Best DJ Turntables Under $500 2026

Affordable dj turntables under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP Silver

Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
  • • Professional DJ standard
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP SilverTurntable with Direct DriveManualprofessional record player with direct drivePowerful...

4.9/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Reloop RP 4000 MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Reloop RP 4000 MK2

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
  • • High torque for quick starts
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Reloop RP 4000 MK2Quartz-Driven DJ Turntable with High-Torque Direct DriveSpeeds (RPM): 33 1/3 - 45 - 78Pitch with...

4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Thorens TD 201 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thorens TD 201 black

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
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II black

Turntablism Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing
Key Feature:
• High torque for quick starts
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Expensive quality turntables

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

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II walnut

Vinyl DJing Traditional DJing Turntablism
Key Feature:
• Professional DJ standard
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality turntables
  • • Sensitive to vibration and setup

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II WNAudiophile Turntable for HiFi and Audio Transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive with...

4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II red

Traditional DJing Turntablism Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Authentic vinyl DJing experience
✗ CONS
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II redAudiophile Turntable for Hifi & audio transfer to PC/MacPrecision belt drive with...

4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono black

Traditional DJing Turntablism Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • High torque for quick starts
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed

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

4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP Black

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

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP BlackTurntable with Direct DriveManualprofessional record player with direct drivePowerful...

4.7/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Thorens TD 202 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thorens TD 202 black

Vinyl DJing Hip-Hop Traditional DJing
Key Feature:
• Professional DJ standard
✓ PROS
  • • Professional DJ standard
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Requires vinyl records or timecode

Thorens TD 202 BlackManual plug and play record playerSolid framePre-installed Audio Technica AT 95 E cartridgeMatching...

4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Korg handytraxx play - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Korg handytraxx play

Traditional DJing Turntablism Scratch DJing
Key Feature:
• Timeless classic DJ tool
✓ PROS
  • • Timeless classic DJ tool
  • • Essential for scratch DJing
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and less portable
  • • Maintenance and calibration needed

Korg handytraxx playPortable TurntableOptimised for scratching and portablism performancesBattery operation...

4.9/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Pro-Ject Primary E Phono white

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
Pro-Ject Primary E Phono red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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

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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