The Best Record Player Under 100 dollars!
Record players are wonderful instruments of music that have changed the world of music in the last few decades.
Every music lover dreams of owning a record player that efficiently plays music and is easy to operate.
But there is one factor that influences buyer’s decision to a great extent in purchasing a record player.
You might wander what this is right?
Well.. it’s the budget!
But luckily we have some great news for you!
If your budget is limited to just $100, you still have plenty of options in record players to choose from.
Are you looking for some help in deciding on what is the best record player under 100 dollars is?
Well, then you have come to the right place!
We have done all the research on behalf of you.
Here are the five best record players that efficiently play music and yet are budget friendly.
Model 1: Jensen JTA 230
Jensen JTA 230 is an affordable record player which for sure will exceed your expectation when it comes to its features. The interesting part of this budget player is the three speed stereo with built in speakers. This player can be considered as an entry level player. It makes an excellent music player for those who are just getting familiar with vinyl record music.
The player features a robust ceramic cartridge to keep external noises low. The diamond stylus tip efficiently plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. The operation of the unit is completely manual, but has an auto-stop feature which stops the platter to spin when the needle reaches the end of the record.
Key Features
- 3-Speed Stereo with built-in speakers
- Efficiently plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records
- Features Robust ceramic cartridge
- Decent sound quality for the given budget
Pros : Sound Quality
The sound quality of the record player can be termed as decent taking price and size of the player into consideration. Many owners are happy with the sound quality of the unit concerning the budget and the size of the record player.
Supports all the three speeds
The player can play 33 1/3, and 45 RPM records efficiently with the same stylus / needle without any hindrance. However, using an advanced stylus for playing 78RPM records is recommended to prevent any scratches on the records.
USB Output
The USB output of the player enables you to connect various other devices such as MP3 players, iPods, etc. to play music. The output allows you to connect the player to PC to convert your LP audio files to digital formats.
Cons – Manual Operation
The player does not have a lever to lift the tonearm. The tonearm has to be raised or lowered manually when a record is played. The absence of auto start-stop feature forces the listener to manual carryout the operation which is quite irritating when one wants to enjoy non-stop music.
Amazon Customers Review’s
The product has an average of 4 stars out of 5 and reviewed by 2,305 customers. Although there are few concerns about the sound system, most of the device owners are happy with the sound quality.
Model 2: Jensen JTA 222
Jensen knows that the budgeted models are used by the new users. That is why they have loaded their budget models with all the necessary features. This model can be considered one of the best Jensen’s model and users probably cannot ask for more features within this budget. The beautiful antique look of the Jensen JTA 222 model gives new users a satisfaction of owning the old classic record player.
Apart from the beautiful looks, this model is compact and lightweight. It comes with a dust cover that protects the player from accumulating dust and mite when not in use. In-built speakers and radio are other features that make this Jensen model further popular. The model is engineered with the ten decades’ experience of Jensen.
Key Features
The Jensen JTA-222 features three-speed stereo (33, 45, 78 RPM).
Built-in speakers and radio enhance the audio experience of the owners.
Pros – Low Cost
The best of part of this player is the unbelievable cost itself. The player is offered in the price range of $ on Amazon.com including shipping. Check the actual price on Amazon.com here. This makes this record player worth buying for everyone that is new to the world of vinyl records. The record player is loaded with all the features that a music lover looks for in a device. Jensen takes you one step ahead in your search for the best record player under 100 dollars with this great model.
User Friendly
Jensen is aware that most of its users are first time users of record players and hence know that how important it is to make user-friendly players. JTA 222 is a plug and play kind of record player and is quite easy to operate even for first-time users.
Design
The player has an antique wood design look and comes with a dust cover which is exclusively for the Jensen Owners. Features like In-built radio, output jack speaker (external RCA ) and in-built speakers offer true value for your money.
Cons – No USB
The only major inconvenient features of buying JTA 222 unit is that it needs to be manually operate. The tone arm does not return to the beginning of the record automatically and this must be done manually for every record played which can be inconvenient. The USB port is absent, and this model cannot play other discs except for LP’s. However, many owners do not pay much attention to these minor inconveniences and are happy with the player.
