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By, Nicolas Ward
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The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Numark Scratch | DJ Turntable for Portablists With User Replaceable
It has a robust and reliable construction with an adjustable scratch slide switch that accommodates both right- and left-handed turntablists. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: RANE DJ Twelve MKII | 12-Inch Motorized Vinyl Like MIDI Turntable
The Rane Twelve MKII is a 12-inch motorized MIDI turntable with high torque and resolution for accurate performance. The USB port is conveniently located for easy data transfer to your computer and the MIDI interface can be connected to the SEVENTY-TWO mkII or your computer (Mac/PC). Read Review
3. Best Speed: Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct Drive Turntable delivers professional-quality sound and performance, perfect for DJ'ing and vinyl enthusiasts. With robust construction, this turntable is designed to handle the heaviest playback demands. Read Review
4. Best Portable: Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable
The player also has a selectable high-quality internal phono preamplifier that comes with switchable output level, ground terminal and a start/stop button for your vinyls. Read Review
Are you looking for the best budget DJ turntable? If you’re starting your DJ journey and need to get the most bang for your buck, this article is for you. To be a great DJ, you must have excellent technical skills—which also means some incredible equipment. Getting the best turntables is not easy, but don’t worry; we have you covered. Our team has tested and reviewed more than 20 of the most popular models on the market right now, taking into account their performance and ease of use and how they compare to similar products with different features. With this in mind, we can confidently recommend these as some of the best budget DJ Turntables of 2024.
Our team had to focus on researching for 13 hours to get such results for readers. This study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, with an AC adapter or batteries, ourNumark Scratch | DJ Turntable for Portablists With User Replaceable is one of the most beautiful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other turntables with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.
RELATED: We did the research for you. Find and compare the turntable and speaker package based on Price, features, ratings & reviews here.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
Best Overall
Numark Scratch | DJ Turntable for Portablists With User Replaceable
Product Highlights
- Robust, Reliable – Built-in adjustable user-replaceable Scratch Slide Switch exclusive to Numark that accommodates both right- and left-handed turntablists
- Everything you need - Cartridge, removable slip-mat and protective dust cover included - plus there’s even a built-in carrying handle
- Rich, Dynamic Sound – Scratch Everywhere with PT01 Scratch’s room-filling built-in speaker, or for more powerful sound, connect to external speakers via conveniently located RCA outputs
- The Ins and Outs - Practice privately connecting your headphones to PT01 Scratch’s headphone outputs, scratch along to your backing tracks via the 1/8 inch Aux input with adjustable volume or capture your routine with the class-compliant on-board interface for hassle free recording (Mac or PC)
- Ultra-Portable, Feature Packed – Portable 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM DJ turntable powered by AC adapter or batteries (6 D, not included) to scratch anywhere you go
TOP Choice #2 
Best Bang For The Buck
RANE DJ Twelve MKII | 12-Inch Motorized Vinyl Like MIDI Turntable
Product Highlights
- Authentic DJ Turntable Experience – Full 12-inch black acrylic control disc with motorized platter to control four decks of playback; Traditional, familiar turntable layout
- Multi-Platform Control For Mainstream DJ Software - DVS/USB MIDI Control for Serato DJ Pro, Traktor and Virtual DJ; OLED screen displays BPM and Control Status; RCA output for DVS audio signals
- Connectivity Covered – Conveniently located MIDI interface via USB that can be connected to the SEVENTY-TWO mkII or your computer (Mac / PC)
- Total Control of your DJ Set – Dual mode touch strip for track search and 8 hot-cue-triggers; 33 1/3 and 45 RPM platter speeds; 8/16/50% pitch with precise dual-resolution detented slider
- Power Meets Precision - 5.0 kfcm high-torque motor with high/low torque adjust for more traditional setups plus 3,600 ticks of platter resolution for accurate performance
TOP Choice #3 
Best Speed
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable
Product Highlights
- connectivity technology: Wired
- Headshell with Cartridge and Stylus
- USB Output - Black
- Turntable with Direct-drive Motor
- Preamplifier
- DESIGNED FOR EASE OF USE: The TT-1100USB Turntable from Gemini Is Easy To Use With Its Soft-Touch MOTOR ON/OFF Button Paired With An LED Indicator Instantly Responds To Your Command, As Well As Simple One-Touch Variable 33, 45 and 78 RPM Speed Buttons and A +/-10% Variable Pitch Slider To Give You pPersonalized Playback. These Buttons Feature LED Indicators That Respond To Your Touch For Added Ease Of Use
- A BLAST FROM THE PAST WITH A TWIST FROM TODAY: The Gemini TT-1100USB Turntable Uses A Classic Style Manual Belt-Drive, But Also Features a USB Port That Provides Connectivity To Both PC and Mac Systems, Finally Letting You Bridge Both Your Vinyl and Digital Track Seriess
