Records have always been popular among fans, but they’re making a resurgence in popular culture. But you might be thinking which is better, USB turntable vs standard turntable? USB turntables make listening to those records all the more fun.
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Best Overall
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Best Sound Quality
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Best For Beginners
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There are many options for USB turntables out there, so this list will help you pick the best one.
Our Top USB Turntable Picks
Here is our list of the best USB turntables, including our best all-around pick, the best for beginners, versatility, and long-term use, among others.
Best All-Around
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK is the best for its many features and great sound. It’s easy to use and has features like its target light for curing. Overall, it’s a good quality turntable that will serve its purpose well.
Pros: Great sound, anti-skate control, three speeds, has playback controls.
Cons: Difficult to assemble.
- Material: Aluminum and plastic
- Features: 3 speeds, anti-skate control, RCA output, S-shaped tonearm, playback controls, target light for cueing.
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Ease of use: Some assembly required.
Best For Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica At-LP60X-BK is best for sound because its aluminum platter makes the sound quality great, and its redesigned tonearm improves vinyl tracks. It is at a great price point for the value of the item.
Pros: Easy to operate, great connectivity.
Cons: You Can’t change cartridges.
- Material: Plastic and Aluminum
- Features: 3 speeds, anti-skate control, RCA output, S-shaped tonearm, playback controls
- Weight: 8.11 pounds
- Ease of use: Easy to use, little to no assembly required.
Best For Beginners
The Lauson Woodsound JTF536 is the best turntable for beginners. It’s at a reasonable price and its standard features make it easy for beginners to navigate.
Pros: Easy to use, great price point, simple controls.
Cons: Can be difficult to transfer records to USB.
- Material: Wood
- Features: 3-speed, built-in speakers, RCA output.
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Ease of use: Easy to use.
Best For Affordability
The ION Audio Max LP is best for affordability. Finding a good quality turntable that’s still affordable can be tricky. This ION turntable has standard USB turntable features, is visually appealing, and won’t break the bank to purchase.
Pros: Low cost, built-in stereo speakers, three speeds.
Cons: Not very durable.
- Material: Wood
- Features: 3 speed, RCA output, built-in stereo, headphone output.
- Weight: 7.71 pounds
- Ease of use: easy to use, comes with ION Audio EZ conversion software, little to no assembly.
Best For Versatility
The Sony PS-LX310BT is best for versatility. It is one of the best USB turntables for ripping vinyl. Its clean looks add to its ease of use and features.
It features a Bluetooth connection which allows you to connect your turntable to your phone or computer and listen to it that way.
Pros: Bluetooth connection, RCA output, aluminum platter, auto playback.
Cons: Inconvenient with auto playback if you don’t turn it off.
- Material: Vinyl.
- Features: 2 speed, RCA output, Bluetooth connection, aluminum platter, auto playback.
- Weight: 7.9 pounds.
- Ease of use: easy to use, little to no assembly required.
Best For Features
The DigitNow turntable is best for features. It has the basic functions of a classic turntable but has added features that make it stand out. It has standard turntable capabilities and additional features that make it stand out.
Pros: Multiple features, Bluetooth capabilities, good sound.
Cons: The multiple electronic functions can sometimes interfere and cause a humming sound.
- Material: plastic
- Features: Bluetooth connection, RCA output, three speeds, LCD screen, earphone jack, AM FM stereo radio, cassette player.
- Weight: 5.85 pounds.
- Ease of use: easy to use, little to no assembly required.
Best For Looks
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is the best for looks. Its sleek modern design makes it visually appealing and a great addition to your space.
This turntable features natural wood with a clear plastic dust cover and simple black detailing. It combines a modern look with the retro aspect that is a turntable.
Pros: Sleek design, easy setup, good sound, steel platter.
Cons: Higher price range.
- Material: Alloy Steel,
- Features: 3 speed, steel plate, noiseless operation, RCA output, carbon tonearm.
- Weight: 13 pounds.
- Ease of use: Easy to use, little to no setup required.
Best For Easy Install
The Denon DP-300F is the best for an easy install. It features simple connections that make it easy for any user to set up this turntable and start enjoying it right away.
Assembling turntables can be challenging at times, but the Denon makes it easy to start enjoying.
Pros: Easy installation, automatic motions, Phono equalizer.
Cons: Can have playback issues.
- Material: Vinyl.
- Features: 2 speed, heavy base, phono equalizer, easy install, replaceable cartridges, aluminum plate.
- Weight: 12.1 pounds.
- Ease of use: Easy to use and install.
Best For Durability
The 1 By One turntable has a vintage look, crafted with great care from wood and then coated with a high gloss piano lacquer. This coating makes it very durable. It also has good features that make it a solid choice for a turntable.
Pros: Great craftsmanship.
Cons: Balancing the tonearm for setup can be difficult.
- Material: Wood.
- Features: 2 speed, Bluetooth, anti-skate system, RCA output, belt-driven system.
- Weight: 12.8 pounds.
- Ease of use: Can be tricky to assemble.
Best For Long-term use
The UDreamer turntable is a larger turntable which makes it more heavy-duty for long-term use. The bigger base makes it great as a staple piece in your home that will experience less wear and tear over time.
Pros: Vintage look, good sound, Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons: Has a short power cable.
- Material: Vinyl.
- Features: 3 speed, vintage look, built-in stereo speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, RCA output.
- Weight: 4.9 pounds.
- Ease of use: Easy to use, little to no assembly.
Purpose of using a USB Turntable?
According to standard USB turntable reviews, people like the USB feature because it allows you to transfer songs from vinyl to USB or mp3 from your turntable.
It allows you to make copies of your favorite albums, so you never have to go without them.
Sometimes your favorite songs aren’t available on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, so having a USB turntable simplifies the process for you to convert your favorite songs.
Are USB Turntables worth it?
USB turntables can be worth it, depending on what you hope you do with your vinyl collection. If you plan to convert songs in any way for leisure or as a DJ, having a USB turntable is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right USB turntable can be challenging, but hopefully, our list helps you decide which fit is best for you. Our best all-around choice is a good option if you don’t have any specific goals in mind for your turntable. There’s a good turntable for everyone, no matter your needs.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.