Amazon Customers Review’s
The product has an average of 4.2 stars out of 5 and is reviewed by 1,209 customers. Although there is no MP3 and USB port, device owners are least bothered about these features making it one of the best record player that is exquisite and functional at a very affordable price.
Model 3: Crosley Cruiser Portable Turntable
After careful consideration of various portable turntables, we have come across the Crosley Cruiser portable turntable. It is attractive, affordable and functional for the given budget.
The Cruiser player is portable, user-friendly and delivers awesome sound. We think these are some of the best features one can find in low budget players. The output is as well harmonious as it maintains resonance. The hardwood underneath the player absorbs shocks resulting in further reducing of the vibrations.
Setting up the record player is easy and needs no technical know-how. The record player features tone arm made of aluminum which not only adds to the look of the unit but is also durable.
Key Features
Plays all the three speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records) and comes with built- in stereo speakers.
The player is compatible with MP3 players and iPods as it has an AUX port and it also has the RCA audio out that enables you to hear the music in the one go.
Pros – Appealing design and finish
Just by looking at the cruiser player you can say why people love it so much. The player features a suitcase design and comes with a beautiful finish which is hard to resist to buy. The leatherette and wooden build of the unit are surprisingly robust too.
Built-in Speakers
The record player is fully portable and features two speakers that are built into the case and are driven by 3W amp. The sound quality delivered by the speakers is of good quality and is very decent for the money.
Ease of Use
The crosley cruiser is a plug-play type of player, and one can get started to enjoy playing music as soon as it is unpacked. The player is user-friendly and can be easily operated even by a layman to vinyl records.
Cons – Tracking Weight
The tracking weight of the cruiser has been mentioned as a concern by a few owners. Some of them even feel that the speaker output can be improved by further reducing the vibration noise levels. There are also few customers that suggest on using a more sturdy material for building the record player.
However, the owners conveyed that these are just suggestions and are satisfied with the features and sound delivered for the amount spent for purchasing the device.
Amazon Customers Review’s
The product had an average of 3.7 stars out of 5 and reviewed by 2,659 customers. The customers are satisfied with the sound quality, build and design of the record players. Check the actual price on Amazon.com here.
Model 4: Crosley CR40 RE
The Crosley CR40-RE is one of the best record players that is launched by Crosley. It can be grouped into high-end turntables but is low on the price end making it a perfect device for new vinyl music lovers. The turntable features front-firing speakers, better styling and is compact in size.
If you are the one that is looking for high-end turntables, then this model will qualify. The CR40-RE makes a great player for average music lovers as the device is priced greatly and is sturdy built.
This record player provides a great music listening experience for the new and average music lovers in a casual setting. The CR40-RE can be termed as one of the best portable record players from Crosley.
Key Features
The CR40-RE is a three-speed belt driven turntable which plays 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records as well as 7,10 and 12” inch records. It features full range stereo speakers with an auxiliary output.
Pros – Mini Turntable with High-end technology
The Crosley CR40-RE is a minimized turntable from the company but is loaded with features and technology of high-end turntables making it one of the best among the lot. The turntable features belt-driven mechanism and a diamond stylus that is durable for a long time.
Sound and Speed
The record player plays all the three speed records 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM and comes with auto turn-off function. The player also plays 7, 10 and 12 Inch records. The turntable features dynamic full range stereo speakers with auxiliary output that delivers reasonably good sound quality.
Design
The colors (brown, black, tweed) and the great retro look of the vinyl wrapped unit offers the user luxury of using a retro turntable. The player is fairly lightweight, and the convenient handles make the unit highly portable.
Cons – No Batteries
The cover of the player must be taken out completely to play the large records as they do not fit with the cover on. There is no provision for the player to run on batteries. In other words, the player doesn’t work on the batteries but works only on power supply through adapters.
However, the cover removal or missing battery option has not affected the mind of the customers greatly, and they give their full support to buy the player without bothering of the small drawbacks.
Amazon Customers Review’s
The product has an average of 3.8 stars out of 5 and reviewed by 416 customers. There are no batteries, but still, the player works very well with adapters and is worth to buy from the price range of $$ only with no shipping charges. Check the actual price on Amazon.com here.
