Best DJ Turntables for Beginner 2026

Perfect dj turntables for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Vinyl DJing For Scratch DJing For Hip-Hop For Traditional DJing For Turntablism

BRANDS: Thorens Pro-Ject Reloop Technics

Thorens TD 101 A black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Thorens TD 101 A black

by Thorens

Scratch DJing Hip-Hop Vinyl DJing

Key Feature:

• High torque for quick starts

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Timeless classic DJ tool

✗ CONS

• Heavy and less portable
• Expensive quality turntables

Thorens TD 101 A blackFully Automatic Record PlayerWith integrated phono amplifierAluminium tonearm with Audio Technica...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536109

$603

Buy at Thomann View Details

Technics SL-1200MK7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Technics SL-1200MK7

by Technics

Scratch DJing Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing

Key Feature:

• Essential for scratch DJing

✓ PROS

• Timeless classic DJ tool
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to vibration and setup
• Expensive quality turntables

Technics SL-1200MK7DJ Turntable with Direct DriveDie-cast aluminium housingAdjustable starting and braking torquePitch...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 518616

$1,055

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 201 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Thorens TD 201 black

by Thorens

Vinyl DJing Turntablism Hip-Hop

Key Feature:

• Essential for scratch DJing

✓ PROS

• Timeless classic DJ tool
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Requires vinyl records or timecode
• Sensitive to vibration and setup

Thorens TD 201 BlackManually Operated TurntableFor committed beginners who are looking for a robusteasy-to-use and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 488907

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Technics SL-1210MK 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Technics SL-1210MK 7

by Technics

Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop Turntablism

Key Feature:

• High torque for quick starts

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Timeless classic DJ tool

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality turntables
• Requires vinyl records or timecode

Technics SL-1210MK 7Direct Drive DJ TurntableDie-cast aluminium housingAdjustable start and stop timePitch adjustment...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 479661

$1,055

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 204 walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Thorens TD 204 walnut

by Thorens

Traditional DJing Turntablism Vinyl DJing

Key Feature:

• Professional DJ standard

✓ PROS

• Professional DJ standard
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to vibration and setup
• Heavy and less portable

Thorens TD 204 walnutManual Plug-and-Play TurntableWith belt driveElectronically controlled DC motorSpeeds: 33-1/345...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556342

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut

by Thorens

Hip-Hop Turntablism Scratch DJing

Key Feature:

• Professional DJ standard

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Authentic vinyl DJing experience

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to vibration and setup
• Requires vinyl records or timecode

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnutManual Record Player with Sub ChassisFurther development of the TD 1600 for a better ease...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599046

$4,398

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 1500 black HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Thorens TD 1500 black HG

by Thorens

Traditional DJing Turntablism Vinyl DJing

Key Feature:

• Timeless classic DJ tool

✓ PROS

• Professional DJ standard
• Authentic vinyl DJing experience

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to vibration and setup
• Heavy and less portable

Thorens TD 1500 Black HGSubchassis TurntableWith balanced XLR outputsDrive: Belt driveDC motorSpeeds: 33-1/345...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 529305

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set black

by Pro-Ject

Turntablism Hip-Hop Scratch DJing

Key Feature:

• High torque for quick starts

✓ PROS

• Professional DJ standard
• Timeless classic DJ tool

✗ CONS

• Heavy and less portable
• Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set blackSet of Record Player and SpeakersConsisting of Juke Box E and 2x speakers...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 546895

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN Lamborghini - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN Lamborghini

by Technics

Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop Traditional DJing

Key Feature:

• High torque for quick starts

✓ PROS

• Timeless classic DJ tool
• Professional DJ standard

✗ CONS

• Maintenance and calibration needed
• Expensive quality turntables

Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN LamborghiniDJ Turntable with Direct DriveGreen Lamborghini special editionImproved direct...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 592222

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white

by Pro-Ject

Scratch DJing Vinyl DJing Turntablism

Key Feature:

• Timeless classic DJ tool

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Maintenance and calibration needed
• Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono WhiteAudiophile "Plug & Play" TurntableIntegrated phono stagePhono and line...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 495015

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set white - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set white

by Pro-Ject

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop

Key Feature:

• Essential for scratch DJing

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Requires vinyl records or timecode
• Heavy and less portable

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set whiteSet of Record Player and SpeakersConsisting of Juke Box E and 2x speaker...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 546907

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white

by Pro-Ject

Turntablism Hip-Hop Scratch DJing

Key Feature:

• Authentic vinyl DJing experience

✓ PROS

• High torque for quick starts
• Professional DJ standard

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to vibration and setup
• Maintenance and calibration needed

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II WhiteAudiophile Turntable for Hifi & Audio Transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 495003

$328

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 black

by Thorens

Vinyl DJing Turntablism Traditional DJing

Key Feature:

• Professional DJ standard

✓ PROS

• Professional DJ standard
• High torque for quick starts

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality turntables
• Heavy and less portable

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 blackManual Record Player with Sub ChassisThe TD 1601 is the logical further development of the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 597481

$4,398

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reloop Turn 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Reloop Turn 7

by Reloop

Traditional DJing Hip-Hop Turntablism

Key Feature:

• Authentic vinyl DJing experience

✓ PROS

• Authentic vinyl DJing experience
• High torque for quick starts

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality turntables
• Maintenance and calibration needed

Reloop Turn 7Belt-Driven Premium HiFi TurntableWith Ortofon 2M Red stylus (elliptical)20 mm acrylic platter (1.7 kg)...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 567263

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thorens TD 402 DD black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Thorens TD 402 DD black

by Thorens

Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing Hip-Hop

Key Feature:

• Timeless classic DJ tool

✓ PROS

• Timeless classic DJ tool
• Essential for scratch DJing

✗ CONS

• Heavy and less portable
• Sensitive to vibration and setup

Thorens TD 402 DD blackDirect Drive Record PlayerReady to play ‘out-of-the-box’Very smoothly running direct...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 488938

$868

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best DJ Turntables

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced dj turntables typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

TOP

Best DJ Controllers

Best DJ Turntables for Beginner 2026

Thorens TD 101 A black

Technics SL-1200MK7

Thorens TD 201 black

Technics SL-1210MK 7

Thorens TD 204 walnut

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut

Thorens TD 1500 black HG

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set black

Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN Lamborghini

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set white

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 black

Reloop Turn 7

Thorens TD 402 DD black

How to Choose the Best DJ Turntables

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best DJ Controllers

Best DJ Mixers

Best DJ Headphones

Best DJ Sets

Best Phono Preamps

Best Player

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