Striking a genius balance between price and performance.
Last update on 2025-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The glaring dilemma that's haunting you in the quest to own a high-quality turntable without compromising your budgetary prospects.
Right?
With the prolific myth that you have to spend a fortune if you wish to have an amazing experience mastering the ropes of the turntable technology, many often fret about purchasing the cheap price range turntables.
But is this perception accurate? We beg to differ.
In this post, we seek to bring you to the limelight regarding the special breed turntables under 100$ on the market today.
The reviewed products below, though lacking the fancy features in the high-end turntables, will serve your need of playing records beyond your expectations.
| Product | Supporting speeds | Features | Amazon product page |
| Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | Built-in CD and cassette players Bluetooth, stereo speakers FM radio | Check price |
| Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable | 33, 45, 78 RPM | Built-in USB port stereo speakers | Check price |
| Crosley CR6019D-BR Executive Portable USB Turntable | 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. | Built-in USB port stereo speakers | Check price |
| Audio-Technica AT LP60-USB | 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. | No built-in speaker | Check price |
| Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable | 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. | Built-in stereo speakers | Check price |
| Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Stereo Turntable | 45 and 33 1/3 RPM | Built-in stereo speakers | Check price |
| 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Stereo Turntable | 33, 45, 78 RPM | Built-in stereo speakers | Check price |
| Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable | 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM | Built-in stereo speakers | Check price |
| Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Turntable | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPMs | Built-in USB port 3.5 mm auxiliary input stereo speakers | Check price |
| ION Audio Max LP | 3-Speed Belt Drive Turntable | 33, 45, 78 RPM | Built-in stereo speakers | Check price |
Beyond playing the vinyl records, modern day turntables bring you a broad variety of features.
Apart from getting a pocket-friendly turntable, an understanding of the critical features that primarily influence the performance of a turntable will let you narrow down to your best turntable with no hassle.
What makes them worth buying?
Let's find out.
Here are cheap turntables under $100
#1. Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable
Features
- 3-speed turntable (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM)
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Built-in FM radio
- Built-in CD and cassette players
- Built-in stereo speakers
- 3.5mm Aux-in
Overview
The grand turntable featuring in the under $100 category is undoubtedly the Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable.
It's a product designed with the user satisfaction in mind.
We start off by letting you know that this unit supports the major record formats including 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPMs.
Again, whenever records get way too boring, you will always be free to switch on the built-in AM/FM radio to get to know the occurrences around you.
Furthermore, the Victrola Nostalgic turntable supports Bluetooth connection.
Therefore, you will always be free to connect it to your smartphone or laptop to play your favorite tunes.
Even more, this unit will let you play your recordings stored on CDs or cassettes around your home or work place.
If elegance is one of your core principles, then the crisp wooden cabinet that encloses this turntable is sure to impress you.
The use of an entirely manual tone arm on this unit could be considered as a minor drawback, especially for beginners.
However, you should get used to the tone arm within the first few attempts of use.
In short.
The Victrola Nostalgic Classic Wood 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable suits people seeking to use a classic unit with antique aesthetics while still offering undisputed versatility.
It's a product that's worth way more beyond its price. Its professional development also assures its durability.
#2. Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable
Features
- 33, 45, 78 RPM support
- Stereo speaker system
- Built-in USB port
- Built-in software for recording, converting and editing audio to MP3 format content
- Pitch control-Adjusts tone and volume of the output audio file
Overview
Featuring an undisputable design and performance, the Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable, ranks under the best turntables under $100 with no hassle.
Its functionality comes second to none in the under $100 category.
With its support for 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records, this unit lets you work flexibly without limiting your potential in the vinyl record industry.
What sets it apart is.
Its ability to vary the pitch and tone of any supported audio.
In fact, this is a hard-to-find feature even in the high-end turntable models on the market today.
Also, the inclusion of a headphone jack in this unit also gives it a competitive advantage over its competitors on the market.
Whenever your vinyl record collection gets boring, you can choose to play audio files from other devices through the help of the headphone jack located at its front.
