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DJ & VJ equipmentHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed 5

10 Best Turntables UK 2024 | Audio Engineer Reviewed

After a few decades discarded in favour of more modern audio gear, the turntable has established itself once again in this era of streaming. A good record player can transform your music listening, allowing you to hear music with far greater depth; and if you're a bit of an audiophile, you might go as far as to say, the way it's supposed to be heard.


Whether for beginners or pros, the options online for playing vinyl are wide and varied. Should you look for modern features like built-in speakers, USB ports or Bluetooth? What is a phono preamp? Our guide will take you through all the options, looking at trusted brands like Rega, Sony and Crosley on Amazon, Argos and more, covering budgets of under £200 and over £300 alike. Happy listening! 

Last updated 25/03/2024

Quick List - Top Turntables

1

Rega

Planar 2
Planar 2

High Quality Turntable With Balanced Sound for Custom Set-Ups

2

Rega

Planar 1
Planar 1

Rich, Smooth Sound With Little to No Noise Interruption

3

Audio-Technica

AT-LP5X
AT-LP5X

J-Shaped Tonearm to Prevent Tracking Errors

4

Pro-Ject

Jukebox E
Jukebox E

All-In-One Turntable With Built-in Pre Amp and Complimentary Speakers

5

Sony

PS-HX500
PS-HX500

USB Connectivity for Easy Playback and Digital Vinyl Rips

Alex Shepherd
Expert
Audio Engineer
Alex Shepherd

Alex is a passionate and experienced engineer in the music industry with six years of experience working in the field of Studio and Live production and engineering. Specialising in Live Engineering, he always aims to ensure the highest quality of audio is provided for his clients' performances and advises all newcomers to the field on what equipment and production methods are best required in order for the optimum end result.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Audio Engineer Alex Shepherd

With Specialist Advice From Audio Engineer Alex Shepherd

Alex is a passionate and experienced engineer in the music industry with six years of experience working in the field of Studio and Live production and engineering


Specialising in Live Engineering, he always aims to ensure the highest quality of audio is provided for his clients' performances and advises all newcomers to the field on what equipment and production methods are best required in order for the optimum end result.


For more information on the services that Alex offers, take a look at his LinkedIn profile here.

How to Choose a Turntable in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Record Players Produce Their Own Sound, Turntables Pairs Well With Speakers
  2. Check for a Phono Preamp to Ensure Audio Output
  3. Consider the Motor Type as This Will Determine Your Playback Style and Speed
  4. Different Playback Speeds Will Suit the 12" and 7" Albums, Singles and EPs 
  5. Make Digital Copies of Your Vinyl Collection With Bluetooth Connectivity
1

Record Players Produce Sound But Opt for a Turntable to Pair it With Your Own Speakers

Record Players Produce Sound But Opt for a Turntable to Pair it With Your Own Speakers

For the Best Quality Sound, a Standalone Turntable Can Be Connected to Your Custom Set Up

A turntable is a standalone unit. If you choose to purchase one, you are going to need to buy speakers and an amplifier, then connect all of this together using RCA cables. For those of you that want to take your vinyl journey more seriously and customise your setup and sound, this is the way you will want to go. 


Keep the sound alive with our top picks of the best Mini Hi-Fi Systems.

Choose an All-In-One Record Player With Speakers and an Amp to Enjoy Records on the Go

Record players, in comparison, are the full band. They are the all-inclusive setup that includes speakers and an amplifier. Just plug in, turn it up to 11 and start to enjoy your tunes. They often come with lots of extra features nowadays too, like the ability to play music in several different ways. 


However, these are usually larger in size and more expensive. Furthermore, when you purchase a unit that has all these parts already included, it tends to mean that the quality of these components is secondary. 


And if you're after a more personal listening experience, check out our recommended wireless earbuds.

2

Make Sure Your Turntable Comes With a Phono Preamp to Strengthen the Signal for Audio Output

Make Sure Your Turntable Comes With a Phono Preamp to Strengthen the Signal for Audio Output

The plug-in-and-play mentality many of us identify with nowadays might lead you to expect to simply be able to plug your new purchase into your current speakers and off you go, but if you're thinking a turntable is the way you want to go, you're going to need one that comes with a phono preamp.


