The Best Turntables in all Categories: From Experienced Record Collectors To Beginners 2025

The McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable is a stunning piece of audio engineering that blends world-class performance with iconic style. Whether you’re a longtime audiophile or a passionate newcomer to the world of vinyl, the MT5 invites you into an immersive, warm, and rich listening experience—one that only analog can provide. You can clearly see why the MT5 snagged our “Best Audiophile-Grade Turntable” crown.

Crafted with the renowned attention to detail that defines McIntosh, the MT5 is more than just a turntable—it's a statement piece. Its sleek, modern design is instantly recognizable thanks to the illuminated green-glow platter, which floats elegantly over the base like a piece of functional art. The aesthetic is classic McIntosh, designed to complement the rest of your McIntosh system or to stand alone as a beautiful centerpiece.

But the MT5 is as much about performance as it is about looks. It comes with a factory-fitted, high-performance moving coil cartridge, precision tonearm, and a belt-driven platter system made from a special vibration-dampening material. The result is ultra-quiet operation and stable speed accuracy, ensuring your records sound just as the artist intended. Every nuance, every subtle detail, and every powerful moment in your favorite records comes alive with remarkable clarity and depth.

What sets the MT5 apart is its plug-and-play simplicity. While many high-end turntables require careful setup, the MT5 arrives calibrated and ready to perform at its best with minimal adjustment. This makes it ideal for vinyl lovers who want top-tier audio without the hassle.

Of course, the MT5 proudly carries the McIntosh legacy of exceptional build quality. Each component is engineered to last, offering a lifetime of listening pleasure. Whether you're spinning a first-pressing jazz classic or the latest indie release, the MT5 delivers sonic excellence with every play.

In short, the McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable is a perfect blend of form and function. It brings together luxurious design, audiophile-grade performance, and user-friendly operation in a way that few turntables can match. If you're serious about your vinyl and want an experience that feels as good as it sounds, the MT5 is ready to elevate your listening to the next level.

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality
• Plug-and-play setup
• Classic McIntosh build quality
• Premium materials

Cons:

• On the pricier side of turntables
• No built-in phono pre-amp
• Limited adjustability

Embrace the vinyl revival with the U-Turn Audio Orbit 2 Plus Turntable, a great option for beginners passionate about diving deep into the vinyl world. At the heart of this stylish turntable is the OA3 (Orbit Arm 3) tonearm with preset anti-skate and an adjustable stainless-steel counterweight, calibrated and balanced so it’s ready to play out of the box. The Ortofon OM 5E cartridge features an elliptical diamond stylus, delivering a well-balanced and immersive listening experience. Changing speeds between 33 and 45 is manually adjusted with the all-new seamless silicone belt—a tactile process as beautifully analog as the vinyl you’ll be listening to. Assembled by expert technicians in the USA, the Orbit 2 Plus is ready to play straight out of the box, making it the perfect turntable for those new to vinyl, promising a pure, detailed sound that transforms any listening session into an unforgettable journey. 

If you’re a turntable neewbie, please note this does not have a phono pre-amp and will need to be connected to an amplifier/receiver and speakers, or a pair of self-powered speakers.

While Rega’s Planar 1 turntable might look a bit retro (particularly in the Special Edition Walnut finish), the turntable is brimming with new technologies to help you get some incredible sound from your current (or future!) record collection.

Upon first glance, the Planar 1 is a cool mix of simplicity and elegance. A clear acrylic dust cover is hinged to the rear of the unit and swings down easily to protect the tonearm, cartridge, and potentially a record from dust settling on them and impeding performance. The handmade RB110 tonearm with precision bearing is already calibrated (and so silky smooth in movement!), so overall setup should be a breeze – less than 30 seconds in most cases.

A 24-volt synchronous motor is used for power and is whisper-quiet. Couple this with the EBLT belt drive system and the Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge, and you’re stunned with the performance versus cost ratio of this Rega turntable. The one regret we will impart upon you is that the Planar 1 does not have a built-in phono stage, so you will need one of those if your current amplifier is not equipped with the proper inputs. We just want to mention that we do have an assortment of outboard phono stages available to complement your new turntable.

The on/off switch for the turntable is located underneath the front-left corner of the plinth. While some may gripe about it not being as accessible, we rather like it because it doesn’t interrupt the lines of the unit. To help mitigate vibration and improve stability, the Planar 1 is equipped with a phenolic resin plinth and vibration-reducing feet. In using these technologies, the perfect environment for a turntable is guaranteed.

At the end of the day, the Rega Planar 1 turntable is an absolutely incredible turntable that’s sure to please just about anyone. If the aforementioned walnut finish isn’t your speed or doesn’t match the décor, it’s also available in a matte black and a matte white finish.