Furthermore, this unit comes with a built-in USB port at its rear end. Therefore, you will always be free to transfer various audio files to and from a MAC or Windows computer.
On its dark side, we find the placement of speakers on its side, a drawback to storage as well as portability. Therefore, it's critical to purchase a quality carrying/storage case for use with this unit.
Finally, we appreciate the provision of a 90-day warranty on this product by the Jesen Company.
Overall.
This product is built for nothing but excellent performance. It will undoubtedly serve its purpose in the best way if used and maintained appropriately.
#3. Crosley CR6019D-BR Executive Portable USB Turntable
Features
- Built-in Bluetooth receiver
- 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records
- Built-in Full Range Stereo speakers
- Auxiliary input and RCA audio output
- You can connect to Windows PC or Mac
Overview
The CR6019D-BR is a USB compatible turntable. The suitcase design really has that touch that makes you look like a business executive while carrying it around.
Even while the turntable is in use, the brass finish gives your whole set a professional look. This Crosley turntable can play your music at up to 3 different speeds; 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM.
You can connect your computer to this portable turntable via the USB port. It would work well with any computer running Mac or Windows. Although, if you're going for mobile use, carrying your computer with this would be some work. Unfortunately, you can't use your phone.
The two control knobs are quite visible and accessible right beside the main turntable; although one of the knobs is would be pretty close to the disc while you're playing so be careful.
The CR6019D-BR has an in-built pre-amp. This means that you can expect more volume and quality from your sound.
You could stick to the stereo speakers that come with the turntable; they're quite good, or you can connect your choice speakers through the jack output or the RCA output port provided.
This Crosley turntable can provide a decent level of drive for your strong speakers; the in-built preamp makes sure of this.
The bass is quite rounded, and it would do a good job for hip hop and pop music djing.
#4. Audio-Technica AT LP60-USB
Features:
- 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records
- Dual Magnet phono cartridge
- Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier
Overview
The Audio Technica AT LP60 is a very compact turntable. It's also quite light, weighing just 7 pounds. However, this comes at a cost; it has no in-built speakers.
You must connect this turntable to external speakers. For louder sound, you may also need an amplifier. Considering all of these, you may have way more than 7 pounds to worry about.
One attractive feature of the AT LP60 is you can record your music; it even has an included Audacity software. The USB function also helps you to convert the music into mp3 format for your computer. This can prove invaluable in modern music-making.
The AT LP60 is a USB enabled 2-speed turntable. It only plays records with 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. It does not play 78RPM records.
This means that if you want to play a record that was released 50 years ago, this turntable may not be for you. This is because records that were released before the 1960s mostly had 78 RPM speed.
It's quite tricky to talk about a turntable's sound quality when it does not have an in-built speaker. However, it is worth mentioning that if you want a really loud sound, say for a party, you need one or more amplifiers to really drive the sound.
As regards bass production, it is largely dependent on what sound system you hook up to the AT LP60. However, you can be sure that this turntable would not undermine your sound in any way.
#5. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable
Features:
- Built-in stereo speakers
- 3.5mm aux-in
- 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- RCA aux-in and headphone jack
Overview
The Victrola Vintage has a really sleek design that packs all the turntable parts into a well-built suitcase. It's a really unique style that would keep all eyes on your turntable. The turntable has only a few controls including the input selector and the power/volume control.
The Victrola is what we can call a vintage model with modern capabilities. It is equipped with a Bluetooth that comes in handy when you want to stream the music from a device via a wireless connection. The Bluetooth works well for more than 30 feet.
For your playback output, you have a 3.5mm audio port at your disposal. You can either connect your speakers or a pair of headphones. Also, the turntable has in-built speakers for hearing your playback; using the 3.5mm port is optional.
The Victrola Vintage plays back with zero lagging, clipping or distortion. The volume controls do not overshoot the sound. With Bluetooth connection, you can have the undisturbed sound for up to 35 feet.