The signal that your turntable emits is usually around 1,000x lower than the signal that you get from, say, a streaming device or a CD player, so hooking it up to your speakers is not going to work. Instead, to actually hear your turntable, you're going to need to beef up your signal. This is the job of a phono preamp. 


The good news is that a lot of modern turntables already have a phono preamp included, but if you are unsure about the strength or clarity of signal you are receiving, you can always upgrade this part of the machine post-purchase. Just make sure that you are getting a model that has the option of being tinkered with.  

3

Direct vs Belt Drive: Decide Which Motor Is Best Suited to Your Preferred Playback Style and Speed

Direct vs Belt Drive: Decide Which Motor Is Best Suited to Your Preferred Playback Style and Speed

A Direct Drive Will Make Sure Your Record Plays at the Correct Pitch From Beginning to End, but Could Create a Hum

A direct drive turntable means that the motor, which causes the vinyl to spin, is directly under the platter (where the record sits). The main advantages of having a direct drive are that your turntable will get up to speed almost immediately, meaning the music will be at the correct pitch from the first second.


The problem with direct drives, however, is that you have a big bulky motor sitting right below your spinning vinyl. So as the stylus is delicately running through the grooves trying to pick up all the little distinctions in your records, you have a motor directly underneath that could jeopardise this with a humming sound.

A Belt Drive Takes Longer to Get Up to Speed, but the Sound of Your Record Will Be Cleaner

These are for the record fans out there that are wanting to listen to all the subtleties and refinements of their records. The belt drive on a turntable will help achieve this and protect the sound from the problems that direct drive offers by simply separating the motor and the platter. 


On a belt drive model, the motor will typically be found somewhere to the side of the turntable and it will be connected via a rubber belt. The chances are that this approach is going to give you a much cleaner sound with a far less chance of motor sounds being picked up. 


Nonetheless, using a belt drive does come with some minor setbacks. The nature of using these turntables means that they will take a few seconds to get up to speed. Also, sooner or later the belt itself is going to wear out and will need to be replaced, although this is a fairly cheap and painless exercise. 

4

Choose a Turntable With a 33 1/2 RPM Playback Speed for 12” Albums, or 45 RPM for 7” Singles and EPs

Choose a Turntable With a 33 1/2 RPM Playback Speed for 12” Albums, or 45 RPM for 7” Singles and EPs

Turntables play at 3 different speeds: 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM. When buying a new device, you should make sure that it can hit all the notes you need it to. Typically, you will find that most turntables and record players play both 33 ⅓ RPM and 45 RPM, though you'll want to double-check.


You're going to need a turntable that plays at 33 ⅓ RPM for your larger 12” albums (although some, mainly EP’s, will be at 45 RPM,) and for your 7” singles, one that offers 45 RPM. This is where a mode switch comes in – this will usually just be a button on the machine, but with some models, you'll need to change the belt manually.


You will almost exclusively use the mentioned 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM, so don’t worry if your machine doesn’t allow for 78 RPM. This speed was largely phased out in the 50s due to record companies being able to put the same amount of music onto a 7", and in turn, allowing them to cut costs on production of large vinyl.

5

Look For a USB Turntable to Make Digital Copies of Your Vinyl Collection, or Bluetooth to Connect Wirelessly to Speakers

Look For a USB Turntable to Make Digital Copies of Your Vinyl Collection, or Bluetooth to Connect Wirelessly to Speakers

If you’ve only just got your membership to the modern vinyl revival, then the likelihood is that you don’t have that many records to play just yet. So why not consider a record player that offers Bluetooth connectivity? You'll be able to link up with your modern devices and play songs through their speakers. 


Another useful modern addition for the tech enthusiasts out there is a USB port. Though typically on the more state-of-the-art turntables, this allows you to rip a digital copy of your vinyl, cracks and all, put it on your newer devices and listen anywhere. Neat!


