Now we’re getting somewhere.
Unlike sub-hundred-dollar turntables, where you almost certainly have to sacrifice a feature (or several) that you really want, with the best record players under $200, you might be able to get everything you’d like.
There are a lot of players in this price range, but most are not great. I’ve looked at all the popular options and narrowed them down to the five best.
Three of them ended up being retro-styled turntables. I considered swapping one out for a more modern one, but decided against it. I wanted to present the best 5 players.
[Disclaimer: these players were priced under 200 at the time of writing and may have suffered a price increase since.]
In addition to the three retro players, the list includes one basic, but high-quality turntable and one DJ turntable. There is no portable suitcase style player.
I almost included one, but to be honest, if you want a suitcase player, you can get them for less than one hundred dollars. There are several included in my post of turntables under $100.
Best Record Player Under $200: Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Plays | Speakers | Ports | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Victrola Navigator  Check Price |
20.4" x 12.1" x 12"
18.9 lbs. |
vinyl, CDs, cassettes radio, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in, RCA aux in, Bluetooth |
8.6 / 10 |
Fluance Turntable  Check Price |
16.5" x 13.8" x 5.5"
14.1 lbs. |
vinyl | no | RCA out | 8.4 / 10 |
Crosley CR704C-PA  Check Price |
17" x 12.5" x 10"
16 lbs. |
vinyl, CDs, cassettes radio, digital |
yes | USB, 3.5 mm aux in |
8.2 / 10 |
Stanton T62 MKII  Check Price |
20.5" by 7.3" by 17.4"
16.5 |
vinyl | no | RCA output | 8.6 / 10 |
1byone Nostalgic Turntable  Check Price |
15" by 12" by 21"
19.6 lbs. |
vinyl, CDs, radio, digital |
yes | headphone jack, USB, 3.5 mm aux in |
8.6 / 10 |
Best Turntables Under $200: Brief Reviews
The following brief reviews will tell you why these are the best record players under $200 and will also help you decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking for higher quality models, these are still affordable, because they sacrifice features you may not need.
Victrola Navigator 8-in-1 Turntable
It also plays MP3 music files, CDs, cassettes and streaming radio. It can also record your vinyl or CD collection to MP3 using the USB port.
It has internal speakers, but they are not as good as some of the other players on this list. And unfortunately, the RCA jacks are input only, so you can not use them to connect to an external stereo system. If you want to use real speakers, you have to use the headphone jack, which means the speakers must be powered.
Because of the weaker speakers and the lack of RCA outs, I would only recommend this turntable to those who already have powered external speakers and who really like the design.
That said, the Navigator is a Bluetooth turntable, which is a feature lacking in most players under two-hundred dollars. It also comes with a remote control for fully automatic operation. All told, it was enough to tie for the highest Top Record Players rating on this list: a 8.6 out of 10 (4.3 out of 5).
Features
- 17 by 12.5 by 10 inches — a fairly large player
- Weighs 18.9 pounds — a bit heavier than many others
- Crafted of luxurious wood — looks great anywhere
- Bluetooth enabled — play music wirelessly from any Bluethooth enabled device
- Built-in stereo speakers — these are good, but not great
- Plays vinyl, CDs, MP3s, cassettes and AM/FM radio — any format you might have
- Plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM — plays any record
- Plays audio files from smartphones, tablets, etc — enjoy your whole music collection
- Record from vinyl or CD directly to USB — no computer needed
- Remote control — fully automatic control of everything from anywhere in the room
Pros
- Upscale and elegant, reminiscent of the players from the 1950s and 60s
- High-quality, durable materials
- Plays all record sizes at any speed
- Plays CDs, MP3 files, cassettes and AM/FM radio
- Connects to external devices via Bluetooth, 3.5 mm aux in or RVA inputs
- Remote control included
Cons
- No RCA out to connect speakers
- Built-in speakers not as good as competing units
Summary
The Victrola Navigator 8-in-1 Turntable is a great-looking and versatile player with one big weakness: the speakers and the lack of an RCA out. Apart from that, you get a ton of value for your money.
You can connect any device via the various inputs: RCA, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and Bluetooth. You can record from vinyl or CD to MP3s and you can play your old cassettes or just listen to the radio.
Personally, I only buy turntables I can hook up to my existing stereo system, which makes this one a no-go for me. If you have powered speakers, that becomes a non-issue and the Victrola Navigator turntable is a great buy. You can read an in-depth review here.
