Best DJ Turntables Under $500: A Budget-Conscious Guide for Aspiring DJs

As the DJ culture continues to thrive, many budding and seasoned DJs are constantly on the hunt for reliable, high-quality equipment without breaking the bank. Turntables, the cornerstone of any DJ setup, are critical in determining the quality of your mixes and performances. But with so many options available, finding the best DJ turntables under $500 can be a daunting task.

This article dives into some of the best budget-friendly turntables in 2024, offering excellent value for money without sacrificing features and quality. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade on a budget, these turntables will elevate your DJ experience.

What to Look for in a DJ Turntable Under $500

Before diving into the top choices, it’s essential to know what factors to consider when buying a DJ turntable in this price range. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look out for:

    Direct Drive vs Belt Drive: Direct-drive turntables are typically favored by DJs because they offer more torque and are better suited for scratching. Belt-drive turntables are often quieter and ideal for home use, but they may not hold up to the demands of heavy DJing.

    Durability: At this price point, you can still find durable, well-constructed turntables. Make sure the materials are sturdy, and check for a good tonearm and platter build.

    Speed Control & Pitch Adjustment: Features like pitch control are essential for beatmatching. Speed control, typically 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, allows you to adjust to different vinyl records. Higher torque helps for precise, quick start and stop control.

    USB Connectivity: If you plan on digitizing your vinyl collection or integrating with a digital DJ setup, turntables with USB output are a great choice.

    Price to Feature Ratio: While staying within the $500 range, look for turntables that offer the most features—this ensures you’re getting the best value for your money.

Now, let’s explore the top turntables under $500 that deliver on both performance and value.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB – $329

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a beloved option for both new and experienced DJs. This turntable has a fantastic reputation for its reliability, impressive sound quality, and extra features, all while keeping costs reasonable.

Key Features:

    Direct-drive motor with high torque, ideal for scratching.

    USB output for direct vinyl-to-digital recording.

    Three-speed operation (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), offering versatility with a wide range of records.

    Pitch control (+/- 10% or +/- 20%) for beatmatching and mixing.

    Anti-skate control and a damped cueing mechanism for smooth needle drops.

This turntable is often compared to much more expensive options due to its combination of affordability and performance. The USB port is a bonus for DJs who also want to digitize their vinyl collection.

Why It’s Great: The AT-LP120XUSB delivers strong performance for its price, featuring everything a beginner DJ needs for mixing and even some basic scratching. The build quality is solid, and the ability to connect to a computer via USB is an added bonus for the modern DJ.

2. Numark NTX1000 – $399

Numark has been a staple in the DJ community for decades, and their NTX1000 model is a stellar option for those needing high torque and advanced controls without the hefty price tag.

Key Features:

    Direct-drive motor offering quick startup times and precise control for scratching.

    S-shaped tonearm with adjustable height for fine-tuning performance.

    Selectable pitch range (+/- 8%, +/- 16%, and +/- 50%) for extreme pitch bending, a feature commonly found on much pricier models.

    USB port for digitizing vinyl.

The Numark NTX1000 is robust, capable of handling more intense performance environments. It’s known for its excellent torque and build quality, making it a good choice for DJs who are into scratching and turntablism.

Why It’s Great: This model stands out due to its high torque motor, rivaling some of the more expensive models in the market. The wide pitch control range is also great for creative mixing techniques, making it ideal for more advanced DJs on a budget.

3. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 – $349

Pioneer DJ is synonymous with professional DJ gear, and their PLX-500 turntable is no exception. It’s a more affordable alternative to the Pioneer PLX-1000, designed specifically for DJs looking for quality without spending a fortune.

Key Features:

    Direct-drive motor with high torque suitable for professional DJ use.

    USB output for easy recording of your vinyl to digital format.

    Pitch control slider for precise beatmatching.

    3-speed operation (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM).

What makes the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 particularly special is that it shares many design elements with the PLX-1000, a turntable known for its ruggedness and reliability in professional environments.

Why It’s Great: The PLX-500 delivers a professional-grade feel at a fraction of the price. The sound quality is top-notch, and the inclusion of USB recording makes it a fantastic choice for DJs who need to record their sets or digitize their vinyl collection.

4. Reloop RP-2000 MK2 – $299

Reloop has been gaining traction in the DJ world, and their RP-2000 MK2 is an excellent entry-level option for DJs looking for a straightforward, reliable turntable.

Key Features:

    Direct-drive motor for improved torque and precision.

    Quartz-driven pitch control for accurate beatmatching.

    Sturdy metal chassis and build for enhanced durability.

    Static balanced S-shaped tonearm for accurate tracking and scratching.

This turntable is simple yet effective. It doesn’t come with frills like USB connectivity but focuses on delivering solid performance and durability, which are crucial for DJing.

Why It’s Great: The RP-2000 MK2 is a robust, no-nonsense turntable perfect for DJs who don’t need extra features like USB but still want reliable performance. It’s a well-built machine capable of withstanding the wear and tear of frequent use.

5. Gemini TT-1100USB – $229

For DJs on an ultra-tight budget, the Gemini TT-1100USB offers fantastic value. While it lacks the power of direct-drive motors, this belt-driven turntable still packs a punch with its performance and versatility.

Key Features:

    Belt-drive motor designed for quieter operation.

    USB output for direct-to-digital recording.

    Pitch control with a range of +/- 10%.

    Soft-touch start/stop buttons for smooth operation.

Though the Gemini TT-1100USB is a belt-drive model, it’s a great option for beginners who want to experiment with vinyl without a hefty investment. It’s best suited for mixing and basic DJing, not intense scratching.

Why It’s Great: For under $250, the Gemini TT-1100USB offers a lot of value, especially for someone just starting out. The inclusion of a USB output allows DJs to record their sets or digitize vinyl without additional equipment.

Conclusion

The world of DJing can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get started. The turntables listed here represent the best in the sub-$500 category, each offering its unique set of features, from USB connectivity to high-torque motors and versatile pitch control.

For those starting their DJ journey or needing an upgrade on a budget, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB and Pioneer DJ PLX-500 stand out as particularly strong choices. If you’re more into scratching, the Numark NTX1000 offers excellent torque and pitch range control, making it a fantastic tool for turntablists.

Regardless of which turntable you choose, any of the options above will provide excellent performance without breaking the bank. Happy spinning!

This article delivers a mix of product recommendations, helpful buying tips, and context for budget-conscious DJs looking to make informed decisions when shopping for a turntable.