Best Turntables Under $100 [Reviewed and Tested]

ION Audio Premier LP – best overall

The ION Audio Premier LP turned out to be a delightful surprise during my testing period, illustrating that quality and affordability can coexist. Its versatile speed options are a godsend for those with diverse vinyl collections, spinning everything from the oldies at 78 RPM to contemporary hits at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.

When you buy a cheap vinyl player, the build quality is the first place to look for compromises. There’s a lot of plastic in the Premier LP’s construction, so it’s light and doesn’t hold its balance very well. Just try to set it on as flat a surface as possible or weigh the bottom. The switches don’t inspire confidence, nor does the lightweight straight tonearm. But in general, the turntable looks nice, in a classic style. And you won’t be ashamed to fit it into your interior.

However, what stood out most was its seamless Bluetooth streaming feature. The Premier LP transmits wireless signals to any Bluetooth speaker effortlessly, allowing for a clutter-free listening environment. For those afternoons where I just wanted to kick back with some tunes, this feature was a dream.

Speaking of connections, the built-in phono pre-amplifier is worth its weight in gold for wired aficionados, ensuring that the essence of every track resonates clearly, even through non-Bluetooth speakers. I enjoyed the richness and the punchy, crystal-clear sound produced by the onboard speakers – they bring your vinyl to life, creating a room-filling ambiance without any fuss.

The ability to digitize the library is another cherry on top. With the included ION Audio EZ conversion software, you can transfer your vinyl tracks into digital files, providing the longevity of your collection.

Comparing the ION Audio Premier LP to the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, both turntables offer good enough sound clarity and quality, with the Audio-Technica excelling in automatic operation and reduced resonance. However, the Premier LP’s flexible connectivity options, including Bluetooth streaming, and its digitization feature place it a notch above, especially for those who value versatility and modern conveniences.

Since ION Audio Premier LP has built-in speakers, it is worth noting that they are weak (as can be expected in the low-cost segment). For example, soft jazz or blues showed pleasant mid and high tones during testing. But when I installed records with rock (Fleetwood Mac or Queen), the speaker did not pull the lows and complex layering in the compositions. The picture was a little better with the external speakers, but still not enough top-end potential to reveal the full picture intended by the author. Nevertheless, among other participants, Premier LP, if you connect an external preamplifier, is able to be quite satisfied with the quality, not worse than that of Audio-Technica AT-LP60X.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X – also great

For those seeking an affordable record player that doesn’t skimp on quality, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a noteworthy choice. My firsthand experience with this player left me pleasantly surprised by the features and performance packed into its price tag. This model had a really exciting rivalry with my leader.

The AT-LP60X’s construction, like the ION Audio Premier LP, features a lot of plastic. It’s lighter, but it holds its balance better. It doesn’t have built-in speakers, which means that for a price of a couple dozen bucks more, you get better quality internal and external parts. One of the most important aspects of an inexpensive turntable is the Integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L). In addition to not damaging your records, it is easy to find on the market and install it yourself.

One standout feature is the fully automatic belt-drive operation. With the simple press of a button, you can watch as the tonearm positions itself gently on the vinyl — pure convenience. This provides smooth playback and eliminates the worry of placing the needle manually, avoiding potential damage to your cherished records.

The anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter is another win. It works diligently behind the scenes to minimize vibrations, ensuring you get a clear listening experience without any disruptive buzz or hum. For me, it translated to a cleaner sound, allowing the soul of the music to come through.

What also caught my attention was the external AC/DC conversion. Handling this conversion outside the main unit limits unnecessary noise, making sure you hear more of your music and less annoying electrical interference. These thoughtful touches elevate the listening experience beyond the turntable’s price point.

I have already mentioned the sound of AT-LP60X here and there, and it is probably the closest to the true analog sound level among all the rating participants. The brand’s products are aimed at the general consumer because the creator aimed to introduce vinyl to as many people as possible. Therefore, even an inexpensive Audio-Technica turntable is a decent device, and with an external phono stage, you can achieve very serious results. You may not hear all the layering of a symphony, but the sound is not mixed or smeared.

