Best selling vinyl the point is not the sound. It’s a physical experience: shiny, delicate plates; notes written in large letters; covers that you want to frame and hang on the wall; and the way the pen spins on the serrated surface, playing music from your favorite artists like magic.
Maybe you’ve always been interested in building a setup for listening to LPs and 45s, but don’t know where to start. Maybe you’re like WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu, who owned the record but didn’t have a turntable to play it. Maybe you’re just looking for an upgrade. No problem: there are tons of great turntables to choose from, and most of them will easily connect to any audio system you already own. I’ve tested quite a few options, and these are my current favorites—from utilitarian, inexpensive classics to more luxurious options for those looking for audiophile-quality sound.
Be sure to check out our other audio guides, including the best gear for learning music and the best gear for podcasting.
Updated July 2022: Added Monolith by Monoprice 600045.
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