Whether you're new to vinyl or a seasoned collector looking for convenience, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable offers the perfect blend of tradition and technology. It brings the rich, warm sound of analog records into the modern age, letting you enjoy your favorite albums with or without wires. This kind of versatility had this turntable grab our “Best Value Turntable with Bluetooth” title rather easily. Plus, the white finish is divine!

The AT-LP60XBT is a fully automatic belt-drive turntable, meaning you don’t have to worry about manually placing or lifting the tonearm—just press a button and let the music play. It's designed to play both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records, giving you flexibility across your entire collection.

What really sets this model apart is its Bluetooth capability, which allows you to connect wirelessly to speakers, headphones, or home audio systems. No messy cables or complicated setups—just seamless streaming. And if you prefer a wired connection, there’s a built-in switchable phono pre-amp and included RCA output cables, so you can plug it into just about any audio setup.

Performance-wise, the AT-LP60XBT doesn’t disappoint. It features a redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance. The pre-mounted Audio-Technica Dual Magnet™ cartridge with a replaceable stylus ensures clean, precise audio that captures every groove and nuance of your favorite records.

Design-wise, it’s sleek and compact, with a matte finish available in several colors to match your space and style (see it in black and red, too). Whether it's sitting on a media console or a bookshelf, it adds a touch of retro charm with modern flair.

Setting up the AT-LP60XBT is a breeze, making it ideal for beginners, but its solid construction and reliable performance also appeal to vinyl enthusiasts who want a hassle-free listening experience. It’s a turntable that respects the roots of analog music while embracing the future of wireless convenience.

If you're looking for a great entry point into the vinyl world—or simply want a stylish, easy-to-use turntable that sounds as good as it looks—the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is a fantastic choice. Just press play and let the music flow.

Pros:

• Good sound quality
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Fully automatic operation
• Built-in phono pre-amp
• Several finishes available

Cons:

• Cannot use manually
• Cannot upgrade cartridge
• Fair amount of plastic used in construction

AudioTechnica (AT) is legendary in the turntable world, and this is the most cost-effective way to add that AT tech to your audio system. With simple automatic operation and push-button control, playing your LPs on the AT-LP60X-GM is as easy as it could be. Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair your wireless speaker or headphones for instant playback, and line level and phono level outputs let you plug in to just about any kind of receiver or preamp. AT has taken extra care to reduce noise that can affect playback by providing an external power supply and updating the case and tone arm construction to minimize vibration. The die-cast aluminum platter also contributes to the kind of silent operation that will really make listening to your LP collection a pleasure. The moving magnet cartridge has a very low effective tip mass, which reduces the force applied to the delicate grooves of your LPs, reducing the possibility of damage. It also produces a fairly high output level, which works well with the phono inputs on a stereo amplifier or receiver. The stylus assembly is easily replaceable, too.

Within this unassuming exterior lives a beast of technology that makes this one of the most advanced turntables we’ve ever seen. The age-old complaint of added features like auto-lift is that the extra mechanisms and motors can put a hard ceiling on performance, limited by the extra noise and interference of those mechanisms. Don’t expect a ceiling with the SL1500, though. The secret? A high-tech core-less direct drive motor that drives not only the platter, but the auto-lift on the tone arm as well, all while limiting interference. By embedding the Auto Lifter function in the base portion of the tonearm, it eliminates impacts to the tonearm. With simple design that doesn’t use motor power, there is no electrical or vibrational impact.

Don’t think Technics got lazy after accomplishing that feat though! They made sure to include an excellent phono preamplifier, so the SL1500 is perfect for any system, even if that system doesn’t have a phono preamp or phono stage (some of our favorite applications include wireless speaker systems or powered monitors for a more compact setup).

SL1500 has a no-frills design. It might not win a turntable beauty pageant, but that’s only because every aspect of this table is built meticulously for the best performance we’ve ever heard in a turntable with an auto-lift.

Victrola’s VPT-3000 is a thoughtfully designed, belt-driven turntable that strikes a perfect balance between classic analog charm and modern convenience. Whether you're brand-new to vinyl or an experienced listener, the VPT-3000 offers solid performance, attractive styling, and accessible features—all without breaking the bank. Best of all, it can integrate to your existing Sonos home audio system. This turntable was a shoo-in for “Best Turntable for Sonos”.

From the moment you unbox it, the VPT-3000 makes a strong first impression. Its sleek wood veneer base and clear dust cover give it a vintage-inspired aesthetic, while clean lines and minimalist controls add a touch of modern simplicity. It looks great in any room, from cozy listening corners to contemporary living spaces.

But the VPT-3000 is more than just good looks. Under the hood, it features a belt-drive motor system that provides steady, low-noise playback across two speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. That means you can enjoy everything from full-length LPs to your favorite 7-inch singles with reliable performance and minimal wow or flutter. Built-in Sonos connectivity allows you to seamlessly connect this turntable to your existing Sonos system so you can enjoy your vinyl anywhere in your home!

