Dex Jones
Nothing in DJing replicates the feel of vinyl. The resistance of a platter under your fingers, the physical connection to the music, the tactile precision of a well-set tonearm — it's why turntables have survived every digital revolution the industry has thrown at them.
Whether you're building a full scratch setup, adding vinyl playback to a digital workflow, or looking for a portable deck to practise on, this guide covers the best DJ turntables we've tested. We rank them on build quality, motor performance, DVS compatibility, and value.
What to Look For
Before choosing a turntable, understand these key factors.
Motor type and torque. Direct drive is essential for DJing — the motor sits directly under the platter for instant start-up and consistent speed. Torque determines how quickly the platter reaches full speed and how well it resists your hand during scratching. Look for at least 1.6 kg/cm for mixing; 3+ kg/cm for serious scratching.
Platter weight. Heavier platters provide more stable rotation and better resistance to external vibrations. A well-damped platter also reduces colouration and feedback, especially in loud environments.
DVS compatibility. If you want to control digital music through vinyl, you need either a DVS-compatible setup (turntable + timecode vinyl + compatible software) or a hybrid turntable like the Pioneer PLX-CRSS12 that handles DVS without a tonearm.
Build quality. DJ turntables take abuse — scratching, transport, loud environments with heavy bass. Metal construction, rubber isolation feet, and a solid tonearm bearing are non-negotiable for longevity.
1. Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12
Editor's Choice
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive | Direct drive |
| DVS | Tonearm-free (Magvel Clamp) |
| Software | Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox |
| Platter | Heavy precision |
| Stems | Yes |
The Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 is the most innovative DJ turntable on the market. It's the world's first turntable that supports both traditional analog vinyl playback and tonearm-free DVS control — meaning you can scratch and mix digital tracks through Serato DJ Pro or rekordbox without ever touching a needle or timecode vinyl.
The Magvel Clamp system reads the platter's rotation directly and translates it to software control. This eliminates needle skips entirely — a game-changer for scratch DJs who are tired of replacing styluses. The heavy precision platter feels solid and responsive, and cables route underneath for a clean setup.
The trade-off is price. You'll need two units for a full setup, and at this price point that's a serious investment. The colourful buttons on the front panel are a design choice that divides opinion against the otherwise all-black aesthetic. But as a piece of turntable technology, the PLX-CRSS12 represents the future of vinyl DJing.
Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12
So, as you can see, the Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 controller turntable comes with a lot of features and is a game-changing...
2. Stanton STX
Best Portable
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive | Direct drive |
| Record Size | 7" only |
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Crossfader | Mini Innofader Nano |
| Speaker | Built-in |
The Stanton STX is something completely different — a portable scratch turntable with a rechargeable battery, built-in speaker, and a mini Innofader Nano crossfader. It's designed for practising scratch techniques anywhere, without needing a mixer, power outlet, or external speakers.
The build is surprisingly sturdy for a portable device. The direct drive motor handles scratching well, and the Innofader crossfader is a genuine scratch-quality component. A pitch slider and start/stop button give you the essential controls for practice sessions.
The limitation is clear: it only plays 7-inch records, the torque can't match full-size turntables, and the built-in speaker is functional rather than impressive. This isn't a gigging turntable — it's a practice tool. But for scratch DJs who want to keep their skills sharp on the go, nothing else fills this niche.
Stanton STX
As it stands, the most popular scratch DJ gear mods are included on the Stanton STX portable turntable unit, including a...
Other Turntables Worth Considering
The turntable market extends well beyond the two models we've reviewed. Here are four other decks worth researching:
Technics SL-1200 MK7 — the undisputed king of DJ turntables. The 1200 series has been the club standard for decades, and the MK7 continues that legacy with a coreless direct drive motor, exceptional build quality, and the same iconic design. If budget isn't a constraint, this is the turntable to buy. It's the benchmark everything else is measured against.
Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 — Pioneer's answer to the Technics 1200. High-torque direct drive (4.5 kg/cm), multi-tempo control, and intelligent sound design at a price that undercuts the Technics. A strong choice for DJs who want professional performance without the Technics premium.
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP — the best turntable under $500 for DJs stepping up from entry-level gear. The 1200-style layout, mass-damped platter, and forward/reverse feature make it feel at home in a DJ booth. Solid build quality at a competitive price.
Reloop RP-8000 MK2 — the most advanced hybrid turntable available, with performance pads that integrate directly into Serato DJ Pro. Adjustable motor torque and break speed, plus creative pitch control with scales and notes. For DJs who want turntable and controller features in one device.
FAQs
What is the difference between direct drive and belt drive?
Direct drive turntables have the motor directly under the platter, providing instant start-up and consistent speed — essential for scratching and beatmatching. Belt drive turntables use a rubber belt to spin the platter, which reduces motor vibration but has slower start-up and can slip. For DJing, direct drive is the standard choice.
Do I need a mixer to use DJ turntables?
Yes. Unlike DJ controllers, turntables are just playback devices — they don't include a mixer. You'll need a separate DJ mixer with phono inputs to connect two turntables. If you want to use digital music with turntables, you'll also need a DVS-compatible mixer or audio interface.
What is DVS and do I need it?
DVS (Digital Vinyl System) lets you control digital music files using real turntables with special timecode vinyl. The turntable sends a signal to software like Serato or rekordbox, which plays digital tracks in response to your physical movements. You need DVS if you want the feel of vinyl but the convenience of a digital library. The Pioneer PLX-CRSS12 can do this without timecode vinyl.
How much should I spend on DJ turntables?
Entry-level DJ turntables start around $200–300 each. Mid-range models from Pioneer and Audio-Technica sit around $400–700. The Technics SL-1200 MK7 and Pioneer PLX-CRSS12 represent the high end at $1,000+. Remember you need two turntables plus a mixer, so budget accordingly.
Can I scratch on any turntable?
You can scratch on any direct drive turntable, but the experience varies dramatically. Higher torque motors respond faster to your hand movements. A quality slipmat and a scratch-oriented cartridge also make a big difference. Belt drive turntables are not suitable for scratching.
What cartridge should I use for DJing?
For general DJing and mixing, the Ortofon Concorde series (DJ S or Mix models) or the Shure M44-7 are industry standards. For scratching, the Ortofon Concorde Scratch is designed with a reinforced stylus that handles aggressive platter manipulation. Spherical styli track grooves better during scratching than elliptical ones.
Verdict
The Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 is the most innovative DJ turntable available today. Its tonearm-free DVS control is a genuine breakthrough that eliminates needle skips and opens up new possibilities for digital-vinyl hybrid workflows. It's expensive, but it represents where turntable technology is heading.
For portable scratch practice, the Stanton STX fills a unique niche that no other turntable addresses — battery-powered, self-contained scratching anywhere you want it.
If you're building a traditional vinyl setup, the Technics SL-1200 MK7 remains the gold standard, with the Pioneer PLX-1000 and Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP offering excellent alternatives at lower price points.