If you are after music all around the house, check out our comprehensive guide on shower speakers.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Turntables in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Rega

Planar 2

Rega Planar 2 1

High Quality Turntable With Balanced Sound for Custom Set-Ups

2

Rega

Planar 1

Rega Planar 1 1

Rich, Smooth Sound With Little to No Noise Interruption

3

Audio-Technica

AT-LP5X

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X  1

J-Shaped Tonearm to Prevent Tracking Errors

4

Pro-Ject

Jukebox E

Pro-Ject Jukebox E 1

All-In-One Turntable With Built-in Pre Amp and Complimentary Speakers

5

Sony

PS-HX500

Sony PS-HX500 1

USB Connectivity for Easy Playback and Digital Vinyl Rips

6

Sony

PS-LX310BT

Sony PS-LX310BT 1

Bluetooth Turntable With a Big Sound

7

Audio-Technica

AT-LP60XBT

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT  1

Mid-price Turntable for Those Looking to Take Vinyl Collecting Seriously

8

Pro-Ject

Primary E Turntable

Pro-Ject Primary E Turntable  1

A Multi-Award-Winning Turntable That’s Great for Beginners

9

Lenco

L-85 Turntable

Lenco L-85 Turntable  1

Great Value Budget Turntable With USB and Pre Amp

10

Crosley

Cruiser Deluxe Suitcase Turntable

Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Suitcase Turntable 1

Portable Record Player for Vinyl Newbies

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Rega
Planar 2

Planar 2 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planar 2 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planar 2 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£429.00
High Mid
Reference price
£429.00
High Mid

High Quality Turntable With Balanced Sound for Custom Set-Ups

Although the Planar 2 doesn't offer you a multitude of extra features for your money, what this does offer you is a complete upgrade in sound quality. It's going to deliver those drumming basslines and everything above with a flawless balance, creating a heavenly harmony. It's an extremely classy apparatus too, with its sleek and sophisticated white gloss effect. 


The machine itself is going to require very little looking after and can grow with you as you delve into your hobby. This is because it has plenty of options for customisation, so it's ready for when you feel like exploring that side of the audiophile world. This machine truly is top-shelf when it comes to turntables.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Rega
Planar 1

Planar 1 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planar 1 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planar 1 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£275.00
Mid
Reference price
£275.00
Mid

Rich, Smooth Sound With Little to No Noise Interruption

Simple to set up and with an extremely stylish finish, this the upgraded version of a classic. But where sometimes that can spell disaster, this is an outstanding triumph on all accounts. Rega first brought out the original RP1 in the '70s, and it has pretty much been the turntable that sets the standard ever since


The sound is sonically spot-on, with little to no noise interruption. When you take the noise away, you get more of the music and that's what the RP1 delivers so well: rich, smooth sounds. Granted, you have to buy a separate phono preamp, but it's a small inconvenience for someone who wants to take their sounds seriously. 

No.3

Audio-Technica
AT-LP5X

AT-LP5X  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
AT-LP5X  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
AT-LP5X  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£321.16
High Mid
Reference price
£321.16
High Mid

J-Shaped Tonearm to Prevent Tracking Errors

Audio-Technica has been building these machines for a long time, and here they have used all that know-how. Just like its predecessor, the AT-LP5, this is genuinely a wonder to listen to, only with even better tech. The menace of the 'hum' from the direct drive is nowhere to be heard, and that results in it playing with a perfect pitch


It comes with a clever J-shaped tonearm to ensure there are no tracking errors, and the dual-moving magnet cartridge guarantees exceptionally clear playback. On top of that, this is an absolute joy to use, from its USB port to the way the stylus elegantly glides over the grooves of your records. The only potential problem is that you could wear them down by spinning them on this too much! 

No.4

Pro-Ject
Jukebox E

Jukebox E 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£449.00
High Mid
Reference price
£449.00
High Mid

All-In-One Turntable With Built-in Pre Amp and Complimentary Speakers

If you're wanting the feeling of authenticity when setting up your turntable without any of the actual efforts, then this wonderful device will be right up your street. A positive of this setup is that Pro-Ject offers complementary speakers, so you don't have to spend ages finding the perfect fit for your new gizmo.


If you don't require the speakers, however, another useful thing is that this turntable on its own is on the smaller side – perfect if you're stuck for space. With a built-in Bluetooth receiver too, this is a high-spec turntable to bring your collection alive. 