Fluance High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
An Audio-Technica AT-91 cartridge and diamond-tipped stylus combine with a balanced aluminum S-type tonearm to retrieve every detail from your records’ grooves. The gold-plated RCA outputs and the preamp ensure those details are transmitted to your stereo system without any loss in quality.
Isolation feet and a die cast aluminum plate keep outside vibrations from interfering with the stylus as it runs through the grooves. Reverberations are kept to a minimum for the best possible sound quality for under $200. The dust cover keeps dust from gathering on the player.
The only real drawback is that the Fluance only plays two speeds and only vinyl. But purists don’t really want their turntable to do more than that anyway.
Features
- 16.5 x 13.8 x 5.5 inches — an average-sized player
- Weighs 14.1 pounds — lightest player on this list
- Premium components — high-quality sound and sturdy construction
- Audio Technica AT91 cartridge with diamond-tipped stylus — outstanding clarity and protects your valuable records
- Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm — keeps stylus deep in grooves to retrieve every sound detail
- Plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM — plays most standard records
- High quality Texas Instruments preamp — connect to any external unit with auxiliary or line input
- Gold-plated RCA line outputs — captivating signal clarity
- Sound isolation feet and aluminum platter — significantly reduce reverberation for better sound
- Dust cover — protects unit from dust
Pros
- Beautiful design and durable materials
- High-quality cartridge and stylus for premium sound quality
- Aluminum platter and isolation feet to reduce vibration that could affect sound quality
- Preamp so you can easily connect to external stereo system
- Gold-plated RCA jacks to reduce loss in signal quality
Cons
- No internal speakers
- No headphone jack
- No Bluetooth connectivity or USB port
- Only plays vinyl and nothing else
Summary
The Fluance turntable is easily the highest-quality unit on this list and it has the highest price to match. The high-quality components ensure that it plays records better than most players costing twice as much. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality at this price level, the Fluance is the only option.
If, on the other hand, you want an all-in-one player that can play your whole music collection and that has built-in speakers, this is not the unit for you. This record player plays records and nothing else. But it plays them unbelievably well, given the cost.
Crosley CR704C-PA Musician Turntable
It plays 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, MP3 music files, CDs, cassettes and streaming radio. It can also record your record collection to MP3 directly to a USB storage drive.
This belt-driven model features a diamond-tipped ceramic needle that provides warm, natural tones without damaging your records and dynamic full-range speakers that fill your room with those tones.
Features
- 17 by 12.5 by 10 inches — a fairly large player
- Weighs 16 pounds — a bit heavier than many others
- Crafted of hardwoods and veneers and smoothly finished in Paprika — looks great anywhere
- Diamond-tipped ceramic needle — sounds better and protects your valuable records
- Built-in dynamic full-range stereo speakers — warm, rich, clear sound
- Plays vinyl, CDs, MP3s, cassettes and AM/FM radio — any format you might have
- Plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM — plays any record
- Plays audio files from smartphones, tablets, etc — enjoy your whole music collection
- Bluetooth capable — can connect wirelessly to smart devices (but not speakers)
Pros
- Upscale and elegant, reminiscent of the players from the 1950s and 60s
- High-quality, durable materials
- Great sound quality
- Plays all record sizes at any speed
- Plays CDs, MP3 files, cassettes and AM/FM radio
- Connects to external devices (iPhones, iPads, other tablets and smartphones, etc)
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- No RCA jack to connect speakers
- No headphone jack
- Bluetooth can’t connect to speakers
Summary
Despite a recent price increase the Crosley CR704C-PA Musician Turntable is still priced incredibly low, especially considering all the features. In addition to 3 sizes and 3 speeds of vinyl, it plays CDs, MP3, cassettes and AM/FM radio. It also has Bluetooth connectivity.
The dynamic speakers sound great, especially considering the low cost. Unfortunately, it does not have the capability to connect to external speakers or headphones.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one stereo turntable record player with a vintage look at a low price, the Crosley CR704C-PA is easily the best option. All other similar models cost more. Click the button below to read the customer reviews on Amazon. You can read my full review here.
Stanton T62 MK2 DJ Turntable
The T62 has a powerful direct-drive motor that delivers a strong torque and a straight tone arm. The motor ensures consistent rotation speed and the tone arm tracks with incredible accuracy, making it great for scratching.
