Best Turntables Under $500 of 2023

After decades of digital music supremacy, vinyl is coming back, which is why we've put together a list of the top turntables for less than $500. Entering the world of audio can be frightening, but if you're still assembling your record collection, your first turntable doesn't have to cost four figures.

New turntable production has increased as a result of the rebirth of vinyl. Pro-Ject and Crosley, two relatively young competitors, pose a threat to established audio businesses like Audio-Technica and Pioneer (which has significantly improved its reputation lately). No of your budget, there are now more possibilities than ever if you're interested in purchasing your deck thanks to the turntable boom. The best turntables under $500 are no-compromise devices that need little upkeep to last a lifetime.

Check out our list of Best Turntables Under $500 suggested by Experts.

• Best Overall: Fluance RT85

• Best Bluetooth: Crosley C6B-WA

• Best for DJs: Reloop 4000 MK2

• Best for Beginners: Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW

• Best Budget: Fluance RT81

• Best for Audiophiles: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

• Best for Professional: Technics Turntable

1. Fluance RT85

The RT85 illustrates Fluance's aptitude for creating equipment that can compete head-to-head with more expensive models from its rivals. It looks pricey and is offered in white, walnut, and bamboo finishes. But more significantly, it sounds great, especially when combined with other high-quality parts. Its MDF hardwood base, which is larger and heavier than the ordinary turntable, has three sizable, adjustable rubber feet that, combined with the weight and density of the plinth, assist dampen external vibrations. Fluance gave the two-speed, belt-driven machine a thick, translucent acrylic platter. Its heft and density aid in maintaining a steady pace.

Like the majority of high-quality turntables, the RT85 lacks an integrated preamp. It must be used with a receiver with a phono input or an external phono preamp. However, the outcome is worthwhile. The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge has a "nude" diamond stylus for the most precise tracking. The RT85 provides crystal-clear audio, a large stereo field of view, and a whisper-quiet operation. Our reviewer referred to listening to records on the RT85 as a "reference experience."

Pros

• “Reference-quality” sound.

• The sturdy plinth and platter minimize vibrations.

• Nude-diamond cartridge for precise pickup.

Cons

• Heavier and larger than usual.

2. Reloop 4000 MK2

This direct-drive, quartz-driven turntable is explicitly designed for DJs who want exactitude while syncing tracks. With features like reverse play and quartz-lock tempo reset, Reloop enhanced the MK2 version. The integrated pitch control supports variations between +/-8% and +/-16%. The direct-drive motor's increase torque enables the turntable to resume rotation more quickly and efficiently.

The top panel was redone by Reloop, who added tactile buttons. Additionally, extendible needle illumination was added, enabling you to use the aluminum target light in low-light conditions to observe the needle location. The RP-4000 MK2 has a sturdy design and improved shock-absorbing feet that reduce vibrations—a helpful feature while working near loudspeakers and a club full of people dancing. The RP-4000 MK2's tonearm has a hydraulic lift, a statically balanced tonearm, and an anti-skating system.

The RP-4000 MK2 is a capable DJ turntable at an economical price point thanks to its broad feature set and sturdy build quality. Reloop's RP-7000 MK2 offers even more features if you're ready to spend a little more, but it's still less expensive than the top-tier Technics SL-1210mk2.

Pros

• Motor with high torque for more rapid speed changes.

• Features for pitch reset and reverse were added.

• Increased isolation is provided by shock-absorbing feet.

Cons

• Better sound dampening is possible.

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3. Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW

This belt-drive turntable, an upgraded version of the AT-LP60, is simple to set up and use and can easily compete with similarly priced or even more expensive alternatives. Because the AT-LP60X-BW has an internal phono preamp, you can connect it to sound systems without phono inputs. You can turn off the preamp if you don't need it.

The fact that it only provides a single stereo 3.5mm output is one example of how A-T managed to keep the price low. The turntable, however, comes with an RCA breakout cable for attaching to other parts of your system.

The revised tonearm base and headshell, which Audio-Technica claims will improve tracking and reduce resonance, are the most notable modifications in this updated version. The power supply was externalized by A-T, which lessens the possibility of electrical interference affecting the audio transmission. A-T provides its cartridge, the dual-moving magnet ATN3600L, in the cartridge market. You can't go wrong with the AT-LP60X-BW if you're new to vinyl or simply searching for a high-quality turntable at a reasonable price.

