Are you going to buy your first turntable? Don’t want to spend an arm and leg to listen to vinyl? Good news! Today’s market offers decent payers under $100!
However, purchasing devices for a low price can’t be easy – there are a lot of factors you should consider to buy a model that meets all your needs. Of course, nobody expects an audiophile-level quality from cheap gear, but still, it must be well-constructed and deliver a warm, enjoyable sound. My task was to find such players for you!
In this review, I’ve consolidated only the best turntables under $100 – they definitely deserve your attention if you’re a beginner in the world of vinyl! I’ll give you my honest opinion on each model and help you decide which one is right for you. Keep reading!
How I tested record players under $100
The good news is that you don’t need any more equipment to listen to all the vinyl turntables in my review (except the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK). To test the Audio-Technica, I used the following equipment:
- Stereo receiver: Yamaha R-N303
- Speaker wire: AudioQuest Type-9
- Stereo speakers:
- Bookshelf: PreSonus Eris E3.5
In order to draw full conclusions about the sound of turntables under $100, I listened to these records:
- Fleetwood Mac – Rumours [1977]
- Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon [1973]
- Daft Punk – Random Access Memories [2013]
- Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring [2017]
- Michael Jackson – Thriller [1982]
- Radiohead – In Rainbows [2007]
Best turntables under $100 comparison table
| Name | Drive type | Operation type | Speeds | Phono Pre-Amp | Bluetooth | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ION Audio Premier LP best overall | belt | fully-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | yes | Review |
| Crosley Cruiser Plus portable | belt | fully-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | yes | Review |
| Victrola The Metropolitan vintage style | belt | fully-automatic | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | yes | Review |
Best turntables under $100 reviews
ION Audio Premier LP – best overall
ION Audio Premier LP is the smartest way to start your vinyl journey since it is packed with plenty of useful modern features!
First off, the turntable automatically turns off after a record has finished playing, which is very convenient for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts and those who love falling asleep while listening to music. Next, it includes a full-size 11″ platter for stability across wide tracks and 78 RPM playback capability on top of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds.
The built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming up to 40 feet away from any compatible speakers. Moreover, the deck comes equipped with USB connectivity for easy conversion of recordings into digital files. There is also an auxiliary input jack, so it can use other media sources like CD players, cassette players, or MP3 players. You can easily hook up external monitors, and other audio separates due to RCA outputs.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Premier LP’s built-in speakers provide room-filling sound with punchy bass and crystal clear highs, making it the perfect centerpiece for your listening experience. Such rich functionality makes this TT stand out against quite strong competitors, e.g., Wrcibo with its amazing construction
ION Audio Premier LP is the overall best record player under $100 today’s market has to offer! If you are looking for a highly versatile, decent-sounding audio system, look no further than this model! It provides excellent quality for such a low price!
Key specs
- Drive type: belt
- Operation type: fully-automatic
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78
- Speakers: yes
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- USB: yes
- AUX: yes
Pros
- A sleek black finish – looks more expensive than it is
- Great sound for the money
- Onboard speakers work great but only for low volume listening
- Extremely easy to set up and use
Cons
- Cheap stylus
Crosley Cruiser Plus – best portable
In all honesty, I’m utterly captivated by this gorgeous suitcase-style turntable! In terms of aesthetics, it can only compete with Victrola The Metropolitan, but Crosley Cruiser Plus outperforms many rivals in the same price range due to its user-friendly characteristics.
This belt-driven portable record player offers three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. It also has a decent sound system with dynamic full-range stereo speakers that you can connect through Bluetooth or Aux input to enjoy fantastic music from vinyl up close.
The built-in pitch control allows you to manipulate the speed at which records play in order to hear every musical detail! You can also plug your Cruiser into an RCA output to connect it directly to any amplifier system or home stereo. A headphone jack is included for private listening sessions without disturbing friends and family members.
With its satisfactory sound quality and versatile, lightweight design, Crosley Cruiser Plus is the best portable turntable under $100. It comes with all the bells and whistles of a player in this budget range, and even more! Really fits the bill!
Key specs
- Drive type: belt
- Operation type: fully-automatic
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78
- Speakers: yes
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- USB: no
- AUX: yes
Pros
- The sound is as good as you could expect from an inexpensive, small portable player
- Durable clasp and handle for better portability
- Good needle – it doesn’t skate
- Bluetooth and autostop features work flawlessly
- Beautiful design – comes in various bright colors
Cons
- You’ll need external speakers for better sound quality
- Feels a bit flimsy
- The deck doesn’t have a place to put the cord that it can’t work without.
Victrola The Metropolitan – vintage style
The Victrola brand has been around for almost a century, and it is one of the major participants in the phonograph industry. Its amazing model, The Metropolitan, boasts all the charm of a retro-style player and comes with 100% modern features.
