Which record player is right for me?

It shouldn’t be news by now that vinyl is incredibly popular. But what you might not know is that vinyl just hit a 20-year sales high in 2025. And it’s not reissues of Pink Floyd either. The best-selling vinyl stars of 2024 were Taylor Swift, the Weeknd and Sabrina Carpenter. Owning physical music is most definitely back!

So whether you’re brand new to vinyl, you’ve got a collection you want to dig out and play, or you’re looking for a new deck for a DJ set, you’ll need the right record player. Or maybe you’re buying for someone else and you don’t know where to start.

Not to worry. We know a thing or two about spinning discs and we’ve got a brilliant selection of turntables too. So let’s give it a spin!

How to choose the right record player

If you’re new to vinyl or are buying for someone else, selecting a record player can feel overwhelming with so many options around. But it all boils down to a few key considerations: what you’d like to use it for, preferred features and how much you’ve budgeted.

Turntables range from budget-friendly models to high-end systems. So if you’re a casual listener just wanting to enjoy your vinyl collection, you probably won’t need the mixing features that a DJ would or the premium features of the purest audiophile. Everybody will need different specs.

And then there are the nice-to-have features. If you’re happy with a classic record player and nothing more, it’s less something you have to think about. But otherwise there are some really helpful features available.

Happy to drop your own needle, or would you rather go fully automatic? Fancy digitising your records and listening to them on the move? Then you’ll need a player with USB connectivity. And how about Bluetooth? Record players really have come a long way in the last decade!

For the beginner - Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Bluetooth Turntable

If you’re just starting your record collection and looking for a great quality player that’s forgiving for vinyl newbies, this Sony PS-LX310BT is a stellar pick. It has a pre-amp built in. So if you’ve already got a sound system, you can plug it straight in. But if not, you can connect it straight up to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. So you can listen to your 33 1/3s and 45s they way you like.

With its sturdy aluminum tonearm and minimal design, this Sony turntable looks stylish and premium. Buttons controlling Gain and record type are neatly concealed. So why is it a good for beginners? It’s fully automatic. When the record finishes, the tonearm resets so no need to worry about your stylus wearing out unnecessarily.

For the DJ - Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable

Crank up the volume with the Pioneer PLX-500 Turntable. Its high-quality needle and cartridge give you that professional level vinyl sound without any annoying distortion. Its direct drive motor responds quickly when mixing and scratching during your set - perfect for showing off your DJing tricks.

Want to play and edit your best records? No problem – just use the USB port to record directly to your laptop, keeping all that vinyl warmth intact. Plus, with the included Rekordbox software license, you can arrange your music by key, speed,or genre, making it easy to get creative and put together a floor-filling set. Plus, the pitch control lets you match the beat of your tunes effortlessly - so everything blends seamlessly.

There’s even a record cover holder to display the album art of whatever you’re currently blasting. And don't worry about getting started – the package includes a dust cover, slipmat and more, so you’re ready to spin straight out of the box.

For the audiophile - Lenco LBT-345 Belt Drive Bluetooth Turntable

For a massive sonic upgrade, have a look at this Lenco LBT-345. Combining the charm of a classic turntable with the convenience of Bluetooth, this model lets you play your cherished LPs straight through wireless speakers. Whether you're in the mood for a single at 45 RPM or a full album at 33 1⁄3 RPM, this turntable has got you covered. Plus, with its audio conversion software, you can digitise your entire record collection, preserving your favourite tracks forever.

That’s a great feature when you’ve got a rare pressing that you can’t find on any other format.

Equipped with an Audio-Technica cartridge, it ensures top-notch sound quality while taking care of your vinyl. The hinged plastic cover keeps dust and scratches at bay, so your setup stays pristine. And with gain control, you can fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences. For dedicated vinyl enthusiasts, this turntable will do justice to your favourite records.

a record player with a record on it sitting on a table

Turntable features to consider before buying

When buying a turntable, it’s important to dive deeper into the key features on offer - so you’re getting a record player you’re really happy with.

Drive type - Belt drive vs direct drive

There’s no wrong answer here. Belt drives use a rubber belt to spin the record platter. They’re known for reducing vibrations for a clearer sound and are pretty low maintenance. Direct drives have a little motor under the platter, that offers more control. Record speeds are also more consistent and are generally preferred by DJs.

Speed options

Look for turntables that can handle both 33 1⁄3 and 45 RPM, if you have both singles and LPs in your collection. Some record players can also handle 78s too. So if you’ve got some really vintage records, more speed options are well worth having.

Cartridge

Often overlooked, the cartridge is integral to sound quality - with models like the Audio-Technica cartridge renowned for their precision and durability.

Output connectivity

If you’ve got a traditional set up, you might not need Bluetooth - but it’s a great reason to buy a modern record player. Otherwise traditional RCA outputs ensure compatibility with lots of of audio systems. So it’s unlikely they’ll be redundant any time soon.

Vinyl care tips for record enthusiasts

Vinyl is lovely, but you have to look after it to keep your fave records sounding good. We all know the doom of a muffled, skipping LP.

How to clean your vinyl:

Clean your records regularly using a carbon fibre brush to remove dust and debris before and after each play. You can pop the record on the platter and let it spin while you hold the brush in place.
For a deeper clean, consider using a record cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth or a specialised record cleaning machine.

How to store your vinyl records:

Storing records correctly is equally important.

Always keep them in their dust sleeves (inside their covers) and store them upright to prevent warping.
Don’t stack records on top of each other. Over time, this can lead to damage.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

That’s why we’d recommend a dedicated record storage unit. It’ll keep them upright and out of sunlight, and you're records will always be on hand when you need them.

How to maintain your record player:

It’s not just the records that need looking after. Your turntable needs some TLC too. So…

Regularly clean the stylus with a soft brush or stylus cleaner to ensure it remains free of dust and dirt.
Check the alignment and pressure of the cartridge regularly.
Replace the stylus when it shows signs of wear.
Keep the turntable platter and mat clean.
Ensure the drive belt (if applicable) is in good condition and replace as needed.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your vinyl collection and turntable for years to come. It’s a labour but that rich, warm vinyl sound is well worth it!

a person is using a record cleaning brush to clean a record

Budget vs premium turntables: what’s the difference?

When considering whether to invest in a budget or premium turntable, several factors come into play. The price range often reflects differences in sound quality, durability and other features.

Sound quality

Typically, more affordable turntables offer decent sound quality suitable for casual listeners. They often come with built-in preamps and integrated speakers, making them convenient for beginners. However, the sound may lack the depth and clarity found in higher-end models, and that’s often down to a difference in components - like cartridges and styluses.

Premium turntables offer high-mass platters and precision-engineered tonearms. All designed to reduce vibrations and enhance audio performance, providing a richer, more detailed sound.

Durability

While less expensive turntables are generally built to last, they may not offer the same level of durability as premium machines. Materials like plastic and lightweight metals are commonly used, which can be more prone to wear and tear over time. However, regular maintenance and gentle handling can help extend their lifespan.

Premium models are constructed with high-quality, durable materials such as aluminium, steel or even wood. These turntables are designed to withstand frequent use and provide long-term reliability. Because they’re sturdier, this reduces the risk of mechanical issues over time.

Additional features

Affordable turntables often come with features that are helpful to beginners - like auto-stop functionality. Built-in Bluetooth and USB ports for digitising vinyl records used to be more of a novelty, but more premium players are adopting them too. High-end turntables might boast a range of features not relevant for everybody - like adjustable tonearms and high-quality external preamps.

What’s next?

For more help, check out our Beginner’s guide to record players. Our Audio buying guide is busting with useful info too.