Why you should buy this: Simple functionality, classic looks, and USB connectivity.

Who it’s for: The new vinyl enthusiast who wants an affordable and great-sounding turntable that will last for years.

Why we picked the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB:

It’s hard find a better entry-level option than Audio-Technica’s classic LP120. This rectangle of sparkling chrome might not be as fashionable as some of the others on our list, but it still looks and sounds good, and at a very enticing price point to boot. The Audio Technica AT-LP120 is a go-to starter turntable that’s rugged and reliable, and has been a favorite of analog listeners for decades.

For a bit more dough than the cheapest beginner models on the market, it also offers a slew of features like a selectable internal preamp so you won’t need a phono input, a USB output to capture your vinyl in digital form, auto return (so you don’t have to babysit your records), and three speeds to handle virtually anything in your collection. Whenever people ask us what the best first-purchase turntable is — and they ask us a lot — we always point them to the LP120. It’s the Honda Civic of turntables, and we’re still big fans after all these years.

Why you should buy this: Great sound and gorgeous design in multiple bright color options.

Who it’s for: The style-conscious vinyl enthusiast who wants great looks as well as superb sound.

Why we picked the U-Turn Orbit Plus:

Style-conscious listeners can get an absolutely beautiful piece of analog audio gear with U-Turn’s Orbit Plus. The Orbit Plus is among the best-sounding and most beautiful turntables you can buy, and that’s largely because of its simplicity. You’ll have to pay extra for a built-in preamp, there’s no USB connection, and there’s no automatic return. Even a cue lever is optional, so most users will have to manually set the needle, as well as manually adjust the belt to switch between 33 and 45 RPM speed settings.

All of this may be daunting for newcomers, but those who can accept that will find a sturdy turntable that runs quietly and sounds great, with elegant design cues like the above-board belt that allows you to watch the motor spin your favorite discs. Also, the lack of options lets U-Turn focus on quality. The Plus comes with an excellent Ortofon OM5E cartridge, and the high-mass acrylic platter will keep your vinyl spinning smoothly, making for a beautiful long-term investment that will shine for years to come in your listening space.

Why you should buy this: Insane durability and decades of use by the top DJs on earth make the Technics SL-1200 the best deck for musicians.

Who it’s for: The vinyl-loving DJ who wants a turntable that can take a licking and keep on spinning.

Why we picked the Technics SL-1200

Since it was first introduced in 1972, the durable Technics SL-1200 turntable has grown to become a legendary piece of audio gear, easily the most common turntable used by professional DJs around the world. Known for its high-torque direct-drive motor, the turntable is robust enough to withstand thousands of hours of scratching and manhandling, offering the kind of consistent performance DJs need on stage and in the studio.

The original SL-1200 model was discontinued in 2010 but remained so popular that Technics began manufacturing newer, higher-end versions in 2016. Whether you spring for the more expensive newer model or a classic from the original production run, we’re sure you’ll be happy with your purchase. This is the kind of tried-and-true model that will be spinning for decades to come.

We test turntables both at home and in our A/V testing lab over a period of weeks, using a wide variety of music both new and old. Typically, each turntable is connected to a wide variety of high-end speakers and our favorite stereo amplifiers, and compared side by side with other options in the price range when possible. We also test each turntable with both its inboard (where applicable) and outboard phono preamp, allowing us to hear the sound of the turntable via both inboard and outboard gear.