Best DJ Turntables 2025 – Complete Comparison

Vinyl DJing is back in a big way. In an age of streaming sites giving us instant access to an endless library of tunes and all sorts of crazy digital DJ tricks, there’s something to be said for the old-school charm of proper selectors bringing crates of their favourite records and the no-frills, hands-on mixing approach that vinyl necessitates. 

If you’ve been curious about getting into mixing vinyl, the bar to entry is a fair bit higher than digital DJing, where all you need is a laptop and an entry-level controller. That’s why it’s important to really consider the investment you’ll put into a proper set of DJ turntables, as a good, well-made pair should be able to last for decades as long as they’re looked after.

In this guide, we’re comparing the best DJ turntables across every price point and use case. From beginner setups to more advanced industry standards, here are some of our top picks.

What to Look for in a DJ Turntable

There are lots of turntables out there on the market but a lot of them are completely unsuitable for DJing and are instead made more for hi-fi listening, and they won’t survive the wear and tear of the DJ booth. Here’s what to check for when searching for DJ decks.

• Direct Drive Motor – Generally, it’s best to avoid belt-drive turntables, as you’ll find on a lot of hi-fi models, as these aren’t best suited to the demands of DJing. Direct drive motors give you the torque and precision you need for mixing and scratching.
• Torque – Higher torque (turning force) effects the feel of the decks and gives you better response and control, especially when beatmatching or scratching.
• Build Quality – Look for models with some weight to them. A solid heavy chassis and sound isolation from the pads underneath help stop the record vibrating and wobbling, which can effect the sound and cause the record to slip.
• Pitch Fader – You definitely need a full-length, accurate pitch fader for proper accurate beatmatching. Typically you’ll see +/- 8 which gives you plenty of precise control. 
• Tonearm Stability – A well-balanced, stable tonearm makes sure your record keeps tracking properly even when you’re scratching or mixing.
• Extra Features – Some modern decks offer digital displays, MIDI controls, or hybrid features like motorised platters and DVS support.

Reloop RP-1000 MK2 – Best Budget DJ Turntable

The Reloop RP-1000 MK2 is one of the most affordable DJ turntables worth considering, and the build quality is surprisingly high given the price. It is, unfortunately, a belt-driven design, as opposed to the more favoured direct drive models. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it probably won’t be able to withstand as much scratching or rough use as the other models on this list will. But if you’re more about keeping it simple and gentle with your mixes, this will fit the bill well. 

RRP – £199

Pioneer PLX-CRSS12 – Best Hybrid Turntable

If you want the best of both worlds, with a mix of digital and vinyl in your setup, the PLX-CRSS12 could be perfect for you. It lets you use DVS (Digital Vinyl System), which means you can control digital DJ software like Serato with the turntables, but these have a unique twist – you don’t actually need to use the tone arm to control the DVS, instead, it all works through the platter. The build quality and sound are all top-tier as well, although you’d expect that given the price. 

RRP – £1199

Technics SL-1200MK7 – Most Durable DJ Turntable

Technics turntables have become something of a legend in the DJ world, and for good reason. Their flagship model, the SL-1200, has long been trusted by countless pro DJs for the simple fact that it’s properly high quality and built to last. In fact, you’ll still see models from the 80s and 90s getting regular use today. This most recent iteration keeps to the same winning formula with no added digital frills, just pure analogue simplicity. 

Read more in our complete guide to the Technics SL1200 models.

RRP – £899

Reloop RP-8000 MK2 – Best Turntable for Serato Users

The Reloop RP-8000 MK2 is more than just a standard analogue turntable, as it might appear at first glance. On board, you also get eight performance pads which can be used across seven different modes to control a wide range of different functions within Serato, which integrates seamlessly. It’s ideal for DJs who still want lots of software control without losing the vinyl feel.

RRP – £569

Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP – Best Budget Direct Drive Turntable

If you want to start scratching on your turntables, you’ll need a direct drive pair, but some of these can stretch into eye-watering prices. The AT-LP140XP from Audio Technica brings this technology into a much more accessible price point and offers the build quality and utilitarian design you’d expect from this brand. It’s basic, with no added features, but it’s undoubtedly a ‘proper’ bit of gear and is a great place to start out with learning vinyl DJing. 

RRP – £349

Buying Second-Hand? What to Watch Out For:

A good quality set of DJ turntables is built to last for decades, so there’s no reason not to have a look at some second-hand models. In fact, you could end up saving a lot of money compared to full retail. While places like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can be full of bargains, there are also risks to these sites and plenty of dodgy decks out there, so be careful and make sure you’re buying from trusted sellers. Buying blind online is especially risky, so if possible, try to inspect them in person before handing over any cash. 

When buying in person, check that the tonearm isn’t bent or loose, and that the bearings feel tight with no wobble. The pitch fader should respond smoothly without jumping or drifting, and the motor should start and stop cleanly without odd noises. Slowly spin the platter to see if there’s any noticeable wobble or vibration. Ask whether the parts are original and if there’s a history of them being serviced. Things like cables and slipmats are easily replaced, but worn tonearms and motors will cost a lot more to get fixed.