What are the best cheap record players for the under £70
Quick Answer
For most people on a tight budget, the Record Player Denver Electronics VPL 120 Black (£50.96) is your best bet. It's got USB recording, a built-in preamp, and won't completely destroy your records - which is about as good as it gets under £70.
What to Expect Under £70
Let's be honest about what you're getting at this price point. These are entry-level players designed for casual listening or rediscovering your old record collection. You're not getting audiophile quality, but you will get something that plays records without completely mangling them - which is more than you can say for some ultra-cheap alternatives.
The key features at this price are a built-in preamp (essential unless you want to buy a separate one for £50+) and USB recording capability. Most models in our budget record player collection include these basics, making them functional for everyday use.
What you won't get is upgradability, premium components, or that warm, rich sound serious vinyl enthusiasts rave about. But if you're just starting out or need something simple to digitise old records, these will do the job.
The Best Options
Record Player Denver Electronics VPL 120 Black – £50.96
Best for: First-time buyers who want reliable basics without breaking the bank
The VPL 120 Black covers all the essentials: built-in preamp, USB recording, and 33/45 RPM speeds. The black finish looks more professional than the coloured variants, and it's built solidly enough to handle regular use. The USB feature actually works well for digitising old records.
The honest take: This is about as good as you'll get for £50. The sound won't impress audiophiles, but it's perfectly adequate for casual listening. The tracking force might be a bit heavy, but it won't destroy your records with normal use.
Pairs well with: Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit for keeping your records in good condition
View Product →Record Player Denver Electronics VPL-120RED – £50.94
Best for: Anyone who wants to add some colour to their setup
Identical to the black model in terms of functionality, but with a bold red finish. Same USB recording, same preamp, same solid build quality. The colour might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely stands out.
The honest take: Functionally identical to the black version, so your choice comes down to aesthetics. The red is quite vibrant - make sure it fits your room before ordering.
Pairs well with: Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit for proper record maintenance
View Product →Record Player Denver Electronics VPL-130 – £64.10
Best for: Those who don't need USB recording and prefer a classic look
The VPL-130 steps up the design game with a more traditional turntable appearance. No USB recording on this model, but if you just want to play records rather than digitise them, it's a solid choice with a cleaner aesthetic.
The honest take: You're paying extra for looks here, as the audio performance is similar to the cheaper models. Only worth it if the traditional appearance matters to you.
Pairs well with: Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit for keeping everything in good condition
View Product →Essential Maintenance
At this price point, proper maintenance becomes even more critical. These turntables aren't built to the same standards as premium models, so keeping them clean and properly aligned will extend their life significantly.
Hama Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit – £20.20
Best for: Anyone who wants to keep their records and stylus in good condition
This kit includes everything you need for basic record maintenance: an antistatic brush and 100ml of cleaning solution. Essential when you're using a budget turntable that might be less forgiving of dirty records.
The honest take: At nearly half the price of the turntable, this might seem expensive, but clean records will sound better and last longer on any player. Consider it essential insurance for your vinyl collection.
Pairs well with: Record Player Denver Electronics VPL 120 Black for a complete setup
View Product →The Honest Assessment
These Denver Electronics models represent the realistic floor for decent record players. Yes, you can find cheaper options, but they typically use ceramic cartridges that sound harsh and track heavy enough to potentially damage records over time.
What you're getting here is functional, not magical. The sound will be adequate for casual listening, and the USB recording works well for digitising old albums. But don't expect the warm, detailed sound that makes vinyl special - for that, you need to look at our record players under £200 guide.
The build quality is solid enough for occasional use, but daily heavy use might reveal some weaknesses. These are perfect for rediscovering your old record collection or testing whether vinyl is for you, but serious collectors will outgrow them quickly.
Remember: proper setup matters even more at this price point. Make sure the turntable is level, the tracking force is set correctly, and invest in that cleaning kit. Your records (and your ears) will thank you.
