Key takeaways
- Best overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($279 – $349).
- A built-in phono preamp lets you plug straight into powered speakers; otherwise you need a separate preamp.
In this article
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Not sure which turntables to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($279 – $349)
- Premium pick: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO ($549 – $699)
Turntables compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Buy | 8.8/10 | $279 – $349 |
| Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO | Buy | 8.7/10 | $549 – $699 |
| Fluance RT85N | Buy | 8.5/10 | $449 – $499 |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP60X | Consider | 7.6/10 | $99 – $179 |
| Crosley CR8005F Cruiser Plus Suitcase Turntable | Skip | 6.0/10 | $59 – $99 |
Our picks in detail
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Best all-rounder · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $279 – $349
Why we like it: Direct-drive deck with a built-in preamp and USB.
Pros: Direct drive with stable speed · Switchable built-in preamp · USB output to rip vinyl · Adjustable tonearm for cartridge upgrades
Cons: Manual operation · DJ styling isn't for everyone
Buy it if you want a solid, upgradeable turntable that plugs into powered speakers or a stereo and can digitize records.
Skip it if you want a set-and-forget automatic turntable.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Audiophile starter · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $549 – $699
Why we like it: Carbon fiber tonearm and quality cartridge.
Pros: Carbon fiber tonearm · Heavy, damped platter · Excellent upgrade path · Several finishes
Cons: No built-in preamp · Manual speed change on some versions
Buy it if you want a step up in sound and build and already have a phono preamp or amplifier with a phono input.
Skip it if you need a built-in preamp or Bluetooth.
Fluance RT85N
Wood-plinth looks and sound · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $449 – $499
Why we like it: Premium cartridge and solid wood plinth.
Pros: Solid wood plinth · Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge · Speed control motor · Auto-stop
Cons: No built-in preamp · Large footprint
Buy it if you want a beautiful, quiet belt-drive deck with a quality cartridge for a hi-fi setup.
Skip it if you need a built-in preamp for powered speakers.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
First turntable on a budget · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.6/10 · Typical price: $99 – $179
Why we like it: Fully automatic and very simple.
Pros: Fully automatic · Built-in preamp · Inexpensive
Cons: Limited upgrade options · Light plinth picks up vibration
Buy it if you want the simplest, cheapest real turntable to get started with vinyl.
Skip it if you plan to upgrade the cartridge later; the AT-LP120XUSB has a far better upgrade path.
What to check before you buy
- A built-in phono preamp lets you plug straight into powered speakers; otherwise you need a separate preamp.
- Check that the cartridge can be upgraded and the tonearm has adjustable counterweight and anti-skate.
- Belt-drive suits listening at home; direct-drive suits DJs and quick start-up.
What to skip
Common mistake: All-in-one suitcase players with heavy tracking can wear records faster.
We would also skip these at their usual prices:
- Crosley CR8005F Cruiser Plus Suitcase Turntable ($59 – $99) – Skip it if you care about your records; a basic Audio-Technica AT-LP60X sounds better and is gentler on vinyl.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. A good entry turntable plus decent powered speakers beats an expensive deck with cheap speakers.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best turntables in the US?
Our top pick is Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (typically $279 – $349).
What should I check before buying turntables?
A built-in phono preamp lets you plug straight into powered speakers; otherwise you need a separate preamp. Check that the cartridge can be upgraded and the tonearm has adjustable counterweight and anti-skate.
When is the best time to buy turntables in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying turntables?
All-in-one suitcase players with heavy tracking can wear records faster.