Music streaming services have become increasingly popular over the past decade, but nothing beats the vintage style of the turntable. They look classy, give you a great sound, and add some unbeatable ambiance to your home. While turntables can be pricey, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options on the market.
Table of Contents
- 1 In a hurry? Check out the best Turntables under £100
- 2 Navigate our Turntable Guide!
- 3 1. 1byone Belt-Drive Stereo Record Player
- 4 2. VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable
- 5 3. DIGITNOW! Bluetooth Record Player with Stereo Speakers
- 6 4. ION Audio Premier LP – Wireless Bluetooth Turntable
- 7 5. DIGITNOW! Bluetooth Record Player with Retro Suitcase
- 8 Your Turntable Questions Answered
- 8.1 What are the best Turntables under £100?
- 8.2 How do turntables work?
- 8.3 What are the benefits of listening to vinyl?
- 8.4 How do you use a turntable?
- 8.5 What is the difference in vinyl record sizes and speeds?
- 8.6 What does it mean if my music is skipping?
- 8.7 Why is my vinyl getting scratched?
- 8.8 How should I be storing my vinyl?
- 8.9 Do I need any equipment prior to buying a turntable?
In a hurry? Check out the best Turntables under £100
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So, we’ve rounded up our favourite of the best turntables that you can buy for under £100 right now! And, since music and music players can be complicated, we’ve also answered some of your burning questions about turntables for you as well. So, let’s check out our favourite turntables that won’t break your bank!
- Our Pick
- Budget Choice
- Turntable Q&A
- Best Selling Turntables under £100
- Benefits of a Turntable
- How to use a Turntable?
1. 1byone Belt-Drive Stereo Record Player
- Great Styling: Beautiful wooden appearance, protective dust cover, and convenient front panel with playback controls
- Vinyl-to-MP3 Recording: Transform audio from vinyl records into MP3 format files for later playback on your computer and mobile devices
- Selectable Speeds: 33/ 45/ 78 RPM speed settings with included 45-RPM adaptor so you can play every vinyl in your collection
- Front-facing Stereo Speakers: Full-spectrum sound to properly listen to both your vinyl records and MP3s using a USB key
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This stylish record player will bring both a feeling of nostalgia and contemporary vibes to your living room.
Key Features
- Features vinyl-to-MP3 recording.
- Allows for selectable speeds of 33/45/78 RPM.
This is a great choice for the music lover who already has a collection of records available. It allows you to convert vinyl records into MP3 format files so that you can have the same music on your computer or phone. So, not only do you get to enjoy it playing loudly in your home, but you can bring your music wherever you want, too, without having to download Spotify!
While the music does have a decent volume on its own, it’ll also allow you to connect your turntable to another home sound system for even louder playback with the RCA output. There is also front-facing speakers for those who don’t have their own sound systems.
What We Love
- It’s budget-friendly.
- It will play pretty much any record you already own.
What We Don’t Love
- It’s quite small.
2. VIFLYKOO Bluetooth Portable Vinyl Turntable
- 【Wireless Bluetooth】 Compatible with all popular music players. Bluetooth and 3.5 mm jack for playing music from smartphones, iPhones, Android smartphone, tablets, PCs, usb-Mp3 players and CD players.(Note: The Bluetooth function phonograph is used only as a receiver and can not send sound to other speaker devices via Bluetooth. )
- 【Built-in Stereo Speakers x2】 If you prefer to leaving your sound system at home,The built-in speakers are an alternative on the go,They provide full sound when playing all music styles.
- 【3 Selected Speeds】 3 speeds record player: 33, 45 and 78 rpm for 7 ", 10" & 12 "vinyl records. With auto stop / belt drive function.Dynamic, balanced tone arm with soft damping control.
- 【Vintage Wooden Design】 Wooden base with retro design and good workmanship Dust cover, vintage charm with modern tech.Retro turntable with natural wood finish plays every LP / record in your collection.
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This turntable uses a familiar design, yet brings plenty of new features to the table.
Key Features
- Allows for 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds.
- Features built-in speakers.
The VIFLYLOO product allows for a Bluetooth and 3.5mm jack that is compatible with all types of popular music players, including smartphones. For use with records, it allows for RPM speeds of 33, 45, and 78, with 7″, 10″, and 12″ vinyl.
The 2 built-in stereo speakers are loud and quality enough that you won’t need to rely on outside speakers to get a good jam from your music. The product itself uses a wooden base that will fit anywhere in your home while adding a retro vibe to the room.
What We Love
- The stylish design.
- It’s budget-friendly.
- It’s easy to use.
What We Don’t Love
- The speaker volume is not appropriate for larger rooms or noisy spaces. So, depending on how you plan on using this device, it may be better suited for those who have external speakers.
