Top 10 Best Turntables Under $500

If you are looking for excellent design, built quality, and something that will produce the most excellent sound, we have an undefeated winner, especially considering the price. This particular piece has always ranked as a customer favorite and it is extremely affordable too with the kind of specifications it offers. Fluance is great when it comes to building the structure with high-quality materials and if you are a fan of record players, you would know how seriously they take their equipment. This model has the ability to compete with the best-priced options in the market and it would still come out on the top. It is available in three colors, white walnut and bamboo and the smooth finishes make it look more expensive than usual. The fantastic features it packs are another people are in love with how incredibly this record player works. The weight and density along with the vibrations make it an instant favorite even with the old vinyl and you see the difference almost immediately.

Specifications

• Semi-automatic
• Moving magnetic cartridge
• 2M Blue
• No phono preamp
• 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
• Belt drive method
• Adjustable rubber feet
• Heavy translucent acrylic platter
• Bamboo finishes
• Nude diamond stylus
• Wide stereo image
• Whisper-quiet operation

With Bluetooth implementation that will impress you greatly, Audio Technica is the kind of model that you definitely need in the living room. It has phono-analog outputs as well as A/D conversions that are not usual with the kind of pricing that is available in this category. The greatest thing about the system is that it is compatible with almost all music systems so you can play vinyl as well as your normal electronic music on it without any problem. It has a great digital side that can be paired with Bluetooth speakers and the experience of enjoying music becomes utterly magical. What really impressed our experts was that you can hook up your albums and other kinds of devices with the music system and the results will be just as good. Plus, if you are planning to install this system in your house, you don’t need to worry about getting another one for a very long time. It is highly durable and will stay with you for a long time. Even the greatest of DJs will continue to use it because of how much it reminds you of the classic turntables. It really is a splendid offer.

Specifications

• Manual turntable
• Operation
• Dual moving magnet
• Phono preamp
• 33-1/3 and 78 RPM
• Direct drive method
• USB Port
• Quartz controlled
• Pitch control
• Stroboscopic platter

We all know how important DJs and good sound systems are got parties and if you are not getting the greatest deal in this price range that will instantly brighten up your day, then what is the point? This solidly built model from Reloop has made its name as the best 500 turntables that have all the features that you need to take your music to another level. It is specially built for the DJs which means that the device has been constructed with the accuracy that will easily match the tracks that are being played. It is made with a high torque that easily works with any vinyl you place in it and the direct drive motor plays an important role in speeding up the turntable as per your needs. You also get tactile buttons and needle illumination that has a target light for a dark environment so no matter how low the light is, your mode wouldn’t disappoint. The shock-absorbing feature is another reason why Reloop ranks as one of the highest devices on our list because when there are lots of people in the room, it really helps in controlling the vibrations.

Specifications

• Manual turntable operation
• Dual moving magnet
• Ortofon OM Black
• Phono preamp
• 33-1/3 78 RPM
• Direct drive method
• High torque
• Quartz-lock tempo reset
• Reverse play
• Needle illumination
• Aluminum target light
• Robust construction
• Tonearm
• Shock-absorbing feet
• Hydraulic lift
• Anti-skating mechanism

AT released an updated version of the previous model and priced it similar to 500 but with more features. The quality of the specifications is as good as any other higher-priced model and we promise that you will fall in love with the model. It has a phono preamp so you will be able to hook it up with different sound systems. One thing that we like about this setup is that you can easily detach the phono inputs if you don't require them which saves you a lot of hassle. You would probably be wondering how does AT keep its prices down and the secret lies in the single stereo output they offer which is 3.5 mm. it has an RCA breakout cable that allows you to attach other equipment to the music system. If you have used the previous version, you would notice that this one has a designed tonearm base and head-shell that vastly improves tracking and decreases resonance. The power supply that has been added makes electrical interference extremely low so you can enjoy your music without any problem. The reason why this has ranked so high in our list is that for the price range it is available in, the features are extremely incredible and you wouldn’t have to worry about updating your turntable any time soon.

Specifications

• Automatic turntable
• Dual moving magnet
• Phono preamp
• 33-1/3 45 RPM speed
• Belt drive method
• Onboard phono inputs
• RCA breakout cable
• Low electrical interference
• Dual-moving magnet

This is a company that needs no introduction which is why we have included several models in the list that will make your decision extremely easy. Now obviously there are many specifications and features available that will instantly impress you and you would want to include them in your sound system. But the first and foremost thing you have to consider is the budget. It is a great option in the market that will have all the flexibility that you need and it is equipped with the kind of solid structure that will last you for many years to come. The higher-end cartridge is something that all the customers admire and no matter which volume you play it at, you will find the results to be incredible. The solid wood and walnut finish makes it look more expensive than usual and it is able to compete with all the high-priced models. The tonearm is plastic and is able to withstand all kinds of vibrations. But, it might not be durable for a very long time and that is the only downside in this price range. It doesn’t offer fully automatic operations so you have to tune some channels yourself but overall, considering the price it is an excellent deal.

