Looking for a good turntable record player to enjoy music? Are you afraid of buying those pricey record players? Why not get yourself a player that is both best and cheap?
It is likely that this is going to be your first ever record player or perhaps you are purchasing it as a surprise gift for someone. But don’t worry about your budget since you can really get the best record player under 100 dollars.
If we guessed it right that it is your first record player hunt, then we suggest you not to pay high amounts. It may become your another passion, and, if it really happens, then no one could stop you from upgrading your system later. Consequently, you will end up spending a lot of money on this upgrade.
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Top 10 The Best Record Players Under $100
People think that only a $300 or $500 model will let them enjoy listening to the records. Nevertheless, we refuse this myth. This article will tell you about all the fantastic turntable players which you can buy for less than $100. The good thing for you, we are not sharing just one or two but 10 different and amazing turntable record players under 100 dollars.
The list of all those best record players under 100 dollars is given below; then we will talk about them one by one.
Image | Name | |
---|---|---|
Audio Technica AT-LP60BK | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Jensen JTA-230 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
1byone | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Victrola Nostalgic | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Electrohome Archer Vinyl | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Crosley CR6019D-BR | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
ION Audio Max LP | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Sony PSLX300USB | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Crosley CR40-BK | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Pyle PLTTB1 Professional | CHECK ON AMAZON |
We assure you to go with any of them, and it will give you a great balance of performance and price. Apart from their preliminary introduction and features, we will tell you about their pros and cons as well.
1. Audio Technica AT-LP60BK
Audio Technica is one of our top 10 best record players under $100 we reviewed. Is enough to tell that it has a lot to offer. Audio Technica AT-LP6oBK aesthetics outplays competitors in the market. It has a sleek design, and it will definitely look elegant when you place it on any surface.
Serendipity will be an understatement if we describe it. It is continuously creating a buzz and keeps on going under $100.
We are really impressed by its functional components and by its automatic tonearm. Even a beginner will play records without looking for any help on the suggested needle setting.
The audio quality excellently surpasses some of the expensive models. However, it has its own positive and negative points.
A key setback with this player is that it does not have built-in audio speakers. When you buy this unit, it is mandatory to purchase some external speakers. It actually raises a question on the overall price of this turntable player setup.
However, if you want to explore the world of vinyl, then Audio Technica turntable will serve you really well with its remarkable performance, unbeatable price, and smooth operation.
- Entirely Automatic.
- Looks that can kill.
- Aluminum platter, die-cast
- Excellent quality on this price
- A trusted brand and reliable name
- Easy and simple to use.
- Not full of features
- The tonearm is not adjustable
- No USB
2. Jensen JTA-230
This turntable record player is one of the bestselling products in the audio category. If your budget is not enough to buy anything else, then this is the best option you can go for.
The unique feature of Jensen JTA-230 3 is the capacity to alter both the pitch and the tone of the records; it is conventionally a feature which comes at high-end devices.
This product has a stereo headphone jack. So, when you take a break from your vinyl collection, it is a good option to play audio.
It also bears a USB port allowing you to rip different tracks with any Mac or Windows computer. You will also get peacetime with this product, as Jensen is providing 90 days warranty.
To be honest, Jensen has done an excellent job in packing all the exciting features at one place. You will certainly not find such a comprehensive alternative in this price range. All in all, it is a decent option at an affordable cost.
- The stylus is replaceable
- It has pitch control
- Belt driven
- Two built-in speakers.
- The USB port is built-in.
- Available in several colors
- Headphone jack
- Lacks native audio but extendable through RCA output
- Heavy tracking force
- Issues with durability
- No auxiliary input
- No Bluetooth to connect tablets and smartphones
3. 1byone
1byone is similar to JTA-230. Has Belt-Drive with 3-Speed and stereo speakers. Both have almost the same features. However, a unique aspect of this record player, which you would not find in many other turntable players, is the capability to rip vinyl right away through a USB drive without the requirement of a computer.
This option is amazingly useful, particularly when you want to go through a pile of old tracks and to rip them.
Another good thing about the 1byone turntable player is its front-facing speakers which make it great for crowded environments.
However, it will be harsh if we call it a bad thing, but it definitely lacks a key feature – the headphone jack. Nonetheless, many other turntable record players also do not bear a native headphone jack. So, this lacking cannot blur the usefulness of this record player.
The bottom line, if you want the look of the 1940s, then it is worth the upgrade.
- Two built-in speakers
- Replaceable stylus
- Belt driven
- A lot of plastic used
- No pitch control
- No headphone jack
4. Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood
Next for the best record players under $100 is Victrola Nostalgic is a fine-looking with classic wood material. The manufacturers have made this product keeping in view the users’ peace of mind.
