Best Vinyl Players for DJs

Vinyl players are not just relics from grandparent’s attics; today, they are the heartbeats of DJing culture.

Whether you are spinning for a wild house party or just jamming in your bedroom, finding the right turntable is all you need to make your set and elevate your game. But finding the best player for you is not always easy, as there are so many today.

Worry less because we are here to help you know the best vinyl players and how to check which one works for you. From crisp sound quality to epic scratching capabilities, we share our best picks of decks that will have you spinning like a pro in no time.

How to Choose a Turntable and Characteristics to Pay Attention To

Choosing the right turntable for your DJing sessions is more like picking a dance partner; it needs the right moves, balance, and rhythm to get the crowd going. But don’t sweat it. We have a practical guide that will enlighten you on aspects to factor in when choosing the best Vinyl player. Here is what to consider:

Direct drive or Belt Drive

If you are DJing, you will want a direct drive. Why? You ask. It’s like the Usain Bolt of turntables-it’s fast, responsive, and perfect for scratching. A belt drive is more like your chill Sunday afternoon vibes; it’s relatively quiet and smooth, and it’s ideal for days when you are at home listening and if spinning some low-key lo-fi beats is your thing.

Speed control and pitch adjustment

Ever hit the dance floor dancing to a track that is just a bit too slow or fast? You can agree its one of the most awkward moments. That is why you need a turntable with speed control and pitch adjustment, preferably between 16-20% for more adventurous mixes. 

The speed options are usually 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, but today, some come with 78 RPM, and they let you play different record types. These are features we highly recommend you take a look at unless you want your audience to do the slow-motion shuffle (we doubt you do).

Torque

The DJ’s secret sauce! This force keeps your turntable spinning steadily, whether you’re scratching or cueing up the next track. High torque means that the platter gets up to speed quickly, and it doesn’t slow down even when you are giving it some DJ flair. You need a vinyl turntable with a good amount of torque to seamlessly mix and keep the crowd hyped. It’s similar to the horsepower of a race car; more torque is better.

Durability

If we keep it a buck, DJing can sometimes get wild. Drinks may spill, hands may get sweaty, and things just get chaotic. Therefore, you need a turntable that can handle it all. That’s why we recommend you opt for a turntable with a sturdy build, one that survives your gigs and even after-party without getting skittish when someone bumps the DJ booth.

Cartridge and stylus quality

The cartridge and stylus (or the needle) are the dynamic duos that turn grooves into grooves (see what I did there?). Quality stylus is important if you want a clear sound and long-lasting ones. 

You can opt for MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges. They are budget-friendly and the most common. However, if you are the kind of DJ who doesn’t play about their sound, MC (Moving Coil) cartridges are the way to go. These can be a bit pricey, but they will give you value for your money.

Our Top Picks of the Best Vinyl Players for DJs

Now you know what to consider, let’s dive into the fun stuff: the Vinyl players! Below, we share our A-list of the best vinyl players for DJs. These are turntables that will have you spinning those classic records with style and precision like the pro you are. And, it doesn’t matter whether you are just getting started or an experienced vinyl enthusiast; any of these players will have you turning heads on the dance floor in no time. Check out our selection below: 

Pioneer DJ PLX-1000

Characteristics

• High Torque Direct-drive System
• Adjustable Pitch Control
• Weighs 38 pounds
• Detachable Power and Audio Cable 
• Universal type S-shape tone arm
• Rotation Speed:33⅓-45 rpm

The Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 professional turntable is a high-performance vinyl player designed for DJs who seek the premium vinyl experience. Crafted with a sleek and solid body, this player comes with a classic direct-drive system that will give you consistency in performance. In addition to the high torque, this player has adjustable rotation speeds of 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM, which give you control over your tracks and perfect scratching. 