Pros

• Best entry-level deck on the market.

• Fantastic value.

• Unbeatable preamp.

Cons

• No Bluetooth output.

4. Fluance RT81

This device is an excellent alternative if you want a reasonably priced upgrade from a starter model. The device has a preamp onboard that you can turn on and off, giving you the freedom to connect with different components. It has an Audio-Technica ATN95E cartridge installed by Fluance, which provides good sound quality. You can swap it out for a higher-end cartridge at some point if you wish to improve the quality.

The plinth for the RT81 is made of solid wood and has a stylish walnut finish. It is relatively heavy, which makes it more vibration-resistant. The tonearm is plastic, which is a drawback. The turntable has auto-start and auto-stop capabilities but doesn't offer entirely automatic operation. The turntable turns on when the tonearm is raised and moved over the record. A record comes to an end and stops (although you still must put the tonearm back manually).

Pros

• Excellent AT95E cartridge.

• Line and phono output.

• Sturdy wooden plinth.

Cons

• No Bluetooth.

5. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

This turntable features a pared-down design approach and a concentrated focus on exceptional sound quality. It is the company's first new Debut model in ten years. The belt-driven Carbon Evo, expertly crafted in the Czech Republic, has a heavier platter than its predecessors and more internal dampening to insulate it from the surface it rests on.

Pro-Ject built the Carbon Evo with height-adjustable metal feet for precise leveling and further vibration reduction. The Carbon Evo includes a switch for changing speeds as opposed to earlier Debut models, which required taking off and replacing the belt. Additionally, the business has introduced a 78RPM setting. From nine various hand-painted finishes, listeners can select.

However, the design of this turntable was primarily motivated by sound. The Debut Carbon Evo delivers it, big time, with its heavy plinth, enhanced motor suspension, Sumiko Ranier cartridge (models outside the US may get an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge instead), and a one-piece carbon-fiber tonearm. It has many high-end, warm midrange and substantial bass. You'll need to provide your preamp, but any audiophile would like it that way. Ideally, you'll be able to locate a discount on this device shortly, where it will indeed be less than $500.

Pros

• Outstanding sound quality for the price.

• Additional plate separation aids in further reducing vibrations.

• 3-speed electronic switching.

• Several color options.

Cons

• Reasonably expensive.

Q: Do expensive turntables produce better audio?

Turntables are similar to wine or automobiles in that, for the most part, you get what you paid for. Generally, a turntable's components are of higher quality and produce better sound when it costs more. The cartridge is one of the most crucial components. The quality of the cartridge and, thus, the overall sound quality dramatically increases as the price increases. Another essential factor is the platter's and plinth's capacity to reduce vibrations. The turntable's speed precision is the next factor to consider. Cheap belt-drive turntables can occasionally run a little bit off speed as they deteriorate. Some businesses are more adept at cutting costs while maintaining a high level of quality.

Q: Does a turntable require speakers?

A turntable without built-in speakers is unnecessary because those speakers are typically poor quality. But you'll need the most outstanding speakers for music within your price range unless the turntable has a Bluetooth output and you're listening on headphones. You may connect powered speakers straight to your turntable if it has a line output or Bluetooth output (if you're on a tight budget, I recommend the Fluance Ai41). The most typical setup is to connect your turntable to a receiver with phono inputs or to a receiver or amplifier first, followed by a standalone preamp. The amplified signal is then sent from the amp or receiver to your passive speakers, where it is converted into audio waves.

Q: Do turntables outperform CD players?

Depending on your definition of "better," The 16-bit, 44.1kHz digital audio that a CD player generates is technically superior to vinyl in terms of dynamic range (the gap between the quietest and loudest conceivable sound), stereo separation, and distortion. However, music listening is far more individualized than that, and many music lovers believe that vinyl sounds "warmer," "more organic and lifelike." Ironically, the warmth of vinyl derives from its flaws, and the "sterility" of the CD comes from its more precise and quieter representation.

Whether you're buying a turntable for the first time or switching back to vinyl after using CDs for a while, we're confident you'll be able to find a model that meets your needs among the best turntables under $500 we've suggested here. With the exception of die-hard audiophiles, these five best turntables should satisfy listeners of all budgets and skill levels.