If you're a bass head, you may find the bass of this turntable a bit underwhelming. Of course, it would be perfect for some genres; jazz for example.
However, if you're a hip hop or pop stan, or pretty much any kind of music that dwells on its low frequencies, you may be left wanting more.
However, if you need some more bass, you can use a pair or bass boosting headphones.
#6. Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Stereo Turntable
Features
- Entirely automatic
- Dual speed turntable; 45 and 33 1/3 RPM
- aluminum platter
- Double magnet phono cartridge with upgradeable diamond stylus
Overview
Fortune is an understatement when describing the prolific Audio Technica AT-LP60BK turntable.
It's a product that continues to cause a buzz with its professional development while still going for under $100.
By just having a slight glance at this turntable, one can tell that it has a lot to offer. Its aesthetics give it the first competitive advantage over its rivals on the market.
The Audio Technica AT-LP60BK turntable boasts a sleek design, allowing it to appear incredibly elegant when placed on any surface.
When it comes to its functional components, we were impressed by its fully automatic tone arm. With this feature, even a vinyl beginner will manage to play records without seeking help on the recommended needle setting.
Even more, this unit comes with RCA and phono outputs allowing for easy integration with a broad variety of systems. However, this unit comes with no built-in USB port.
We love its excellent audio quality which surpasses even that in some of the expensive models on the market today.
Everything comes with its positive and negative ends, and so does the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK turntable. As we scrutinized this turntable, some of its features couldn't go past our throats.
The absence of audio speakers in this unit is quite a drawback.
With its purchase, it's mandatory that you buy some powered, external speakers, thereby raising a question on the overall cost of this turntable setup.
If you wish to use some unpowered speakers with this unit, you will have to route the signal using a router.
Otherwise, you won't achieve any audio output. Again, the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK turntable doesn't support 78RPM records.
Fortunately, most audio files today come with the 33 1/3 or 45RPM formats.
Therefore, its inability to support 78RPM audio formats isn't much of a disadvantage.
In a nutshell.
If you are looking for a turntable to kick off your vinyl world exploration, the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK turntable will serve you well.
Ensure that you purchase a sizable suitcase to improve the portability of this unit.
#7. 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Stereo Turntable
Features
- 33, 45, 78 audio speed settings
- Stereo speakers
- USB key
- Vinyl to MP3 recording
- RCA output
Overview
With the beautiful protective dust cover, crisp wooden appearance, as well as the professional front panel, it would be rude to start off this product analysis without appreciating the great styling featured in this unit.
Now, on its capabilities, we were impressed by its ability to directly rip vinyl onto a quality USB thumb drive independent of the computer.
With this ability, this turntable will let you go through a load of records while ripping them.
Unfortunately, this unit doesn't allow for naming of the files generated from the old stack of records.
Therefore, you might need to do the naming once you receive the files on the computer.
With a glance at its speakers, you will notice that they are front-facing.
Therefore, even in crowded areas, this unit still serves its purpose appropriately.
On its drawbacks, the 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Stereo Turntable features no headphone jack port.
Fortunately, it comes with RCA outputs fitted on its rear side.
Bottom line?
For those yearning to learn the art of vinyl recording using an affordable turntable, the 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Stereo Turntable is your match.
It will serve you with no disappointments whatsoever throughout its lifetime.
#8. Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable
Features
- 3-speed variable turntable
- 2-inch built-in speaker
- 1.5w*2 RMS output
- FM/AM radio (stereo) with analog tuning
Overview
When it comes to matters design, the Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable has proven to be unbeatable. It's crisp, antique wooden design speaks for itself.
From its design, you can tell that the Studebaker Company takes no chances throughout the development of this unit.
Unlike its major competitor in the under $100 category, the Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, the Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable boasts support for 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM audio formats.
The manual tone arm should not scare you from purchasing this unit as you will get used to the process with the first few attempts.
As an upgrade to their former model, BT-17DJB, the Studebaker Company brings you the Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable with professionally placed speakers along its front.