No.5

Sony
PS-HX500

PS-HX500 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
PS-HX500 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
PS-HX500 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£309.00
High Mid

USB Connectivity for Easy Playback and Digital Vinyl Rips

If you're serious about getting your vinyl to go, then let us introduce you to the HX500. Unlike the previous model, someone on the Sony team has really upped the game and done outstanding job with the USB conversion. This baby will enable you to enjoy your favourite tunes everywhere, plus, the sound is pretty great too. 


When this was released it instantly racked up 5-star reviews a-plenty and was commanding around £500, but luckily for you, it has come down to a more reasonable price now. It's still not cheap, of course, but it's a worthwhile investment if quality is your top priority.  

No.6

Sony
PS-LX310BT

Reference price
£194.00
Mid

Bluetooth Turntable With a Big Sound

With this pick from audio wizards Sony, you can set up and get singing along to your favourite records in minutes. It has fully automated features, so you aren't even going to need to move the tonearm yourself; just sit your record down and press start.


The turntable produces rich sounds and nicely covers the highs, mids and bass tones. The only slight drawback is with the modern side of it – the Bluetooth can be a bit intermittent, with some users stating that they got a much better sound when plugging the turntable into an amplifier. 

No.7

Audio-Technica
AT-LP60XBT

AT-LP60XBT  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
AT-LP60XBT  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£179.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£179.00
Low Mid

Mid-price Turntable for Those Looking to Take Vinyl Collecting Seriously

If you're not looking to delve too deep into your pockets, this is a nice mid-range option. It has excellent features such as the built-in phono preamp, which means you can hook it up to any speakers you have with an analogue audio input. It's also more compact than many products on this list – a gift if you're tight on space.


This is a great place to get started for those looking to take their collection more seriously, and it has Bluetooth connectivity to keep you up to date, too. The only issue is that as you and your collection grow, this gizmo is going to be left behind due to the fact that the phono preamp is not changeable.

No.8

Pro-Ject
Primary E Turntable

Primary E Turntable  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Primary E Turntable  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Primary E Turntable  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£179.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£179.00
Low Mid

A Multi-Award-Winning Turntable That’s Great for Beginners

Next up, this multi-award-winning turntable from Pro-Ject with its smart, classic design. This turntable efficiently succeeds in delivering the essentials, providing excellent and entertaining performance with great sonics and even tonal balance. 


It also comes with a dust-proof case to keep everything safe while it's not being played, though that is the extent of its extra features. All in, this is a good place to start if you are not fussed about any of the modern features and you don't mind getting to grips with the manual services.

No.9

Lenco
L-85 Turntable

L-85 Turntable  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
L-85 Turntable  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
L-85 Turntable  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£109.99
Low
Reference price
£109.99
Low

Great Value Budget Turntable With USB and Pre Amp

This turntable is another great place to get started if you're trying to keep the price down. It comes with a built-in phono preamp so you can connect to an amplifier or speakers, plus, it also has a USB which will allow you to digitalise your vinyl collection. 


Unless you are willing to spend a little more money, there isn't another turntable that is going to give you as much value for money as this one. It's easy to use, it produces an affable performance and it has a nifty USB feature – more than adequate for getting started, we think!

No.10

Crosley
Cruiser Deluxe Suitcase Turntable

Cruiser Deluxe Suitcase Turntable 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£139.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£139.00
Low Mid

Portable Record Player for Vinyl Newbies

This budget-friendly Crosley is perfect for those looking to dip their toes in the analogue world. It's ready to go, with built-in speakers all tucked up in a cute little briefcase available in dozens of snazzy colours. It also has a Bluetooth connection so you can stream your other music through it. 


The downside is that you are going to be greatly compromising your sound with this piece of kit. Another thing to be wary of is that that these can be a bit of a menace to your precious records, running them down much faster than a standard record player.  

Top 5 Turntables

No. 1: RegaPlanar 2

No. 2: RegaPlanar 1

No. 3: Audio-TechnicaAT-LP5X

No. 4: Pro-JectJukebox E

No. 5: SonyPS-HX500

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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