5 of the Best USB Turntables
Top USB-equipped turntables from Korg, Reloop, Thorens and more.
3,4 / 5,0 | 
Stop just admiring the covers of your record collection and get to listening with these five best USB turntables. There are turntables here to fit every budget, from Overmono to overdrawn.
Best USB Turntables
It’s been said that only about half of all record collectors even own a turntable. As a longtime DJ and former record collector myself, this seems absurd. I mean, sure, a hobby is a hobby, and if you enjoy it, why not? But I’m also of the opinion that records are meant to be played. If you own vinyl but don’t have any way to play the records, it’s time to rectify that.
One technological combination that I absolutely love is the USB turntable. Of course, you can always connect your decks to an audio interface and rip records that way, but that will involve having an audio interface, for one, and probably also a mixer with a phono preamp. If you don’t already have a setup like this and don’t ever plan to, a USB connection on your turntable makes it incredibly easy to get vinyl audio into your PC. And, if you are already a fully equipped DJ, USB makes a handy extra bit of technology to have.
Here then are my top five picks for USB turntables in a variety of prices to suit any budget.
Best USB Turntables: Dual DTJ 301.1 USB
DTJ 301.1 USB from Dual is a solid turntable for the money. It offers 33 and 45 RPM listening with a pitch adjustment slider that goes up to +/- 10%. It has an S-curve tonearm, which is pretty standard these days, as well as an included Audio-Technica AT-3600 cartridge.
In terms of sound, the DTJ 301.1 USB has a switchable phono preamplifier, meaning it can put out line and phono-level signals. There’s also a USB connection.
Dual’s deck may resemble the Technics SL-1210. However, the main difference is the weight. At just 0.72 kg, it’s light as a feather. This doesn’t affect playback, but it does take it out of the running for serious DJing. Go with this option if your goal is calm and at-home music appreciation.
Best USB Turntables: Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II
Sometimes you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. You just want a decent turntable to play your records on. And if that’s your criteria, look no further than the Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II.
Available in four colors, the beautifully minimal Debut RecordMaster II offers an improved belt drive design over the original Debut, a low-noise AC motor with effective motor decoupling, and an ultra-precision frequency DC-driven AC generator for ultimate speed stability. While it plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM standard, it can also handle 78 (although you will need to change the belt and cartridge). It also sports a built-in phono amplifier plus the all-important USB out.
Includes an Ortofon OM5e cartridge in the box, plus an adapter for 7” singles.
Best USB Turntables: Thorens TD 202
It’s quite possible that you’re not a DJ; you’re a vinyl record fan. You don’t need pitch adjustment or fancy doo-dads. You just want a quality record player at an affordable price. If that’s you, say hello to the Thorens TD 202.
With a history that goes back almost 150 years, Thorens knows a thing or two about phonographs. A longtime favourite of audiophiles, the company also offers a selection of quality turntables that won’t decimate your bank account. TD 202 (available in black or walnut) is plug and play, meaning it has a built-in phono preamp. Access the USB port for direct digitization. It also includes an Audio-Technica AT 95 E cartridge. No muss, no fuss, just great sound.
Best USB Turntables: Reloop RP 8000 MK2
Back in the late ‘90s, I saw DJ Vadim use the pitch control on his Technics to play a record like a musical instrument. The fine folks at Reloop must have been thinking along the same lines because they developed their RP 8000 MK2 turntable with pads to control the platter’s speed based on musical notes. Genius!
That alone might be reason enough to pick up a set of RP 8000 MK2s, but there’s more – much more. Tight integration with Serato DJ Pro lets you use those eight pads to control performance mode. It has a real-time LCD display, pitch that goes +/- 8%, +/- 16%, and even a mind-blowing +/-50%. Reloop has given you control over torque and brake speed adjustment and even a reverse mode. It outputs phono and line signals via two dedicated outs sections, and of course, there’s USB, with smart link to sync up to four turntables.
Reloop RP 8000 MK2 is extremely powerful – and that makes it one of the best USB turntables.
Best USB Turntables: Korg handytraxx tube
Introduced at NAMM at the beginning of 2025, Korg’s handytraxx series of portable turntables builds on the legacy of the Vestax Handy Trax while adding surprising new features. The handytraxx tube is particularly interesting as it’s both a portable record player with built-in stereo speakers for diggers on the go and an audiophile-forward turntable.
The handytraxx tube features an aluminum die-cast platter and software-controlled belt drive platter, both for stability. It also features a pre-installed JICO J44A 7 MM-type cartridge, tonearm with adjustable counterweight, bass and treble controls, and, of course, a tube, in this case Korg’s proprietary Nutube. There’s even a knob for dialing in the amount of tube warmth in the signal.
The USB interface is just the icing on the cake for what must be the ultimate portable audiophile turntable.
The Korg handytraxx tube is available on request from Thomann* for $777 / £711 / €829.
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