons

• More expensive than what is usually classified as “entry-level”

Are you a beginner audiophile with the budget for a premium turntable? Or perhaps you already have a high-end digital system and are looking to expand into analogue without compromising on quality. The Technics SL-1500C Hi-Fi Turntable offers an exceptional entry point into Technics‘ world of high-end vinyl systems.

The SL-1500C draws heavily from the design and engineering of Technics’ iconic 1200C, a favourite among DJs and audiophiles for its low-noise, high-quality construction. Its high-torque direct-drive motor delivers better speed stability than belt-driven alternatives, ensuring quicker start-up and more precise speed control. This reduces wow and flutter, offering a more lifelike audio experience.

However, Technics’ mastery of dampening and isolation is what gives the performance a step up. The SL-1500C is equipped with a high-grade aluminium top plate and rubberised feet to reduce vibrations, while advanced isolation technology cuts down motor noise. These features guarantee clear sound quality, even in challenging environments.

The SL-1500C comes ready to use with a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge and a switchable built-in phono stage, ensuring smooth integration with your audio system. With support for 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds, it can handle a wide range of vinyl formats, from contemporary LPs to classic shellac records.

Thanks to its convenient auto-stop function that halts the platter when a record finishes, the SL-1500C safeguards your stylus and vinyl, making it a great pick if you’re just starting their vinyl collection.

7. Crosley Voyager Record Player – The best suitcase-style record player

Key features

• Equipped with a standard ceramic cartridge​
• Supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds​
• Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, aux in, line out, and headphone out

Pros

• Built-in speakers provide an all-in-one solution for casual listening​
• The compact design makes it easy to move or store​
• Surprising level of connectivity for a record player at this price point

Cons

• Ceramic cartridge lacks the precision of more advanced cartridges​

The Crosley Voyager is just as much about style as it is about music. Available in a range of soft pastel colours and even a floral variant, it’s a fun and compact record player that offers a simple, all-in-one solution for casual vinyl listening.

While you might not find this type of record player in audiophile setups, it’s the pick if you just want to keep things simple.

With a pre-installed ceramic cartridge and minimal setup, you can start playing records straight out of the box. Its electronic speed switching handles 12- and 7-inch vinyl as well as older shellac records, making it a versatile option for vinyl newcomers. Plus, with built-in speakers, there’s no need for external amps or phono stages – everything you need is included.

While the built-in speakers aren’t on par with mid- or high-end models, they’re more than adequate for the occasional spin. If you’re looking to enhance the sound, the Voyager offers Bluetooth and RCA outputs, so you can connect external powered speakers for improved sound quality. It also includes a headphone jack for private listening or late-night sessions.

The Crosley Voyager is compact, portable, and made for convenience. Its lightweight, retro-chic design makes it a great display piece, as well as simple to move or store. While audiophiles may nay-say it for its plastic build and ceramic cartridge, it’s an affordable, very beginner-friendly point of entry if you’re only just discovering vinyl.

8. Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB – The best turntable for versatility

Key features

• Pre-installed Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge​​
• Supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds​
• USB-B output, Bluetooth, switchable phono preamp

Pros

• USB connectivity allows for easy digitisation of vinyl collections​​
• Direct-drive motor provides stable playback and precision speed control​
• Bluetooth lets you stream wirelessly to speakers or headphones​

Cons

• Lacks full automation. Manual cueing might be less convenient for beginners

Suppose you’re looking to digitise your vinyl collection. It could be because you’re relocating and need to clear out some space after years of collecting, or maybe you’re a budding audio engineer chasing the unique sound vinyl delivers for sampling.

You may have already come across the AT-LP60X-USB while searching for a beginner-friendly record player. Now, let us introduce you to the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB – a step up with even more features. Though the name might sound complex at first, on the face of it, it tells you everything you need to know about its versatility.

“BT-USB” is a great combo for beginner-friendly connectivity, featuring Bluetooth 5.0 and USB output for streaming and digitising your vinyl records. By connecting the turntable to your computer via USB, you can easily use Audacity or similar software to convert your vinyl into digital formats.

The process is beginner-friendly, ensuring that anyone can digitise their collections with minimal effort and without the need for complex setups.

If you’re short on space and can’t accommodate speakers, the AT-LP120XBT-USB offers the ideal solution. By digitising your vinyl collection, you can enjoy your music without additional equipment, saving valuable space and even being able to take it with you if you have a digital audio player. While it might not match the traditional idea of a record player, it’s a perfect option when there’s limited room.

9. Lenco LS-50 Turntable – The best record player for versatility

Key features

• Equipped with a ceramic cartridge
• Supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds​
• USB and RCA outputs

Pros

• The discreet built-in speakers give this a more traditional turntable appearance
• USB connectivity for easy digitisation of vinyl records​
• Compact and stylish wooden design with integrated stereo amplifier​

Cons

• Ceramic cartridge offers lower sound fidelity than other cartridges​

Turntable or record player? At first glance, the Lenco LS-50 may seem like a typical turntable, but take a closer look and you’ll notice speakers cleverly built into its legs. Pretty neat, right? This design gives you the convenience of a record player while maintaining the timeless look of a classic turntable.

Plus, it comes with USB connectivity, allowing you to digitise your record collection – a feature that makes the LS-50 a versatile choice, especially for beginners.

Using the USB port, you can easily connect the LS-50 to your computer and use free software like Audacity to capture your vinyl in digital form. Setup is straightforward: install the software, select USB Audio Codec as the input, place your record on the turntable, and press the record button. You can even pause between tracks, giving you full control over the recording process.

This feature is perfect for preserving the warmth and character of your vinyl while enjoying the convenience of digital formats. Ready to go straight out of the box, the LS-50 comes fitted with a ceramic cartridge and supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds.

The built-in speakers offer decent sound for casual listening, but for enhanced audio quality, you can easily connect external speakers via RCA outputs. And while it lacks a built-in phono stage, this just allows you to pick one yourself that matches your future system requirements.