Specifications

• Auto stop and start
• Dual moving magnet
• Phono preamp
• 33-1/3 45 RPM
• Belt drive method
• Low priced option
• Onboard preamp
• Flexible
• Solid sonic
• Solid wood with a spiffy-looking walnut finish
• Plastic tonearm

Now, this is a little over budget but we guarantee that the kind of specifications it offers is unmatched. It is the debut model of the company and with just one device, they have hit I tout of the park with expectations. As far as the sound system is concerned, it is one of the best on the list and once you listen to your audios with this particular connection, you wouldn't want to go back to the old one. it is hand built in the Czech Republic and the belt-driven Evo features a heavier platter than the previous models. It also has extra internal damping that separates the belt from the rest of the surface which in turn maintains the quality. The metal is height-adjustable and it reduces vibrations. You can pick from nine various hand-painted finishes which means the variety in the music never ends. If you are someone who loves to listen to audiobooks while you are working at home, this Carbon EVO model is definitely a recommendation. The bass with warm midrange creates a sound that is unforgettable.

Specifications

• Manual turntable
• Moving magnet
• No phono preamp
• 33-11/3 78 RPM
• Excellent sound quality
• Internal damping
• Height-adjustable metal
• Reduced vibrations
• Changing speeds
• Heavy plinth
• Improved motor suspension
• Sumiko Ranier cartridge
• Generous bass

Lots of places are now moving towards minimalistic which means the setup that goes with them also has to be so and look just as great. This turntable promises you all the incredible things and more as it has been ranked as one of the most sought-after devices this season. People have instantly become a fan of this style and the features that come along. In terms of design, it is unbeatable because the simple and elegant structure makes it look extraordinary. Plus, it can be adjusted at any place in the house without any problem. It is driven by an annual belt drive mechanism that is straight-armed and made precise with the tonearm. The counterweight is adjustable as it helps with the accuracy and maintains the machine while it functions. What we loved about this device was that there were no additional sounds that made the experience unpleasant and the felt mat, dust cover, and RCA cables were an additional bonus. You need to place the tonearm manually because the machine isn’t fully automatic.

Specifications

• Elegant lines
• Modern minimalistic look
• 45 RPM speed
• Straight-armed
• Precision-made tonearm
• Ortofon OM 5E
• Adjustable counterweight
• Felt mat
• Dust cover
• RCA cables

Not a lot of people are aware of this but Crosley is one of the oldest companies in the market and has been around for almost 100 years. They have made their name as the pioneers of the music industry but as far as the turntables are considered, they are still at the entry stage. If you are someone who prefers amazing quality in all of the components, we suggest that you for Crosley as it rarely disappoints in that area. It has a rugged look and the components are placed with sheer accuracy to make the customer experience pleasant. The sound system plays at the speed of 33 and 45 RPM but you have to adjust the sliding pitch. A strobe speed indicator is included which means that at any time you can gauge the speed of the record player and tune it as per your requirement. The tonearm is made of aluminum and is S-shaped with a counterweight as well as a hydraulic lift control. The cartridge that the company has used is Audio-Technica NP5 which is a great range to have at this price.

Specifications

• Sturdy machine
• Delivers a decent sound
• Low price
• AT NP5 cartridge
• In-built preamp
• 33 and 45 RPM
• Sliding pitch adjustment
• Aluminum made tonearm
• S-shaped tonearm
• Hydraulic lift control
• Lockable rest

Remember that time when we have a double cassette deck and the sound would blast till it reached the neighbors? Well, if you are reveling in the nostalgia, we have just the device for you. Not lots of people consider it to be the absolute best but given the price range, we would say that it packs decent features and the company has had some great experience in producing excellent sound systems. DP 400 is the sort of machine you bring home for the rest of the things that come along with it. Our first impression was marked by the dust cover and how beautifully it was designed. Other than that, the device is automatic and runs at speeds of 33, 45, and 78. It has motor speed sensors that detect the need and continue to function smoothly. Along with this, a weighted platter is installed that is driven by the belt and ensures great reproduction of sound. It has an S-shaped tonearm which might not be the best thing in the world but you would obviously like it if you are a fan of retro-styled records.

Specifications

• Denon equipment
• Unique dust cover design
• Supports 33, 45, and 78 speeds
• Supports MM and MC cartridges
• S-shaped tonearm
• Fitted cartridge
• Horizontal tracking feature
• Playback stop
• Auto lift features
• Open sound stage
• Depth and clarity
• Brilliant build

A model that has remained popular through and through, Planar is designed by a company that has existed for the longest time. The structure is quite impressive and when you will look at the modifications that have been added to the new version, you will instantly become a fan. It has an excellent high gloss black finish that makes the machine look chic and adds great style to it. The buttons for on and off have been added and while they were previously on the sides, the new model has introduced them under the body. This adds to the overall style and ensures that the machine looks neat without any clutter. As far as the main platter is concerned, it has been set higher on the plinth so the speed becomes more improved. The tonearm now has almost zero friction which means the device runs smoothly and the bearings are not often clashed with each other. The motor is powered with a 24V AC battery and synched with an aluminum pulley.

For beginners, this is a great option as they can take their time exploring different speeds and features and with the price range, the bar for the performance has been lifted quite a lot. You can easily afford it and listen to your favorite records without any problem.

Specifications

• High gloss black finish
• Chic style
• On off switch
• Neat body
• Platter set high on the plinth
• Built to last
• Low friction performance level
• 24V AC motor
• Aluminum pulley
• Entry-level turntable
• Crisp top end