Rankings Audio Visual

Best turntables

Shortlist and buying guide · the ranked board is on its way

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What to look for

A built-in preamp connects straight to powered speakers; an adjustable counterweight protects records.

Models worth comparing

From manufacturers' specifications and published UK reviews, read on 6 October 2026. Not tested by us. In no particular order: these are not ranked, and we do not say which is best until the customer ratings are in.

Budget

Denon DP-300F

Newcomers to vinyl who want a fully automatic deck that plugs into almost any amplifier or powered speakers.

  • Fully automatic: one button starts and returns the arm
  • Switchable built-in phono preamp, so it works with an ordinary aux input
  • Arrives with a moving magnet cartridge fitted

Watch out for: It plays 33 1/3 and 45rpm only, so 78s are out.

Drive
Belt
Speeds
33 1/3, 45rpm
Phono preamp
Built in, switchable
Operation
Fully automatic
Cartridge
Moving magnet (supplied)

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Denon UK product page

Mid-range

Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2

Listeners stepping up to a proper hi-fi deck with a stiff carbon arm and easy electronic speed change.

  • One-piece 8.6in carbon fibre tonearm
  • Electronic speed change between 33 and 45rpm
  • Heavy die-cast aluminium platter with damping ring

Watch out for: There is no built-in phono stage, so you need an amplifier with a phono input or a separate preamp.

Drive
Belt
Speeds
33, 45rpm (electronic)
Phono preamp
No
Operation
Manual
Cartridge
Pick it MM EVO (supplied)

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Pro-Ject product page

Premium

Rega Planar 3

Hi-fi fans wanting a well-engineered British deck with a quality arm and a choice of factory-fitted cartridge.

  • RB330 tonearm with a new bearing housing
  • Low-noise 24V motor and upgraded drive belt
  • Available with Rega Nd3 or Nd5 cartridge fitted at the factory

Watch out for: Electronic speed change needs the optional Neo power supply, sold separately.

Drive
Belt
Phono preamp
No
Operation
Manual
Cartridge
Rega Nd3 or Nd5 (factory-fitted option)

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Rega product page

Pro

Denon DP-3000NE

Enthusiasts who want a solid direct-drive deck and the freedom to choose their own cartridge.

  • Direct drive with a brushless 16-pole motor
  • Plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78rpm
  • S-shaped arm with removable headshell for wide cartridge choice

Watch out for: No cartridge is included, so add that cost to the price.

Drive
Direct
Speeds
33 1/3, 45, 78rpm
Operation
Manual
Cartridge
Not included

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Denon UK product page

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We are gathering the customer ratings this board needs from UK shops. When they are in, the ranked list replaces this guide at the same address, scored the way every board is: star ratings weighed by how many people left them. How we score.

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