Starting your journey as a vinyl DJ in 2025? One of the most important investments you’ll make is in your first turntable setup. Unlike digital controllers, vinyl decks demand tactile control and offer a deeply authentic DJing experience. In this guide, I’ve handpicked the best turntables for learning vinyl DJing, based on reliability, features, price, and beginner-friendliness. Perfect for aspiring DJs who want to try out vinyl DJing.
What Makes a Good Beginner DJ Turntable?
Before diving into the list, here are the key features you should look for in a beginner-friendly turntable for learning Vinyl DJing:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Direct-drive motor | Faster start-up and more torque than belt-driven models. It more reliable and just works better. |
| Pitch control slider | Lets you adjust tempo, which is essential when you want to mix tracks. |
| Sturdy build | Records and needles are fragile, so a sturdy, heavy turntable provides more stability. |
| Replaceable cartridge | For upgrading sound quality or replacing a worn needle. |
5 Best Turntables for Learning Vinyl DJing In 2025
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- Type: Direct-drive
- Pitch Control: ±8%
- USB Output: Yes
- Torque: Medium
- Price Range: ~$299
Why it’s a great choice:
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120X is a trusted classic among beginner DJs. Its direct-drive motor and familiar club-style layout make it a perfect training tool. The USB port also lets you digitize your records, which is helpful if you want to preserve or sample vinyl tracks.
Pros:
- Reliable and durable
- Excellent beginner pitch control
- USB connection
- Built-in preamp
Cons:
- Moderate torque, not ideal for heavy scratching
- Slightly plastic build compared to pricier models, so less of a sturdy build. I would say a very good pick for DJing at home, but not for clubs.
2. Reloop RP-4000 MK2
- Type: Quartz-driven direct-drive
- Pitch Control: ±8%
- USB Output: No
- Torque: Medium-high
- Price Range: ~$329
Why it’s a great choice:
With strong torque and a heavy-duty design, the RP-4000 MK2 is a serious turntable without the steep price tag. It includes a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm and offers precise pitch control, making it great for learning to beatmatch.
Pros:
- Strong motor with high torque
- DJ-focused build and layout
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- No USB output
- Slightly heavier than other models
3. Pioneer DJ PLX-500
- Type: Direct-drive
- Pitch Control: ±8%
- USB Output: Yes
- Torque: Medium
- Price Range: ~$349
Why it’s a great choice:
Made by Pioneer, a brand trusted in pro DJ booths, the PLX-500 is ideal if you’re using Rekordbox and plan to eventually transition to club gear. It’s a beginner-friendly version of the Pioneer industry-standard PLX-1000 and features high-quality sound reproduction.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Seamless USB vinyl recording
- Great torque for its class
Cons:
- Limited pitch range
- Slightly bulky
4. Gemini TT-5000
- Type: High-torque direct-drive
- Pitch Control: ±10%
- USB Output: Yes
- Torque: High
- Price Range: ~$329
Why it’s a great choice:
The Gemini TT-5000 offers incredible value for DJs who want to practice scratching or beatmatching. It features a high-torque motor, manual pitch adjustment, and a classic layout. While it has quite a basic tonearm design, it makes up for it steady and good overall performance.
Pros:
- Very strong torque for the price
- Smooth pitch control
- Durable build
- USB Connection
Cons:
- Basic tonearm design
5. Mixars STA
- Type: Quartz direct-drive
- Pitch Control: ±8%
- USB Output: No
- Torque: Very High
- Price Range: ~$599
Why it’s a great choice:
The Mixars STA is a sleeper hit among new DJs who want pro-level performance from day one. Its ultra-high-torque motor is great for scratching and fast cueing. It’s built like a tank and feels very close to a Technics SL-1200, but at half the price.
Pros:
- Super high-torque motor
- Solid, professional-grade chassis
- Ideal for scratching and performance DJs
Cons:
- Higher price tag than other beginner models
- No USB output or bundled cartridge
Quick Comparison Table
| Turntable | Torque | USB Output | Pitch Control | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT-LP120XUSB | Medium | ✅ | ±8% | All-around beginner setup | ~$299 |
| Reloop RP-4000 MK2 | Medium-High | ❌ | ±8% | Budget DJ setup | ~$329 |
| Pioneer PLX-500 | Medium | ✅ | ±8% | Rekordbox-compatible setups | ~$349 |
| Gemini TT-5000 | High | ✅ | ±10% | Scratching | ~$329 |
| Mixars STA | Very High | ❌ | ±8% | Higher end beginnners | ~$599 |
Essential Turntable Accessories
To get the most out of your turntables:
- Slipmats: Needed for mixing. Usually comes with the turntable.
- Needle/Stylus: The little needle that reads the groove. Usually comes with the turntable, but not always.
- Headphones: Needed for cueing up the next song
- DJ mixer: Any 2-channel mixer with headphone input.
- Sturdy desk/stand: Keep your decks level and vibration-free
If you know already you want higher end recordplayers, check out these recommended more advanced recordplayers.
