Best Entry-Level Turntables Under £200
Here are the best entry-level turntables under £200 you can buy in 2025.
Getting into vinyl shouldn’t cost a fortune. If you’re new to the hobby, there’s no need to blow your budget on high-end gear. You just need a solid turntable that sounds good, treats your records right, and doesn’t make setup a pain.
What to Look For in a Beginner Turntable
Manual or Automatic?
Manual gives you more control. Automatic makes things easier. Most beginners go automatic, then upgrade later.
Built-In Preamp
If your amp or speakers don’t have a phono input, you’ll need a turntable with a built-in preamp.
Speed Options
You’ll want 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. 78 RPM is rare unless you own old shellacs.
Replaceable Cartridge
A good starter deck should let you upgrade the cartridge. It’s the fastest way to boost sound quality.
Build Quality
You want something solid, not plastic junk. Heavier usually means better damping and less vibration.
Upgradability
Most vinyl fans upgrade later. If the turntable lets you switch out parts, that’s a big plus.
Brand Support and Warranty
Stick to brands that offer good support and warranty. If something breaks, you’ll want help
My 6 Best Entry-Level Turntables Under £200
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (£129)
Why it’s great: Simple, reliable, sounds better than it should at this price.
- Fully automatic
- Built-in preamp
- Belt-drive
- Comes with cartridge fitted
Best for: True beginners. Plug it in and go.
Downsides: Cartridge isn’t upgradeable. Lightweight.
Extra Tip: Place it on a stable surface. It improves sound and cuts down on skips.
Where to buy: Richer sounds
2. Sony PS-LX310BT (£198.99)
Why it’s great: Adds Bluetooth streaming for wireless speaker setups.
- Fully automatic
- Built-in preamp
- Bluetooth output
- USB ripping
Best for: Casual listeners who want wireless.
Downsides: No cartridge upgrade path.
Extra Tip: Pair with a decent Bluetooth speaker or soundbar for the best results.
Where to buy: Amazon
3. Lenco L-85 (£129)
Why it’s great: Retro looks with handy features.
- Semi-automatic
- Built-in preamp
- USB recording
- Belt-drive
Best for: Beginners who want to rip records to MP3.
Downsides: Fixed cartridge. Plastic-heavy build.
Extra Tip: Keep the dust cover down while playing to reduce surface noise.
Where to buy: Currys
4. Fluance RT80 (£199.99)
Why it’s great: Great sound, solid build, and future upgrade options.
- Manual operation
- Built-in preamp
- Replaceable Audio-Technica cartridge
- High-quality MDF plinth
Best for: Beginners who care about sound and want room to grow.
Downsides: Manual start/stop.
Extra Tip: Upgrading the stylus later will give you a noticeable bump in sound.
Where to buy: Amazon
5. House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable (£179.99)
Why it’s great: Eco-friendly materials, cool looks, decent sound.
- Manual operation
- Built-in preamp
- Bamboo plinth
- Replaceable cartridge
Best for: Style-conscious users who want sustainable gear.
Downsides: Can feel underpowered with some systems.
Extra Tip: Looks great in small spaces. Pair with compact powered speakers.
Where to buy: HMV
6. Pro-Ject Primary E (£199)
Why it’s great: Trusted brand with a basic but clean model.
- Fully automatic
- Built-in preamp
- Belt-drive
Best for: Easy setup and reliable playback.
Downsides: Plastic feel, non-upgradeable cart.
Extra Tip: Good choice if you plan to gift it or use it as a second deck.
Where to buy: Amazon
Are Entry Level Turntables Bad for Your Records?
Only if they’re built wrong. Some cheap decks use heavy tonearms with fixed, low-quality cartridges. These can wear out records fast.
All the models in this list are gentle enough for everyday use. If in doubt, choose a deck with a known brand and a balanced tonearm.
Never stack records or play dirty vinyl; that’s what ruins them. You can read my article on The Best Record Sleeves For Vinyl.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Auto | Preamp | Upgrade Cart | Bluetooth | USB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT-LP60X | £129 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sony PS-LX310BT | £198.99 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lenco L-85 | £129 | Semi | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Fluance RT80 | £199.99 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Marley Stir It Up | £179.99 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Project Primary E | £199 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Vinyl Thoughts on Entry Level Turntables under £200
You don’t need a fancy setup to start enjoying vinyl. All these decks do the job without draining your wallet. If you just want to plug in and play, go with the AT-LP60X or Sony LX310BT.
If you want better sound and future upgrades, the Fluance RT80 is your best bet.
For style and sustainability, the Marley Stir It Up hits the mark. And if you want something to rip old records to MP3, Lenco has you covered.
Whatever you choose, start spinning records and enjoy the ride. Don’t forget to Bookmark New Vinyl Day for upcoming posts.
If you are new to turntables, you should read my Turntable Set Up Guide For Beginners post.
