Best Turntables for Beginners
If you're buying your first record player, the goal is simple: a deck that sounds good, won't damage your records, and won't need replacing in a year.
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Skip the all-in-one suitcase players
The cheap briefcase players are tempting, but most use heavy tracking forces and low-quality styli that wear your records over time. If you care about the music, start one rung up.
The sensible starting point
Under about £100 you'll find very basic decks that do the job but you'll likely outgrow. The real sweet spot for a first turntable is roughly £150–£350, where you get a proper tonearm, a decent cartridge, and sound quality that justifies buying vinyl at all.
Names worth searching
Audio-Technica, Pro-Ject, Rega, Sony and Fluance all make well-regarded entry decks. Decide first whether you want a built-in phono preamp (simpler) or a separate one (more flexible) — see our preamp guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on my first turntable?
For a deck that sounds good and won't wear your records, the practical sweet spot is roughly £150–£350. Below about £100 you'll usually outgrow the player quickly; the mid-range gets you a proper tonearm, a replaceable cartridge and worthwhile sound.
Do I need separate speakers?
Yes — a turntable produces a very low-level signal that needs amplifying. The simplest beginner setup is a turntable with a built-in phono preamp plus a pair of powered (active) speakers, which removes the need for a separate amplifier.