It supports formats like 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. If you are getting bored, then this product gives you the freedom to switch on the built-in FM/AM radio channels. It also features Bluetooth technology, so you can seamlessly connect it to your laptop or smartphone to play your desired tracks.
If you want to go for elegance, go for Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood, it will definitely impress you.
Other from elegance, if you are looking for versatility, then you can play any CD in it and guess what, you can play cassettes too. Believe us; you cannot go wrong with this Victrola Nostalgic.
- Built-in FM radio
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Built-in CD and cassette players
- 3.5mm Aux-in
- Not durable
- Sound muffles at times.
- Several reports of CD unit malfunctioning
5. Electrohome Archer Vinyl
Another unit on the best record player under 100 that we review is Electrohome Archer Vinyl with fully dressed in black. It is packed in a robust 17.9 lb suitcase. It commands attention in any room, and you would not move it once it is placed.
Yes, the looks remind us of 1960s design. But, from inside, it has excellent technology and astounding performance which makes you fall in love with music.
It ranks effortlessly in the best vinyl player under $100 category. The undisputable construction of this product makes it the most wanted turntables by vinyl record lovers all over the world.
The black box brings the crisp feel of class and elegance regardless of where it is placed. The Electrohome Archer Vinyl is also belt-drive turntable, and it incorporates to some extent with the automated tonearm.
Like most of the other rivals under the category of $100, this product supports different audio formats like 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPMs.
It also comes with USB and AUX inputs. Hence, you can attach it to your smartphone whenever you wish to listen to your favorite tracks.
The setback is the absence of RCA output, but we appreciate its headphone port that allows private listening. Additionally, the speakers are compelling and worth mentioning here.
So, we recommend this turntable record player for beginners in the world of vinyl record technology. It will serve you well, and may also become a reason to develop your passion in this thing.
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Headphone jack
- USB port
- AUX port
- Supports 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPMs
- It is manual
- No radio
- No RCA output
6. Crosley CR6019D-BR
This turntable record player is somehow similar to other players on our list. However, the built-in speakers are of standard quality; we cannot call them great, but, still passable for many people.
An exclusive selling point of this device is its overall looks with a nostalgic feel. Unlike the products mentioned above, this turntable player offers pitch control. It is definitely a welcomed function within this price range. The pitch adjustments are possible through external controls instead of counting on the present RPMs.
Crosley CR6019D-BR is mainly aimed at occasional listeners. A noticeable thing, however, is the absence of radio FM/AM. It also does not support SD card. However, it does support both USB and RCA choices. Hence, if you wish to connect a set of external speakers, then you will get this option with this record player.
Overall, with its belt-driven platter and built-in speakers, this is the best record player under 100 for the beginners.
- Belt-driven
- 3-speeds
- Bluetooth streaming
- Adjustable pitch control
- USB port
- Heavy tracking force
- No Radio
- No support for SD card
7. ION Audio Max LP
The ION Audio Max LP is perhaps the best-designed turntable record player on this list. It goes without saying that ION Audio has given their most attention towards the details of this product.
As best record player today, it would not only look beautiful in the room, but it will also lift the design aesthetics of the surroundings.
On the backside, you will find the support for Aux jack for your smartphone. The RCA output ports allow you to play sound with the help of your own speakers. The USB port also comes with ION’S ripping or converting software.
On the front of this player, you will find a port that supports headphones. This feature lets you enjoy late-night music, or whenever you want to listen to your favorite stuff.
Regarding the format, this player can play all formats like 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPMs.
It is an excellent choice for people who wish to have their own compact turntable that will appear good in a living room or dorm.
The minimalistic interface and wood finish makes it visually appealing. Like most other record players, it also comes with a cover that protects its mechanical parts from dust.
A few owners have complained that the belt-drive usually needs some time to warm up. But, the overall functionality of the player is received well.
Sadly, the tonearm looks a little flimsy; it is made up of plastic. However, we have not seen any complaints related to its breakage.
So, the bottom line is that it is a great choice for people who are looking for everything in a record player. In this price range, the sound quality and other features are simply great.
- Tape converter software CD/ EZ Vinyl
- Headphone output
- It supports formats like 3 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Two built-in speakers
- Replaceable stylus
- Great aesthetic appeal
- Belt driven
- Heavy tracking force
- Belt drive needs time to warm up occasionally
- Plastic tonearm
8. Sony PSLX300USB
Is it possible to prepare and list of the best record players under 100 dollars without including the Sony PSLX300USB? We agree that Sony is not famous in this medium, and has not even released many models of turntable record players. However, whichever models they have released earned excellent reviews. If we talk about the quality, then you can definitely trust Sony with this thing.