With the speakers at this position, placing this unit on any surface for use is more practical.
Even more, the strategic speakers-position allows for easy storage on shelves or cabinets.
What's interesting?
The Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable will also serve as an FM/AM radio. With it in your room, you can get to listen to several updates before heading out to work or other events.
Furthermore, this turntable doubles as a cassette player.
Finally, this unit also hosts RCA outputs.
With this feature, achieving an amplified audio output becomes as easy as pie. You can now attach your external speakers to this unit for a better and louder listening experience.
To end up.
We highly recommend this turntable. Its professional build will ensure that you get the best vinyl record experience.
For its price, you can hardly get other turntables with as many functional features.
It's worth way far beyond its cost.
#9. Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Turntable
Features
- Built-in USB port and 3.5 mm auxiliary input
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Supports 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPMs
- Sapphire tipped ceramic needle
Overview
The Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Turntable is one of the products that rank in the less than $100 category effortlessly.
Its unquestionable construction makes it one of the most desired turntables by vinyl record enthusiasts across the globe.
Coming to you entirely packaged in a black cabinet, this unit brings out a crisp feel of elegance and class when placed anywhere, or when you carry it around.
Its 1960s design might lead you to doubt its performance until you get to try its performance and its great technology will amaze you.
On its record player section, is a high-grade belt-drive turntable that integrates with a partially automated tonearm.
When it comes to the integration of the stylus, the featured lever will allow for safe handling of the records.
Therefore, you can be sure to keep your records free from accidental scratches.
Like most of its competitors in the under $100 category, this unit supports various audio formats including 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPMs.
Even more, this unit comes with AUX and USB inputs.
Therefore, you can hook it up to your smartphone whenever you need to listen to your favorite playlist.
Even with the absence of RCA output in the Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player Classic Turntable, we still appreciate its headphone port that allows for private listening.
Again, one can choose to use adapters in the quest to connect this turntable to other audio devices.
Its powerful speakers are also worth mentioning as they make the vinyl experience incredibly amazing.
Thatss great!
As a summary.
We wish to recommend this turntable for beginners in the vinyl record technology arena. It will serve you best and give you a reason to grow your passion in this field. Its durability is ensured by its sturdy and classic casing.
#10. ION Audio Max LP | 3-Speed Belt Drive Turntable
Features
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Supports 3 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records
- Headphone output
- Tape converter software CD/ EZ Vinyl
Overview
Among the badass rivals of the Jensen JTA-230 turntable is the ION Audio Max; a turntable that fits in its class in matters design, performance, and features.
Featuring a genuine, elegant wood desk that integrates with an expertly crafted rubberized dust cover, the ION Audio Max LP is a turntable that brings out the vinyl record technology in a creative and innovative way.
Apart from its special aesthetic aspects, this unit is built for nothing but excellent performance.
With an AUX input jack around its backside, you can now connect your smartphone to this unit and play your favorite audio files through it for an improved listening environment.
Also, the RCA ports let you connect external speakers to this unit for an amplified sound.
Even more, the ION Audio Max LP turntable brings along a USB port integrated with the ION's ripping/converting software.
During late nights or in noise restricted areas, the front port featured below the wood trim allows for headphone connection, thereby facilitating private listening.
We were impressed by the fact that this unit supports a broad range of audio formats namely 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPMS.
It's partly manual tone arm integrates with a lever that allows for easy and accurate handling of the stylus.
Therefore, your records will always be free from accidental scratches.
In all.
We find this unit exceptional and satisfactory. It's one of the best turntables under $100 that you can purchase today.
We confidently recommend it.
Conclusion
The review of the Spectra Studebaker Wooden Turntable brings this post to an end.
It's our hope that, through this post, you can now select the best turntable under $100. Ensure that you follow the guidelines stipulated in this post carefully to make sure that you purchase the best turntable.
Any of the reviewed turntables will serve your intended purpose appropriately if handled with utmost care.
Begin to enjoy the vinyl record technology today with one of these turntables.
All the best!