The best cheap record players in the UK by how you listen: all-in-one players, Bluetooth models, turntable and speaker sets, and hi-fi starters. Prices on this page update automatically, and every pick comes from an established brand.
Table of Contents
Best cheap record players at a glance
How to choose a cheap record player
Four questions decide which type suits you:
- Do you already have speakers? If not, an all-in-one player or a turntable sold with speakers saves buying separate kit.
- Does it need a preamp? A turntable's signal is too weak for most speakers. A built-in preamp lets you plug straight into powered speakers. Without one, you need an amp with a phono input.
- Automatic or manual? Automatic players lower and lift the arm for you, which protects the stylus. Manual players suit people who like to place the needle themselves.
- Will you upgrade later? Players with a replaceable cartridge and a proper tonearm can be improved over time. Most all-in-one players cannot.
Shopping on a tight budget around the November sales? Our page of Black Friday record player deals tracks this year's reductions.
All-in-one record players with speakers
Everything in one box. Sound is limited by the small built-in speakers, but most of these can also send music to a separate speaker.
Automatic turntables with a built-in preamp
Proper turntables that plug straight into powered speakers or an amp. The best value for most people starting a record collection.
Turntable and speaker set
A turntable and a pair of powered bookshelf speakers in one box. It costs more than an all-in-one player but sounds far better, and the parts can be upgraded one at a time later.
Hi-fi starter turntables
For anyone with an amplifier and speakers already, or planning to build a system. Better tonearms and cartridges, and room to upgrade.
Five cheap turntables side by side
| Drive | Operation | Built-in preamp | Bluetooth | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AT-LP60X
Best overall
|
Belt | Automatic | £119.00 | Check price | ||
|
Sony PS-LX3BT
Bluetooth
|
Belt | Automatic | £199.00 | Check price | ||
Denon DP-29
Automatic
|
Belt | Automatic | £141.32 | Check price | ||
Fluance RT81
Manual
|
Belt | Manual | £249.99 | Check price | ||
AT-LP120XUSB
Direct drive
|
Direct | Manual | £239.00 | Check price |
What to avoid with a cheap record player
The very cheapest suitcase players often use a heavy tracking force and a basic ceramic cartridge with no way to adjust it. That wears records faster, which matters if you plan to play valuable or second-hand LPs. If you mainly play new records and want something portable, an all-in-one from an established brand is fine. If you are building a collection, a turntable with an adjustable tonearm is the better buy.
Once you have a player, our guides to vinyl under £10 and second hand vinyl help keep the record budget down too.
Record player questions
What is the best cheap record player in the UK?
For most people, a fully automatic turntable with a built-in preamp, such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, paired with powered speakers. If you want one box with no extra kit, an all-in-one player with speakers is simpler.
Do I need a preamp for a record player?
Yes, unless your turntable or amplifier already has one. Many cheap turntables include a built-in preamp, so they plug straight into powered speakers.
Are suitcase record players bad for records?
The cheapest ones can wear records faster because of a heavy tracking force. Models from established brands are better, and a proper turntable is better again if you play valuable records.
Can I connect a record player to Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, if the record player has Bluetooth output, like the Sony PS-LX3BT. Otherwise you can use a separate Bluetooth transmitter plugged into its output.