House of Marley Stir It Up

House of Marley Stir It Up serves as an economical and eco-friendly gateway for those delving into the realm of affordable vinyl players. My interaction with this device revealed it to be a frugal fusion of mindful design and adequate functionality. The inclusion of a modular Audio Technica cartridge and a built-in preamp emanate clear, nuanced sound, enabling every record spin to be an enjoyable auditory experience without exhausting your wallet.

In terms of cost and looks, this is the most expensive and beautiful vinyl turntable on the list. Looking at it doesn’t feel cheap; it has a certain chicness. The House of Marley Stir It Up has a bamboo top, aluminum platter, straight tonearm, as well as REGRIND silicone parts, and REWIND cloth. All of these are recyclable. The tonearm retainer has an unusual round shape, and you can adjust the counterweight, which also speaks of class. You won’t find a dust cover in the kit, but there is a cloth cover. But there are speakers in the brand’s assortment, which are very stylishly combined with the turntable (not included).

The added capability to disable the internal amp is a versatile feature if you fancy using your own external preamp. It provides a level of customization that caters to diverse listening preferences and financial plans.

With a USB port in tow, the turntable facilitates the digitization of cherished vinyl, a noteworthy spec usually reserved for pricier counterparts.

The need for manual operation might be a minor hiccup if you lean towards more automated solutions; however, it’s a negligible trade-off considering the versatility and value enveloped in this model. From the point of view of the vinyl tradition, it’s the right thing to do. Manual control brings you closer to the turntable, to the records, and, as a result, to the music. With Audio Technica’s removable cartridge and the ability to connect an external preamplifier, you get a good, strong sound with lots of detail.

Crosley Cruiser Plus

The Crosley Cruiser Plus combines vintage charm with contemporary features, making it a delightful pick for those dipping their toes into the vinyl world on a budget. At the core of its functionality is the three-speed, belt-driven turntable system. This allows users to enjoy a variety of records, from the nostalgia-inducing 78 RPMs to the more standard 33 1/3 and 45 RPMs.

Crosley Cruiser is a good cheap record player designed as a suitcase. It’s an interesting design, which makes it easy for you to carry it with you outdoors or when you visit. But the quality is pretty basic, and the built-in speakers can wheeze at high volume and, over time, will definitely lose their ability to reproduce sound. But it’s fun at first. You’ll never be able to close the lid, though, leaving the record on the spindle. The parts are fragile, so I suggest handling them with care.

A great feature that particularly caught my attention was its Bluetooth connectivity. It’s not every day you find such a harmonious blend of old and new. You can play your classic vinyl and then swiftly switch to streaming from your phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, catering to both vintage enthusiasts and modern audiophiles alike.

On the downside, while the built-in speakers provide good sound for casual listening, those searching for a more immersive auditory experience might want to leverage the RCA output to connect the Cruiser Plus to an external sound system. I’ve already mentioned their quality. If we talk about the overall soundstage, it’s just an ordinary playback of the songs without vivid details and deep bass. But I can’t say that it’s bad. There are background noises, and you can’t even dream about high volume. But the sound is smooth, even, and relatively clean. For a ridiculous price, the Crosley Cruiser is quite satisfactory.

LP&No.1

The LP&No.1 is another practical choice in the world of low-cost record players. Its design seamlessly blends elements of vintage charm with modern perks, allowing users a taste of the classic vinyl experience infused with today’s conveniences. The most notable of these modern touches is its Bluetooth connectivity, bridging the gap between old-school vinyl and contemporary digital collections.

The LP&No.1 design is similar to the House of Marley Stir It Up but slightly cheaper. And here we have a plastic dust cover. I liked the controls on the plinth top – they are nice and turn smoothly. The curved tonearm is not only stylish but is also considered more correct for extracting sound from vinyl. Overall, the turntable makes a nice impression and doesn’t feel like a cheap one. I found the headphone jack on the top odd, though. First of all, dust will get in there. Secondly, the cord will get pinched.

The TT’s belt-driven system promises a decent playback experience, offering adjustable speeds to accommodate various record types. While this model covers the basic features most newcomers seek, its performance nuances are understandably modest, given its price point. For example, when you stack it against the House of Marley Stir It Up, the LP&No.1’s auditory output might feel less refined, largely because the Stir It Up sports a modular Audio Technica cartridge and an integrated pre-amp.

Similarly, the Crosley Cruiser Plus edges out with its pitch control feature and design aesthetics, factors that enhance the overall vinyl listening experience.