3. DIGITNOW! Bluetooth Record Player with Stereo Speakers
- Bluetooth Connection - Turntable with Bluetooth function. Playing music from external device wireless, such as moblie phone, laptop and other bluetooth device.
- 3-Speed Record Player - Belt-driven sanitize-blight turntable fits for vinyl records at different speeds. 33 , 45, 78 RPM selectable. (Please note:Long press around 5 seconds to power on)
- USB/SD Encoding - Converts antifungal vinyl to USB flash drive/SD card directly in MP3 format. No PC or laptop required
- Traditional Music Playing - Cassette Player with eject and fast forward repel-pesticides function. Aux in for connecting of other devices(CD,Ipod,Iphone etc)
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This turntable player looks a lot more modern than the other devices on this list, which may be the perfect fit for your home.
Key Features
- Works with Bluetooth connection.
- Can convert vinyl to flash drives and USB sticks.
- It features a cassette player.
What makes this player a great choice is the ability to play music from external devices. So, you don’t need the record to play the song. Though, if you do have a record collection, you can also convert it to an MP3 format through a USB stick or flash drive. No matter where your music lives, you’ll be able to convert it somehow with this device. It also features a cassette player.
Other exciting features with this product include the built-in stereo speakers, analog AM/FM stereo radio, an LCD screen with a featured backlight, and an earphone jack. This device is all about letting you play your music the way that you want to hear it.
What We Love
- All of the variety in how to play music.
What We Don’t Love
- The AM/FM radio quality is not perfect.
4. ION Audio Premier LP – Wireless Bluetooth Turntable
- Rediscover your treasured vinyl record collection - High-quality three-speed turntable (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) that plays every record in your collection, completed in a stunning black finish
- Bluetooth Streaming - Bluetooth sends wireless signal to any Bluetooth speaker (not inc’l); Built-in phono pre-amplifier for wired connection to non-Bluetooth speakers
- The centrepiece of your listening experience - 1/8-Inch Aux input to connect media sources including cassette players/CD players; RCA outputs for connection to external speakers and HIFI separates
- Room filling sound - On-board built in speakers deliver punchy, crystal clear sound; no fuss, simply kick back and listen to your records
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This turntable may nearly break our budget for the list, but its features make it worth the purchase for those who are after a long-lasting, hard-working turntable.
Key Features
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
- It comes in black and wood designs.
The design of this product is sleek and stylish, ready to play your music without the distractions of retro designs. It uses a high-quality sound system, with onboard built-in speakers. So, it’s a guarantee that this product will have a smooth playback and high sound reproduction.
The turntable also allows for USB output, meaning that a vinyl-to-MP3 conversion is an option. It works through Mac or PC and comes with ION Audio EZ conversion software. And for an extra guarantee of good quality, this product includes a protective dust cover and felt slipmat.
What We Love
- It plays a great quality sound.
It will last you a long time.
What We Don’t Love
- It’s at the higher end of our budget for this list.
5. DIGITNOW! Bluetooth Record Player with Retro Suitcase
- 3-Speed Record Player --- This belt-driven turntable supports to play 3-speeds vinyls: 33, 45 ( included 45 RPM adapter) and 78 RPM selectable. Make it possible to play all your collected vinyls.
- Wireless Bluetooth --- Wirelessly connect to all bluetooth-enabled devices(smartphone, tablets, mp3 players) and play music througt turntable's stereo speakers. And you could hook up external stereo speakers system to match your listening habit.
- USB and SD Recording --- Convert your vinyl records & Radio program to MP3s. Save and playback the digitnal files to your USB flash/SD card.
- AM/FM Radio --- It is also a AM/FM radio reciever. Convenient for you to listen local broadcasting station anytime.
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Turntables are meant to be fun. After all, what’s more exciting than music? The design of this case speaks for itself when it comes to style.
Key Features
- Retro suitcase design.
- It plays 3 speeds (33 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM).
Like most of the newer turntables available, this product works with wireless Bluetooth. It connects to all Bluetooth-enabled devices, including your smartphone. There is also the ability to hook this product up to your own speakers, so your sound can reach as far as needed.
Turntables can be tricky to operate, especially if you didn’t grow up using one. Fortunately, this product uses a built-in LCD screen (with blacklight) to ensure that you’re using it properly and with ease. It also comes equipped with AM/FM radio.
What We Love
- The fun design.
The easy to use Bluetooth functionality.
What We Don’t Love
- You’ll need your own speaker to have loud sound quality.
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Your Turntable Questions Answered
Now that you have a better idea of which turntables you should buy, let’s explore some common questions that you may have about the product. In the end, it’s all about preference and style taste that may help you make your decision. Though, we hope these questions can help you out.
What are the best Turntables under £100?
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How do turntables work?
