Quick Answer
For most people, the Denver Electronics VPL-230B Black (£74.60) is the best choice because it includes Bluetooth, USB digitising, and built-in preamp at a sensible price for this tier.
Let's be honest about turntables under £100: you're getting entry-level gear that's fine for casual listening but won't thrill serious collectors. The good news? Several models in this price range will let you rediscover your vinyl collection without breaking the bank. The bad news? Don't expect upgrade paths or audiophile sound quality.
What You Can Expect Under £100
At this price point, you'll typically get basic belt-drive mechanisms, ceramic or basic magnetic cartridges, and plastic construction. Built-in preamps are essential since a separate one costs more than these entire turntables. Most include USB for digitising records, though the quality won't match dedicated audio interfaces.
The biggest mistake people make is obsessing over specs that don't matter at this level. Wow and flutter below 0.25%? You won't hear it. Bluetooth connectivity? Usually adds more problems than convenience – a separate Bluetooth transmitter works better.
Record Player Denver Electronics VPL-230B Black – £74.60
Best for: First-time vinyl buyers who want modern connectivity
This model hits the sweet spot for budget turntables with both Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The built-in preamp means you can connect to any speakers or headphones, while Bluetooth lets you stream your records wirelessly. The USB port handles digitising your collection, though don't expect studio-quality transfers.
The honest take: It's a solid entry point that covers all the basics without breaking the bank. The Bluetooth actually works reasonably well for casual listening, though purists will prefer wired connections.
View Product →Record Player Trevi TT 1022 BT 3 W x 2 Stereo Aux-in Bluetooth RCA – £78.88
Best for: Those who want built-in speakers with connectivity options
The Trevi includes built-in stereo speakers (3W each), Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in connectivity. It's essentially an all-in-one music system that happens to play records. The multiple input options make it versatile for different music sources.
The honest take: Built-in speakers on turntables are rarely good, but these are adequate for background listening. The real value is the connectivity – you can use it as a Bluetooth speaker when not playing vinyl.
View Product →Record Player Denver Electronics VPL 120 Black – £50.92
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who just want to play records
The most affordable proper turntable in this lineup, the VPL 120 strips away unnecessary features to focus on basics. It includes USB for digitising records and has a built-in preamp for easy connection to any audio system. No Bluetooth means fewer things to go wrong.
The honest take: At this price, it's about as good as you'll get. The sound won't impress audiophiles, but it'll play your records without damaging them, which is more than some ultra-cheap models can claim.
View Product →What About Accessories?
If you're buying a budget turntable, invest in proper record care from day one. Your stylus will pick up every speck of dust and turn it into pops and clicks through your speakers.
Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit - Professional Antistatic Brush with 100ml Cleaning Solution – £20.20
Best for: Anyone serious about maintaining their vinyl collection
This cleaning kit includes an antistatic brush and proper cleaning solution – essentials for keeping records playable. The antistatic properties help prevent dust attraction, while the cleaning fluid removes deeper grime that dry brushing can't handle.
The honest take: More important than expensive turntable upgrades at this price level. Clean records will sound better on a £50 turntable than dirty ones on a £500 deck.
View Product →The Reality Check
Turntables under £100 are about rekindling your relationship with vinyl, not achieving audiophile nirvana. They'll play your records safely and let you enjoy the ritual and artwork that makes vinyl special. If you find yourself wanting better sound quality after a few months, consider it a successful gateway purchase and start saving for something in the £200-400 range.
The most important thing? Start playing records. Perfect is the enemy of good, and good enough gets you listening to music.