Best DJ Turntables for Turntablism 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 HiFi Set black

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
Thorens TD 1500 black HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Thorens TD 1500 black HG

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
Thorens TD 102 A black HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thorens TD 102 A black HG

Traditional DJing Scratch DJing Vinyl DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed

Thorens TD 102 A black HGRecord playerFully automaticWith integrated MM phono preamplifierDrive: Flat belt driveDC...

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Thorens TD 101 A black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Thorens TD 101 A black

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
Technics SL-1200M7B YELLOW Lamborghini - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Technics SL-1200M7B YELLOW Lamborghini

Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Technics SL-1200M7B YELLOW LamborghiniDJ Turntable with Direct DriveYellow Lamborghini special editionimproved direct...

4.8/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white

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
Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut

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
Technics SL-1200MK7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Technics SL-1200MK7

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
Thorens TD 102 A walnut HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thorens TD 102 A walnut HG

Vinyl DJing Turntablism Hip-Hop
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Thorens TD 102 A walnut HGRecord playerFully automaticWith integrated MM phono preamplifierDrive: Flat belt driveDC...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN Lamborghini - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Technics SL-1200M7B GREEN Lamborghini

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
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono red

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • High torque for quick starts
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

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

4.9/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Thorens TD 204 walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Thorens TD 204 walnut

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
Thorens TD 204 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Thorens TD 204 black

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
  • • Professional DJ standard
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Heavy and less portable

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

4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 black

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
Thorens TD 1600 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Thorens TD 1600 black

Hip-Hop Scratch DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Essential for scratch DJing
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Thorens TD 1600 blackManual Turntable with Sub-chassisExternally very close to the earlier 160 series with classic...

4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10

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.

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