The Sony PSLX300USB USB stereo turntable record player comes with an automatic belt. If we talk about the aesthetics, then it ranges somewhere between the Audio Technica and the Jensen 230JTA 3.
Regarding the features, it is similar to the top three best record players on our list. It provides a traditional feel in terms of dual speed and automatic belt. Yet it bears a USB port too. To be honest, it is a kind of record player that is created for a more reserved buyer – someone who feels safe buying Sony.
The turntable is semi-automatic. The needle needs to be set to play, but whenever it stops, the arm will go back automatically. It is definitely a dominant feature because you do not have to be there always when the track is over. This prevents wearing out of the needle of the record player and the subsequent damage to the vinyl. This feature always receives a good amount of appreciations from the reviewers.
If you want to play the records, then various options are available. You can also connect it to the computer with the help of a USB port, and then you can play the music from your computer.
All required software is already available in it. If you are thinking to convert your vinyl collection into the format of MP3 on your smartphone, then this Sony PSLX300USB USB stereo turntable record player has got you covered.
Although the new price is more than $100, you can get it less than $100 if you buy a used one. So, if you are looking for a not so expensive but a good device, then this player is definitely worth trying out.
- Light-weight player
- USB-enabled
- Semi-automatic – The arm goes back automatically when the record ends.
- Required software available
- Not everyone loves semi-automatic record players
- No support for Mac OS
- Plastic body makes it feel cheap
9. Crosley CR40-BK Mini Turntable
Crosley CR40 is a long-trusted name in the niche of stereo equipment and record players. They manufacture different products, and the small and portable turntable is one of them. When it is closed, you can even lift it around in one hand. It is a versatile unit which plays 78s, 45s, and LPs (12, 10, and 7-inch) records.
In the tonearm, it has a stylus that is changeable and belt-driven. It is not fully or semi-automatic, rather you have to operate it manually. It means that you have to cue it, and even stop it, with your hand. Otherwise, it will continue to work, wearing out the needle in the end.
This turntable player bears two built-in speakers. Its tone control is adjustable. A noteworthy thing here is that you are not bound to use the built-in speakers. If you want to connect this player with your stereo system, then you do so by using RCA cables.
It is a great choice for the people who are looking for the best record player under $100 that is ready to play tracks out of the box. You just have to plug it on the switchboard and cue that favorite vinyl of yours. Moreover, you can take this audio system with yourself on parties and trips.
- Can use external speakers
- Built-in speakers
- Portable
- Built-in speakers are not good enough.
- Entirely manual operation
- Playing 12 inch LPs require removal of the lid due to its small size
10. Pyle PLTTB1 Professional
The Pyle PLTTB1 is a great record player by Pyle. Indeed, Pyle is one of those manufacturers who have chosen to ignore everything else, while entirely focusing on delivering an authentic turntable player experience at an affordable price.
The idea is to aware you about what some other expensive manufacturers are able to achieve at less price. So what are the things that come with this belt-driven manual turntable? It features a standard quality belt drive, speed adjustment, pitch control, anti-skating, weighted tonearm, and much more.
You might get all these things with slight modifications on any other mid-tier turntable record player. However, the Pyle PLTTB1 is mostly made up of plastic material which makes it light in weight.
So, if you are looking for a turntable player which offers good sound quality, bears astounding features, and is affordable, then the Pyle PLTTB1 is an ultimate solution for you.
- Anti-skating
- Weighted tonearm
- Pitch control
- Speed adjustment
- Entirely manual
- Made up of plastic
- No smartphone or PC support
Conclusion
It was all about the 10 best record players under $100. You can swiftly get most of the basic features within this price range. By saying ‘basic’, we do not mean any primitive features or fewer options. You will get all the integrated components. But, there will be less space for upgrading. The players available within this price range are mainly for the people who are just getting into this hobby. Once you earn some experience and learn about different things, you will find out why some of the turntables cost you $300, $500, and more.
However, not being able to upgrade the components is the only setback with these record players under $100. What actually matters the most is that you get a good audio quality, which all these players seamlessly provide you. Yes, there will be restrictions and limitations, but the overall performance is going to be of a standard quality contrary to what most people think.
We highly recommend you to buy one of these turntables if you are new to this hobby and wish to learn how this thing works.
Kelly says
The Audio Technica LP-60BK is excellent for a beginner turntable, under $100, and super compact! I loved mine!