The same as our previous turntable (Crosley Cruiser Plus), this model has Bluetooth connectivity and covers a wide array of rotating speeds – 33, 45, and 78 RPM, giving you more flexibility when you use it. But even more than that, it includes FM radio with an analog tuner for comfortable listening to your favorite stations. Plus, there is LED lighting around the dial, which is a beautiful added bonus.
Further, a 3.5mm aux-in and RCA output allow you to use any additional systems in your home or outdoors from this beautiful product!
Finally, the turntable has an integrated front-facing stereo speaker that projects sound into the room rather than diffusing it through side speakers.
Victrola The Metropolitan is a great, vintage-style, affordable record player with speakers that won’t disappoint those discovering the world of vinyl. You’ll definitely love the look of this table – it provides a vintage feel without sacrificing modern convenience!
Key specs
- Drive type: belt
- Operation type: fully-automatic
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78
- Speakers: yes
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes
- Bluetooth: yes
- USB: no
- AUX: yes
Pros
- Reliable brand
- Beautiful retro design
- Pleasing warm, full sound
- Can play quite loud
- Includes a lever to lift the arm that helps avoid scratching your recordings
Cons
- May be issues with pairing devices via Bluetooth.
- The cover is a bit tricky, but once you practice, it’s ok
- Don’t expect punching bass
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK
Yes, Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is a bit more expensive than other turntables listed here; however, it delivers a fully-featured quality at this price range. Besides, the Audio-Tecnica brand speaks for itself – you hardly find low-quality models from this manufacturer! So, if you can spend a few extra dollars, do consider this deck.
You’ll experience high fidelity audio due to the reliable components of this belt-driven TT. First, it has a nice and powerful enough motor that evenly turns records at 2 speeds – 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Next, a redesigned cueing lever base and headshell are skillfully engineered to improve tracking and lower resonance. Plus, the AC adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, decreasing noise in the signal chain.
All in all, the player’s mechanical and structural quality is very nice, especially for its money, and the sound is crisp and clear with no pitch or volume variance.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is a top vinyl player not exactly under 100 dollars but very close to this figure. Being still a budget-friendly model, it goes a step beyond other turntables in this price segment. AT-LP60X-BK will let you develop your own vinyl set up the way you want it!
Key specs
- Drive type: belt
- Operation type: fully-automatic
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45
- Speakers: no
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes
- Bluetooth: no
- USB: no
- AUX: yes
Pros
- A basic, very reliable model
- Minimalistic design – fits any room
- Sound perfect for an entry-level gear
- Straightforward to use
- Unmatched considering its price
Cons
- Made of plastic, but still, the construction is sturdy
- You can’t change cartridges
Wrcibo
Wrcibo is a low-cost record player that has all of the features you’d expect from a turntable. It does not require any setup upon arrival and has convenient features such as built-in speakers, headphone jack, USB interface for PC, or smartphone compatibility – enabling it to play records saved on USB sticks as well as MP3s and CDs.
This unit supports 33/1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 RPM speeds and features a belt-driven system that ensures more accurate sound quality.
Although the deck has integrated speakers, they are suitable only for low-volume listening. However, you can always plug it into an RCA powered speaker and party all day long with your friends!
More than that, if you want to listen privately, just plug your headphones into the headphone jack, and you’re set!
But what I like the most in Wrcibo is its neat, beautiful design with a real wood base that matches any home style and looks great on your shelf as decoration.
Wrcibo is a good cheap record player – it comes with good features, a good build, and a good price. Besides, it’s a stylish solution for your home! Nice combination, huh?
Key specs
- Drive type: belt
- Operation type: semi-automatic
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78
- Speakers: no
- Phono Pre-Amp: yes
- Bluetooth: no
- USB: no
- AUX: yes
Pros
- Embraces the vintage look
- Versatile mini sound system
- Plug-n-play model
- A great gift idea
Cons
- Not very solid
- Tiny slip mat
- Poor integrated speakers; however, you can crank up the sound for better listening with standalone speakers.
Turntable under $100 buying guide
Here are essential factors to consider when shopping around for an inexpensive record player:
- Drive system: you’ll have to choose between 2 drive systems – belt drive and direct drive. Both of them have their own pros and cons; however, if you are a newbie, it’s better to pick a direct drive system since it’s much easier to operate, plus, it delivers accurate and delicate sound.
- Speeds: all players offer 2 standard rotating speeds – 33 and 45, but if you want to play any vinyl format, choose a player with 3 RPM speeds – 33, 45, and 78.
- Bluetooth connectivity and USB port: these added bonuses will give you plenty of flexibility. With a Bluetooth-enabled turntable, you’ll be able to stream your audio to soundbar, speakers, or headphones. A USB will allow you to convert your vinyl recordings to digital format.
- Built-in speakers and phono stage make a turntable easy to play straight after unboxing, which is great for beginners. However, choose a player with a switchable preamp so that you can hook up separate equipment to improve sound quality.
- Design: choose a lightweight and portable design if you want to move your player around the house or take it with you on a trip.
