Record Sales on the Rise: Popularity of Vinyl LPs Pushes Turntable Market Forward
Top Performing Turntables of 2025: Exhaustive Evaluations by Our Specialist Critics
In recent years, the appreciation for vinyl records has reached unprecedented levels. Record sales have steadily risen year after year, with today's turntable market being more diverse than ever before. If you are one of those individuals tempted to join the vinyl revolution, you are likely wondering which turntable is the best fit for you. At our website, we have been reviewing turntables since 1976, and our team of experts has the knowledge to help you make an informed decision.
In the 1970s, vinyl's 'heyday', the variety of turntables was limited compared to the selection available today. Newer technologies, such as Bluetooth and USB connectivity, have become increasingly popular, merging modern conveniences with vintage sound quality. Moreover, many turntables now come equipped with built-in phono stages and even speakers for a seamless listening experience.
Whether you are a novice looking for your first record player, aiming to upgrade your listening experience, or have the means to splurge on high-end audiophile options, our comprehensive list of curated recommendations has you covered. Each turntable in this list has been thoroughly tested by our team of experts using an array of records, old and new, to provide a rave review of every type and budget. Below you will find our top selections for 2025.
Best Turntables of 2025
Best Overall: Rega Planar 3 RS Edition
The upgraded Rega Planar 3 RS Edition builds on an already award-winning formula with five-star results. While its price tag may be slightly higher than the original Planar 3, the RS Edition's refinements make it an exceptional turntable worthy of investment. The RS includes a higher-quality diamond stylus in the Nd5 cartridge, an external Neo PSU Mk2 24V unit, and a high-pressure laminate (HPL) plinth - all contributing to a cleaner, more detailed, and more muscular performance.
Best Budget: Pro-Ject Primary E
First-time vinyl buyers on a tight budget can find great value in the Pro-Ject Primary E. This no-frills deck delivers quality sound at an affordable price point. Its confident delivery provides a clear, clean, spacious sound, prioritizing entertainment over additional features found in more expensive models.
Best Budget with Phono Stage: Rega Planar 1 Plus
Located at the entry-level of the well-regarded Rega Planar series, the Planar 1 Plus is an excellent budget-friendly option. Featuring a built-in phono stage and user-friendly operation, this midrange Pro-Ject deck delivers a lively, smooth, and detailed performance that appeals to a wide audience.
Best Mid-Range: Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2
With 10 color options and a family-friendly operation, the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 offers wide appeal for those seeking a mid-range turntable. It boasts a fluid performance and an impressive ability to handle voices, making it an excellent option for users of all levels.
Best Premium: Technics SL-1300G
Although not manufactured by a traditional audiophile brand, the Technics SL-1300G pulls off a suitably premium performance. The clean, precise sound delivered by this direct-drive turntable makes it an excellent addition to any high-end vinyl setup.
Best Direct Drive: Technics SL-1500C
The Technics SL-1500C is a terrific direct-drive turntable that packs in semi-automatic operation, a built-in phono stage, and a range of convenient features to simplify its use. The SL-1500C's engaging and musical sound quality makes it an enjoyable performer in any setup.
Best Bluetooth: Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT
Easy to use and easy to listen to, the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT takes the hassle out of vinyl playback with its Bluetooth connectivity and excellent sound quality. Designed for both novices and vinyl veterans, this versatile deck delivers the perfect combination of entertainment and sonic fidelity.
Best USB: Audio-Technica AT-LP5x
The easy-to-use Audio-Technica AT-LP5x allows you to digitize your vinyl collection with ease, producing high-quality WAV files courtesy of its USB output. Its sound quality is excellent, delivering a crisp, clear, and dynamic performance that caters to a wide range of music genres.
Best High-End: Vertere DG X
Audophiles with a serious appreciation for vinyl and a matching budget should certainly consider the Vertere DG X. This high-end turntable offers a unique design, intricate construction, and an exceptional sound quality that sets it apart from competitors. With impressive detail, agility, and drive, the Vertere DG X brings your vinyl records to life like no other.
For those who wish to learn more about each model, you can find extensive reviews on our website detailing their unique features, performance, and areas of excelency.
Ongoing Upgrades and Advice
Our team of experts remains dedicated to scrutinizing new turntables on the market. We have recently added the excellent Technics SL-1300G to our 'also consider' section, and we are currently reviewing the Vertere DG X, Audio-Technica AT-LP8x, and SME Model 8.
To help you choose the best turntable for your individual needs, we provide guidance on how to make an informed decision based on your preferences, priorities, and budget. Whether you are a vinyl newbie or a seasoned audiophile, our expert team offers valuable insights to ensure that your turntable investment provides a positive and enjoyable listening experience.
If you are interested in the world of vinyl records and turntables, we encourage you to visit our website for a wealth of knowledge and recommendations to guide you on your journey.
How We Test Turntables at Our Website
At our website, we have been reviewing turntables since 1976, delivering independent, trusted, and thorough reviews to our readers. Our team of expert reviewers rigorously tests each turntable, ensuring they are placed on a stable, level surface, set up correctly with the supplied or appropriate cartridge, and partnered with various price-appropriate electronics. We also carefully consider a turntable's build quality, ease of use, and extra features, as well as spending extensive time listening to various music genres to assess its sound quality.
Throughout our testing process, we compare each newly reviewed turntable with the best-in-class model at its respective price range, offering our readers unbiased recommendations on the best turntable for their budget and requirements.
For more detailed information about our testing process, as well as helpful advice on choosing the right turntable for you, visit our website.
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Turntable[2] https://www.highfidelityreview.com/content/best-record-players-2025[3] https://www.avforums.com/news/best-turntables-2025-all-budget[4] https://www.stereophile.com/content/turntables-2025[5] https://www.whathifi.com/best-turntables/top-turntables
- The popularity of vinyl records has led to a diverse turntable market, with new technologies like Bluetooth and USB connectivity becoming common.
- Turntables now come equipped with built-in phono stages and speakers for a seamless listening experience.
- Our comprehensive list of curated recommendations caters to individuals looking for their first record player, upgrades, or high-end audiophile options.
- The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is an exceptional turntable with refinements that contribute to a cleaner, more detailed, and more muscular performance.
- The Pro-Ject Primary E offers great value for first-time vinyl buyers on a tight budget, delivering quality sound without additional features.
- The Audio-Technica AT-LP5x allows users to digitize their vinyl collection with ease, producing high-quality WAV files through its USB output.
- The Vertere DG X, a high-end turntable, offers a unique design, intricate construction, and exceptional sound quality that sets it apart from competitors.
