Best Record Players for 2025

Design

There are four main elements to a turntable: the plinth or base, the platter on which the vinyl record sits, the motor and the arm. The best designs offer extended bracing and isolation between each of these elements to reduce the noise, which can affect the sound quality of the vinyl.

Motor

Generally, modern record players are powered in one of two different ways: belt drive and direct drive. Direct drive has a dedicated motor that spins the platter directly and is almost exclusively used by DJs — in turntables such as the Technics SL1200. Belt drive models are more consumer-focused and use a motor-diven rubber belt to spin the platter. All of these record players offer a belt drive, which further reduces noise over direct-drive designs by absorbing motor vibrations which could otherwise be picked up by the stylus.

Cartridge

A cartridge is the small box mounted to the end of the tonearm on your record player. It includes the stylus (or needle) that lowers onto the vinyl itself. The best turntables feature a user-replaceable cartridge, which allows you to experiment with a higher-quality cartridge (such as an Ortofon 2M Red) to produce a better sound.

Speed switch

Another convenience feature to look for include an electronic speed switch (no more removing the platter). If you play a lot of singles or own audiophile pressings then you will likely want a hardware switch to choose between 33 1/3 and 45. Otherwise, models that require you to remove the platter and move the belt to change speeds may suit your needs.

Preamp

Also look for a switchable onboard preamp that enables you to use a better phono stage. Unlike most types of players, a turntable needs a pre-amp to bring music up to “line level.” Otherwise it will sound like pixies singing in a cave. External preamps are generally required for some vintage models as well as intermediate and high-end turntables that sell at a higher price point. If you’re looking to keep costs low and convenience high, you may want to consider a turntable with a built-in preamp that then connects to any speaker or receiver.

Additional features

Many modern record players come equipped with features including Bluetooth pairing and USB connectivity. Make sure you know what you’re looking for in a record player and see if any digital features appeal to your needs.

Price Point

Turntables start at around $50 and can cost as much as a mortgage, but the really good ones start at around $300. Audiophile-quality models start from $1,000. This list contains options spanning that range to help you stay within your budget.