Best Vinyl Record Player · For beginners

Best Vinyl Record Player for Beginners

The best vinyl record player for beginners is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X: fully automatic, with a built-in switchable preamp, so it plugs straight into powered speakers. An automatic deck lowers and lifts the arm for you, which takes the stress out of the first few weeks. Add a pair of powered speakers and you have a complete system with one cable.

Hands lowering the tonearm of a simple automatic turntable next to a pair of bookshelf speakers

Our top 3

Top picks at a glance

Best for beginners#1
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X record player

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X

Mid-range price range

Press start and walk away: automatic belt-drive deck with a switchable preamp.

What owners say ›
Best beginner upgrade#2
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT record player

Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT

Mid-range price range

Automatic too, with Bluetooth out and an AT-VM95C cartridge you can improve later.

What owners say ›
Simplest alternative#3
Denon DP-29F record player

Denon DP-29F

Mid-range price range

A compact automatic deck with a switchable preamp from a mainstream hi-fi brand.

What owners say ›

In detail

Who each one suits

Specifications are each brand’s own; fit notes draw on manufacturer guidance and independent reviews. We have not tested or used these record players ourselves.

Best for beginners#1

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X

The AT-LP60X is the simplest proper turntable to live with: fully automatic, belt-driven, with a built-in preamp you can switch off. Pair it with powered speakers and you are playing records in a few minutes.

Why it stands out

  • Fully automatic start, stop and arm return.
  • Built-in phono preamp with a PHONO/LINE switch, so it works with powered speakers, a receiver’s phono input or a Sonos line-in.
  • Replacement stylus is the ATN3600L; Audio-Technica’s manual suggests replacing it after about 400 hours.
Drive & speedsBelt, fully automatic · 33/45
Preamp / outputsBuilt-in, switchable phono/line
BluetoothNo
SpeakersNone (add powered speakers)
CartridgeIntegral dual magnet; ATN3600L stylus

Good fit if

  • You want the easiest wired setup with powered speakers.
  • You are buying a first turntable and do not need Bluetooth.
  • You want a compact deck (about 14 by 15 inches).

Skip it if

  • You want a cartridge upgrade path: the cartridge is integral, so step up to the AT-LP70X or AT-LP70XBT.
  • You want to adjust tracking force or anti-skate; the automatic arm is fixed.
Best beginner upgrade#2

Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT

For most people starting or restarting a vinyl habit, this is the one to buy. It is a one-button automatic turntable with a switchable built-in preamp, so it plugs into powered speakers or a receiver, and it can also stream to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. The part that sets it apart from cheaper automatics is the cartridge: Audio-Technica fits its AT-VM95C, which accepts the other VM95 replacement styli later.

Why it stands out

  • Fully automatic: press start and the arm lowers, plays and returns on its own.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 output with aptX Adaptive, aptX and SBC (Audio-Technica’s spec), plus wired RCA output with the preamp on or off.
  • AT-VM95C cartridge whose stylus can be swapped for other VM95-series styli, including elliptical and line-contact types.
Drive & speedsBelt, fully automatic · 33/45
Preamp / outputsBuilt-in, switchable phono/line
BluetoothOut · aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC
SpeakersNone (add powered speakers)
CartridgeAT-VM95C; accepts other VM95 styli

Good fit if

  • You want plug-and-play playback with room to improve the sound later.
  • You will use powered speakers now and might add Bluetooth headphones or a speaker.
  • You do not want to learn counterweights and anti-skate on day one.

Skip it if

  • You want to fine-tune tracking force: TechRadar notes the counterweight is not adjustable.
  • You need 78 rpm or USB ripping; look at the AT-LP120XUSB.

There is no all-black version: Audio-Technica sells it in black/silver, black/bronze and white/silver. Our link goes to black/silver.

Simplest alternative#3

Denon DP-29F

The DP-29F is a plain, compact, fully automatic turntable from a mainstream hi-fi brand, with a switchable built-in preamp. It does the basics and nothing more: no Bluetooth, no USB and no upgradeable cartridge.