Model 5: Pyle Home PVNTTR22
The Pyle Home PVNTTR22 enables you to enjoy music in all forms and comes with the belt-driven mechanism. The player is a stylish silicon-based technology turntable which has a classic style and elegant look. This record player plays all the three-speed records and even your favorite AM and FM radio.
The player comes with two built-in stereo speakers to enhance your music listening experience. The RCA output of the player enables you to play music through a separate audio system. The protective dust cover provided with the unit adds to the retro look of the player. The PVNTTR22 turntable delivers a high-quality performance for all kinds of the audio needs and provides the user a classic feel when the records spin and play your lovely music.
Key Features
The record player features two built – in stereo speakers that delivers decent quality sound.
The RCA line out enables you to connect the turntable to your home music system
Pros – More than Vinyl
The Pyle player plays audio more than just vinyl records by enabling you to connect and play music from almost any external music player with the help of 1/8inc input. The player also features built-in AM/FM radio.
Versatile Playback
The turntable can deliver sound through the built-in stereo speakers, or if you want an enhanced audio experience, then you can connect the player to external speakers or home sound system with RCA line-out.
Vintage Collection with Modern Technology
The player is a perfect blend of a vintage look with modern technology. The protective dust cover provided with the player is transparent and has a custom fit which adds to the classic look of the record player.
Cons – Minor Issues
There are two minor concerns that are mentioned by few customers which are the manual operation of the tone arm, and external speakers are required for enhanced audio experience. But still, customers continue to consider and purchase this Pyle player as the device provides the actual feel of vinyl.
Amazon Customers Review’s
The product has an average of 3.7 stars out of 5 and is reviewed by 80 customers. There are more and more clients who are buying the product, because this 3- speed record player has delivered a high-quality performance, and can be purchased from the price range of $ with free shipping. Check the actual price on Amazon.com here.
What is the Best Record Player Under 100 dollars – Verdict.
Although the features and the sound quality of all the record players under $100 discussed above are almost similar, there are two players that have gained some extra points in few areas.
The first option to be recommended is a Jensen JTA 230 model (3-speed stereo belt driven with turntable (33,45,78 RPM). It consists of an AUX input jack that enables you to easily connect your digital audio player, iPod or MP3 player to your personal computer.
The built-in stereo-speakers, the classic look, and the sturdy design are the other features that rate it little higher than others. There are plenty of features in the player which make it one of the best record players.
The second option we recommend is Jensen JTA- 222 which is a 3-speed stereo turntable (33, 45, 78 RPM) with additional features of built-in AM / FM radio and two inbuilt fronts facing speakers that deliver impressive sound quality.
You can also get to experience and enjoy the other features of the player. Think of the stereo headphone jack, power indicator, wooden case, dust cover, and RCA line-out. However, the USB port is absent, but still, the player Jensen JTA- 222 proves to be one of the finest quality record players with a speed switch that runs from 33 – 78 – 45 RPM.
And what about other players?
Next to these five great models, the market offers more record players under 100 dollars. We reviewed them comprehensively on our website.
For a record player in this range, it is important to know what you are after. This is the reason why you should be acquainted with the basic best turntable types.
The 1byone Belt Driven Bluetooth Turntable for example is a great example of a turntable which is affordable and yet is a close runner to the more professional turntables.
If you are looking for turntables that do not only deliver nostalgic melodies to your room, but also add a Vintage touch to your interior, you should check out the Gadhouse Brad Vintage Record Player. This one adds a really nice 1950’s and 1960’s detail to your home. When you want an easy start en keep your investment low, we recommend the PYLE-HOME PVNTTR22 Retro.
The Pyle PTR8UBTBK Bluetooth Turntable System is very useful if you have multiple sources of music next to Vinyl. It has a USB-Jack and an SD-Jack, for example. Next to that, the Bluetooth option allow you to connect with your cell-phone or Ipad.
When you are interested in Vinyl, but also have a collection of that other famous audio-carrier from the past – Cassettes! – Then the Studebaker SB6052 Wooden Turntable and the The Oak Anders Nicholson System will be a great choice for you. Next to their versatility, one knows to appreciate the antique wooden design.
“I want a used turntable”
If you want to make only a small investment – or simply have a small budget – you should consider to study the possibilities of buying a second hand used turntable. Off course this requires more preparation.
To help you trough this process, we made a small guide. Read on how to get to the best used turntables.