Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Best Budget PickRega Planar 1 Plus
Best Premium PickPrice
$100-$150
$500-$650
Summary
The most-recommended entry-level turntable across every vinyl community. Reliable build, warm sound, and easy maintenance make it the default answer for anyone starting out.
Tom's Guide calls it the best turntable around — the Rega Planar 1 Plus is a serious audiophile deck with a built-in phono stage, making it a complete, no-compromise setup.
Pros
- Universally recommended across Reddit vinyl communities as the go-to budget pick
- Easy maintenance with replaceable parts and simple operation
- Bluetooth version (AT-LP60XBT) available for wireless speaker setups
- Significantly better build quality than Crosley and similar cheap alternatives
- Tom's Guide's top-rated turntable after extensive hands-on testing
- Built-in phono preamp (the 'Plus' version) means fewer boxes and cables
- Rega's renowned belt-drive engineering delivers exceptional speed stability
- Upgradeable cartridge path for long-term investment in sound quality
Cons
- Non-upgradeable cartridge limits long-term sound improvement
- Belt-drive mechanism means slightly less speed accuracy than direct-drive
- Built-in phono preamp is functional but not audiophile-grade
- Significantly more expensive than mid-range options
- Manual operation only — no auto-return or auto-stop
- Minimalist design means no USB output for digitizing records
Our take
If someone asks 'what record player should I buy?', the AT-LP60X is the correct answer 90% of the time. It's the community consensus pick for a reason — it just works.
If you want the best sound quality without building a full separates system, the Rega Planar 1 Plus is the turntable to beat. It's what serious vinyl listeners actually use.
Buy