Equipped with a removable headshell and an Audio-Technica AT-3600LA cartridge, the VPT-3000 delivers surprisingly rich and dynamic sound for its price point. The tonearm features an adjustable counterweight, allowing you to fine-tune tracking force for optimal groove contact—something you’d typically only find in more expensive models.

For those who already have an audio system, the VPT-3000 gives you flexibility: it includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, so you can connect directly to powered speakers or integrate it into a more traditional hi-fi setup with a dedicated phono input. Either way, you're up and spinning in minutes.

Another thoughtful feature is its anti-skate control, which helps maintain balanced tracking across your records and prevents channel distortion. Add in its solid aluminum platter and vibration-dampening feet, and you’ve got a fantastic turntable.

In summary, the Victrola VPT-3000 is a fantastic mid-range turntable for vinyl lovers who want a taste of hi-fi without the high price. It’s easy to set up, enjoyable to use, and delivers sound that’s full of warmth and character. If you're ready to take your records seriously—or just want a dependable, great-sounding player with modern flair (and Sonos connectivity)—we believe the VPT-3000 is a smart choice.

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Built-in phono pre-amp
• Connects to Sonos
• Classic looks

Cons:

• Not compatible with 78 RPM records
• Not automatic
• Some parts are cheap-feeling

If you're ready to step up your vinyl game, the Pro-Ject T1 BT Evo turntable offers a perfect balance of audiophile-grade performance and everyday usability—wrapped in a minimalist, elegant design that looks as good as it sounds. Our “Best Turntable with Bluetooth” award was practically made for the T1 BT Evo.

Hand-assembled in Europe, the T1 Evo is built with meticulous attention to detail. From the moment you unpack it, you can feel the quality. The chassis is crafted from solid CNC-machined wood with no plastic parts or hollow spaces, reducing unwanted vibrations and enhancing audio clarity. The heavy 8mm glass platter further adds mass and stability, helping your records spin true and sound spectacular.

What sets the T1 BT Evo apart from a lot of other turntables is its built-in Bluetooth streaming, which lets you wirelessly send your favorite records to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Don’t want to see messy wires? No worries. It’s perfect for those who want clean setups or multi-room listening, without compromising too much of that analog warmth. Of course, for traditionalists, the turntable also includes a high-quality built-in phono stage and RCA outputs for connecting to amplifiers and stereo systems. This Pro-Ject adapts to your needs quite quickly.

The tonearm is another standout. At 8.6 inches and made from a single piece of aluminum, it’s ultra-precise and works in perfect harmony with the pre-mounted Ortofon OM 10 cartridge. This combo delivers rich, detailed sound with great dynamic range, making every album—from classic jazz to modern blues—sound better than ever.

Performance is one thing, but looks matter, too. Available in other sleek finishes like walnut and white, the T1 Evo has a clean, modern aesthetic that pairs beautifully with any décor. There are no gimmicks or unnecessary extras—just solid engineering and refined performance.

Whether you’re an audiophile looking for a compact second setup or a music lover upgrading from an entry-level model, the Pro-Ject T1 BT Evo offers everything you need: beautiful sound, modern wireless freedom, and premium build quality.

If you believe music should be heard the way it was meant to be, with warmth, depth, and character—then this is your turntable. The Pro-Ject T1 BT Evo makes it easy to fall in love with vinyl all over again, one record at a time.

Pros:

• Sounds great
• Excellent build quality
• Bluetooth streaming
• Audiophile-grade tonearm and cartridge
• Built-in phono pre-amp

Cons:

• No digital output
• Manual operation
• Limited upgrade possibilities

Denon’s DP-300F picks up where turntables left off after CDs took over in the 1980s. At the time, most consumer turntables were fully automatic. People listening to would put a record on the platter, push a button, and they were done. From there, the turntable picks up the tonearm, places it over the beginning of the record, gently puts it down, and voilà, music. At the end of the record, the turntable automatically lifts the tonearm, gently puts it back in its holder, and then turns itself off. Convenient, yes, but fully automatic is more about not accidentally scratching your records.

What’s more, given the DP-300F’s preamp (included) can be turned on or off, you can plug it into almost any integrated amp or receiver – even those without a phono input port. This allows the DP-300F to work with almost every home music system. Switching out the cartridge is easy too, should you ever decide to upgrade for something with a bigger range. Do that, and the Denon DP-300F is easily on par with record players that cost two or three times as much. As for looks, the DP-300F is attractive yet unassuming, a classic look built on 4mm thick cabinet walls made of die-cast aluminum. (We love the gloss coating.)

So, good-looking, built like a tank, fully automatic, compatible with almost everything, easy to upgrade, made by Denon – an industry legend. What’s not to like?