- BONUSES TO UNBOX: Included With The TT-1100USB Turntable Are An HD-15 Headshell, 45 Adaptor, A Felt Slipmat, Detachable RCA and Ground Cables, and A USB Cable To Fulfil Your DJ Turntable Neetds. This Turntable Comes With Audacity Recording Software Included
- BUILT WITH REAL LIFE IN MIND: The TT-1100USB Turntable Is Built Tough, Supported By A Solid Alluminum Platter and Features An ABS Enclosure Base To House The Unit. Heavy But Adjustable Rubber Feet Add Support While Eleminating External Vibrations Or Feedback, and The Aluminum Tone Arm Supplies Superior Tracking and Skip Resistance In The Craziest Of Environments. The Durable Design Makes This The Perfect Turntable For Battles, Festivals, and Anything In Between
- TRUST GEMINI, AN INDUSTRY LEADER: History Has Always Been An Important Part Of The Gemini Culture. Since 1974, We've Provided Innovative Products For DJs, Musicians, Sound Contractors and Professional Installers Around The Globe. This Is What Drives Us As An Industry Leader Is DJ and Audio Equipment
6 
Best Connectivity
Harmony DJ Battle Coffin Compatible with (2) Rane 12 Turntables
Product Highlights
- Harmony HC2T1272WLT DJ Battle Coffin Compatible with (2) Rane 12 Turntables & Rane 72 Mixer
- (2) Rane Twelve Turntable & Rane 72 Mixer
7 
Best Hi-Fi
Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
Product Highlights
- Compatible with aptX codec
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology
- Output Wattage 3 00
- Fully automatic operation with two speeds 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
- Power Source Type DC. Motor: DC servo-controlled
- Anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter
- Included Components Turntable Detachable RCA output cable (3 5 mm male to dual RCA male) 45 RPM adapter Removable hinged dust cover
- Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable
- Turntable includes built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with detachable RCA output cables
- Fully manual operation with start / stop control
- Damped die-cast aluminum platter with felt slip mat
- Direct drive, high-torque motor turntable mechanism plays 2 speeds - 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records
- Balanced S-Shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift control, anti-skate, height adjustment, and lockable rest
9 
Best Realiable
Victrola 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player with Turntable
Product Highlights
- THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE - This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) suitcase record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY and sits on sound isolating feet that prevent vibration. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office.
- TAKE YOUR TUNES ANYWHERE - Housed in a vintage suitcase with an easy carry handle, Victrola's blend of retro and contemporary design give you the ultimate flexibility to listen to music where you want and how you want – a great choice for vinyl lovers
- ALL THE CONTROLS YOU NEED - Features an Input select knob, Power/Volume Knob & an Auto stop switch that stops spinning records once the record is finished playing.
- NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Get it up and running in minutes. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology makes this affordable record player ideal for beginners & vintage enthusiasts
- EXPANDED CONNECTION OPTIONS - Stream smartphone audio through the turntable’s built-in Bluetooth speakers. Easily connect external speakers via the stereo RCA outputs, or use the Line input for non-Bluetooth devices like a CD player. For personal listening, connect your headphones to the headphone jack.
- A RECORD PLAYER THAT SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY - Combined with Victrola’s unparalleled sound quality and exquisite craftsmanship, and a wide range of styles, patterns and colors to choose from, get ready to create lifelong music memories
- Since the DP 29F includes a built in PHONO equalizer, you can connect the unit to an integrated amp that does not have its own equalizer
- Includes DSN 82 moving magnet cartridge; 14.2 x 3.8 x 14.1 inches; 2 year warranty
- Rigid die cast aluminum construction ensures stable rotation for high fidelity sound
- The DP 29F has Belt drive system, with a DC servo motor; Speed of 33 1/3, 45 rpm and a Wow & flutter less than 0.15 percent; The Tonearm is dynamically balance type and straight tonearm; Effective length 195 mm
- Plugs into any receiver's analog line level input (ideal for receivers without phono inputs)
- The DP 29F employs an automated system that starts playing the record with the single touch of a button and finishes play at the end of the record by returning the tone arm to its original position and stopping turntable rotation
- Belt driven, fully automatic analog turntable with RIAA equalized phono preamplifier
- Automated system starts playing with push of a button; 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds
- The DP 29F comes with an MM cartridge so that you can begin to enjoy your analog record collection as soon as you connect the DP 29F to your home hi fi system
- The turntable has been precision manufactured with a rigid die cast aluminum to produce uniform inertial mass for perfectly stable turntable rotation, an essential component of high fidelity sound during playback
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a best budget dj turntable?
Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best budget dj turntable, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best budget dj turntable. You are expected to count on our expertise in best budget dj turntable to make the right choice.
So now we move on to the significant factors related to best budget dj turntable you must keep in mind:
Tracking Force
The track force refers to the downward pressure that the cartridge exerts on the record through the stylus. A suggested tracking force will be included with your turntable.
Adjusting the track force can be delicate, but this is worth it to improve sound quality. You also have a lower chance of damaging your records by too much downward force.
Adjusting the counterweight at the back of your tonearm can change the tracking force. First, balance the tonearm horizontally. Next, twist the counterweight to get the right downforce (as indicated in the instruction).
Anti-skate Force
The anti-skate force must be adjusted in conjunction with the tracking force via the dial located near the tonearm. This ensures that the needle does not move sideways.
Record Speeds
These numbers are the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the record. Although most records are 33s in length, there are still 45s and some 78s available (the former are smaller). While most turntables can play both 33rpm or 45rpm, you will need to have an adapter in order to hear the slower version. You'll have to look for an adapter or player that can play 78s.
Pre-amps
Pre-amps convert the turntable's "phono" signal into a stronger signal called "line", so that it is compatible with speakers, headphones and other audio equipment. You can either use an amplifier that has a separate phono line or buy a standalone pre-amp if the turntable does not have one.
Some turntables come with switchable preamps that can be switched on and off depending on the plugging device.
Fully Automatic
Playing vinyl has the biggest drawback of having to reach at each end and turn it over. A fully automatic turntable uses a machine on the tonearm to put the needle on the record and play it. Then, at the end of the track, it lifts the record up to return it to its cradle.
The extra electric signals along the tonearm and the mechanical movement are what audio purists believe affect the sound. Full-auto, however, is the best option if you don't want to have to stand up for half an hour every time.
Drives
Two types of drive are available for turntables: direct and belt.
Models with direct drive motors are mounted beneath the platter. In a belt drive, the motor is attached to one end by a rubber belt. The turntable can be spun at higher speeds and is compacted by direct drives. Belt models, on the other hand, isolate any extra noise from the motor.
Styluses And Cartridges
A turntable's most crucial parts are its stylus and cartridge. The stylus and cartridge pick up the information from the record, convert it to electronic signals and send them to the speakers.
The stylus, or "needle", is what sits inside the grooves of the record. It is crucial to choose the right shape for the stylus. An elliptical stylus will pick up more information than one that has a conical surface because it touches more records. Audiophiles also believe that conical styluses work better with old records because they take up more space after the groove has been expanded through repeated plays.
The stylus is held in the cartridge, which converts its movements into electric signals. The most popular cartridge types are moving magnet (MM), and moving coil (MC). Most turntables will use MM cartridges because they areer and more convenient to change needles. However, MC cartridges can be lighter and pick up more groove changes than MM cartridges. They are also more costly.
FAQs
Can You Connect A Turntable Directly To Speakers?
It all depends on whether the connectors in your device can accommodate your speakers. Most of them will. It shouldn't be a problem connecting your turntable and its speakers.
How Many Times Can You Listen To A Vinyl Record?
The vinyl record is a great resource for work. The record can be listened to over 100 times with no loss of sound quality.
What’s An Automatic Turntable?
A turntable that is automatic uses a combination of automatic features and a tonearm to lift itself from its resting place and position itself above your record for playback. After the track has finished, the device will automatically lift from its resting place and go back to the original position.
This is a preferred method by some users as it reduces the amount of effort required to stop and play your turntable. However, this does not mean you can't manually lift the tonearm. It's still possible.
Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?
Both yes and no. A preamp is necessary for every turntable to convert its sounds into something your record player can hear, as well as other audio devices.
Because most turntables have their preamp built in, it's not necessary. If this is the case then you don't need a separate preamp.
However, we understand that not everyone wants to improve their sound and decide to purchase a preamp separately. For more information, if you are one of these people, please see our next question.
What Makes One Turntable Sound Better Than Another?
You need to take into account many factors. The quality of both the stylus and cartridge is important. Some turntables simply have more features, which allow for better accuracy and less vibration.
Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?
It is. It is a habit that even certified audiophiles sometimes forget to put their records in their jackets, but it's important to always do this.
Your record will be more likely to get damaged or dirty if it is not kept out in the open. You're guilty of this habit, but at the very least you should not forget to close the dust cover.
How To Make The Turntable Louder?
If the phonostage isn't connected correctly or not properly, your turntable might play slowly. A properly sized, wired and connected phonostage is the best way to unlock your turntable's potential.
READ NEXT: The Best Hearing Aid Solutions For 2024
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About Nicolas Ward
Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.
Read Nicolas's full bio
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