10 Best Affordable Record Players 2025 in the United States

The 1byone High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable is a stylish and functional option for those looking to enjoy vinyl records without breaking the bank. It features a sturdy build with wood and metal materials, giving it an attractive appearance that fits well in any room. The built-in speakers are a plus, allowing for easy listening without needing external speakers immediately, although you do have the option to connect your own for enhanced sound.

This turntable supports both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, accommodating a variety of vinyl records. One of its standout features is Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you stream music from devices like smartphones or tablets, making it versatile for those who enjoy both vinyl and digital music.

The inclusion of a magnet-type cartridge and an adjustable counterweight works well for producing clear and rich audio, minimizing noise and distortion. The diamond-tipped Audio-Technica stylus adds to the sound quality, providing good clarity and accurate tracking of your records. However, the built-in speakers may not deliver the depth and richness of sound that dedicated audio enthusiasts might seek, so upgrading to external speakers could be necessary for a fully immersive experience. Additionally, while it is user-friendly, setting up and switching between Bluetooth and vinyl might take a bit of getting used to for some users.

The Fluance RT85N is a well-crafted turntable that stands out in the affordable record player category, especially for users who value sound quality and solid build. It uses a belt-drive system with a high-density acrylic platter that helps reduce vibration, resulting in clearer, richer, and more dynamic sound. The included Nagaoka MP-110 elliptical diamond cartridge is a real plus, delivering warm and balanced audio with good bass and detail, making it suitable for a wide range of music styles.

Speed control is precise, with minimal fluctuations, ensuring your records play smoothly at standard 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds. The turntable's high-mass MDF wood plinth and vibration isolation feet add to its stability and reduce unwanted noise, which is impressive at this price point. However, it does not have a built-in preamp, which means you’ll need an external phono preamp or a receiver with a phono input to connect it to most speakers or amplifiers. This could be a drawback if you want a simple, plug-and-play setup or plan to use portable speakers.

Weighing nearly 17 pounds with a sturdy build and wood finish, this player is more suited for a fixed home listening space rather than for portability. The included accessories, such as a dust cover, counterweight, and cables, are thoughtful additions that help protect and maintain your vinyl collection. The Fluance RT85N is well suited for vinyl enthusiasts who want a high-quality sound experience with a well-made, classic design but are comfortable adding a separate preamp, while it is less ideal for those seeking a lightweight, all-in-one, portable option.

The Fluance RT85 is a well-crafted vinyl turntable that offers great value for those seeking high-quality sound without spending a fortune. It uses a belt drive system paired with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, known for delivering clear, detailed audio with reduced distortion—perfect if you want rich, warm music from your records. While it doesn't include a built-in preamp, it is compatible with external phono preamps, giving flexibility if your audio setup already has one.

The speed control is precise, maintaining steady playback at standard 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings, which is essential for consistent sound quality. The build quality stands out with a heavy MDF wood plinth and an acrylic platter that helps minimize vibrations, resulting in tighter bass and better clarity. This turntable also comes with vibration-isolating feet to reduce unwanted noise. However, due to its solid construction and weight (about 17 pounds), it isn’t very portable or suited for frequent moving. The modern piano white finish looks elegant but might require careful handling to keep it clean.

The RT85 is suited for vinyl enthusiasts who want a durable, audiophile-grade player with excellent sound accuracy, provided they have or plan to get a separate preamp. It is less suited for users looking for a lightweight or all-in-one portable solution.