The Stanton T62 MKII DJ Turntable also comes pre-installed with the popular Stanton 300 cartridge and a high-quality slipmat for greater control. These features along with the high build quality are unexpected at this price. This is a great value for both beginning and professional DJs.
Features
- 20.5 by 7.3 by 17.4 inches — about average in size
- Weighs 16.5 pounds — a bit heavier than normal turntables, but this is good for DJing
- Straight tone arm — improves tracking for scratching
- Pre-mounted Stanton 300 Cartridge — a legendary high-quality cartridge
- 2 Start/Stop Switches — good for mix or battle setup
- Pitch control fader — change the tempo/pitch with a range of plus or minus 10 percent
- High quality slipmat — gives you added control
- Plays 7, 10 and 12-inch vinyl discs at speeds of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM — plays any record
- RCA outputs — hook up to speakers
- Plays vinyl at 33 RPM and 45
Pros
- Easy-to-operate direct drive turntable for DJs of all skill levels
- High-quality, durable materials
- Great sound quality
- Specialized turntable for DJs
- Low price
Cons
- Great for DJs, but not the best choice to just play records
- No Bluetooth connectivity or USB slot
- No headphone output
- Only plays vinyl (not MP3s, cassettes, CDs or radio)
Summary
Considering all the features and the high build quality, the Stanton T62 MKII is a real bargain. For DJs, this is probably the best value available. Of course there are more advance turntables on the market, but they cost quite a bit more.
The Stanton features a straight tone arm for excellent tracking and comes pre-installed with the legendary Stanton 300 cartridge. It has two start/stop switches, a pitch control fader and a high-quality slipmat.
Any DJ will appreciate these features. If you are not a DJ and you want an all-in-one record player to play your vinyl collection, as well as your music in other formats, I would not recommend the T62 MK2. This is a turntable made specifically for DJs. See my in-depth review here.
1byone Nostalgic Wooden Record Player
The retro design take you back to simpler time and are a large reason 1byone’s belt-driven player has become such a hit.
Despite the classic appearance, this is a very modern turntable. It can play vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio and audio files from tablets or smartphones using a USB port.
It has built-in speakers that will fill your room with warm, natural hi-fi sounds. It also has Bluetooth capability that allows you to connect wirelessly to your smartphone or similar devices.
Features
- 16.7 by 13.6 by 11.8 inches: smaller than most, but a bit taller
- Weighs 18.5 pounds: lighter than most
- Old-fashioned and retro-inspired look: will look great in any home
- Bluetooth capability: connect wirelessly to your smartphone or other device and play music from it
- Belt-driven turntable: less noise distortion from the motor, so better sound quality
- 5-in-1 configuration: plays vinyl, CDs, cassettes, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files via USB
- USB and 3.5mm auxiliary input slot: allows smartphone or tablet connectivity
- Can play 7, 10 and 12″ records: all standard sizes
- Can play records at speeds of 331/3, 45 and 78 RPM: will play any record
- Dual full-range dynamic speakers and headphone port: great hi-fi sound quality for the size and price
- Diamond-tipped ceramic needle: improved audio performance and won’t damage records
Pros
- Portable and lightweight.
- Made of durable materials.
- Plays vinyl record, CDs, cassettes, streaming AM/FM radio and digital files
- Can connect to smart devices or headphones via Bluetooth
- Plays all standard record sizes and speeds
- Classic vintage design, elegant look and old-fashioned construction
- Lower priced than many competitors
Cons
- Bluetooth can not connect to external speakers
- Some users report wobbling when playing new records
- No remote
- Entire record will record as one MP3 track, unless you manually stop after each track
- Sound quality is great for the price, but does not match top-of-the-line record players
Summary
The 1byone Nostalgic Vinyl Record Player is a great option for many people. It does not cost too much and despite the low price, it comes with a lot of useful features. It can play vinyl records of various sizes at different speeds, CDs, cassettes, digital files and AM/FM radio.
The built-in speakers produce a great hi-fi sound that beats most similarly-priced units. It does not equal high-end players or a good set of external speakers, though. And fortunately, it has RCA outputs to connect to a stereo system, a complete sound system like Sonos, or external speakers.
The main selling point of the 1byone is the retro-inspired design. It costs less than many other retro units, but has the same or more features. If you like the design, this is the player to get. Read my in-depth review here.
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