Everyone knows by now that vinyl is back. The classic format has seen a resurgence for years at this point, and new albums these days almost always include a vinyl preorder. If you’ve finally decided to embark on the hobby, or if you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, we’ve compiled a list of the best turntables you can buy for under $600. Obviously, there are some very good, very popular options out there for around $1,000, but we had to start somewhere, and we had to narrow down the options a bit. Plus, there’s no reason for novices or even experienced spinners to spend that much to get a decent deck.
Best record players for 2025
Billy Steele for Engadget Best record player overall Fluance RT85N Turntable Drive: Belt | Cartridge: Nagaoka MP-110 | Platter: Acrylic | Preamp: No | Bluetooth: No Fluance’s preference for a glossy finish may not be your first choice, but the RT85N should absolutely be on your radar as a purely analog turntable. There’s no preamp here, so you’ll need to buy one separately for this model. You’ll get warm, expressive sound that caters to all the fine details of your record collection for highly enjoyable listening sessions. Like other Fluance models, there’s a solid MDF wood plinth equipped with adjustable resonance damping feet. On the RT85N, the company moved the motor from underneath the acrylic platter to prevent unwanted noise and vibrations. There’s also a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge and elliptical diamond stylus that provide a substantial upgrade over the RT81+. Simplified controls and automatic stop help bridge the gap when beginners are ready to upgrade to a more advanced setup. Pros Warm, expressive sound
Isolated motor
Robust plinth with vibration-isolating, adjustable feet Cons Requires a separate preamp
Glossy finish isn’t for everyone $550 at Macy's Explore More Buying Options $550 at Amazon
Billy Steele for Engadget Best record player overall - runner up U-Turn Audio Orbit Special (Gen 2) Drive: Belt | Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red | Platter: Grooved acrylic | Preamp: No (optional) | Bluetooth: No If you’re into minimal turntable designs that still look great, U-Turn’s Orbit line fits the bill. The company opts for a thinner plinth than most of the competition, offering a slimmed down look that I think is more sophisticated on the shelf. There’s also a range of colors and wood finishes available, so you can match your setup or cater to your style. The external drive belt will help reduce motor noise and unlike some of U-Turn’s models, you get electronic speed control here on the Orbit Special. The company gives you the option to include a built-in preamp for an additional $80, but the Orbit Special I tested didn’t have one (remember our $600 limit). I enjoyed the expressive, detailed sound here, rich with analog warmth. U-Turn’s Orbit Arm 3 is also a highlight, combining a one-piece magnesium armtube with an Ortogon 2M Red cartridge (with elliptical diamond stylus) and a cue lever. It has an adjustable counterweight and internal anti-skate as well. Lastly, the adjustable rubber feet are robust, providing ample cushioning from any vibrations that could impact playback. Pros Simple design
External drive belt
Expressive, detailed sound
Easily removable dust cover Cons No automatic stop
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