Why it stands out

  • Fully automatic: the arm returns at the end of the record.
  • Built-in switchable phono preamp with a line-level output.
  • Replacement stylus is the Denon DSN-82.
Drive & speedsBelt, fully automatic · 33/45
Preamp / outputsBuilt-in, switchable phono/line
BluetoothNo
SpeakersNone (add powered speakers)
CartridgeMM; DSN-82 stylus

Good fit if

  • You want a simple automatic deck to plug into powered speakers or a receiver.

Skip it if

  • You want Bluetooth, USB or an upgradeable cartridge; the AT-LP70X adds the upgradeable stylus at a similar price.
Also worth a look

Audio-Technica AT-LP70X

The AT-LP70X is the AT-LP70XBT without Bluetooth. You get the same fully automatic operation, switchable preamp and AT-VM95C cartridge with its upgradeable stylus, for less money. If your records will always go through wired speakers, this is the smarter buy.

Why it stands out

  • Fully automatic belt-drive deck.
  • Switchable built-in preamp for powered speakers, receivers and Sonos line-in.
  • AT-VM95C cartridge; the stylus can be replaced with other VM95-series styli.
Drive & speedsBelt, fully automatic · 33/45
Preamp / outputsBuilt-in, switchable phono/line
BluetoothNo
SpeakersNone (add powered speakers)
CartridgeAT-VM95C; accepts other VM95 styli

Good fit if

  • You will listen through powered speakers or a stereo, never Bluetooth.
  • You want room to improve the sound with a better stylus later.

Skip it if

  • You want to stream to wireless speakers or headphones; get the AT-LP70XBT.

Want to start playing records this week?

An automatic turntable plus powered speakers is the least fiddly way in.

Read owner reviews ›

Tips

Three things that make the difference

01

Start with powered speakers

Audio-Technica explains that powered speakers have their own amplifier and connect directly to a turntable with a built-in preamp. Passive speakers need a separate amplifier.

02

Set the PHONO/LINE switch

Use LINE for powered speakers and most inputs, and PHONO only for a receiver’s phono input, Audio-Technica says.

03

Level it and keep it apart

Put the turntable on a flat, level surface, away from the speakers, as Audio-Technica’s manual advises.

Honest note

The AT-LP60X keeps things simple by fixing the cartridge and tonearm. You cannot adjust tracking force or upgrade the cartridge. If you think vinyl will become a hobby, the AT-LP70X or AT-LP70XBT costs more but has a cartridge you can improve with a better stylus.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What should a beginner look for in a record player?

Automatic operation, a built-in preamp you can switch off, and a cartridge with an easy-to-buy replacement stylus. Then decide how you will listen: powered speakers, a stereo receiver, Bluetooth or headphones.

Do I need anything else besides the turntable?

You need speakers or headphones. With a built-in preamp, powered speakers plug straight in; passive speakers need an amplifier or receiver, Audio-Technica explains. An all-in-one player has speakers built in.

Is an automatic turntable better for beginners?

For most beginners, yes. Audio-Technica says its automatic models let you press start and walk away, and the arm returns at the end of the side. That reduces the chance of dropping the stylus on a record.

How long will the stylus last?

Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60XHP manual suggests replacing the stylus after about 400 hours of play. Other styli range from roughly 300 to 1,000 hours depending on the manufacturer, so check your manual.

Can I upgrade a beginner turntable later?

Some, yes. The AT-LP70X and AT-LP70XBT use an AT-VM95C cartridge that accepts other VM95-series styli. The AT-LP60X’s cartridge is integral, so the upgrade path there is a new turntable.

Do I need to clean my records?

A carbon-fiber brush before each play helps. Audio-Technica also recommends keeping the dust cover closed when not in use and the platter mat clean, because a dusty mat can damage records.

Your first record should be the easy part

Want the full picture? See all our best vinyl record player, compared by setup, and the FAQ on preamps, styli and record care.