It comes with an S-shaped tonearm, which enhances sound quality. It can also instantly pick up or slow down a track with various tempo adjustments of ±8%, ±16%, and ±50%, giving them full control over the rhythm and beat-matching. For quick rests, there is a dedicated button that allows the tempo to easily revert to ±0%, ensuring you have smooth transitions during live sets. 

Reloop RP-7000 MK2

Characteristics 

• Powerful Direct-Drive Motor 
• Solidify Design
• Weighs 24.6 pounds 
• Enhanced Tonearm Base
• Duo Start/Stop button
• Three speeds (33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM)

Reloop RP-7000 MK2 professional upper torque turntable system is a high-performance turntable that is designed specifically for professional club DJs. It comes with a next-generation power-torque direct drive motor, which helps it deliver precise motor control and stable rotation, ensuring you have a smooth and consistent performance. 

It also has a heavy, high-rigidity body design that offers exceptional damping and isolation for minimal vibration. This enhances the sound quality, even when playing in the loudest club environment. Thanks to its adjustable tonearm base, you can fine-tune the vertical tracking angle to achieve a perfect alignment for optimal sound reproduction. 

This turntable features a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm with a hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism, which improves stability. Also, in this package, you find a slipmat, an LED needle light for low-light conditions, a power cord, and a Phono RCA cable with earth. It’s perfect for novice and seasoned DJs. 

Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP

Characteristics 

• High-torque Motor
• Manual Operation 
• Anti-resonance Construction
• Adjustable Tonearm
• Weighs 0.441 ounces
• Selectable 33/45/78 rpm speeds
• Damped die-cast aluminum platter
• AT-XP5 DJ phono cartridge
• Stroboscopic speed markings
• Illuminated speed indicator and adjustable pitch control
• A removable stylus target light

The Audio-Technica AT-LP1240 is a high-performance, direct-drive DJ turntable carefully designed for DJing in clubs, on tour, in mobile setups, and even casual listening. It’s a player that boasts solid construction and features a strong and durable cast-aluminum platter, a powerful 16-pole motor, and 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds. Its direct-drive mechanism ensures consistent performance, which is perfect for DJs. 

It also includes a USB port for seamless connection to any computer you use (Mac or Windows). This allows you to digitize your vinyl records with the included Audacity software. It comes with analog outputs with a built-in phono preamp switch that makes it compatible with phono inputs on receivers, mixers and any audio equipment. 

In addition to user-friendly features, this player comes with dual start/stop controls, a removable stylus light for enhanced visibility in low-light settings, and a dedicated tonearm ground lug to give you an improved sound quality. 

Rane Twelve MKII

Characteristics 

• Motorized 12-inch platters
• Weight 
• RCA Output 
• DVS Mode
• Precision Timing
• 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds
• 8/16/50% pitch with precise dual-resolution detented slider
• No tonearm

The RANE Twelve MKII is a game changer for DJs, whether it’s casual or professional spinning. It offers an authentic feel of vinyl but without the hassles of needles and skipping tonearms. A motorized controller with an adjustable torque, this player delivers an ultra-realistic turntable experience with precision you may never get anywhere else. 

Made from solid steel, this turntable is built for long hours of heavy usage, which makes it one of the best vinyl players for live performances. It also provides a contemporary navigation control that makes sound loading quick and a plunger-style start/stop button that enhances performance. With an OLED screen, you can see the BPM and control selections at a glance, which supplements its easy-to-use layout.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to scratch like a pro or to just make your viny dance, you can be certain that you will not go wrong with either of these vinyl players. With Pioneer DJ PLX-1000, for instance, it’s pure DJ elegance, a solid-built player with a sleek design. Reloop RP-7000 MK2 treats you to extra torque for some power spins when taking control of your parties.

Meanwhile, the Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP is what we like to call an all-in-one plug-and-play master, with its easy usage and recording. Don’t sleep on the Rane Twelve MKII either, as it is currently a digital DJ’s dream with the sweet vinyl feel without the tonearm.