Vinyl records are made with grooves running from the outer edge, all the way to the center of the disc. These tiny grooves are also imprinted with ridges that are small enough that we can’t really see them. The needle on a turntable will travel through these grooves, turning into vibrations, which are then turned into sound waves. This becomes the music that you hear. Here is a brief guide to the parts that make up a turntable:
- The platter – This is where the record sits.
- The spindle and the bearing – This is how the rotation works.
- The motor and pulley – These are found in belt-drive turntables, which gives torque for platter rotation.
- The tonearm – This is what finds the grooves.
- The cartridge – This helps turn the kinetic energy from the grooves into electric signals.
- The plinth – This is a part of the base.
- The feet – These absorb vibrations so that your turntable doesn’t make nearby objects (or whatever it’s sitting on) rumble.
When it comes to the parts of turntables, you do need to keep up to date with your pieces. The needle will eventually need to be changed, which will often occur around the 1000-2000 hours of listening time mark. If you avoid doing this, your needle may be damaging your vinyl.
What are the benefits of listening to vinyl?
Sure, using your smartphone to listen to music might seem more convenient. But if you’re a music lover, you want to be hearing the best possible sound to enjoy your tunes. No audio data will get lost in the process of pressing a record, which is a risk with MP3. So, you can listen with confidence that you’re hearing music exactly as the producer or artist wanted you to.
How do you use a turntable?
Some of the newer models have a more simple process, depending on how new the technology is. Though, most turntables still follow a similar process, which we outline below.
Pick up your record by holding on to the edges. Placing your hands on the body of the record can affect sound quality by making it dirty.
Put the record onto the turntable. The hole in the disc will need to be lined up with the spindle at the center.
Select the speed for your record, which will depend on each record.
Lift the tonearm (what holds the needle) and place it onto the very outer edge of the record. If you want to start listening to the record at a different time, you can play around with where you drop the needle. Though, it’s important not to drag the needle across the record so that you don’t scratch it.
When you’re finished listening, you’ll need to carefully remove the needle from the record, and place the record into its sleeve to keep it clean.
What is the difference in vinyl record sizes and speeds?
If you’ve ever seen records, you’ve likely noticed the size differences that exist. Some are smaller, while some are larger. The larger ones tend to be more common when shopping for records, especially with newer releases.
The smaller ones, the seven-inch records, will play at 45 RPM. Larger records, the 12-inch record, will play at 33 RPM. There are also 10-inch records, though these are mostly older. They play at 78 RPM. Fortunately, all turntables are able to play the 33 and 45 RPM records. Three-speed turntables can support the 78 RPM vinyl. So, if your records are 10-inch, be sure to keep an eye out for products that specify that it can play them.
What does it mean if my music is skipping?
If you ever find yourself hearing your music skip, don’t worry too much. While a skipping song can make you think that the turntable is broken or the vinyl is no good, you may not have too big of a problem on your hands. Skipping can indicate that the tonearm is not weighted properly. So, you just need to check if it’s properly aligned.
Another possible cause of skipping is not placing your record player in the right place. If it’s directly on top of a speaker, the vibrations from the speaker may be causing the vinyl to skip.
Why is my vinyl getting scratched?
If you’ve noticed an increase in scratches on your vinyl collection, you may wonder what’s causing the problem. It’s often not the turntable causing an issue unless your needle is broken or you’ve been pulling it across the record. Oftentimes the vinyl scratches come from improper storage or handling. So, be sure that you’re lifting your vinyl from the sides only, and properly storing them. Leaving them out in the open is an easy way for them to get scratched.
How should I be storing my vinyl?
Vinyl can be fragile. It’s important to keep in mind how easy it is to damage them, so you should be keeping them protected. Some tips to keeping your vinyl in the best shape:
- Keep your vinyl vertical. Avoid laying one on top of another.
- Store them in the right container. There are record crates and cases that can hold them vertically.
- Store them in a cool and dry place. Heat and direct sunlight, as well as humidity, can harm your vinyl.
- Keep them in their sleeves. One of the easiest ways to avoid scratches is by placing them in sleeves to keep them from coming into contact with other objects.
Do I need any equipment prior to buying a turntable?
Almost all turntables have their own speakers. So, if you’re just buying one for personal use, the built-in speaker will likely suffice. Though, if you’re after a louder noise or want your sound to reach throughout your house, you’re likely going to have to buy an amp or another type of speaker. Just be sure that you’re buying something that is compatible with your turntable.
You’ll also need to have some records handy. Though, many turntables allow for Bluetooth functionality and may be able to play music right from your phone. Though, playing a vinyl record is what turntables were made for. So, we think you should experience it.
So, are you convinced yet? Turntables are a great way to bring some nostalgia and retro vibes back into your home. If you’ve grown up loving turntables, bring back the memories with a new one. Or, maybe you have kids, and want to introduce them to the “old school” way of hearing music. Regardless of your reason, a turntable makes a great gift, or addition to any home!
